Wareham resident and children's book author Gretchan Pyne celebrated the release of her new book "Lulu's Lovely Dress That's Too Small" with book signings this Saturday at Best Friends' Preschool in Wareham and at Baker Books in North Dartmouth.

The book relates an argument between Lulu and her mother over whether Lulu can wear a favorite, but too-small, dress to school.  A compromise is reached - Lulu can wear the dress if she wears shorts underneath - but Lulu's mom is mortified when she realizes (too late) that the day was the school's picture day!  In the end, Lulu and her mom give her lovely dress away, learning that "a gift of Love is never too small."

It's a lesson that Pyne has learned herself. Lulu was Pyne's daughter. She died at age 3 when, during a family vacation on the Cape, an unsecured bike rack toppled on her, severing her heart. Pyne turned her grief into children's books, believing that Lulu had revealed to her that a single moment can alter the course of a person's life and ultimately change what they become.

"It is in such a moment that a person has a rare and unique opportunity to live fearlessly...and give," said Pyne. "The message for all parents is that if you slow down and really listen to your kids, they have really important things to say.  Adults get caught up in life, and children remind us of what's really important."

Future book signings in Wareham will be held on Saturday, March 27, at the Old Company Store at 1 p.m. and Saturday, April 13, at Kaleidoscope Dance Studio from 10 a.m. to noon.

Each event includes a clothing drive to benefit GiftsToGive, a New Bedford nonprofit that shares the message of Lulu's new adventure by providing children with an opportunity to work for social justice.  Children compile birthday gift baskets with new and donated clothing and books for children in need.  Approximately 2,000 pounds of clothing is donated to GiftsToGive a week, according to the organization.

"The vision is about social reform, showing kids that they have a way to help out and encourage community giving," said Pyne.

GiftsToGive volunteer Paula Richotte said that the organization aligns perfectly with Pyne's book by promoting giving, social justice and service learning, and early literacy.  Volunteer children put together a basket of birthday gifts for a local child whose parents, friend, teacher or social worker submit an online shopping cart.  Each basket includes books in addition to clothes and other donated items.  Since the organization began last Mother's Day, they have given about 20,000 books.

"Children begin to understand values of giving and their worth by learning that they have the power to make change," said Richotte.

To help out the cause and learn about Lulu's new adventure, visit the Old Company Store this weekend.

For more information on Lulu and Pyne, including recent interviews about the new book, visit lulubellebooks.com.