Vermont has more writers per capita than any other state — and dozens of them come together with lit-lovin' audiences at the ninth annual Burlington Book Festival. This year, Phoenix Books Burlington hosts a full afternoon exclusively geared toward the state's littlest literati. Stories of trick-or-treating monkeys, an elephant learning the alphabet and the inventor of hip-hop highlight the Families at Phoenix Series. The varied lineup features readings by esteemed authors Marilyn Webb Neagley, Brian D. Cohen, Eileen Christelow, Laban Carrick Hill and Tracey Campbell Pearson. "It's set up in a very accessible, friendly fashion so you can wander in and out," notes festival founder and director Rick Kisonak. Write on.

Burlington Book Festival Families at Phoenix Series: Saturday, September 21, noon-5 p.m., at Phoenix Books Burlington. Visit burlingtonbookfestival.com for more information.