Reserve your tickets now for “A Magical Night in the Garden with Serafina,” featuring the world premiere of the new book trailer for “Serafina and the Twisted Staff.”

Be the first to see the exciting new book trailer for “Serafina and the Twisted Staff,” the highly anticipated sequel to last year’s smash hit “Serafina and the Black Cloak.” Come on out to The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville for a big Serafina party and to watch the trailer on a huge outdoor screen!

In addition to author Robert Beatty’s presentation and the showing of the book trailer, there will be fun Serafina-inspired activities throughout the evening for the entire family:

-Mingle with costumed characters from the book trailer, including Serafina, Braeden, Lady Rowena, and others
-Listen to dramatic readings from the new book by a Southern storyteller
-Meet the animals of Serafina and Braeden’s world, including wolves, a peregrine falcon, an owl, other raptors, and Cedric the St. Bernard
-Enjoy classical and traditional music, a magician and other roving entertainers
-Toast marshmallows for s’mores over the magic cauldron
-Enjoy free snacks and beverages, including “Serafina Dark Forest” ice cream, a special new flavor from The Hop of Asheville created especially for us
-Create Serafina crafts
-Have your face painted, feline style (you know why!)
-Get your picture taken in a spooky mortsafe, a Victorian-style grave covering, as depicted in the “Serafina and the Twisted Staff” book and trailer
-Meet the author and his family, and other fans of the Serafina Book Series

If you and/or your kids are feeling adventurous, please come in a black cloak, a fancy dress or 1890s-style clothing of any kind. Costumes inspired from the book are encouraged. It adds to the fun!

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a book signing event. We don’t want people to have to wait in a long line. Instead, Robert and his family will be mingling around and talking to people. This is a party!

TIMES: The first showing of the trailer will start just after dark, about 9:15 p.m. The show will include a brief presentation by the author, multiple screenings of the new trailer, and Q&A afterward. The show and presentation will last about an hour, and will be repeated again at about 10:15 p.m.

TICKETS: This is a ticketed event. All tickets need to be purchased in advance on the N.C. Arboretum website. Link below.

http://robert-beatty.com/premiere/

It is likely that tickets will sell out, so be sure to buy your tickets early.

There are four timed-entry slots (8, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m.) to help ease the flow of traffic. These times are general guidelines rather than strict requirements. Those with older children or no children are encouraged to attend the later book trailer show, as the first show is expected to be the busiest.

The event will be held rain or shine; no refunds. If it rains, the event moves indoors.

COST: The cost of the event is $5 per person. Children 6 and younger are free of charge.

100% of ticket sales will support The North Carolina Arboretum’s mission. Besides having fun, you will be doing a good thing to help your community.

“Serafina and the Twisted Staff” is set for U.S. release on July 12, but you can pre-order it now through Barnes & Noble, Amazon (http://amzn.to/1LXCpuT), and independent bookstores. Malaprops is our designated bookseller for this event and will be on-site to support the festivities.