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
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Where is the Green Sheep by Mem Fox
Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight by LOCAL Kate Endle and Caspar Babypants
Books for 4-8 Year-Olds
Cinderella Smith by LOCAL Stephanie Barden
Daisy Dawson is on Her Way by Steve Voake
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
Hardcover Picture Books
To Market, To Market by LOCAL Nikki McClure
Monkey See, Monkey Draw by Mockingbird friend Alex Beard
My Woodland Wish by LOCAL Kate Endle and Caspar Babypants
Books for 9-12 Year-Olds
Wildwood by Portland’s Collin Meloy
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Thin Wood Walls by LOCAL Dave Patneaude
Fantasy
Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus, book 1) by Rick Riordan
Gregor the Overlander (Overlander series, book 1) by Suzanne Collins
Sea of Trolls (book 1) by Nancy Farmer
Young Adult
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass
Heist Society (book 1) by Ally Carter
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.
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.
“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.
Join Kate Endle and Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Bellew of The Presidents of the United States of America) for a very rockin’ storytime! They will be sharing their new book Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight.
Like the song? You can download an .mp3 for free at babypantsmusic.com !
Join us at Mockingbird Books in welcoming, Michael Buckley author of NERDS (National Espionage Rescue & Defense Society) and the Sisters Grimm books on October 6th at 2:30 pm for lively humorous filled afternoon of zany stories. He will read from the third book of NERD series, Cheerleaders of Doom, and discuss, answer questions, and sign books. His newest series NERDS books 1 &2, and his first series, Sisters Grimm which currently have eight books are out in paperback. Both series of books have appeared on YRCA lists for fourth thorough sixth grades and have won YRCA awards across the country. Michael Buckley’s books are choice selections for the reluctant reader and the child who demands & loves humor in their reading.
We welcome author and creator of the picture book series, A Visitor for Bear and winner of New York Times Picture Book of the Year and the E B White Read Aloud award in 2009. She will read for storytime on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at 11am and discuss her books and writing for children at 2:30 pm. Both events are open to the public. Her newest book in this series, “The Sniffles for Bear” is staff member Sue Nevins’ holiday book pick and is Becker’s third Bear & Mouse book, following “Bedtime for Bear”. “A Birthday for Bear” is a delightful early reader as well! Her early chapter book, “The Magical Ms. Plum” now available in paperback is a favorite for the Girls’ book group (ages 6-10) and the home schooler’s book group at the store.
Bonny Becker’s use of language with delightful characters, Bear & Mouse will instantly put a smile on your face and joy into your heart each time you read her books. Please join us at Mockingbird Books in welcoming Bonny Becker on Oct. 20th at 11am or 2:30pm or BOTH!
As the calendar flips to September, (where did the summer go?) we are stocking our shelves with great books to get you and your children back into the swing of school.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Wednesday, September 14 and Friday, September 23 at 11:00AM Betsy Dischel, a storyteller sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, will again tell stories and sing songs combining American Sign Language, Hebrew and Spanish.
Friday, September 30th at 4:00 please join us as award-winning author Clare Hodgson Meeker of Soccer Dreams: Playing the Seattle Sounder FC Way shares the story behind the book. Get tips on teamwork and make your own soccer ball out of recycled goods. (Order the book in advance for 10 percent off.)
Sue’s Picks:
Lightning does struck twice! I need to tell you about Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick out Sept. 13th! This story is set 50 years apart with two seemingly separate storylines which cross back and forth with brilliant symmetry. If you loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret, fear not, you’ll love Wonderstruck with a similar passion.
Justin Case-School, Drool, & Other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail available now in paperback. This is the perfect back to school book for anyone fourth grade and younger. Everyone will have a better school year than Justin Case in third grade. This book is full of comical mistakes done with the best intentions!
Helen Oxenbury’s newest picture book with Peter Bentley titled, King Jack and the Dragon (ages 3-8) is a daring, sweet, adventurous book for all who love dragons, summer forts and the power of imagination.
Worth every penny, the Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger, and his newest, and book 2, Darth Paper Strikes Back – out in late August (hardcover only). If you love Star Wars or just know the story line, the satire in these two books generate huge loud belly laughs for everyone.
Wendy’s Picks:
Have you had a look at the Basher Books that explain complex subjects like biology, the periodic table, and even punctuation? While recommended for ages 9-12, these fun and graphic little titles are good for a quick grown-up review if not a small laugh. Likewise, the Oscar and the… books by Geoff Waring for ages 4 and up introduce science concepts like electricity (Oscar and the Bird) and physics (Oscar and the Cricket).
Randyl’s Pick for Older Young Adults:
Alan Bradley, author of A Red Herring Without Mustard, gives us another mystery featuring Flavia deLuce, an eleven-year-old Miss Marple who is also a chemistry wizard with her own laboratory. She uses her wits and expertise to stay one step ahead of police, earning their annoyance and, in the end, their gratitude for solving several deaths and the theft of family heirlooms.
Adult Books We Are Reading
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness by Lyander Lynn Haupt Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Eric Larson
Sue’s Book Groups for September
Sue’s book groups are easy-going and fun!
Graphic Novel Book Group
(Ages 6-10)
7:00PM Friday, Sept 9
Reading the Daniel Boom AKA Loud Boy series, Books 1-4 or any book you are currently reading.
Pizza, of course!
Boys’ Book Group (Ages 11-14)
7:00PM Friday, Sept.16
Reading Scott Westerfeld’s LEVIATHAN series, Books 1 or 2, Book 3-Goliath out in Oct. 2011
Pizza, pizza, pizza!
Girl’s Book Group (Ages 6-10)
7:00PM, Wednesday, Sept. 21
Reading the Daisy Dawson series by Steve Voake books 1-4
Free pizza, yes indeed!
Adults Who Read Children’s Literature
7:00PM Tuesday, Sept. 20
Reading Brian Selznick’s WONDERSTRUCK –out Sept.13
*REMINDER: STORY TIME EVERY DAY AT 11:00AM (except Sundays)
