Read, Write, Celebrate

Follow the link to participating stores

Support your local bookseller. Go book shopping today!
And advertise your preference with swag featuring the Indie Bookstore Day 2016 logo


No need to sign up, just have to show up.
Follow @paulayoo  for updates

Join me and other Kidlit authors during NaPiBoWriWee, May 1-7, 2016.
Founder Paula Yoo encourages with informational posts as we nail down seven picture book drafts in seven days. Isn't your writing life worth the effort?
Be warned, NaPi has a new location on the web. If you're new to the event, you may want to scour the archives from previous years for inspiration.



Follow @CBCBook

'Hope you voted for your favorite reads because May 2-8 is Children's Book Week. Turn out to see which books made the cut, how to promote literacy in your community, and be sure to pick up plenty of swag.

 

James Patterson's 2 Newest Treasures

Released 9-16-13
Treasure Hunters,
by James Patterson,
 Chris Grabenstein,
and Juliana Neufeld

The Guardian reports that author James Patterson is set to donate $1 million Indie bookstores in the next year. I don't know if that will spur the public to support local independents, but I applaud this literary superstar for trying.

Libraries are the lifeblood of a thinking people, but publishers cannot live on library sales alone. Bookstores are an indispensable part of our communities. I'll get off my soapbox now if you'll go out and buy a book.

Happy reading!

Fascination with Technology

"...in all our fascination with technology we've forgotten that a simple book can make a difference.” 
-Roxanne J. Coady

Collecting Books

"When we are collecting books, we are collecting happiness."

-Vincent Starrett

Courtesy Pratt Institute Libraries
bookplate collection

World Book Night Comes to America

Tomorrow is World Book Night.  Join book lovers in the U.K., Ireland, and the U.S.!  Sponsored by the leading library and book associations in the world and supported by many major publishing houses, the second annual World Book Night is designed to spread a love of the printed page and to promote libraries and booksellers around the globe by giving away one million books.  The volunteers get books into the hands of people who wouldn't normally read - - 'simple as that.  Although the event was originally intended for adults, this year the giveaway includes YA.  Hooray!  Even if you're not involved this year, why not pick up a copy one of these outstanding novels?  Happy reading!

The Book Thief,
by Markus Zusak

Wintergirls,

by Laurie 

Halse Anderson

Ender's Game,

by Orson Scott Card

Because of Winn-Dixie,
by Kate DiCamillo

The Absolutely True Diary
of a Part-Time Indian,
by Sherman Alexie

The Hunger Games,
by Suzanne Collins

Charles Vess Images for Spring

Ladies of Light,
by Charles Vess

I stumbled across this lovely original illustration by Charles Vess for Blueberry Girl, by Neil Gaiman.  It was too stunning not to share.  Thanks to Books of Wonder, NY.

Independent Bookstores

The most famous bookstore in Maine is up for sale.  Purchase The Owl & Turtle Bookshop and keep its bookish tradition going.  Indie booksellers are disappearing all over the country.  Don't let this treasure trove disappear too.

The Children's Room at The Owl & Turtle Bookshop

Incidentally, we've always wanted a bookstore of our very own.   If anyone is interested in donating the Owl & Turtle to us here at Bookish Ambition, we'd consider relocating. ;-)