Before Benjamin, age 8, could lead his book discussion on a recent Tuesday afternoon, cookies had to be decorated. Frosting and sprinkles were piled high and the energy in the room was quickly escalating.

The kids gathered in the Warwick Panera Bread at for Benjamin’s summer reading series. He and his mother, Karyn McDermott, created the program as a part of B’s Mobility Ride, a fundraiser to raise money to purchase a ramp van. Benjamin has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and a van would help his mom transport Ben and his power chair.

It may not be long before the family gets the van they need. Just over $40,000 has been raised toward the goal of $55,000.

A van would be an important asset this winter. With the trailer the family attaches to the back of their mini van right now, Benjamin’s power chair is exposed to the elements. It’s bad for it to be in the rain or the snow, so Benjamin is restricted to the manual chair on some days, limiting his independence.

With the help of Panera’s Marketing director Wendy Kopp, and Market Coordinator Amanda daCunha, B’s Mobility Ride has had five events at the restaurant so far.

On Tuesday, July 28 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. the Warwick Panera Bread at 1000 Bald Hill Road will host popular children’s author, Kevin Mulhern. The event will feature a meet & greet with Mulhern, who will read from his new book, Cody the Cloud. Benjamin will also lead a talk on one of his favorite books, Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchfork. Cookie decorating will be part of the afternoon fun as well. Donation: $20 for a signed Cody the Cloud book or $30 for the signed book and a book bag. RSVP at www.benjaminsbookbuddieskevinmulhern.eventbrite.com.

At the recent event two books, “Follow My Leader” by James B. Garfield, and “Alien in My Pocket” by Nate Ball were discussed.

Robin Kall, the radio host of “Reading with Robin”, got involved in the series after meeting Benjamin at a previous event. She said the two of them “just started chatting books,” something that’s easy to do, when speaking with Benjamin.

“He’s a reader,” she says. It wasn’t a surprise that when asked how old he was when he first started reading, he responded, “when I was born”.

There’s one book in particular that’s Benjamin’s favorite: “Captain Underpants”, by Dav Pilkey. Robin actually invited Dav on her show and when Benjamin found out, he said, “oh my God, I’m hyperventilating”.

With Robin’s help, Benjamin has been able to welcome a number of authors to his series. This addition to the program has helped increase the events’ attendance.

The final Benjamin’s Book Buddies Summer Reading Series event will take place on

Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and feature readings from My Little Pony Under the Sparking Sea by Mary Jane Begin along with an author meet & greet, cookie decorating and a book discussion led by Benjamin on Floors by Patrick Carmen. Donation: $20 for a signed copy of My Little Pony or $30 for the signed book and a book bag. Please RSVP at www.benjaminsbookbuddiesmaryjanebegin.eventbrite.com.