Just for Kids

Hello,
I have long been known at Bookworks as Contessa Connie.  Although my parents named me Connie, I aquired Contessa when I began doing storytime at the store.  Since I am quite pleased with the sound of it, I continue to use both names on my nametag and sign my letters such.  So indeed I am merely a storybook Contessa who believes in the magic of books, a sprinkling of humor, and the ability of sparkling jewelry to help one see the bright side of life. I almost always have a favorite new book, but I often find myself shelving or neatening in the Children's Area and saying to myself, "Oh I love this book!" about one I have forgotten until I see it on the shelf.
 
Contessa Connie
 
 
Upcoming Kids' Events:
 
We had a lovely visit with Jacqueline Kelly the author of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.
After her presentation, I talked with her for a few minutes and asked her what her wish for Calpurnia Tate, the character, is, and as we would wish for anyone who has become a friend (and I imagine characters can become like friends to an author), she wishes her well.  She replied that Calpurnia "has many battles ahead but she's going to make it. She's going to be all right."  If we are lucky as readers, Ms. Kelly will write more stories about Calpurnia and how she navigates her life.  I also asked her what she wishes for young people reading her book.  She hopes young people, "will go outside, sit quietly, and see what they see."  That would be an excellent thing to do I think, whether you are a naturalist at heart like Calpurnia or not.  I firmly believe we should all get out and appreciate the wonders of the natural world, be they the minute details, or the grand scale of the mountains or mesa. Calpurnia likes to note her scientific observations in anotebook.  I have made souvenir scientific observation notebooks.  The first fifteen people who purchase her novel - we have autographed copies - will receive a notebook.
 
The estimation game for a chance to win the Mysterious Benedict Society baseball cap continues.  Please see the display at the frontcounter in the store.  If you are between the ages 8 and 14, take a look at the estimation jar and let us know how many items
you think it contains.  You have until November 25 to make a guess! 

New Releases This Month

A Dog's Purpose (Hardcover)

$22.99

A tail-wagging three hanky boo-hooer, this delightful fiction debut by newspaper columnist Cameron proposes that a dog's purpose might entail being reborn several times. Told in a touching, doggy first-person, this unabashedly sentimental tale introduces Toby, who's rescued by a woman without a license for her rescue operation, so, sadly, Toby ends up euthanized. He's reborn in a puppy mill and after almost dying while left in a hot car, he's saved again by a woman, and he becomes Bailey, a beloved golden retriever, who finds happiness and many adventures. His next intense incarnation is as Ellie, a female German shepherd, a heroic search and rescue dog. But the true purpose of this dog's life doesn't become totally clear until his reincarnation as Buddy, a black Lab. A book for all age groups who admire canine courage, Cameron also successfully captures the essence of a dog's amazing capacity to love and protect. And happily, unlike Marley, this dog stays around for the long haul.

Indie Next List Great Reads - in eBooks

The Staff Recommends:

By Walter Moers, Walter Moers (Translator), John Brownjohn (Translator)
$16.95
Welcome to Zamonia, Walter Moers' fantastic land full of dangerous, whimsical, impossible creatures, and cities devoted to nothing but the minutiae of book publishing. Part of a group of novels Moers sets in this world, The City of Dreaming Books is my favorite (others include The 13 1/2 lives of Captain Bluebear and The Miraculous Adventures of Rumo), this book involves a young dinosaurish creature who sets out on a journey to a book whose very foundations (notably the frightening catacombs!) are composed of books, book lovers, and book-dependant (and devouring!) creatures.  Soon, the novelist becomes involved with the intrigue and adventure of Bookholm... and the results are a fast-paced, wonderful, hilarious novel.  Much like Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, or Neil Gaiman, Moers' novels are incredibly successful examples of well-written, enjoyable adult fantasy-fiction.

Recommended by Laura