Chico Enterprise-Record columnist Dan Barnett looks back at books and authors of 2018 that appeared in his weekly Bibliofile. New author Josh Shelton and illustrator Sam Pullenza read from their children’s book “Hey Tree, What Should I Be?”. Humorist Eric Miller, aka etcetera guy, says “Time Well Spent is All a Guy Wants”.

Two Christmas stories from foreign-born authors -- one in Spain, the other in Wales. Spanish professor Char Prieto's book for children, Nieve the Snowman , contains words and phrases in Spanish. Retired English professor Lynn Elliott recounts Another Child's Christmas in Wales . Humorist Eric Miller says "Christmas Tree Hunt is an Annual Tradition" in his family.

TV documentary producer Elena Mannes writes in Soul Dog: A Journey into the Spiritual Life of Animals that her black poodle Brio, had a mind of his own. Through Brio she learned about human-animal communication.

Jonna Doolittle Hoppes is the granddaughter of Air Force General Jimmy Doolittle, who led America's first strike against Japan in World War II. Her book, Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle Aviation Pioneer and World War II Hero, is also about her grandmother, Josephine Doolittle. Ms. Hoppes followed up her first book with a book about World War II's "ordinary" heroes--Just Doing My Job: Stories of Service from World War II.

Chico coach Chuck Sheley is editor of Smokejumper Magazine and has now published a book, Smokejumpers and the CIA, which contains stories not found in history books. Starting in 1951 smokejumpers were recruited by the CIA “because they could go anywhere, anytime, and do a tough, confusing job and then keep our mouths shut.” This little-known working arrangement peaked in 1975.

Local author Peggy Jennings-Severe helps us get the most of our Thanksgiving with friends and family by making conversation suggestions in her books, Life Talks. Taoist scholar Bill Martin applies the Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching in his book, The Tao of Forgiveness. Humorist Eric Miller says, "Phoey! Let's Gain Weight Over Thanksgiving."

Dr. Michael Greger is the author of the international best seller How Not to Die. Local author Lani Muelrath advocates combining mindfulness with a vegan diet. Commentator Richard Parker asks “What’s for Dinner?”

On the 100th anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I, Chico author Dan Irving recounts the history of this war in his book Heart of the Poppy: From War to Amor.

Today's books showcase the work of talented illustrators Dora Mitchell, the author herself, and popular children's illustrator Steve Ferchaud. Children's librarian Dora Mitchell wrote and illustrated The Haunted Serpent , a children's book set in dark woods like those that surround her hometown of Quincy, California.

Author Carson Medley became a Division II basketball tourist for year and got to know Chico State University's inspirational basketball coach Greg Clink. "Through the Red Door: The Eternal Season of Coach Clink and the Division II Chico State Wildcats" is Carson Medley's account of that year. Both the author and coach are Nancy's guests.