Zootopia: ducks, rabbits and a new Batman

The very neat optical illusion on the cover of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s children’s book “Duck! Rabbit!” is just one reason to pick it up for your little one. The fact that it tells a fable that we can all learn a little from — just when to let go of an argument — is another reason. Now, go get your copy signed and entertain the kids, too, when Rosenthal appears at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the downtown Politics and Prose.

The store hosts a bunch of cool programs this week. Also there Tuesday is Barbara Bradley Hagerty, the author of “Fingerprints of God.” She’ll be chatting about the ways spirituality affects our physicality at 7 p.m. Washington Post columnist David Ignatius will be stopping by at 7 p.m. Wednesday to talk “The Increment,” his new thriller revolving around D.C. politicos, CIA spooks and the Iranian nuclear weapons program. And Ray Raphael will be in attendance at 7 p.m. Friday to discuss the forgotten figures of America’s revolutionary period in the late 18th century found in his book, “Founders.”

With the new “Batman and Robin” series debuting in two weeks, you’d think DC Comics would be getting around to naming its new Caped Crusader, right? The conclusion of “Battle for the Cowl” will go a long way toward finalizing that pick, as Jason Todd continues his vigilantism and Gotham City becomes even more divided. (Me? I’m guessing Nightwing will take the mantle, with Damian Wayne as the new Robin.) As big as that’s gonna be, I’m even more excited about the new series “Killapalooza.” Biggest band in the world also is the world’s leading superhuman killers for hire — how can you not love a concept like that? In other comics goings-on, “Planet Skaar Prologue” No. 1 sends the Hulk’s son to Earth on a battle-ready beeline toward dear ol’ green dad, the Thunderbolts get a new member — Wolverine foe Mr. X — in “Thunderbolts” No. 132 and Bucky Barnes obsesses on some memories on his birthday in “Captain America” No. 50.

The movies have both been released, but which is your favorite Dan Brown book: “Angels & Demons” or “The Da Vinci Code?” Let the rest of NoVa Pop Nation know in the comments.

Tags: book signing, books, comics