Greetings, Children and Children's Book Fans,

I am writing this in the midst of the bustle and whoosh that’s the reality of the retail holiday season. While it may sometimes seem like we in the Children’s Department don’t have time to do much more than discuss holiday gift book options, wrap books, and try to keep the shelves stocked, still we are looking forward to January (2010!) and beyond.

In January we are proud to host what we hope will become a semi-regular series: a Young Adult Author Panel, featuring three Chicago-area writers reading from and discussing their work.  Julie Halpern, author of Into the Wild Nerd Yonder, Beverly Patt, author of Haven, and Kristina Springer, author of The Espressologist will be on hand to talk about the joys, complications, challenges and processes of writing fiction for young people, as well as discuss their specific works. This all goes on Saturday, Jan. 16th at 3 p.m., right about the time winter has settled in for a good long stay, and you’ll be needing a good reason to get out of the house. Young people who are the intended audience for these books as well as older folks who are interested in writing are encouraged to attend.

On Saturday, Feb. 13th at 1 p.m. The Children’s Department presents our Teacher In-Service Day for educators and librarians who work with grades 5 - 9. The staff will talk about the new books we’re most excited about, and we’ll have giveaways, prizes, and special discounts for attendees. And although it’s not set in stone, I suspect we’ll also have a special guest author or two to liven things up.

This is an incomplete list of all the author and book events we have coming up in the Children’s Department in early 2010. Check back all season long for for updates and information here at www.thebookstall.com.

Happy reading,

Robert

New Releases, Eagerly Awaited

There are a lot of things to look forward to in 2010, and chief among them for us are the many new releases scheduled.  Herewith a list of books we at The Book Stall—Robert, Betsy, and Amy—are eagerly waiting to hit the shelves.  (Picture books are listed first.)

Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don’t) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberly ($17.99).  This picture book, written and illustrated by publishing veterans, pays homage to the persistence of a good librarian and introduces us to Missy, who does not love books. At all. “Too flowery, too furry, too clickety, too yippity,” she says to everything offered. Miss Brooks doesn’t give up until Missy finds the one book she can enjoy. Perfect for librarians, classrooms, and your favorite teacher. Not to mention your favorite reluctant reader. Due in early March.

The Thingamabob by Il Sung Na ($15.99).  Originally from Korea, Il Sung Na is fast becoming one of our favorite picture book creators. We especially loved this fall’s The Book of Sleep. His newest work, with more of his uniquely beautiful illustrations, is the story of an elephant who stumbles across a mysterious object. (It just might be an umbrella, but you didn’t hear it from us.)  Due in early March.

Henry in Love by Peter McCarty ($16.99).  McCarty, author of the picture books Hondo and Fabian and 2009’s Jeremy Draws a Monster, returns with this tale of a boisterous cat harboring a major crush on a flirtatious bunny. We love McCarty’s soft, dreamy illustrations, and they work extremely well in this love story, arriving just in time for Valentines Day. Due in early January.

A Whole Nother Story by Dr. Cuthbert Soup, illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins ($16.99).  Dr. Soup, that dispenser of unsolicited advice, makes his hilarious debut, the first in a series of books featuring the oddly delightful Cheeseman family and their bald psychic dog. Replete with action, hilarity, jokes, and a plot full of CIA agents, circuses, an evil chimpanzee, and a sock puppet named Stan, this is going to be a hit.  Think Series of Unfortunate Events, with less snark, more laughs.  Released late December 2009.     Great for kids age 9 - 12.

The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, illustrated by Greg Call ($16.99).  Malone’s debut novel is of particular interest to Chicago-area readers, as the rooms in the title are the Thorne Rooms, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago. You may have viewed these miniature domiciles, with their perfect detailing of homes throughout history, and thought them magical.  Turns out they are, at least if you have a special key, the way Chicago kids Jack and Ruthie do. With mystery, magic, and local flavor, this book will resonate with fans of The Wright 3 and The Mysterious Benedict Society. Coming in late February.

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson ($17.99).  Nelson’s debut novel is probably one of the most anticipated young adult novels in years. Everyone who has been lucky enough to get their hands on an advance reading copy has been captivated by the story of Lennie Walker, who is struggling with the almost inconceivable loss of her beloved older sister Bailey, a talented beautiful girl who outshone her younger sister. Lennie had always been content to be in Bailey’s orbit. Now she must learn to navigate an ocean of grief while simultaneously becoming her adult self.  An honest, realistic, and unforgettable book.  Coming in early March.

Fans of “39 Clues” should be excited by The Viper's Nest:  The 39 Clues  Book 7 by Peter Lerangis ($12.99).  Coming in early February. And to veer away from books, the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, is coming to theaters in mid-February. It should only garner more fans for this blockbuster series. If your action-adventure/fantasy reader hasn’t started this series yet, get The Lightning Thief for them before the film arrives.

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick  ($16.99).  Sonnenblick's last novel, Drums,Girls, and Dangerous Pie,  was one of my favorites. In After Ever After, he revisits the Alper family.  Jeffery is now in 8th grade, finally cancer-free, and has found a supportive sidekick in his best friend Tad.  Add a beautiful new girl from California who seems mutually interested in Jeffrey and you have the makings of a more than interesting year in school.  After Ever After is a hopeful and humorous story about what happens when you stop surviving and start living again. Coming in Feb.2010                   Grade 7 and up  

Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt  ($16.99).  When a perfectly dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and wants to know, now, if you'd like to become a substitute princess, what is one to say except, how soon?  For Desi Bascomb, who has been longing for a change in her Idaho life, “how soon” is the perfect answer.  Desi soon discovers, though, that subbing involves much more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras.  A delightful read and one worth waiting for. Coming in March 2010                                  Ages 11 and up 

The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco Stork  ($17.99).  When Pancho arrives at St. Anthony’s Home, he thinks his time there will be short.  If his plan succeeds, he'll soon be arrested for the murder of his sister's killer.  But then he is assigned to help D.Q., who is writing the “Death Warrior Manifesto,” a guide to living out his last days fully—ideally with the love of the beautiful Marisol.  As Pancho tracks down his sister's murderer, he finds himself falling under the influence of D.Q. and Marisol, and he faces a decision: to honor his sister and her death or embrace the way of a Death Warrior and choose life.  This is an amazing book.  It is funny, soulful, and surprising in its plot development.  Certainly worth waiting for—until March.                                                                                     Ages13 and up

2010 New Picture Books

Here Comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara ($12.99).  One cold winter morning, a lonely boy wishes there were something to do.  Then along comes someone who knows all about winter fun.  Together they sled, build snowmen, and have a wonderful time---until the first snowdrop appears.                                                                            Ages 2 - 4

The Smallest Snowflake by Bernadette Watts  ($16.95).  As winter approaches, all the older snowflakes seem to know exactly where they are going—to the mountains or a forest or even a beautiful palace. But as the smallest snowflake listens in awe, she knows she needs to find a special place of her own—but where could it be?  A lovely story with enchanting illustrations.                                                                                        Ages 4 - 8

Meet the Staff

The Staff picks are on each page

Betsy Balyeat

Robert McDonald

Amy Trogdon

Thanks for visiting the children's department! We hope to see you in the store soon!

Contact the Children's Department at

childrens@thebookstall.com