Who better than “Weird Al” Yankovic to give kids advice on picking a career? If it weren't for Dr. Demento, Yankovic would've made use of that architecture degree and gotten himself a proper job. But the straight-outta-Lynwood, polka-loving accordionist, singer and actor has built himself an enduring empire out of those song parodies. Like the artists he's satirized — Madonna, and, well, maybe just Madonna — Yankovic (his nom de plume is just Al Yankovic) is now a children's author. And in his rhyming, picture book, When I Grow Up, which includes illustrations by Wes Hargis, 8-year-old Billy entertains his class with wild visions of what he wants to be when he grows up: chef, snail trainer at the circus, gorilla masseuse, sumo wrestler, pickle inspector. Dreams are important. And most of those sound more lucrative than, say, professional writer working in a dying newspaper industry. Yankovic signs at Barnes & Noble at the Grove, 189 Grove Drive; Sat., Feb. 12, 2 p.m. (323) 525-0270. Also at: Costco, 6100 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys; Sun., Feb. 13, 1 p.m. (818) 464-1480.

Sat., Feb. 12, 2 p.m., 2011

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.