February Newsletter

Happy Valentine’s Day! Join us for a special Story Time on Tuesday, February 14, at 11:00AM and make valentines for family and friends.

Upcoming Events

Looking forward to the next Dr. Seuss movie? So are we!

Come to a special Lorax movie release event on 2/17 @ 3pm. Emerging local costumed literacy advocate Ashley Sargeant will do a special reading of the Lorax. Look forward to cookies and fun!

There will also be free movie screening tickets available while supplies last- In addition to bookmarks, activity sheets and a raffle for free tshirts!

Ongoing Events

Betsy Dischel of Musikal Magic will be our guest storyteller @ 11:00AM, Wednesdays, February 8 and February 22. Sing, dance and share stories in Hebrew, American Sign Language, and Spanish with the incredible Betsy. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle..

Katy Webber, from Musikal Magic, will join us again @ 11:00AM, Saturday, February 11. Good songs and great fun with Katy.

Save the Date

INSIDE STORY is coming to Mockingbird Books April 25, from 6PM-9PM.
Many of our wonderful local authors will be here to talk about their new books! We hosted this annual event two years ago and it was fantastic.

Staff Picks

Sue’s Picks (Chapter Books)

I have fallen in love with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson all over again due to the new movies about Sherlock, and the new modern series from BBC on PBS called Sherlock. But most of all, because during the snow storm in Seattle I read A. Horowitz’s House of Silk, perfect for young adults and adults. Young children can begin with Tracy Barrett’s series the Sherlock Files. This series involves the great, great, great grandchildren of Sherlock Holmes. Start with the 100 Year Old Secret. Older children enjoy Nancy Springer’s series about Holmes’ younger sister, Enola. The Case of the Left Handed Lady is book number 1.

Linda’s Pick (Middle Reader)

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha La

A 2012 Newbery Award book. This novel, told in free verse, is the story of ten year old Ha who flees Vietnam with her family during the 1970s only to end up in Alabama. Through her strong voice and vivid imagery, readers will come away with an understanding of the struggles those new to this country experience. Another good book about this topic is Katherine Applegate’s Home of the Brave about a twelve year old Sudanese boy who is sent to Minnesota. Excellent middle grade reads, both books should also appeal to reluctant readers of all ages.

Mary’s Picks (Picture and Board)

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book!
Watching the birds and squirrels in her yard, a young girl discovers the joy and wonder of nature. She imagines a life of helping the amazing animals of Africa.She became the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.

In delicate India ink and watercolor.

Llama Llama Nighty Night and Llama, Llama Wakey-Wake by Anna Dewdney

Beloved Llama Llama in board book format! Sweet, short stories to start and end the day. For the very youngest.

Emily’s Pick (Picture)

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

This sweet book tells the story of the beginnings of the famous Macy’s Day Parade. It starts with a six year old Tony Sarg, whose dreams of puppeteering propel him toward making history. A great read for any young entrepreneur or anyone who just simply likes puppets!

Wendy’s Picks (Grown-up and Young Adult)

Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

You can’t help but root for 13-year-old alligator wrestler Ava. This utterly original book is brimming with characters who make terrible decisions following a family tragedy. Some are funny, some are sad, and one is unforgivable. Ava’s resilience shines through, and her acceptance allows for redemption.

Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor

This book swept me into its multiple worlds sorting good versus evil. Blue-haired Karou spends her days in class and drinking coffee like all art students in Prague. But nights she spends running errands (often involving human teeth) for the loving creatures who raised her. Taylor gets the pace and emotion just right in this complex fantasy. This Portland author just might have the next Twilight franchise!

Sue’s December Book Groups

Sue’s book groups are a lot of fun! You are welcome to bring any book you happen to be reading and there always is Free PIZZA.


Graphic Novel Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Free Pizza!
7:00PM, Friday, February 10
Reading the TinTin series by Herge. Especially the Secret of the Unicorn & Red Rackham’s Treasure, in honor of the new movie. Others chose Shannon Hale’s Rapunzel’s Revenge and Calamity Jack.


Girls Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Pizza!
7:00pm Wednesday, December 21
7:00PM, Wednesday, February 15
Reading books written by Steve Voake, the Daisy Dawson series, especially Daisy Dawson & the Big Freeze.


Boys Book Group
(Ages 11-14) Pizza? Of course!
7:00PM, Friday, February 17
Reading Nick James’ Skyship Academy-Pearl Wars. James is a local author now living in NYC.


Adults Who Read Children’s Literature
7:00PM, Tuesday, February 21
Reading the wonderful Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu.
Sorry, no pizza for adults!


See Sue’s website for more information: www.suenevins.bookseller.com
Join us for Story Time every day at 11:00 except Sundays.

The Lorax Movie Release Event

Friday, February 17, 2012

@ 3 pm at Mockingbird Books 

Looking forward to the next Dr. Seuss movie? So are we!

Come to a special Lorax movie release event on 2/17 @ 3pm. Emerging local costumed literacy advocate Ashley Sargeant will do a special reading of the Lorax. Look forward to cookies and fun!

There will also be free movie screening tickets available while supplies last- In addition to bookmarks, activity sheets and a raffle for free tshirts!

psst… haven’t seen the trailer yet? Check it out here:

Red Tricycle Article

Read about Mockingbird Books and other amazing Seattle stores in Red Tricycle’s latest article!

Want to know where to take your kids for some good reads? Red Tricycle Seattle has got the scoop- In addition to Mockingbird Books, Elliott Bay Book Company, Alphabet Soup, Third Place Books and other notables have made their list of places to go with your tykes. See the full article here.

Alex Beard Author Event

Friday, April 27, 2012

@ 11 am at Mockingbird Books 

Alex Beard will once again be visiting Mockingbird Books! Help us celebrate his latest book “Crocodile’s Tears” by joining us for an @11am storytime.

Alex is a celebrated painter from New Orleans- in addition to “Crocodile’s Tears,” Alex has also written and illustrated “The Jungle Grapevine” and “Monkey See, Monkey Draw”. You can visit his website here: http://www.alexbeardstudio.com/

Eric Ode Author Event

Saturday, March 17, 2012

@ 11 am at Mockingbird Books 

Join us for a special St. Patrick’s Day storytime with author Eric Ode!

Eric is an award-winning author, songwriter and widely published poet. He will be reading his most recent book, “When You’re a Pirate Dog (and Other Pirate Poems),” at Mockingbird Books at 11am. Eric has also written Tall Tales of the Wild West (and a Few Short Ones) as well as a number of CDs. Please join us!

Feel free to visit Eric’s website here: http://www.ericode.com/

Snow Condition Cancellations

Hey to all you Puget Sounders! Hope you’ve been staying dry in this wet, wet weather.

While we’re still holding story time at 11am each day, tonight’s (1/20) Boys’ Book Group is cancelled.

Keep checking for further updates!

Seattle Magazine Best of 2011 Award

A big thanks to Seattle Magazine for naming us Best “Mini Me” Trend- Book Groups for Children!

In this year’s edition of Seattle Magazine’s: Best of 2011 – Editor’s Pick, Mockingbird Books was awarded the Best “Mini Me” Trend and we couldn’t be happier!  

Seattle magazine highlights (or read it for yourself!) our kids’ book groups with Sue Nevins. There’s always a riveting discussion and pizza. Sue hosts three groups monthly- Boys (11-14), Girls (6-10), and a Graphic Novel Book Group (6-10). See our calendar or Sue’s website for dates and times!

January Newsletter

A great big THANK YOU to our loyal customers! We had a great year and look forward to 2012.

Ongoing Events

BETSY DISCHEL of Musikal Magik will be our guest storyteller @ 11am, Wednesdays, January 11 and January 25.  Sing, dance, and share stories in Hebrew, American Sign Language and Spanish with the incredible Betsy. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. 

KATY WEBBER will once again join us @ 11am Saturday, January 21st. Songs and fun at Story Time.

… As a special gift to you, we thought we’d share the list of Mockingbird’s bestsellers for the past year. No surprise that many talented local authors and store friends are here.

Bestsellers

Board Books

1. Little Blue Truck   by Alice Schertle
2. Where is the Green Sheep  by Mem Fox
3. Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight  by LOCAL Kate Endle and Caspar Babypants

Books for 4-8 Year-Olds

1. Cinderella Smith  by LOCAL Stephanie Barden
2. Daisy Dawson is on Her Way by Steve Voake
3. Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows

Hardcover Picture Books

1. To Market, To Market    by LOCAL Nikki McClure
2. Monkey See, Monkey Draw  by Mockingbird friend Alex Beard
3. My Woodland Wish  by LOCAL Kate Endle and Caspar Babypants

Books for 9-12 Year-Olds

1. Wildwood   by Portland’s Collin Meloy
2. Wonderstruck  by Brian Selznick
3. Thin Wood Walls  by LOCAL Dave Patneaude

Fantasy

1. Lost Hero   (Heroes of Olympus, book 1) by Rick Riordan
2. Gregor the Overlander  (Overlander series, book 1) by Suzanne Collins
3. Sea of Trolls  (book 1) by Nancy Farmer

Young Adult

1. Every Soul a Star   by Wendy Mass
2. Heist Society  (book 1) by Ally Carter
3. True Story of a Part-Time Indian  by LOCAL Sherman Alexie

Sue’s January Book Groups

Sue’s book groups are a lot of fun!

You are always welcome to bring any book you happen to be reading.

There is always FREE PIZZA
Graphic Novel Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Free Pizza
7:00pm Friday, January 13
Reading the Tin Tin series by Herge. The movie is here and based on Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure books.
Girls Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Pizza!
7:00pm Wednesday, January 18
Reading books by Steve Voake, the Daisy Dawson series.
Boys Book Group
(Ages 11-14) Pizza? Of course!
7:00pm Friday, January 20
Reading Nick James (local author now living in NYC) Skyship Academy- Pearl Wars.
Adults Who Read Children’s Literature
7:00pm Tuesday, January 17
Reading the wonderful Bread Crumbs by Anne Ursu. Sorry, no pizza for adults!
See Sue’s website for more information: www.suenevins.bookseller.com
Join us for Story Time every day at 11:00 except Sundays.

December Newsletter

The holidays are almost here and Mockingbird is READY! We are happy to help you select the right book for each special child and young adult on your list. We have wonderful Melissa and Doug toys too. Our Finch Café serves Tony’s Organic Coffee, hot chocolate, and juices for energy! We look forward to seeing you and thank you for supporting us. We appreciate the momentum of movements such as “Shift Your Shopping” and “Buy Local” which spread the word about the economic impact of small businesses.

Though we prefer to help you in person in the store, if you need to shop online, there is a link to online ordering on the right hand side of the home page of our website, www.mockingbirdbooksgl.com featuring thousands of book titles as well as music and audio books and Blio eBooks. You can instantly download a free Blio eReader. Alternatively, Bluefire Productions, an independent software company in Seattle, launched The IndieBound Reader for devices using the Android operating system (and will soon be available for iOS devices), making it easier for customers to shop local when they shop digital.

Special Events

Author/Illustrator Leslie Patricelli will be in the store for Story Time to read her new book Be Quiet Mike! Tuesday, December 20th, @ 11:00AM.
Mike has been drumming on everything since a very early age! Yummy Yucky, Quiet Loud, and Blankie are some of her other well loved books for the very young and young at heart. Patricelli is creator of the Patterson Puppies books too. We adore these books!

Ongoing Events

BETSY DISCHEL of Musikal Magik will be our guest storyteller two Wednesdays this month. Sing, dance, and share stories in Hebrew, American Sign Language and Spanish with the fabulous Betsy. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Betsy’s November appearances will be at 11am Wednesday, December 14th and 28th.

KATY WEBBER will once again join us for songs and fun at Story Time @ 11am Saturday, December 10th.

Staff Holiday Picks

Sue’s Picks

• The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (2011)
• The Nutcracker (2010) and The Song of Christmas (2011) both illustrated by Alison Jay.
• Chanukah Lights (PopUp) 2011 created by Robert Sabuda
• Favorite read-a-loud chapter book – When Santa Fell To Earth by Cornelia Funke (1994)

Linda’s Picks

• Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (1956)
• Nancy and Plum (2011) by Betty MacDonald and illustrated by Mary GrandPre
• Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1997) by Barbara Robinson
• Zelda and Ivy One Christmas (2006) by Laura Kvasnosky
• Tree of the Dancing Goats (2000) by Patricia Polacco

Mary’s Picks

• Great Joy (2007) by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
• The Twelve Days of Christmas (2011)by Laurel Long
• The Carpenter’s Gift (2011) by David Rubel and illustrated by Jim LaMarche

Alyson’s Picks

• A Coyote Solstice Tale (2009) by Thomas King pictures by Gary Clement
• The True Gift (2009) by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Brian Floca
• The Gift of the Magi (1902) by O. Henry (William Sydney Porter)

Taylor’s Picks

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957) by Dr. Seuss

Wendy’s Pick

• Snowmen at Christmas (2005) by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner

For Cooks and Folks Who Love to Eat

Soup and Bread-Building Community One Pot at a Time by Martha Bayne
It’s soup season! Grab a crock pot-Make a pot of soup-Have friends do the same-SHARE-Build Community-Take a collection and donate to a food bank! The author talks about soup as a way of building community and fostering social justice. Starting in a Chicago tavern on a dull, winter night, “soup swaps” have spread across the country. The recipes are yummy and come from chefs, artists and friends who have participated. I’ve tried a lot of them! Martha is my daughter! -Mary

Sue’s December Book Groups

Sue’s book groups are a lot of fun! You are welcome to bring any book you happen to be reading and there always is Free PIZZA.


Graphic Novel Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Free Pizza!
7:00pm Friday, December 9
Reading the TinTin series by Herge, especially the Secret of the Unicorn & Red Rackhams’ Treasure in honor of new TinTin movie out late Dec.


Girls Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Pizza!
7:00pm Wednesday, December 21
Reading books written by Jennifer Holm such as the BabyMouse series or the Thea Stilton series. Many of the girls wanted to read a holiday book such as Cornelia Funke’s When Santa Fell to Earth.


Boys Book Group
(Ages 11-14) Pizza? Of course!
7:00pm Friday, December 16
Reading Mal Peet’s Life: an Exploded Diagram. Mal Peet is an award winner in numerous English speaking countries- hardback only.


Adults Who Read Children’s Literature
7:00pm Tuesday, December 20
Reading the remarkable WILDWOOD written by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis. This book should win numerous awards this year. Sorry, no pizza for adults.


See Sue’s website for more information: www.suenevins.bookseller.com
Join us for Story Time every day at 11:00 except Sundays.

November Newsletter

“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures.” – from In November by Cynthia Rylant

As we enter the quiet season, we invite you to come in, cuddle up, and find the perfect read. We are thankful for our loyal book friends, big and small.

Special Events

What Chefs Feed Their Kids author Fanae Aaron will talk about her new cookbook Saturday, November 12th, @ 11:30AM.

Have you ever had a hard time getting your kids to eat anything other than Macaroni & Cheese? Good news! Fanae Aaron may have just saved your dinnertime. Her (very) soon to be released book gives parents the tools they need to not only expand their children’s palette, but also provides a great guide on table manners and a foundation for making healthy food choices as they grow. If that doesn’t convince you, well… there’s a recipe for baked halibut inside. What Seattleite of any age could say no to that?

Arthur Christmas Holly Jolly Christmas Story Time will take place Sunday, November 13th, from 3:00 to 5:00PM.

For children 6-10, this event is to celebrate the release November 23rd of a Columbia Pictures new movie Arthur Christmas and is part of 12 events all over Seattle entitled “Twelve Days of Arthur Christmas.” Kids will receive complimentary promotional items and passes to a special screening of the film. Come and make Christmas cards and bring a book to donate for families in need. Hot Chocolate and cookies too!

Karl Johnson, silhouette artist to the stars will be creating hand-cut portraits in the store Sunday, November 13th, Noon to 5:00PM.

Karl can capture even the squirmiest of subjects, and has created pieces for the likes of Tom Cruise and J.Lo. His work was also featured in the movie The Black Swan with Natalie Portman. Original silhouettes are $25. Please call us at 206.518.5886 to reserve a sitting for your own little celebrity. It’s a great gift idea!

How to train Your Parents in 6 1/2 Days: A Teen Guide to Raising People You Can Live With author Margit Crane will be hosting a discussion and signing of her new book Friday, November 18th, @ 7:00PM.

Written with plenty of humor, her latest book offers loads of strategies to train your parents to become the people they were meant to be. A teacher and school counselor for over 25 years, Margit has been featured in Seattle’s Child and Parent Map.

Ongoing Events

BETSY DISCHEL of Musikal Magik will be our guest storyteller three Wednesdays this month. Sing, dance, and share stories in Hebrew, American Sign Language and Spanish with the fabulous Betsy. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Betsy’s November appearances will be at 11am Wednesday, November 2nd, 9th, and 23rd.

KATY WEBBER will once again join us for songs and fun at Story Time @ 11am Saturday, November 19th.

Staff Picks

Sue’s Picks

Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale   by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright, Illustrated by Barry Moser (Hardcover, just released). I love this book. I’m an animal lover and truly enjoy Charles Dickens’ tales! Skilley, the new Tavern alley cat and his new best friend PIP the mouse, help Charles Dickens solve the mystery of the missing Tower of London raven. They also write (since they know how to write) the first lines of Dickens’ newest novel, A Tale of Two Cities! This is a wonderful family read-aloud full of adventure, friendship, literary surprises, and descriptions of the finest Cheshire Cheese in all of London! Ages 8 and up.

Theodore Gray’s Elements Vault   by Theodore Gray (Hardcover, release in late November). These books by Theodore Gray are treasures for every science-loving family. The elements are pictured in glorious color and the books also include 20 removable historical documents related to the periodic table, the elements, and chemistry. Einstein’s letter to President Roosevelt revealing the potential of uranium for use in nuclear weapons is an example. It also includes a pop-up model of an atom, a poster of the unique rainbow spectrum emitted by each element in the periodic table, and real samples of gold, silicon, boron, promethium, and ziconium!

Linda’s Pick

Delirium   by Lauren Oliver (Young Adult). Delirium takes place in the dystopian world of Portland, Maine where all 18 year olds are sent for a procedure that will cure them of deliria/love. Lena, the main character, is conflicted about the procedure after a close friend, Hana, raises questions. She also encounters Alex, an “Invalid,” one who has not been cured and who changes her life. The story is beautifully written, raises major questions to think about, and has a cliffhanger that will have readers eagerly awaiting the 2nd in this trilogy..

Wendy’s Pick

Not A Box   by Antoinette Portis (Newly released in board format). A favorite picture book of mine for years, Not A Box is finally out in board format. Reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon, this line-sketch of a rabbit will make you agree that an ordinary cardboard box is oh-so-much more. What an adventure!

Mary’s Picks

Be Quiet Mike   by Leslie Patricelli (Pre-school). A monkey named Mike likes to be LOUD. He drums on EVERYTHING! Oh, how he wants a drum set! Ingenuity plays off and he makes himself a wonderful one. “Diggety diggety, Zat zoom crash! Coffee can, coffee can, Pot pan Splash!” Another delightful, catchy book by Leslie Patricelli, certain to be read over and over again.

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr. Seuss (Pre-school). Anyone who loves Dr. Seuss will be delighted to read these lost now found stories. Originally published in magazines between 1948 and 1959, they reflect a change in his storytelling style that led to the stories we best know. The Bippolo Seed, The Great Henry McBride, The Rabbit and the Bear, and the Zinniga-Zanniga are three of the seven stories included. Enjoy!

Books for Adults

Have you found the Adult Section next to our café? Treasures abound!

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a debut novel about family, love, and the significance of flowers. Heart wrenching, compassionate and full of hope, the story creates a vivid portrait of a woman whose gift for flowers changes the lives of others.

Bering Sea Blues: a crabber’s tale of fear in the icy north by Joe Upton, author of the award winning Alaska Blues. The title says it all! A true story certain to please adventure loving men on your holiday gift list.
A new shipment of wonderful Melissa and Doug toys has arrived. Puzzles, wooden toys, toys to paint, jewelry to create and much, much more!

Sue’s November Book Groups

Sue’s book groups are FUN! You are always welcome to bring any book you happen to be reading.
Graphic Novel Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Free Pizza!
7:00pm Friday, November 11
Reading the Astronaut Academy by David Roman.
Girls Book Group
(Ages 6-10) Pizza!
7:00pm Wednesday, November 16
Reading books illustrated and/or written by Lauren Child. Many of the girls showed interest in the Viking edition of Pippi Longstocking with Lauren Child’s drawings.
Boys Book Group
(Ages 11-14) Pizza? Of course!
7:00pm Friday, November 18
Reading Christopher Paolini’s the Inheritance Cycle series final book 4, Inheritance. Hardcover release November 4.
Adults Who Read Children’s Literature
7:00pm Tuesday, November 15
Reading Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, an award winner in numerous English-speaking countries. Sorry, no pizza for adults!
See Sue’s website for more information: www.suenevins.bookseller.com
Join us for Story Time every day at 11:00 except Sundays.