Desiree Devonne Smith of Gloucester, a clinical social worker, will launch the first two of a planned series of mental health picture books in Richmond this weekend.

The book launch will be held during the First Time Author Exposition at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center in Richmond, to be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sept. 10 and 11. The event is free to the public and Smith will be there to sign copies for the patrons.

Another signing is planned for Saturday, Sept. 24 at Random Words Bookstore, White Marsh, from noon-4 p.m.The series kicks off with two books—“The Gift of Birden” and “Red Balloons”—which Smith says break ground on a new genre that she coins, “inner children’s books.” She said that while they appear to be for children, they provide hope, inspiration and healing for adults as well.

The series is illustrated in full color that captures the whimsical, abstract and dreamlike modern-day folklore, Smith said.

Smith is owner of Painted Bird Psychotherapy and CE...