Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Who wants to party? We did with chef guru, Yvonne Tally!

Last week everyone here at Books Inc. Palo Alto witnessed a fantastic party! With delicious food, overflowing bottles of wine, and a lot of social interaction, chef Yvonne Tally regaled us with her wit, charm, and the phenomenal story of how she became the chef she is today. In dedication to her mother, Yvonne presented her highly acclaimed first cook book, Your Fit Gourmet: Cooking Secrets for the Overscheduled Woman to a full house of family & friends. Taking inspiration from her experience traveling and working in France, Yvonne has dedicated her chef's career to cooking simple, delicious & healthy meals for women & families always busy and on the go. From smoothie recipes to breakfast options to lunch box kid's meals, this small gem of a cook book is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to go organic or simply in need of changing the way they eat for a healthier, more productive lifestyle. On behalf of the staff at Books Inc, I would like to thank Yvonne for making her first author appearance at our store such a spectacular one! We can't wait to see what she's cooking up next! Check out a few of the event photos that her daughter, Juliette took!





Yvonne Tally and her daughter, Juliette (also her photographer)


Yvonne, Jill Plant & I


Yvonne at the signing table!


Family & Friends! What a party it was!




For more information on Yvonne Tally and her culinary organization, go to www.poisedfit.com

Happy Holidays & Good Eating!
-Colleen

Trick or Treat!

Since Halloween fell on a Saturday this year, I was very excited to host a huge Halloween story time event, filled with stories, costumes, prizes and best yet, face painting! This year we had 5 kids who came in dressed up as some of their favorite childhood characters, including Robin Hood, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood, Carmen Miranda (the fruit lady!) & a cute little Polar Bear! Everyone who came dressed in a costume won a prize and the whole story time group got to have their faces painted by the lovely & talented Miss Kate the Good Witch! Here are just a few of the event's costumed photos! Thank you everyone who stopped by!



Face Painting Fun! Pink Glitter Flowers!


Face Painting Fun! A Vampire!



Kate the Good Witch Face Painting a Flower!


Kate the Good Witch Face Painting a Rainbow!





Little Red Riding Hood, Dorothy & the little Polar Bear!



Robin Hood of the Forest with his dad, Spiderman!

I host story times for children ages 3-6 every Saturday morning at 11am so stay tuned for upcoming special holiday story time events!

Happy Reading!
-Colleen

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Don't Miss Ken Reed on October 22nd

On Thursday, October 22nd we'll welcome Ken Reed, author of He Flew Too High, a novel of suspense set in Pennsyvenia's Dutch country. I'll be interviewing Ken. We'll also have a special guest, Dobro guitarist Jeff Hahn, performing some Blue Grass and Gospel tunes; plus Amish Moon Pies. The event will start at 7pm. While you wait, check out Ken's book trailer too.

Eric


Peter Yarrow sings Puff the Magic Dragon

On Friday, October 9th, Peter Yarrow stopped by the store to sing some songs. Day is Done is his latest. We all had a great time! It was a truly special and inspiring night. Here's a little video of this final number, Puff the Magic Dragon.

Eric

The Best of the Best!

Believe it or not, but the holiday season is fast approaching & no matter what age you might be shopping for, we're proud to be introducing you to some of our favorite new reading picks of the season! Since we all know how how finicky Middle & Young Adult readers can be, I'd like to throw a few appropriate suggestions your way.

For Middle Readers (ages 9-11)



Flawed Dogs by bestselling author Berkeley Breathed!

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of "Bloom County" comes his first illustrated novel--a heartwarming and humorous ode to the unconditional and lasting love we and our pets share.

Think the movie "All Dogs Go To Heaven" except retold in a stylish, charming new way!





The Mysterious Benedict Society & the Prisoners Dilemma by Trenton Stewart

When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, Reynis, Kate, Sticky, and Constance must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.

Book 3 in this bestselling mystery series!

* A personal favorite of Eric's!


Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

Newbery Medalist Neil Gaiman and illustrator Helquist team up for a new fantasy novella in which a young boy must free Asgard--the city of the gods--from the evil Frost Giants.

Percy Jackson fans, look out for this one! You've never seen Norse mythology told in quite this way before!

* A personal favorite of Lori's!



The Spiderwick Chronicles; The Completely Fantastical Edition by Tony Diterlizzi & Holly Black

All five books in The Spiderwick Chronicles are now available in one exquisitely produced volume that includes "The Field Guide, The Seeing Stone, Lucinda's Secret, The Ironwood Tree," and "The Wrath of Mulgarath," and bonus features such as an exclusive making-of section and an all-star gallery where other artists put their spin on the characters and creatures.

If you haven't had the chance to read this series yet, then here it is!



The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

With surprises around every corner, Teague takes readers on a funny, outrageous adventure when the small, sleepy town of Vern Hollow is invaded by a flying saucer filled with ridiculously inept aliens.







For Young Adults (ages 11-15)



Ash by Malinda Lo

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left to the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes from reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. Fairy tales that lead her to a fateful encounter with the dark & dangerous fairy Sidhean, who she believes has the the power to bring to life her deepest wish. A wish that will either save or destroy her. Spell binding and romantic, "Ash" is a riveting and empowering retelling of the Cinderella story--a novel about choosing life and love over solitude and death.

There's been a lot of YA buzz going on about this new fantasy/fable so don't miss out on this one!





Girl In The Arena by Lisa Haines

Lyn is a modern gladiator's daughter, and the rules of the sport are second nature to her family. However, the rules turn against the family after a gifted young fighter kills Lyn's father and captures Lyn's dowry bracelet--which means Lyn must marry him. To win her freedom, she must face her father's killer in mortal combat.







Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Partnered in biology with new student Patch, 16-year-old Nora Gray starts seeing things she cannot explain. At first she's both drawn and repelled by her lab partner, but when she sees V-shaped scars on his back, Nora learns Patch is fighting an ancient battle between the fallen and the immortal.

Fans of "Twilight" & "Shiver" will LOVE this edgy, new fantasy!




Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

On the eve of World War I, the machine-loving Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their big steam-powered Clankers. Inspired by Darwin, the British have fabricated animals into warships. Their mothership is called "Leviathan," and she is a whale-dirigible. The first book in a brand-new trilogy by the author of the "New York Times"-bestselling Uglies series.


Steam punk at it's best!



The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up, he's surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade--a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls, stone walls that hold a dark & deadly secret. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got there. The next day, a girl arrives with the surprising message that Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. A message that might mean the difference between life or death for everyone involved! Can he find the way out of the ever shifting maze surrounding him or will his fate be sealed within it for all eternity?

An innovative, chilling tale perfect for fans of "The Hunger Games!"

If you need any assistance in choosing the best of our fall releases for your middle reader or young adult, come see me at the store! Happy reading mates!
-Colleen

Friday, October 2, 2009

A Fabulous Fall of New Events!

Fall is in the air & we're happy to be celebrating this highly anticipated pre-holiday season with a WIDE assortment of upcoming author events! There's an author event in here for everyone to enjoy!

Local, bestselling author Meg Clayton is finally coming to our store! Benefiting the Silicon Valley Alumni Club, we're thrilled that Meg is coming here this Tuesday, October 6th at 7pm to speak to us about her wildly acclaimed first novel, "The Wednesday Sisters."

Humorous and moving, this novel--set in California during the tumultuous 1960s--is a literary feast for book lovers that earns a place among those popular works that honor the joyful, mysterious, unbreakable bonds between friends.

As loyal fans of her writing, we all have a feeling that this is going to be one of those very special, memorable author events! Bring your friends too!





NOT YOUR MOTHERS BOOK CLUB is thrilled to present Kristin Cashore, bestselling author of "Graceling", who will discuss her latest book, "Fire."

Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the acclaimed "Graceling" has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in the previous book. This story features a girl named Fire, whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.

On Wednesday, October 7th at 7pm, come meet the amazing Kristin Cashore herself for what is sure to be a wonderful evening for fantasy book lovers! Adult book fans welcome too!







Peter Yarrow is coming! Yes, I DID say the one & only, Peter Yarrow! Join us for a mini concert and book signing with the legendary singer, songwriter, & best-selling children's author Peter Yarrow when he visits to celebrate the release of his latest book "Day is Done"!

**Due to space limitations the purchase of any book by Peter Yarrow will admit two people to this event.

This is going to the event of the century, so stop by and pick up one of his 5 bestselling books before everyone else does!












On Thursday, October 22nd at 7pm, local author, Ken Reed will present his first suspense novel, "He Flew Too High."

"He Flew Too High" tells the story of one's man's quest to bring an awakening to a reluctant people. If you like suspense stories with a strong spiritual undercurrent, such as The Shack or This present Darkness, this is the book & author event for you!











After huge success with his first novel, "Dot.Dead," local author, Keith Raffel will be presenting the 2nd book within his catchy mystery series!

Ian Michaels, CEO of Accelenet, and his wife Rowena, a deputy D.A., are out for a run one winter morning when a mysterious black car runs them down, leaving Ian with a broken leg and Rowena unconscious. Someone wants Ian or Rowena dead, but who? Once again, Ian must use his brains and business acumen to navigate a deadly trail of hostility, greed, and revenge, while investigating a cold case in the physics department of Stanford University and battling the richest, most ruthless man in California for control of his company.

If you're into high tec mysteries, stop by the store on Saturday, October 24th from 10-1pm to meet this fascinating local author.




On Monday, October 26th at 7pm, we're all thrilled to welcome author, Henry Pollack, co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, as he gives an engrossing talk about his latest non-fiction novel," A World Without Ice. "

"A World Without Ice" answers the most urgent questions about this pending environmental crisis, laying out the necessary steps for managing the unavoidable and avoiding the unmanageable.

This event has all the workings to become a vastly intriguing author chat so don't miss out on this one!


Hope to see you soon!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Meet Your Booksellers! Meet Anthony!


Hello readers! A few months ago, our store created a new wall display featuring each of our store's bookselling staff! Meet Anthony! For the month of September, his "Bookseller Wall" displays a large smattering of his favorite reading titles! Want to get to know him a bit more? You should!

" As the youngest of four children being raised by a single parent, I spent many days of my childhood alone, but I was never lonely. I had books, and books had me.

It began as a shallow flirtation with Garfield the Cat and Charlie Brown but grew into a passionate affair with Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and the Hardy Boys. They were with me in my backyard behind the tall grass where no one would find us, and I traveled with them on every adventure I could get my hands on.

Reading opened the world to me. When you read a book, you can go places you've never gone, see things you've never seen, meet people you would otherwise never get the chance to meet. Books can connect with people in a way no other form of media can. They take us into the hearts and souls of characters whom we both love and hate.

These days, I have been spotted reading "boring" non-fiction and, on occasion, an engrossing work of fiction.

-Anthony "

Here are some of his favorite reading titles...


Walden by Henry David Thoreau

One of the great books of American letters and a masterpiece of reflective philosophizing. Accounts of Thoreau's daily life on the shores of Walden Pond outside Concord, Massachusetts, are interwoven with musings on the virtues of self-reliance and individual freedom, on society, government, and other topics.












Black Boy by Richard Wright

Richard Wright grew up in the woods of Mississippi amid poverty, hunger, fear, and hatred. He lied, stole, and raged at those around him; at six he was a "drunkard," hanging about in taverns. Surly, brutal, cold, suspicious, and self-pitying, he was surrounded on one side by whites who were either indifferent to him, pitying, or cruel, and on the other by blacks who resented anyone trying to rise above the common lot. "Black Boy" is Richard Wright's powerful account of his journey from innocence to experience in the Jim Crow South. It is at once an unashamed confession and a profound indictment--a poignant and disturbing record of social injustice and human suffering.






The Star Rover by Jack London

"The Star Rover is the story of San Quentin death-row inmate Darrell Standing, who escapes the horror of prison life--and long stretches in a straitjacket--by withdrawing into vivid dreams of past lives, including incarnations as a French nobleman and an Englishman in medieval Korea. Based on the life and imprisonment of Jack London's friend Ed Morrell, this is one of the author's most complex and original works. As Lorenzo Carcaterra argues in his Introduction, "The Star Rover is "written with energy and force, brilliantly marching between the netherworlds of brutality and beauty." This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the text of the first American edition, published in 1915.






The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A searing, postapocalyptic novel destined to become Cormac McCarthy's masterpiece. A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food--and each other. "The Road" is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, "each the other's world entire," are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.

The titles listed above are just a tiny glimpse into the type of literature that Anthony has fallen in love with as a dedicated book connoisseur! Want to see more? Drop by the store anytime to browse though his featured wall of personal picks! You'll love what you see!

Stay tuned every month for a bio on each of our featured booksellers!


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Vampires, Zombies & Things that go bump in the night!


Not You Mothers Book Club will be hosting a fabulous YA author panel next Thursday night, August 27th at 7pm right here in Palo Alto! Meet two new highly prolific YA authors, Richelle Mead & Lili St. Crow as they gab about their newest vampire & zombie titles! Join NYMBC hosts, Shannon & Jennifer as they party it up with raffle prizes, food & a wide assortment of teenage mischief!

For more information about NYMBC events, check out their website at www.notyourmothersbookclub.com

Cheers!
-Colleen

Monday, August 10, 2009

Lions & Tigers & Cupcakes? Oh my!


With my two nephews in tow, I recently journeyed to the fantastic San Fransisco Zoo & decided to pick up the zoo's new historic piece of literature, San Fransisco Zoo by Katherine Girlich. Chronicling nearly 80 years of history since it's prestigious grand opening in 1929, this beautiful full spread of sepia photographs detailing park construction & the building of it's noteworthy animal habitats has become my favorite piece of tourist memorabilia! Did you know that the original park had a "Elephant" shaped train that ran for around .30 a person instead of the "Little Puffer" miniature steam train that runs there today? Or that the zoo was originally created as an adult play field & massive pool for San Fransisco residents designed by renowned businessman Herbert Fleishhacker before it was turned into a wildlife conservatory? No? Then you will love delving into the fascinating bits of history that grace the pages of this historical little gem like scenes from an old fashioned movie! I certainly do!



My baking extraordinaire co-worker, Jane just recommended me one of her favorite guides to baking. Not just any & all forms of baking either. This baking is all about the mastering of cupcakes! Like her, I've recently been exploring my love for baking & decorating cupcakes & I must confess, this is the BEST cupcake book I've run across thus far! With detailed, easy to comprehend information ranging from Ingredient suggestions to Frosting recipes (Cream Cheese frosting is my favorite!) to full on decorating styles for every type of occasion you can think of, A Bakers Field Guide To Cupcakes by Dede Wilson is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike! Feeling adventurous? Try the Lemon Meringue Cupcake recipe on page #56. Your tummy will thank you!



Whenever I host my store's weekly story time, I always try to pick out a group of themed picture books that would appeal to my toddler aged audience. So when this new picture book, I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll caught my eye a few weeks ago, I knew that I had to do a monster themed book reading! I truly ADORE this picture book! Why? Because this little boy is not your typical scared-of-the-dark kind of kid. In fact, you might be surprised with how very UNAFRAID of anything he is, including monsters! With hilarious illustrations & a charming cast of would be monsters, this is one of those rare picture books that I will treasure for a very, very long time! What's under your bed?

Happy Reading Mates!
---Colleen

Saturday, July 25, 2009

What I've Been Reading

Blood's A Rover
James Ellroy

This book isn't out until September, but I can't wait to tell you about it. What a completely crazy story. I mean, I won't even attempt to lay out the plot, which spans the 60s and 70s. But, J. Edgar Hoover, Richard Nixon, The Dominican Republic, Voodoo, the Mob, and some stolen emeralds all play a part. And it's jammed with James Ellroy's snappy, melt-your-face, prose. A delight, and a thrill. Look for it in September.




This one's another that isn't out for a bit, but it was so good. Dan Chaon is one sensitive writer. He gets his character, and lays them out in the best understated flashes. The story is about several different people and their search for identities. some authentic, and many others that are only temporary. Chaon takes the whole menace of identity theft and the Internet, and builds a terrific, fast paced and elegant story with it. I absolutely loved it.


Rabbit Run
Jo
hn Updike

This is the book I'm reading now. I haven't finished it, but it's one of the best ever. Of course, everyone says this. I think it was near the top of the New York Times best books of the past fifty years. Updike can write! It's about this schmuck going through an early midlife crisis. I think he's 28 or something. Anyway he thinks he's great, and he abandons his wife, who's a wreck. He's off his nut. Great stuff!



Scarecrow
Michael Con
nelley

Connelley writes seriously hard-boiled stuff. This one's a newsroom procedural, in Los Angeles. A reporter chases his final story before he gets laid-off, and stumbles onto a killer that the police don't have a clue about. This book interfered with my work. I took some long breaks, if you know what I mean. Like Await your Reply, this has to do with the Internet and identity theft, adding to the creepiness. Don't wait for the paperback, get it today.


The Devil's Company
David
Liss

David Liss writes these historical mystery thrillers that center around economics. I know how that sounds,but they're fantastic. Full of historical tidbits, and somehow he ties his stories into current events. Like, this one takes on globalization, and consumerism, but instead of the GAP or Target, it's the East India Trading Co. Over that compelling mix, Liss lays down a bang-up plot with a pugilist protagonist who's very charming and honorable, like that. Good stuff!


Looking After Pigeon
Maud M
arkson

I adore this novel about five-year-old Pigeon searching for someone to take care of her in her dysfunctional family. It'll break your heart, and also make you laugh, a lot. And if your family, like mine, wasn't ideal, you'll find this one incredibly validating. Pigeon's self-absorbed and dismissive mother is truly one of the greatest characters I've come across in a long time.




VALIS
Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick's books are one of the great pleasures in life, if you're a little off your nut, like me. They are always wild and brilliant, and VALIS is the wildest and the brilliantest I've read. It's like a who done it, but the protagonist, who's named Horselover Fat, go figure, is on the trail of God, who might be alien technology, or a being from the future, or a Russian spy satellite. This book is theology, and unforgiving in its analysis. And the kicker is, it's autobiographical.

~Eric

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Who you gonna call? Book Busters!

"If there's a book to read, in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? Book Busters!"

Special Announcement! After much heated debate, my new Middle Reader Book Club has voted on its official club name! We are now.... BOOK BUSTERS!!

Since last February, this newest in-store book club has been gathering club members from all over the Peninsula & proudly stands at 15 members strong! With free books, special raffle prizes & food at each group meeting, we're burning our way through our favorite Middle Reader picks at an astounding rate! We've already pre-selected some fantastic reading clear though December & can't wait to get our hands on some of these titles' upcoming sequels! For the next 5 months here are our upcoming reading selections....

For the month of August, we will be reading Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George! Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel’s enormous talent at embroidery, and you can’t help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it’s up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom.


Our September reading selection is Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman! Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself. In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.


For the month of October, we will be reading George's Secret Key To The Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking! Stephen Hawking, author of the multi-million copy bestselling A Brief History of Time, and his daughter Lucy explain the universe to readers of all ages. George's parents, who have always been wary of technology, warn him about their new neighbors: Eric is a scientist and his daughter, Annie, seems to be following in his footsteps. But when George befriends them and Cosmos, their super-computer, he finds himself on a wildly fun adventure, while learning about physics, time, and the universe. With Cosmos's help, he can travel to other planets and a black hole. But what would happen if the wrong people got their hands on Cosmos? George, Annie, and Eric aren't about to find out, and what ensues is a funny adventure that clearly explains the mysteries of science.

Our November reading selection is Roar by Emma Clayton! Mika and Ellie live in a future behind a wall: Solid concrete topped with high-voltage razor wire and guarded by a battalion of Ghengis Borgs, it was built to keep out the animals, because animals carry the plague. At least that's what Ellie, who was kidnapped as a child, has always been taught. But when she comes to suspect the truth behind her captivity, she's ready to risk exposure to the elements and answer the call of the wild. Listen. Can you hear it? She's strapping on her headset, jump starting her Pod Fighter, and--with her capuchin monkey at her back--she's breaking out! With a refreshing blend of adventure & suspense akin to that within The Hunger Games & Artemis Fowl, this is the new series readers have been waiting for!


To finish out the year in December, we will be devouring the bestselling phenomenon The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins! Katnis is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used to be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place. So begins the shocking tale within this riveting new series!


See anything you're interested in reading? Bring your friends (ages 9-12) & meet my crew every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6pm and see why we call ourselves "Book Busters!" Hit me up with an email at cross@booksinc.net if you have any questions! See you next month Book Busters!

Psst! Since this is a registered book club, each month's reading selection is 15% off!

---Colleen

Saturday, July 18, 2009

A Super-ific Superhero!



Throughout the month of June, we challenged children of all ages to create drawings of their favorite "Superhero!" 6 year old Daniel Blum rose to the occasion! Daniel's superhero is not quite the stereotypical superhero either! His idea of a "Superhero" is a fantastic pink & green monster who's saving the city from the real villains: little blue aliens! Not all monsters have to be scary after all! On behalf of the entire staff at Palo Alto, I would like to congratulate this highly imaginative youngster for stealing the show! Thank you Daniel! Your creativity is an inspiration to all of us kids at heart!

---Colleen

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Beam me up, Scotty!

On July 20th of this year, Americans of all ages will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the historic moon landing. Bookstores far & wide will proudly display the newest and best of books published chronicling this prestigious moment in history! In honor of this star studded day, I wanted to share two of my own favorite space related children's books!



The first & newest of picture books I've added to my moon landing collection of stories is Look To the Stars by Buzz Aldrin. As one of a handful of astronauts to have walked on the moon, Buzz Aldrin has a unique perspective on space. He serves as an amazing guide as he introduces us to the pioneers of space travel. From Copernicus to the Wright brothers, from the Apollo program to dreams of future travel, he reminds us that mankind has always looked to the stars. Aldrin's informative, kid-friendly text is paired with beautifully detailed illustrations by renowned illustrator Wendell Minor. This book offers the perfect introduction to everything space-related, including the development of the first rockets, America's space race with Russia, details of the Apollo missions, and the space station. Aldrin and Minor collaborated on the bestselling Reaching for the Moon and now they reach beyond that book to give readers a concise look at the entire history of space exploration. Each spread provides a wonderful jumping-off point for young readers, and will no doubt inspire them to look to the stars themselves. Thinking of doing some early Christmas shopping? This is the "it" gift book of the year! *recommended reading for all ages*


One of my other favorite space adventuring picture books is Regards to the Man in the Moon by bestselling author, Ezra Jack Keats. When the other kids make fun of Louie and call his father “the junkman,” his dad explains that the so called junk he loves “can take you right out of this world”—with a little imagination. So Louie builds the spaceship Imagination I and blasts off into his own space odyssey. Reissued just in time for the 40th anniversary of the first lunar landing, this fantastical Keats adventure celebrates the power of imagination, with the help of some very creative friends! Even if it's been a while since you've journeyed though the spectacular worlds of Ezra Jack Keats, this is the book that will make you fall in love with him all over again! *recommended reading age 3-6*

So go ahead young astronauts , break out those telescopes & space boots! All of the thrilling wonders of space are right here, only a page away!

Happy Landings!

---Colleen