JoAnn Dawson, a popular children's author of the acclaimed Lucky Foot Stable series of equestrian books, will speak at the National Sporting Library on Saturday, December 12, at 2 p.m. The program is part of the Library's Saturday Public Lecture Series, made possible by an anonymous donor. Ms. Dawson will sign books following the program, and copies of her books will be available for sale.

The Lucky Foot Stable series, written for children ages 8-12, follows the adventures of two best friends, Mary and Jody, as they care for their ponies, Lady and Gypsy. Dawson's first book, Lady's Big Surprise, was released in 2003, followed by Star of Wonder in March of 2005 and A Star Discovered, in March 2006. The fourth book, Mary & Jody in the Movies was released in Fall of 2008. All four of Ms. Dawson's books have been finalists for national awards such as PMA's Benjamin Franklin Awards, the Independent Publishing Awards, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards, and the Mom's Choice Gold Award.

Ms. Dawson owns and operates Fairwinds Farm & Stables in North East, Md., with her husband Ted, offering riding lessons, summer camp, trail rides, and a bed & breakfast. (www.fairwindsstables.com). Her farm has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and on Good Morning America. Ms. Dawson works as an animal wrangler for film and TV, and as a Screen Actors Guild member has held principal roles in The Sixth Sense, 12 Monkeys, and Oprah Winfrey's Beloved. She also teaches Equine Science and Acting for Video Production at Cecil College in North East.

Admission to the program is free, but seating is limited, and children must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP to Judy Sheehan at 540-687-6542 x 10 and leave your name and number. The National Sporting Library is located at 102 The Plains Rd., in Middleburg, Va., and its website is www.nsl.org.