Sunday, September 16^th from 2-4 p.m.
Children’s Author and Illustrator Matt Tavares
Our favorite Winchester-raised children’s book illustrator has a new picture book, Iron Hans: A Grimms’ Fairy Tale. Filled with his beautiful artwork, this book makes a nice addition to any child’s library. We are excited to welcome him back for a Sunday afternoon signing....More

Children’s Author Judy Schachnmer
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Judy Schachnmer is the author of the Skippyjon Jones series, featuring a popular character for the preschooler. These humorous picture books follow the adventures of a kitten who thinks that he is a chihuahua in disguise. Ms. Schachnmer is wonderfully entertaining, reading her stories with much drama in her beautiful Mexican accent, so be sure to stop by the store on this Sunday afternoon. ...More

Dede writes: I hope that fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s charming series about Botswana have discovered another of his series set in Edinburgh. The first book in the series The Sunday Philosophy Club introduces us to another of his quietly indomitable heroines, Isabel Dalhousie. He has just completed his fourth book in the series, The Careful Use of Compliments (037542301X). In this latest installment, Isabel’s life as a philosopher/editor has expanded to include her lover, bassoon-playing Jamie and their newborn son, Charlie. Deceptively simple, his books really make you think, and this series just gets better and better....More

Beverly and Dede write: The Spanish Bow (0151015422), a debut novel by Andromeda Romano-Lax, begins in Spain at the turn of the last century and takes the reader through the sad complications of the Spanish Civil War that led up to WWII. The main character, a young musician who is a cello prodigy, is the owner of the “Spanish Bow” and travels from Catalonia to Barcelona to Madrid and then eventually all over Europe as his talent is recognized. In addition to providing a compelling tour of Spain, Romano-Lax relates the passion of a gifted musician in much the same way that Irving Stone's biographical novel of Camille Pissaro, Depths of Glory, chronicled the fervor of an impressionist painter. The author is a musician and writes with grace about the cello and with serious intent about the conflicting demands of art and justice. ...More

Alice writes: In her debut novel, Lottery (>0399154493), Patricia Wood has created characters who are believable and a storyline that is entertaining. Perry Crandall has an IQ of 76 but is not retarded, as he’ll have you know: his IQ would need to be less than 75 for that. He has been working at a marine supply store for half his life and living with his Gram, a feisty character whose pearls of wisdom are often great one-liners. When Gram dies, Perry’s “brother-cousins” suddenly appear to “take care of him,” swindling Perry out of the proceeds from the sale of her house. Soon after, he wins the Washington State Lottery. His family again wants to offer financial advice (also known as taking custody of his $12 million earnings). While this book is not going to win any great awards, the novel humorously and poignantly explores family and relationships as well as the dynamics of money....More

I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy, but I am eagerly anticipating the release of David Halberstam’s The Coldest Winter (1401300529). Halberstam, a Pulitzer Prize-winner and the author of The Education of a Coach, died in a car crash last April after this book had been bought by Hyperion. Due out at the end of this month, his newest book chronicles< a horrible battle fought in November 1950 in the snow-covered mountains of North Korea. Though focused on that mountain battle, Halberstam’s book covers the entire war, shedding light on the complexities (and failures) of some notorious soldiers and politicians. My uncle died in this war, and I am hungry to learn more about the history of what was known merely as the Korean Conflict at the time. James Brady reviewed the book for Publisher’s Weekly and said, “Alive with the voices of the men who fought, Halberstam’s telling is a virtuoso work of history.”...More

Pat writes: There is a wonderful, new resource called The Kids’ Book Club Book (1585425591). Authors Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp have put together a guide for creating a fun and educational book club. Coupled with activities and recipes, the book offers ideas and advice on forming book clubs for kids (ages 8 to 18) as well as title suggestions. Insights from bestselling children’s authors make this a helpful tool for any kids’ book group....More

Lift-the-flap books are fun for any age, and we are always curious about what lies beneath us. Usborne Publishers has just released See Under the Ground (0794516009) by Alex Frith and Colin King, a book with 75 flaps to lift. Exploring the hidden world below ground, readers will discover the amazing secrets that lie beneath the street, under the city, in the animal underworld and more. Once again, this publisher has released a fascinating book for older (7+) lift-the-flap fans....More

The long awaited sequel to Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, first published in 2000, has finally been released. Love, Stargirl (0375813756) has arrived and is every bit as good as the first. This time, told in the voice of Stargirl and in the format of the “world’s longest letter” to Leo, the boy she left behind, Stargirl reflects on her life, her past, her future and her love while always being true to herself. Through her ups and downs, we happily cheer her on for her individuality and uniqueness. These are two books that shouldn’t be missed for your child who is in middle school or older....More

Judy H. writes: Judy Blume’s latest book, Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One (0385733054), will be a hit with the young reader. The adventures of two siblings—Abigail, a third grader who refers to her younger brother, Jake, as “The Pain,” and Jake who calls Abigail “The Great One”—are told in a series of seven Saturday stories. The stories reveal the two siblings’ fears (including haircuts and learning to ride a bike), their sibling rivalry (whom do their parents like more?), and their genuine affection for each other. This book explores the difficulties and joys of having a sibling. ...More

Ann Martin’s second book in the “Main Street” series has arrived, Needles and Thread (0439868807). This book continues to follow Flora and Ruby’s adjustment to their new home in Camden Falls. The sisters begin a new school year and experience their first Halloween and Thanksgiving at their grandmother’s home. Flora and Ruby’s friends—Olivia and Nikki, along with the rest of the residents of the Row Houses—are also important characters in this second installment in the Main Street series....More

The prolific children’s author, Andrew Clements, has a new book, Dogku (068985823X). Cleverly narrated in a series of haikus, Dogku is the story of Mooch, a stray dog adopted by a family. The stray is given the appropriate name of Mooch and proceeds to make himself at home, including tumbling around in the dirty laundry, investigating the trash barrel, eagerly awaiting the afternoon school bus and winning the hearts of the entire family. This is a delightful “tale” of a lovable pooch. ...More