BookKansasNews

BookKansas! News - Bulletin From the State Fair!

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:57:00 GMT

Book Kansas! - Bulletin From the State Fair! Nancy Pickard will be live and in person to sign copies of Virgin of Small Plains, the 2009 Kansas Reads selection! Come join the fun, meet a really neat author, and pick up your autographed copy of her newest book - set in Kansas! The place to be on Thursday, September 11, between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. is the Book Kansas! booth in the Sunflower South building just inside the north door from the portico between Sunflower South and Sunflower North. See you there!"

BookKansasNews Message - Authors at the KS State Fair!

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:55:00 GMT

Here's a quick note to let you know our schedule of authors at the Kansas State Fair: Saturday, 9/6 9:00 - 12:00 - Jim Potter, Cop in the Classroom 5.00 - 9:00 - Jerry Engler, Just Folks, A Heartland Voice Sunday, 9/7 9:00 - 12:00 - Jim Potter, Cop in the Classroom 12:00 - 5:00 - Don Olsen, Leavenworth Castle 5:00 - 9:00 - Jerry Engler Monday, 9/8 12:00 - 5:00 - Don Olsen Tuesday, 9/9 5:00 - 9:00 - Jerry Engler Wednesday, 9/10 12:00 - 5:00 - Jerry Engler Thursday, 9/11 9:00 - 5:00 - Jerry Engler Friday, 9/12 9:00 - 5:00 - Jerry Engler Saturday, 9/13 9:00 - 12:00 - Jim Potter 5:00 - 9:00 - Jerry Engler Sunday, 9/14 9:00 - 12:00 - Jim Potter 12:00 - 5:00 - Jerry Engler We hope to see you there!

BookKansas! News - August 2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:37:00 GMT

Calling all Kansas State Fair attendees! The big event is about to launch and we will be there looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Please stop by our booth and say Hi! We have some exciting new titles for you to browse and a fun event to tell you about. We also will be hosting a number of wonderful Kansas authors for you to meet and chat with and even to have sign books for you. What a deal! First, though, we want to invite everyone - the whole state of Kansas, if possible - to a Notable Book Event hosted by the State Library's Center For the Book to honor the 2008 Notable Book authors. It is at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 2 in the 2nd floor Rotunda of the State Capital building in Topeka. We know this is a tough time for some people to attend an event, but if you are free, the authors will be there for you to meet and, perhaps, sign their books. This is a really interesting and talented group of people that we would love for you to have an opportunity to know. We're sure you will be as impressed as we are with the variety of talent that will be in that room, as well as the immense "nice-ness" of the people! The Midwest, especially the Kansas part of the Midwest, does produce some of the best in both categories. So, please look over this list of Notable Books for 2008 and see if there are a dozen or so you would like to read: American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China - Matthew Polly The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians - Brad Sneed, illustrator Can I Keep My Jersey? 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond - Paul Shirley The Curse of Catunkhamun - Tim Raglin The Farther Shore - Matthew Eck From Emporia: The Story of William Allen White - Beverley O. Buller Hellfire Canyon - Max McCoy Hunger for the Wild: Americas Obsession with the Untamed West - Michael L. Johnson The Kitchen Sink: New and Selected Poems, 1972-2007 - Albert Goldbarth A Matter of Justice: Eisenhower and the Beginning of the Civil Rights Revolution - David A. Nichols The Middle of Somewhere - J. B. Cheaney The Rest of Her Life - Laura Moriarty Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Creatures of the Deep - Michael J. Everhart Storm Chaser: A Photographers Journey - Jim Reed Writing in an Age of Silence - Sara Paretsky Wow! Several of these we've reviewed recently, many more we haven't had a chance to. To look back at what we've written, go to the bookkansas.com web site, click on Email Newsletter in the yellow box, and choose the appropriate month's link. AMERICAN SHAOLIN was discussed in the April newsletter. THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY LIBRARIANS was featured in the December newsletter. Jim Reed's STORM CHASER was one of the coffee table books introduced in January and Sara Paretsky's WRITING IN AN AGE OF SILENCE was one of her two new books we also reviewed in that issue. THE REST OF HER LIFE by Laura Moriarty was in the Reviews by Suz section of the March newsletter. We are also proud supporters of the two illustrators represented in this listing. The granddaughters love their work, but we've said that before - in April. All in all, this is a very eclectic and stimulating representation of the fine quality of Kansas authors and their books. A little quiz: Which author has had two books on the Notable Books list since the awards were begun in 2006? Bring us the answer at our State Fair booth and if you are the first person to do so, you will win a bookmark! Now, on to the Kansas State Fair! We will be in our usual spot in the Sunflower South building right in front of the door opening off the portico between the two Sunflower buildings. We'll have LOTS of books for you to check out and we have commitments from the following authors to do signings: Jerry Engler will be back. He has a new book, and it may be off the press by Fair time. We will have his first two and can arrange to send the third to you with free shipping. Jerry is an excellent story-teller and we're sure this book will be as entertaining as the first two. Don Olson is a new author for us. He has written SAGA OF THE FORT LEAVENWORTH CASTLE, the story of the building and the inhabitants who built it, served time in it and even some who escaped from it. It also debunks some stories about the prison and documents its destruction. Olson, an historian, brings an interesting slice of Kansas life to light. Jim Potter, who has written COP IN THE CLASSROOM will be signing his book sometime during the first weekend of the Fair. To quote his web site, "Educators, police officers, parents, and advocates of children will find this book informative, entertaining and stimulating." It is filled with stories, some funny, some heart-warming and some some truly sad. Anyone concerned with children and schools, will find this well-written account informative and interesting. We don't have the scheduled times nailed down yet and we are hopeful that a few more authors will be available to spend some time in the booth talking to you. But I'm sure that whenever you are in Hutchinson celebrating Kansas agriculture and culture, you will be able to pick up a good book to take home and possibly enjoy a conversation with the author as well! We wonder if these authors would agree with the following quote from John Updike: "I want to write books that unlock the traffic jam in everybody's head." In this crazy, hectic life, that sounds awfully good to us. Whether that is their goal or they had some other end in mind, YOU decide if they've freed your minds to explore new ideas or new joys. Good reading and good cruising! And come see us at the Fair!

Book Kansas! News - June/July 2008

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:16:00 GMT

Just when you thought we'd forgotten you, a new newsletter arrives! We hope your summer is going "swimmingly" (in the very best sense of the word and not as in flooded). Time is flying by and we are working on collecting the books to bring to the Kansas State Fair for you to look over. So many new titles and such interesting and exciting things are happening that it is all going by in a blinding whirl! This is an effort to bring you up-to-date on some exciting news as well as an opportunity to feature an author well worth investigating. So, here goes: First - ANNOUNCEMENTS! The Brad Sneed illustrated book, "The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians" has won the 2008 Read Aloud Book Award/Comstock Book Award (best read-aloud picture book for older children--ages 8-12) from the Curriculum Materials Center of Livingston Lord Library, Minnesota State University, Moorhead. All books nominated for this award are field-tested with children in the target age group. It's no surprise to us that Sneed's book has won. It's a delightfully illustrated story that appeals to children even much younger than 8 and (I have to admit) older than 12! The next Kansas Reads to Preschoolers title has been announced: BEAR FEELS SICK by Karma Wilson Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual project of the Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas. The dates for the event are November 16 - 22. The goal is to have this book read to every preschooler in Kansas during that week. We have copies available and will have some at the Fair. The Big Read in Kansas, sponsored by the National Education Association, involves the following communities. We've also listed the titles that will be discussed in each area along with the dates (if we knew them): Iola (Bowlus Fine Arts Center) - "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Spring '09) Johnson County Library (Shawnee Mission) - "Old School" Junction City (Friends of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library) - "The Call of the Wild" Topeka (Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library) - "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Feb. 2009) Wichita Public Library (Wichita) - "My Antonia" (Oct. 1 - Nov. 15 '08) A REMINDER: The Kansas Big Read for 2009 is scheduled for January 29 - March 15. The selection is, as noted in our last newsletter, THE VIRGIN OF SMALL PLAINS by Nancy Pickard. This event is sponsored by the Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas. Of course, we'll have copies at the Fair booth for you to purchase. Nancy is one of our own and we are very proud to be promoting her book! Second - OUR FEATURED AUTHOR! Dian Curtis Regan is a prolific and delightful author of children to young adult literature. She has written over 40 books, provided essays for eight anthologies and has six new books either coming out or just launched this year. If you have not yet read anything by Dian Curtis Regan, you and any young ones in your life should. She has a very diverse voice and has had many experiences that have translated into a plethora of subjects for her stories. Below is a list of her titles as well as a listing of the anthologies to which she has contributed. Regan was born in Colorado, has lived in several states and in Venzuela before moving with her husband to Kansas. And, we are very grateful that she did because now we can promote and offer her books! Her fantasy books, "Princess Nevermore" and "Cam's Quest," are intriguing visits to surface earth by inhabitants of Mandria, a country created and inhabited by magic people when the earth became unwelcoming. Princess Nevermore is, of course, the next in line for the throne but has a thirst for adventure and an enormous curiosity about the surface world. Her experiences and the later adventures of her best friend, Cam, are inventive, fun and at times tense. They also cast our world and culture in a new light. "Chance," a picture book about a baby who runs away, is delightful and has captured the interest of a couple of granddaughters we know! You, too, will enjoy Chance's breakout from itchy diapers, mushy food, baths, naps and bedtime. "I Know God is Near," another picture book, is about a child camping with her family. Granddaughter Emma received that one as she was about to take her first camping trip and she loved it - and the experience. She still talks about it and that was about a year ago - quite a feat of memory for a 3 1/2 year-old! "The Friendship of Milly and Tug," a first reader book, is the story of a cat and a mouse. It contains five stories with pen-and-ink illustrations that pull a child (aimed at pre-schoolers) in and discuss the difficulties of getting along with others. It's also funny! It was designated "A Junior Library Guild selection, made a Children's Literature Choice Book, was listed as a Los Angeles Times' Recommended Book, was on the New York Public Library's "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" and was a winner (tie) of the Muse Medallion from the Cat Writers' Association for "Best Book of the year featuring a cat." Gosh, with all that to recommend it, how could you go wrong? We could write about many of her books and show you reasons why you just can't miss them, but this newsletter would be way too long if I did that. We would suggest instead, that you look over the following list and see if there is something there that would appeal to you or a young reader in your life. We'll also have several selections at the Kansas State Fair if you would like to look them over. Dian Curtis Regan has a lot to offer and you won't want to miss her stories! Did I also mention that she has red hair and loves Walruses? Here's the list. We know you'll find lots to enjoy! Picture Books: The Thirteen Hours of Halloween Mommies Daddies Dear Dr. Sillybear Eight Nights of Chanukah A Sparkly Christmas Eve How Do You Know It's Halloween Chance How Do You Know It's Easter I Know God is Near Nice Catch Peek-a-Boo Zoo Chapter Books: The Class With the Summer Birthdays The Curse of the Trouble Dolls The Peppermint Race The Friendship of Milly and Tug The World According to Kaley Cyberpals According to Kaley Middle Grade Books: The Kissing Contest Liver Cookies My Zombie Valentine The Vampire Who Came for Christmas Home for the Howl-idays Monster of the Month Monsters in the Attic Monsters in CyberSpace Monsters and My One True Love Ghost Twins - The Mystery at Kickingbird Lake Ghost Twins - The Mystery on Walrus Mountain Ghost Twins - The Mystery of One Wish Pond Ghost Twins - The Missing Moose Mystery Ghost Twins - The Mystery of the Disappearing Dogs Ghost Twins - The Haunted Campground Mystery Ghost Twins - Mystery at Hanover School Ghost Twins - Mystery of the Haunted Castle Fangs-giving Young Adult Novels: I've Got Your Number The Perfect Age Game of Survival Jilly's Ghost Initiation Princess Nevermore Cam's Quest Anthologies: New Year; New Love Dirty Laundry: Stories About Family Secrets Shattered: Stories of Children and War Soul Searching: Thirteen Stories About Faith and Belief Unexpected - 11 Mysterious Stories Period Pieces: Stories for Girls First Crossing - Stories About Teen Immigrants What A Song Can Do - 12 Riffs on the Power of Music Upcoming Titles: Peek-a-Boo Pets - 2008 Peek-a-Boo Forest - 2008 Monster Baby - 2009 Barn Yard Slam - 2009 The Storm Blew Inn - 2010 "Just the knowledge that a good book is waiting at the end of a long day makes that day happier" Kathleen Norris (1880-1966) And we've got just the book to add to your happy day! See you at the Fair!

BookKansas! News - May '08

Thu, 29 May 2008 19:01:00 GMT

We hope your Memorial Day weekend was filled with fun and family and maybe a bit of relaxing with a good book! How about those gas prices?!!!! We can't affect those, but we can present this idea: In these economic times, we wanted to bring to your attention to an absolutely wonderful guide book that you and your family could use to plan "Staycations" that will be interesting, fun and easier on the gas budget. Marci Penner spent two years researching and documenting hundreds of places in our home state that would be unique and - dare I say it - educational for everyone. She also gives excellent directions to every place featured and it is all organized so that you can find the exact area you might want to visit. Denise Neil reviewed the book in the Wichita Eagle in November '05 and had this to say, "The book, which divides the state into six geographical areas, gives a county-by-county, town-by-town description of Kansas attractions, museums, restaurants, stores and more." Penner has filled her colorful book with pictures of many of the things she saw as she traveled to all 627 incorporated towns in Kansas - scenes that whet your appetite to go there and see everything for yourself. But she has an ulterior motive. She was quoted in the Neil article giving her reason for such a huge effort. "It wasn't just, 'Let's write a fun book about what there is to see and do in Kansas,' " Penner said. "It was, 'Let's write a book in a way that will make a difference in the viability of these communities.' " "When you go to every town and you see what's happening, all the struggles, you also see the spirit and the will and the incredible efforts," she said. "There's not money or power or population in small towns, so they get ignored, and that's one of the reasons I want this guidebook to make a difference." Little did Penner foresee the cost of gas in 2008 (did anyone?), but she has handed us an intriguing and extremely useful tool to enable Kansas families to create those so valuable family vacations on a more affordable budget and support the small communities they visit -- all at the same time! We recommend this book with the proverbial FIVE STARS attached. Even if all you do is read about the places Penner showcases, you will enjoy the experience! Penner and her father, Milferd Penner, also started the Kansas Sampler Foundation, "a nonprofit group dedicated to sustaining rural Kansas culture through education." Book Kansas! has had a booth at the Kansas Sampler Festivals several of the years and can heartily recommend the event to anyone looking for a fair that travels to various parts of the state and makes us all feel proud of our home. Unfortunately, Kansas Sampler is over for 2008, but it will be back next year in Concordia on May 2 & 3. See their web site at <a href="http://kansassampler.org">http://kansassampler.org</a> for more projects and activities. It constantly amazes us that Kansans are so talented and diverse in their interests and abilities. "Amazes" may not be the right word here. Perhaps "Fills us with pride" would be a better way to describe our feelings. After six years of ownership of Book Kansas! our admiration has grown even higher than it was in the beginning when we believed there was enough talent and interest here to support this business. We sure haven't been disappointed! Not only are there hundreds of authors who call Kansas home, there are hundreds of wonderful authors with lots of talent and lots to say! One of the best vacations may just be a week in a peaceful place (home?) with a pile of books you've been wanting to read - all by Kansans or set in our beautiful state! It's worth considering -- and we can help! And did you hear . . . ? The Kansas Center for the Book, part of the Kansas State Library, has won a national award for its innovative promotion of reading literacy programs for readers of all ages, presented by The Boorstin Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in Washington DC. This prestigious award was given to three state centers and we are so proud that Kansas was one. The center's role is to promote Kansas books, authors, libraries, booksellers, publishers and the book community, and to foster awareness of literacy and the literary heritage of the state. Obviously, it is doing an outstanding job! You can get more information on the Center's programs at their web site: <a href="http://skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/kcfb/">http://skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/kcfb/</a> We are enthusiastic Charter Affiliate members of the Kansas Center for the Book and participate on the Notable Books Recommendation Committee and in the promotion of the Kansas Reads books (for 2009 it's "Virgin of Small Plains" by Nancy Pickard). Of course, we also promote Kansas authors and books about our beloved state. We will close with this thought: "Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in my library are books that other folks have lent me." ~Anatole France So, get your own copy of the Kansas Guide for Explorers, write your name in it and get out there and enjoy your summer vacation! We'll be looking for you!

Book Kansas! News - April 2008

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:57:00 GMT

Yes, this is the April edition of the Book Kansas! newsletter. See, it's still April! Since this is the beginning of the end of school years across the country, I thought you might enjoy this quote to keep everything in perspective: "A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library." ~Shelby Foote and that you could also identify with the cynicism of this gentleman: "There are 70 million books in American libraries, but the one I want to read is always out." ~Tom Masson Can you tell we attended the Librarian's Conference this month? It was so good to see and talk to so many book lovers - many who are old friends. Lots of good stories are heading to your local libraries as a result. Enjoy! Once again, we are in a quandary about which titles to introduce to you. There are soooo many good ones and new ones that we have found, but isn't that a nice problem to have? For the women of you who like poetry, a new book entitled, "Doggerel, Catharsis and Poetry" by Wichitan Marjorie Rine may be just what you are looking for. We read it to begin with because of the statement on the back of the book! (Covers tell us so much!) The author hooked us with, "Marjorie Rine was born in Kansas a great number of years ago, the fifth of six children. Her early years were spent in total confusion because her older brother had convinced her that she was Chinese. He had given her a clipping from the local newspaper which stated that every fifth child born in the United States was Chinese. Due to her mother's innate gift of psychology, she was finally convinced that she did, indeed, belong to the family. After the trauma was settled, life became reasonably normal with few residual pains. She and her husband, Jack Rine, a U.S. Marine wounded off Okinawa, raised three sons. Mr. Rine died in 1995. Marge (as she is called by everyone but her family) enjoys an ongoing, though, unfruitful, attempt at gardening, reading eighteenth century literature, travel and family activities. Note: As she grew older and realized the brilliance of those whom she had met in the community who were Chinese, she was sorry that she had been disillusioned." After that, we couldn't help but read her book and found that we enjoyed the poetry very much. She has a unique way of saying what most women have experienced that allows you to not only recognize the moment, but to laugh at it and yourself. Now, I don't mean to be sexist and indicate this book is only for women. It can also give the men in our lives a little insight, but the women will especially enjoy Rine's perspective. We also would like to recommend "American Shaolin" by Matthew Polly. Mr. Polly grew up in Topeka, a 98-pound weakling tormented by schoolyard bullies. His solution: go to China and learn Kung Fu from the Shaolin Monks at the monastery home that spawned this particular type of martial art as well as Zen Buddhism. This is the story of his experiences on the road to spiritual and physical development that allowed him to become enough of an expert to, "defend the Temple's honor in a no-rules challenge match, rescue a friend who had crossed an underworld gangster, and fight in one of China's national tournaments." (Again, quoted from the back cover.) And he tells it all with humor, honesty and insight. The reader also learns a great deal about life inside China during the first two years of the Clinton presidency here. Polly offers an affectionate, yet sometimes cynical, account of life in a monastery under a Communist regime. His insights give us a better understanding of the China we are increasingly doing business with in a very enjoyable style that keeps you reading the next paragraph, the next page, and then the next chapter. Well worth the read. And for the children - two illustrators whose work makes their books delightful to children of all ages: Brad Sneed and Tim Raglin. Here is a list of titles they've created with special emphasis on their newest and, in our opinion, best. The starred titles have been tested by two 3-1/2 year-olds and embraced -- over and over! Brad Sneed: (These are all illustrated by Sneed and some are authored by him. I've listed the authors as well.) Lucky Russell - Brad Sneed Turkey in the Straw - Barbara Shook Hazen The Legend of the Cranberry: A Paleo-Indian Tale - Ellin Green When the Fly Flew In - Lisa Westberg Peters I Heard Said the Bird - Polly Berien Berends * Grandpa's Song - Tony Johnston The Unbeatable Bread - Lyn Littlefield Hoops Higgins Bend Song and Dance - Jaqueline Briggs Martin The Pumpkin Runner - Marsha Diane Arnold Watch Out For Bears!: The Adventures of Harry and Bruno - Ferida Wolff Strange and Wonderful Tale of Robert McDoodle: The Boy Who Wanted to be a Dog - Steven Bauer Smoky Mountain Rose: An Appalachian Cinderella - Alan Schroeder The Bravest of Us All - Marsha Diane Arnold Sorry - Jean Van Leeuwen Picture a Letter - Brad Sneed When Wishes Were Horses - Sharon Addy Aesop's Fables - Brad Sneed Thumbelina - Brad Sneed * Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper - Brad Sneed * The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians - Carla D. Morgan Big Bad Wolves at School - Stephen Krensky He also illustrated a book about basements, but it's not a children's title, so isn't included here. We've featured "The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians" before, so there's not much left to say about this favorite. But all who know Sneed's work know that any of the titles will be fun for children to "read." Tim Raglin: (Again, Tim is the illustrator, but sometimes the author. I've listed the authors here, as well.) Soldiers Three: The Story of the Gadsbys in Black and White - Rudyard Kipling Sidekicks, Or, a Merger of Marvelous Magnitude - Anne Croswell Deputy Dan Gets His Man - Joseph Rosenbloom The Elephant's Child from the Just So Stories - Rudyard Kipling How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin from the Just So Stories - Rudyard Kipling How the Camel Got His Hump from the Just So Stories - Rudyard Kipling A Gingerbread Christmas - Eric Metaxas Five Funny Frights - Judith Bauer Stamper * The Birthday ABC - Eric Metaxas Five Goofy Ghosts - Judith Bauer Stamper Jumbled Tumbled Tales and Rhymes: Goldilocks Is - Tim Raglin Five Creepy Creatures - Judith Bauer Stamper Pecos Bill - Brian Gleeson Deputy Dan and the Bank Robbers - Joseph Rosenbloom The World's Best Dog-Walker - Pam Zollman The Thirteen Days of Halloween - Carol Greene Five Haunted Houses - Judith Bauer Stamper A Cat of a Different Color - Steven Bauer * The Wolf Who Cried Boy - Bob Hartman Go Track a Yak - Tony Johnston Scared Silly Stories to Make You Gasp and Giggle - Judith Bauer * Bill in a China Shop - Katie McAllaster Weaver Cowboy Jose - Susan Middleton Elya The Well-Mannered Monster - Marcy Brown, Dennis Haley * Dinner in the Lions' Den - Bob Hartman Uncle Mugsey and the Terrible Twins of Christmas - Tim Raglin * The Curse of Catunkhamun - Tim Raglin "The Birthday ABC" was given to granddaughter, Emma, and she has spent much time looking at the beautiful and detailed illustrations. They are so intricate that she also likes to make up stories based on them. Raglin's work is truly inspiring as well as illustrative of some very good stories! Just a warning: Some of these titles aren't available any longer except in a library. However, I've listed them chronologically by publication date so anything near the bottom of the list we can probably get for you. It is so nice to have such beautiful books to offer by such talented Kansans! And finally . . . "Just the knowledge that a good book is waiting at the end of a long day makes that day happier" Kathleen Norris (1880-1966) Here's hoping your day is happier for a good book. If not, call us. We've got lots!

BookKansas! News March 2008 Redux

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:28:00 GMT

To: BookKansasNews From: <a href="mailto:bookkansas@chuzibooks.com">bookkansas@chuzibooks.com</a> Subject: BookKansas! News March 2008 Post St. Patrick's Day and Easter Greetings! I hope your holidays were full of family, fun and books! We have lined up several events over the year to meet you and show you many new books. If we are in your area, we hope you will be able to come see us. Look for us at: 1) Librarians Conference - April 9-11, Century 21, Wichita 2) Kansas Sampler - May 3-4, City Park, Concordia 3) Kansas State Fair - September 5-14, Sunflower South 4) River City Reading Festival - September 27, Public Library, Lawrence ANNOUNCING!!!! The next Kansas Reads selection has been made and it is (drum roll, please): NANCY PICKARD's "VIRGIN OF SMALL PLAINS"! She will be signing her book(s) at a special event during the Librarian's Conference and we, along with another bookseller, will be there with a selection of her other titles as well. If you are lucky enough to be a librarian, come and meet Nancy Pickard and have her sign a book for you. She is a very interesting lady and an excellent author! We, again, are proud of our Kansas-connected authors. I have read Nancy's books for a number of years and enjoyed them immensely, but I didn't realize she was from Kansas. Then I saw a magazine article about her that stated she lived in Prairie Village and was so excited I called Suzi immediately to inform her that we needed to stock up on her titles! If you like really good mysteries, you will like this really good mystery author! Here's a list of titles we will be offering: The Jennie Cain Series: The Marie Lightfoot Series: Generous Death The Whole Truth Say No to Murder Ring of Truth No Body The Truth Hurts Marriage Is Murder Dead Crazy And, of course: Bum Steer (set in Kansas) The Virgin of Small Plains I.O.U. But I Wouldn't Want to Die There And maybe: Confession A Scent of Rain and Lightning Twilight (new in 2008) Also for those of you who are attending the upcoming conference, at the "Dessert With Kansas Authors" event (Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m.) the following authors will be present to talk about and sign their books. Come prepared to enjoy getting to know some of Kansas' finest! Alice Bertels - John Steuart Curry: The Road Home Roy Bird - many titles including: Civil War and the Indian Wars Bev Buller - From Emporia Patricia Davids - The Color of Courage and Military Daddy Mike Everhart - Oceans of Kansas Steve Hind - The Loose Change of Wonder Jim Hoy - many titles including: Flint Hills Cowboys: Tales of the Tallgrass Prairie Denise Low - Prairie Alchemist Dandi Mackall - many titles for children, teens and adults including: Silent Dreams, Are We There Yet?, Dandelion Rhymes, Rudy Rides the Rails, Crazy in Love, Larger Than Life Lara, Eva Underground, Jazz Off Key Lowell May & Mark Schock - Prisoner's of War in Kansas 1943-1946 Max McCoy - many titles including: Hellfire Canyon, I, Quantrill Nancy Pickard - many titles including: Virgin of Small Plains Jim Potter - Cop in the Classroom Michael Pritchett - The Melancholy Fate of Capt. Lewis Tim Raglin - Uncle Mugsy and the Terrible Twins of Christmas, The Curse of Catunkhamun, The Wolf Who Cried Boy, Bill in a China Shop, The Thirteen Days of Halloween, The Birthday ABC and Go Track a Yak Dian Curtis Regan - many titles including: Princess Nevermore, Cam's Quest Rudy Taylor - Light on Main Street: Storytelling by a Country Newspaper Editor Eileen Umbehr - Small Town Showdown But, if you aren't a librarian, you can still encounter a really good new book! We recommend "Storm Chaser" by Jim Reed. He is a world famous photographer and, of all things, a storm chaser who actually lives in Wichita. (We don't think we can claim to be the storm center of the world, but sometimes it seems like it!) To view some of what is in the book go to: <a href="http://www.stormchaserbook.com/">http://www.stormchaserbook.com/</a> or Reed's website at: <a href="http://www.jimreedphoto.com/">http://www.jimreedphoto.com/</a> We will also have a copy of it at each festival for you to peruse - and purchase. Also, check out our web site for ways to order it. (www.bookkansas.com) Next a review, From Kansas ~ NOW ~ written by Suzi Laura Moriarity ~ from Barnes & Noble Meet the Writer ~ "Named one of the writers to watch in Book magazine's special "Newcomers" issue, Laura Moriarty quickly became known as a literary superstar with her debut novel, "The Center of Everything" drawing acclaim." A Little Bit About Laura, from Laura's website... She earned a degree is social work before returning for her M.A. in Creative Writing at the University of Kansas. She was the recipient of the George Bennett Fellowship for Creative Writing at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. She currently lives with her daughter in Lawrence, Kansas, and is at work on her next novel. AND NOW! Her newest novel, "The Rest of Her Life" ~ a story that intertwines the lives of several women in a close-knit community and the dynamics of their relationships: mother to daughter, friend to friend, teacher to student and parent to teacher in the past and in the present. And what about their future? The opening scene involves an auto accident where a young girl is killed ~ one death but many victims ~ and the narrator struggles to figure how this will affect "The Rest of Her Life." On a scale of 1-5 Book Worms (5 being the highest rating) I give this one 4.5 Book Worms! From Kansas ~ THEN ~ from Webster's Dictionary of American Writers Vernon Louis Parrington (b. August 3, 1871, Aurora, Illinois - d. June 16, 1929, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, England) ~ Writer and teacher noted for his far-reaching appraisal of American literary history. Parrington was educated at the College of Emporia (yes, Emporia, KS about the same time that other writer Wm Allen White was there) and Harvard University, and later taught principally at the University of Washington (1908-1929). His major work on American literary history was published in Main Currents in American Thought, and won a Pulitzer Prize. The incomplete third volume was published posthumously in 1930. The work, now regarded as a classic, represents an interpretation of the development of American thought through its literature, in terms of the concept of democratic idealism. He also wrote The Connecticut Wits (1926) and Sinclair Lewis, Our Own Diogenes (1927). And Finally: "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." ~~John Adams We like this quote and decided to use it since the new audio-book with HBO movie tie-in about Adams (by David McCullough) just came out . . . wish one of them was a Kansan! Maybe John Adams would have been if he'd been born when there was a Kansas . . . hmmmm? Good times and good reading!

BookKansas! News March 2008

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:16:00 GMT

Post St. Patricks Day and Easter Greetings! I hope your holidays were full of family, fun and books! We have lined up several events over the year to meet you and show you many new books. If we are in your area, we hope you will be able to come see us. Look for us at: 1) Librarians Conference April 9-11, Century 21, Wichita 2) Kansas Sampler May 3-4, City Park, Concordia 3) Kansas State Fair September 5-14, Sunflower South 4) River City Reading Festival September 27, Public Library, Lawrence ANNOUNCING!!!! The next Kansas Reads selection has been made and it is (drum roll, please): NANCY PICKARDs VIRGIN OF SMALL PLAINS! She will be signing her book(s) at a special event during the Librarians Conference and we, along with another bookseller, will be there with a selection of her other titles as well. If you are lucky enough to be a librarian, come and meet Nancy Pickard and have her sign a book for you. She is a very interesting lady and an excellent author! We, again, are proud of our Kansas-connected authors. I have read Nancys books for a number of years and enjoyed them immensely, but I didnt realize she was from Kansas. Then I saw a magazine article about her that stated she lived in Prairie Village and was so excited I called Suzi immediately to inform her that we needed to stock up on her titles! If you like really good mysteries, you will like this really good mystery author! Heres a list of titles we will be offering: The Jennie Cain Series: The Marie Lightfoot Series: Generous Death The Whole Truth Say No to Murder Ring of Truth No Body The Truth Hurts Marriage Is Murder Dead Crazy And, of course: Bum Steer (set in Kansas) The Virgin of Small Plains I.O.U. But I Wouldn't Want to Die There And maybe: Confession A Scent of Rain and Lightening Twilight (new in 2008) Also for those of you who are attending the upcoming conference, at the Dessert With Kansas Authors event (Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m.) the following authors will be present to talk about and sign their books. Come prepared to enjoy getting to know some of Kansas finest! Alice Bertels John Steuart Curry: The Road Home Roy Bird many titles including: Civil War and the Indian Wars Bev Buller From Emporia Patricia Davids The Color of Courage and Military Daddy Mike Everhart Oceans of Kansas Steve Hind The Loose Change of Wonder Jim Hoy many titles including: Flint Hills Cowboys: Tales of the Tallgrass Prairie Denise Low Prairie Alchemist Dandi Mackall many titles for children, teens and adults including: Silent Dreams, Are We There Yet?, Dandelion Rhymes, Rudy Rides the Rails, Crazy in Love, Larger Than Life Lara, Eva Underground, Jazz Off Key Lowell May & Mark Schock Prisoners of War in Kansas 1943-1946 Max McCoy many titles including: Hellfire Canyon, I, Quantrill Nancy Pickard many titles including: Virgin of Small Plains Jim Potter Cop in the Classroom Michael Pritchett The Melancholy Fate of Capt. Lewis Tim Raglin Uncle Mugsy and the Terrible Twins of Christmas, The Curse of Catunkhamun, The Wolf Who Cried Boy, Bill in a China Shop, The Thirteen Days of Halloween, The Birthday ABC and Go Track a Yak Dian Curtis Regan many titles including: Princess Nevermore, Cams Quest Rudy Taylor Light on Main Street: Storytelling by a Country Newspaper Editor Eileen Umbehr Small Town Showdown But, if you arent a librarian, you can still encounter a really good new book! We recommend Storm Chaser by Jim Reed. He is a world famous photographer and, of all things, a storm chaser who actually lives in Wichita. (We dont think we can claim to be the storm center of the world, but sometimes it seems like it!) To view some of what is in the book go to: <a href="http://www.stormchaserbook.com/">http://www.stormchaserbook.com/</a> or Reeds website at <a href="http://www.jimreedphoto.com/">http://www.jimreedphoto.com/</a> We will also have a copy of it at each festival for you to peruse and purchase. Also, check out our web site for ways to order it. (www.bookkansas.com) Next a review, From Kansas ~ NOW ~ written by Suzi Laura Moriarity ~ from Barnes & Noble Meet the Writer ~ "Named one of the writers to watch in Book magazine's special "Newcomers" issue, Laura Moriarty quickly became known as a literary superstar with her debut novel The Center of Everything drawing acclaim." A Little Bit About Laura, from Laura's website... She earned a degree is social work before returning for her M.A. in Creative Writing at the University of Kansas. She was the recipient of the George Bennett Fellowship for Creative Writing at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. She currently lives with her daughter in Lawrence, Kansas, and is at work on her next novel. AND NOW! Her newest novel, The Rest of Her Life ~ a story that intertwines the lives of several women in a close-knit community and the dynamics of their relationships: mother to daughter, friend to friend, teacher to student and parent to teacher in the past and in the present. And what about their future? The opening scene involves an auto accident where a young girl is killed ~ one death but many victims ~ and the narrator struggles to figure how this will affect The Rest of Her Life. On a scale of 1-5 Book Worms (5 being the highest rating) I give this one 4.5 Book Worms! From Kansas ~ THEN ~ from Webster's Dictionary of American Writers Vernon Louis Parrington (b. August 3, 1871, Aurora, Illinois - d. June 16, 1929, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, England) ~ Writer and teacher noted for his far-reaching appraisal of American literary history. Parrington was educated at the College of Emporia (yes, Emporia, KS about the same time that other writer Wm Allen White was there) and Harvard University, and later taught principally at the University of Washington (1908-1929). His major work on American literary history was published in Main Currents in American Thought, and won a Pulitzer Prize. The incomplete third volume was published posthumously in 1930. The work, now regarded as a classic, represents an interpretation of the development of American thought through its literature, in terms of the concept of democratic idealism. He also wrote The Connecticut Wits (1926) and Sinclair Lewis, Our Own Diogenes (1927). And Finally: "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." ~~John Adams We like this quote and decided to use it since the new audio-book with HBO movie tie-in about Adams (by David McCullough) just came out . . . wish one of them was a Kansan! Maybe John Adams would have been if hed been born when there was a Kansas . . . hmmmm? Good times and good reading!

Book Kansas! News

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Happy February - uh MARCH! Never follow a story with a question ~ not immediately and remember to acknowledge the storyteller for in some way even the messenger is affected by the story he brings... ~~from Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear You may wonder why I'm quoting Jacqueline Winspear here since she's not a Kansas author, but I am excited about her. She's coming to a bookstore near me to sign her latest book and I am going to be able to go hear her. You see, I am a true bibliophile and that has lead me to a position as co-owner of this book business! But back to the quote: We have so many talented authors connected to Kansas who we, because of our business, sometimes get a chance to meet and ask questions of. I do have many questions, but when I meet them, I find that I really would rather just listen to them. I'd like to know their personal stories and the stories behind their work. I'd like to know how the message has affected them. The exciting part is that when I meet an author whose work I really like, I usually really like them, too. We are both really proud of the creative, talented people who were born in, who live in, and who have lived in Kansas. We love being able to show them off, point to them and say with glee, these are Kansans and they've made our lives more interesting! And onward: Since the very Kansas William Allen White Awards are due to be announced in the near future (April, we think), we thought you might enjoy seeing a list of the nominees for 2007-2008. We have a Kansas author included! But we can order any of the titles you might see and want to read or gift. (Again, the bibliophiles reveal their obsession with good - really good - books! Yes, we must admit, we've ordered one or two of these ourselves.) Grades 3-5: The Penderwicks; a Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy - Jeanne Birdsall The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs. Betty G. Birney The Journey That Saved Curious George; the True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey - Louise Borden Shanghai Messenger - Andrea Cheng The Missing Manatee - Cynthia DeFelice Lowji Discovers America - Candace Fleming Moon Runner - Carolyn Marsden A Dogs Life; the Autobiography of a Stray - Ann M. Martin Let Them Play - Margot Theis Raven The Flag With Fifty-six Stars; a Gift From the Survivors of Mauthausen - Susan Goldman Rubin Each Little Bird That Sings - Deborah Wiles Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds; the Sammy Lee Story - Paula Yoo Grades 6-8: The Naked Mole Rat Letters - Mary Amato Wing Nut - Mary Jane Auch On Etruscan Time - Tracy Barrett Shakespeares Secret - Elise Broach The Misadventures of Maude March; or Trouble Rides a Fast Horse - Audrey Couloumbis The Sacrifice - Kathleen Benner Duble Princess Academy - Shannon Hale Airball; My Life in Briefs - L. D. Harkrader - ******* Kansas Notable Book for 2006! See review below. Out of Order - Betty Hicks Defiance - Valerie Hobbs Project Mulberry - Linda Sue Park Black Storm Comin - Diane Lee Wilson Adam Canfield of the Slash - Michael Winerip Did you grow up in Kansas? Do you know what the William Allen White Awards are? Do any other states' children vote on the titles? If you can't answer any one of these questions, you might want to investigate the official William Allen White Award web site. It is www.emporia.edu/libsv/wawbookaward/masterlists/list08-09.htm Also, if you're curious about this son of Kansas for whom the awards are named, you will want to check out "From Emporia" by Beverley Bueller. She is a school librarian at Newton's Chisholm Middle School - yes, Newton, Kansas. Her website is: www.newton.k12.ks.us/sch/ch/From%20Emporia.htm She has many informational links with interesting facts about Mr. White that you can read while awaiting your copy of "From Emporia"! I know we had a short synopsis of "Airball" in the December newsletter, but here is a more in-depth review. We really are proud of this author and find this book good fun. See the web site for exciting news about pre-ordering the new paperback edition! ~~Review by Su Kirby Nickel goes out for basketball simply to prove that a famous NBA player is his Dad. An unusual coaching technique (playing in their underwear) brings the seventh graders to victory and brings Kirby to the Dad he is looking for, but not the guy playing for the NBA. This great first book is so fresh and fun that it was an easy choice as one of the Notable Books in Kansas for 2006. Written for about the 6th - 8th grade, anyone of any age who picks it up will need to finish it before putting it down! Please check out our web site (www.chuzibooks.com). We have added new information that you might enjoy. We've added a new featured author with reviews of two of her latest works. When you do read them, remember this quote: "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." ~~John Adams This is our wish for you this sometimes dreary time of year: DARE!

Book Kansas! News

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:54:00 GMT

Happy 2008! We hope you've had a wonderful holiday filled with family and rest and fun and BOOKS! And now we hope you are involved in work you love and have found time to set apart for yourself. Featured this month are two new coffee table books and two new Sarah Paretsky ones. What? You didn't know Sarah Paretsky was from Kansas? Well, she is - even though most people think she is from Chicago. She does live in Chicago now, but her roots are buried deep in Kansas. These two new books are strongly based on those roots and will be especially enjoyable to fans who know Kansas. First the coffee table books: "The Prairie Table Cookbook" by Bill Kurtis ~ $29.95 ~ Hardcover ~ #210495 "The Prairie Table Cookbook" provides both a fascinating history book and functional cookbook of great tasting recipes Tallgrass Beef represents a return to classic ranching: grass-fed, grass-finished cattle that produce meat that consistently tastes better and is better for you than grain-fed modern methods realize. Statistics show that demand for organic and natural food is increasing 20 percent per year, and Tallgrass itself is growing 20 percent each month. The Prairie Table Cookbook will immerse readers in the cowboys world, with anecdotes, letters and photographs from the heyday of the Kansas cattle trade. Historical recipes from the trail sit next to their modern equivalents, using Tallgrass Beef. Celebrity chefs, such as Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill, supply their favorite recipes and insights about the grass-fed beef movement. Kansan Bill Kurtis, as many of you may know, has been in television journalism for over 30 years, on CBS and A&E as well as at the anchor desk at WBBM-TV Chicago. Currently, Bills creative efforts are focused on Kurtis Productions, Ltd, and he has become one of the countrys foremost producers of documentaries for television. In 2005 Bill founded the Tallgrass Beef Company devoted to grass-fed cattle ranching. Co-author, Michelle M. Martin, is an instructor, photographer and founder of Discovering History, LLC, devoted to preserving the past through living history, research, public speaking, photography and videography. Obviously this book is authoritatively written and also quite beautiful. A picture of the cover is posted on our web site: bookkansas.com Another coffee table book that will be of particular interest to Kansans is "Storm Chaser: A Photographers Journal" by Jim Reed ~ $35.00 ~ Hardcover ~ #993921 Jim Reed is recognized as one of the world's most accomplished weather photographers for his one-of-a-kind images of America's changing climate. A veteran full-time storm chaser, Jim has spent nearly two decades documenting almost every type of meteorological phenomena -- including tornadoes, blizzards, electrical storms and floods. He has documented 15 hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina -- the costliest tropical cyclone ever to strike the United States. In 2004, he penetrated the eye of all four major hurricanes to strike Florida. Jim's approach to weather photography has been singled out as one of the most unique and interpretive amongst photographers today. He has appeared live on every major American television network to discuss severe weather, storm chasing and global warming. Jim has co-authored the best-seller "Hurricane Katrina: Through the Eyes of Storm Chasers" (Farcountry Press; with Mike Theiss), and "The Wonders of Weather" (Farcountry Press). Jim currently lives in Wichita, Kansas. A picture of his book cover is also posted on our web site. Sarah Paretsky's new titles include one novel and one book exploring the political aspects of writing in the current atmosphere of fear and terrorism. The novel is set in Kansas and the other book is firmly rooted in the values instilled in her youth and childhood in Kansas. "Bleeding Kansas" by Sara Paretsky ~ $25.95 ~ Hardcover ~ #154058 A Novel set in the Kaw River Valley where Paretsky grew up, "Bleeding Kansas" is the story of the Schapens and the Grelliers, two farm families whose histories have been entwined since the 1850s, when their ancestors settled the valley as antislavery emigrants. Today, the Schapen family, terrified by the lawlessness of the 1970s - when Lawrence was the most violent college town in the nation - has turned to that old-time religion for security. The Schapens keep a close eye on all their neighbors, most especially the Grelliers. They maintain careful track of everyone's misdeeds, printing the most egregious on their family website. When Gina Haring, a Wiccan, moves into an empty farmhouse and starts practicing pagan rites, the family members are so outraged that they begin an active harassment campaign against the Wiccans. "Writing in an Age of Silence" ~ $22.95 ~ Hardcover ~ #671229 Sara explores the traditions of political and literary dissent that have formed her life and work, against the unparalleled repression of free speech and thought in the US today. In tracing the writers difficult journey from silence to speech, she turns to her childhood and youth in rural Kansas, and brilliantly evokes Chicagothe city with which she has become indelibly associatedfrom her arrival during the civil-rights struggle in the mid-1960s to her most extraordinary literary creation, the south-side detective V I Warshawski. Calling all poetry lovers - a new feature on our web site (bookkansas.com) is the Poetry Corner. We have so many really fine poets in our state that we are able to bring you a wonderful selection to savor on these long winter nights. Indulge yourself! And, finally, this review of a not-new, but wonderful children's book by Jane Kurtz - "Rain Romp" Weve all had them very bad days and the heroine of this story is no exception. She wakes one morning to find a cloudy, rainy morning and her mood fits right in. Nothing her parents can do changes her attitude and Mother Nature isnt trying. Then, in a fit of pique, she slams out of bed, stomps down the stairs, crashes out the door and lets those rain puddles know what she thinks of them she stomps them for all shes worth. Then a funny thing happens. In the midst of all that stomping and snarling, she starts to enjoy herself. Her parents, seeing the fun shes having, join her and they splash and stomp until they are soaked and the rain stops. By the time they go inside to wrap in towels and drink warm drinks, they are laughing and enjoying their day together. She then realizes a valuable truth. No matter what kind of day she is having, her family will always be there to walk through it with her. And with those final words, Jane Kurtz delivers a colorful, li vely story that touches the reader and gives children a supportive and loving message about family. Emma loves this book almost as much as her Grandmother! Consider this quote: "There are 70 million books in American libraries, but the one I want to read is always out." (Tom Masson, an American editor and author, born in Essex, Connecticut. He became literary editor of "Life" in 1893 and a regular contributor of humorous articles to various magazines.) If that happens to you, you can always come to us! Happy New Year and Happy Reading! FYI: Shipping and Handling ~ the shipping and handling fee for orders is $3.00 for the first book & $.50 for each additional book, with a maximum of $5.00 for 6-10 books. Orders of 11-20 books will be charged an additional $2.00. 20+ orders, there is no additional shipping and handling. All orders sent by a Kansan as a gift or to a Kansan must pay sales tax on both books and shipping and handling. Retail Sales Tax ~ For those orders mailed outside of Kansas, at this time, there will be no retail sales tax charged. For orders within Kansas or orders for Kansans to be sent as gifts to others, we must, by state law, charge you the retail sales tax amount where you reside. For example, Wichita residents pay 7.3% sales tax and Hutchinson residents pay 7.05%.

(no subject)

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:21:00 GMT

Finally, we are getting the Newsletter up and running again! Sorry for the long delay between issues. Hopefully that will be a thing of the past. Life is hectic and we hope you will enjoy taking a few minutes away from the race you are running to share and browse with us. We have sooooo many new titles and wonderful books for you to consider, that we're going to pack this issue with reviews so you will have some really exciting things to think about as you plan your winter's reading list. Also, keep these in mind as you think about gifts for that avid reader - or even beginning reader. There's a wonderful new book in Emma & Bella's corner on www.bookkansas.com that the girls just love to have read to them. There's also a short review below. Check it out! "Ogallala Blue: Water and Life on the High Plains" - William Ashworth **Notable Book 2007** How an underground freshwater sea has impacted life in western Kansas and all of the Plains states and how its depletion will impact the lives of everyone who lives on or near it. Sounds dry, doesn't it? I have to admit to you that I started reading this intending to skim the high points so that I could guide people to the book when they were interested in this type of topic. Boy, was I in for a surprise! I couldn't skim it, I couldn't even put it down. It is so well written in a personal, narrative style that keeps readers wanting to know what was going to happen next. It is not a "doom & gloom" recital of the fearful future, but rather a balanced and understandable explanation of the Ogallala Aquifer, its origins, its maintenance and its use. Yes, it also talks about its over-use, but sanely and rationally. It's a book everyone who lives in any of the states it supplies, including Western Kansas, ought to know about and most should read. "Afoot: A Tale of the Great Dakota Turkey Drive" - George Brandsberg **Notable Book 2007** This is a fun read about a young man who joins a cattle drive herding a flock of turkeys across the plains in 1876! One summary I read called it "reminiscent of Tom Sawyer," and in many ways it was. There were several personalities in the story that you liked a lot, several you could dislike and some that even inhabited both categories by the story's end. Mostly, though, I enjoyed the insight to a bit of history I hadn't even thought about, let alone read anything on -- where do you suppose the early pioneers got turkeys for their Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners? They didn't bring them west on their prairie schooners! "The Loose Change of Wonder" - Steven Hind **Notable Book 2007** Calling all poets and poetry lovers - this is a well-written, emotionally laid back collection that brings you a new vision of the state and its people. The language is beautiful and so well-wrought that I would often stop my family in the middle of a meal or a conversation to read a particularly fluid passage that painted a new picture or flowed through my mind in such a special way that I just couldn't keep it to myself. Kansans will identify with Hind's work and appreciate his perspective. "I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" - Ally Carter **Notable Book 2007** The adventures of a teenage student at a girl's boarding school for spies in training, this book will delight almost any teen girl. It is funny, full of the trials of those hectic years and completely removed from reality -- thus a perfect escape. And evidently Disney thinks so too, because they have optioned it to create a movie. I certainly hope they do make the picture because I want to go see it! Okay, I'm not a teen, but I used to be! "Shanghai Shadows" - Lois Ruby **Notable Book 2007** A young European Jewish girl flees with her family to World War II China seeking a better life. This is by one of the state's best-known young adult authors and deals with a little-known piece of history. It is well-researched and sympathetically written so that you feel as if you have at least seen it all first hand - if not lived through some of the hardships it portrays. In some respects it is reminiscent of "The Diary of Anne Frank," but with a happier ending. That doesn't mean Ruby white-washed the experience, it just means that it is a little easier to come away from with hope. "Not Afraid of Dogs" - Susanne Pitzer **Notable Book 2007** A children's book about a youngster who overcomes a childhood fear, this is a book that has it all: the patient but a bit oblivious mother; the sarcastic, tattle-tale big sister; the caring but disbelieving dad and the young boy who "isn't afraid of anything!" My granddaughter latched onto this book because it is about a dog and she adores dogs. We were hesitant to read it to her because fear of dogs is a concept she hadn't encountered before and we didn't want to stir up a problem. However, once I did read it to her, I had to read it to her about 50 more times in the course of the Kansas State Fair. She loved it and really got that fears are often misunderstandings that can be overcome! Thank you Ms. Pitzer for a really good life lesson for all of us! "John Steuart Curry: The Road Home" - Alice Bertels **Notable Book 2007** A children's biography of the famous Kansas artist that is easy to follow, factual and gives good insight - not to mention illustrations - of an important figure in Kansas culture. I must admit that I didn't know Curry was from Kansas, but this book opens his story and his work for every child whose heritage Curry inhabits - even ones who are well beyond childhood! "The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians" - Carla Morris - Illustrated by Brad Sneed The story of a little boy who got enthusiastic help from his friendly librarians anytime he needed it for a project. They'd help him with the research and ideas and he always did well. Then, when he grew up, he helped other children with their projects as a - Guess? - LIBRARIAN! This is a delightful story, beautifully and colorfully drawn and well written. The girls LOVE IT! So will the boys. That's important to me because I'm going to be a Grammy again! This time its a BOY! We could go on and on, but maybe this is enough to read for this time. We think the following quote says it very well and sometimes we just have to take ourselves to a quiet corner and delve into a good book to get our perspective back! Good Christmas preparation and good reading! Books support us in our solitude and keep us from being a burden to ourselves. ~Jeremy Collier