KidStop is hosting the author event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at its Scottsdale store: 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 103, Scottsdale (in the Agua Caliente shopping center on the north side of Shea). The informal open-house event features brief talks at 11:30 and 1:30 during which Carney will describe why she wrote the book and discuss the importance of “claiming our family playgrounds” and investing in play throughout our lives.

Autographed copies of Parent on Purpose will be available for $14.95; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Arizona foster care organizations.

I began contributing to Raising Arizona Kids in the fall when I shared my personal essay about adopting our youngest son from foster care. The magazine’s annual “Schools, etc.” education guide includes my story about six Valley families that are close friends and share the same values — but made completely different school choice decisions.

KidStop Toys & Books is the only independent children’s toy store in the Valley, with a mission to make sure kids learn while they play. And as founder/owner Kate Tanner says, “We fiercely believe that families that play together, stay together; growing closer and closer over the years.”