A new children's book is using academic research, poetry and illustrations to teach readers about ecology at the San Diego-Tijuana border.

It is called "Alas al Borde" or "Borderland Wings." Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from one of the professors who helped conceptualize and illustrate the story.

Then, two new plays — a horror comedy and a feminist musical — are opening in San Diego this weekend. KPBS' arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with the playwrights.

And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS' arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top arts picks in music and dance.

Guests:

• Adriana Cuéllar, professor of architecture, founder of Border Design Lab
• Michael Mizerany, playwright, "Die Already!"
• Sarah Alida LeClair, playwright, "The Fairy Tale Monologues"
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest," KPBS