Six children's book authors and illustrators will speak in Pittsburgh as part of this year's "Black, White & Read All Over" series presented by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures.

Now in its fourth year, the series has developed a reputation for attracting some of the best and brightest in the world of children's literature. This year is no exception, with such children's book stars as "Arthur" creator Marc Brown and two-time Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson scheduled to appear.

The idea behind the series is to promote family literacy by encouraging children to read.

Author/artist Peter Catalanotto, best known for his watercolor illustrations for books written by such authors as Cynthia Rylant, leads off the season on Oct. 9 with a program recommended for children ages 5 and older. During the program, which begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland, Catalanotto will share his work through a slide presentation and question-and-answer session.

After the program, families can meet Catalanotto at a book signing and reception -- featuring punch and cookies -- in the library's children's department.

The next program in the series will feature children's novelist Patricia MacLachlan, who received the Newbery Medal for "Sarah, Plain and Tall." MacLachan will speak on Nov. 13.

Paterson, who won Newbery Medals for her novels "Bridge to Teribithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved," is scheduled to appear on Jan. 22. Brown, a native of Erie, who has won worldwide acclaim for his "Arthur," series will speak on Feb. 5.

Children's nonfiction will be the focus when acclaimed science writer Seymour Simon speaks on March 19. And the series will conclude with a talk by Caldecott Honor illustrator Jerry Pinkney on April 30.

"Black, White & Read All Over" is sponsored by The Grable Foundation, Dominion Foundation, and UPMC Health Plan. For information and tickets, call 412-622-8866.