Santa Monica author Perry Solomon will sign copies of his book "Grandpa Day" at Barnes & Noble on the Third Street Promenade on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The free event, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1318 3rd Street Promenade, coincides with National Grandparents Day. Copies of "Grandpa Day: Nurturing Grit, Smarts, and Love in the Next Generation" will be available for purchase, according to the event listing on Patch.

Solomon, who lives in Santa Monica with his wife, Marie, drew the book from more than 20 years spent with his six grandchildren. The youngest, Opal, is eight. The eldest, Cassie, is 21. In a guest post during his book tour in August, Solomon wrote that his granddaughter Serena's small fascination with chocolate grew into a pursuit of craft chocolatiering with his encouragement. His grandson Felix's interest in architecture emerged only after Solomon listened closely.

"Strong relationships are not built through a few grand gestures," Solomon wrote in that August post. "They grow through consistent attention."

The 198-page book, published in February by Lighthouse Family Press, focuses on how grandfathers can build closer bonds through listening, mentoring and shared activities. It received an International Firebird Book Award and five independent five-star reviews from Readers' Favorite.

Before writing the book, Solomon built a career as a serial entrepreneur, completing four business exits, according to his publisher's page on Amazon. He is the father of two daughters, Candace and Sabrina.

National Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day each year. President Jimmy Carter established the observance in 1978.