Look at you, Katie Woo!

The Association for Library Service to Children recently included Fran Manushkin's Katie Woo, Where Are You? on their list of Great Early Elementary Reads. In this book, Katie visits the mall with her parents. She wanders off, and doesn't even realize she is lost! Illustrator Tammy Lyon's great paintings add to the fun! You can download all of the ALSC recommendations on their website.

Way to go, Katie!

Return to Titanic finally arrives!

Over the summer, I gave a quick sneak peek at some exciting new books I was working on, but that seems like ages ago! Well, the last of our ISO copies arrived yesterday, and I'm just so excited I had to share. In the box was the brand-new, 4-book set I've been dying to see on my desk . . . Return to Titanic.

In the books you'll meet Maya and Tucker, two best friends who get the chance of a lifetime when they discover a magical collection of Titanic artifacts at a local museum. The two friends are sent back in time, to Titanic's maiden voyage, to experience the doomed ship for themselves. Along the way, they meet new friends and discover mysteries that must be solved. The books are filled with twists, turns, a few laughs, and best of all, adventure. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed working on them!

Music to our ears, part 3

It's another addition of our series on the music we listen to while we work. Graphic designer Hilary listens to a long list of great musicians. Are any of your favorites in there?

Death Cab for Cutie, The Bravery, Pretty Recklace, The Killers, Rilo Kiley, The Innocence Mission, Muse, Snow Patrol, Tegan and Sara, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Carolina Liar, The Afters, Puscifer, The Black Lips, and of course Johnny Cash!

The man in black is a favorite of Hilary's...and mine!

Childhood Memories

A few weekends ago, I met my mom and sisters for a shopping weekend. I love shopping and I love my family, but the best part of the weekend was when my mom brought out boxes and boxes of books from our childhood. It was a magical moment for me.

I remembered almost every book/series that was pulled out (Sleepover Friends, Babysitters Club, Girl Talk, Pen Pals, Sweet Valley High—the list goes on, but I'll spare you the details). I even found my first picture dictionary, which was beyond exciting for me! (Clearly I was meant to be in the book business.)

My entire life has been filled with books, and I am happy to say that books have created unforgettable experiences and memories for me.

Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day

My favorite local bookstore, Wild Rumpus is participating in Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day. If you live in the Twin Cities, you must check this place out, they have cats and chickens that roam the store while you shop!

Tomorrow (Dec.3rd) is the 2nd annual Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day, have you heard about it? It's purpose is to not only support independent booksellers, but to give children the opportunity to spend time in a bookstore around the holidays. It's so easy to shop online, something I am very guilty of! But the experience of browsing through the shelves and hand selecting titles is so special.

I honestly wish that we didn't even need to have a specific day to reinforce the importance of this kind of experience, every day should be bookstore day! But it's nice to have a yearly reminder, especially around the holidays.

Will you be taking the child/children in your life to a bookstore tomorrow? If you are interested, this website has a list of the participating bookstores through out the country.

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