Read This Book

You MUST read this book. Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins.

It's pretty much impossible to walk by this book and not pick it up. Just look at that cake! Adorable! In fact, so adorable, that we've made it Picture Book of the Week. The inaugural winner. Also, it's by someone named Rowboat Watkins. How is that not a selling point?

It's the story of an angry cake, and the lessons a case of mistaken identity can provide. All kidding aside, this is a delightful little book. Funny and sweet, but none of that cloying kind of sweetness that can plague other, more earnest picture books. Charming illustrations, and a great message. Plus, it's about cake.

Check out Rude Cakes, and then eat some cake. Both of our stores boast delicious bakeries. The Honey Bear in Lake Forest Park, and Vios Cafe at Ravenna.

Yum.

Well, this is the end of picture books.

It finally happened. The perfect picture book. And now, we don't need any other picture books. Ever. So, if you want to continue to read and enjoy picture books, I actually advise you to avoid this one at all costs. Because once you see it, nothing else will ever be good enough.

The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee

Whimsical and touching images tell the story of an unexpected friendship and the revelations it inspires in this moving, wordless picture book from two-time Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee. 

A baby clown is separated from his family when he accidentally bounces off their circus train and lands in a lonely farmer's vast, empty field. The farmer reluctantly rescues the little clown, and over the course of one day together, the two of them make some surprising discoveries about themselves--and about life. 

Sweet, funny, and moving, this wordless picture book from a master of the form and the creator of The Boss Baby speaks volumes and will delight story lovers of all ages.

This book is so good, that it doesn't even have any words. Because it doesn't need them. And author B.J. Novak is already with the program. He didn't even try to put pictures in his picture book. Welcome to the new world.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

This innovative and wildly funny read-aloud by award-winning humorist/actor B.J. Novak will turn any reader into a comedian. 

You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here’s how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . . 

BLORK. 

Or BLUURF. 

Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY. 

Cleverly irreverent and irresistibly silly, The Book with No Pictures is one that kids will beg to hear again and again. (And parents will be happy to oblige.)

Family Christmas Reads

The temperature has dropped, the lights are up, paper snowflakes hang in the window.  The store is bustling and busy with people searching for the perfect gift.  But in the midst of all that gift searching, don't forget to get a little something to share with the whole family.  Maybe start a new tradition of reading a book out loud while waiting to hear the sound of reindeer hooves and jingling bells.  Our front table -- here in Ravenna -- is overflowing with Christmas and winter books of all kinds

If you don't know where to start, Emily M. offers these suggestions:


An Otis Christmas by Loren Long
Otis, the underdog of all tractors, saves the day again. When the birth of a new horse goes all wrong, Otis risks his life to get the doctor. How will he make it in time? (Ages 3-8)

Family Christmas Treasury
I know of some families who love to read from anthologies and collections. New to the Christmas table this year is a collection of eight classic stories -- like Tacky, Curious George, and Strega Nona -- to read again and again. And, tucked between each story is a holiday carol to read or sing. (Ages 3-8)


The Christmas Cat by Maryann MacDonald
Some legends tell of a cat who comforted the baby Jesus. And, cats were no strangers to places like barns and mangers; so, maybe? This book was inspired through Da Vinci's La Madonna del Gatto. (Ages 3-8)


The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson
Vegetarians and non-turkey eaters, this book is for you! Cousins Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit -- whose father was once baked in a pie, if you recall -- will not let McGregor catch William, the large turkey, for Christmas dinner. (Ages 3-8)



Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
The Herdmans are the bullies of all bullies! So, what are they doing at the first Christmas pageant practice at the local church? And, what will they do first? Beat everyone up before the performance, burn the church down, or steal from the offering plate again?  This one's a classic and a must-read for everyone! (Ages 6+)

Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (illustr. by P.J. Lynch)
For those of you who aren't familiar with this classic, it is a wonderful short story about a poor husband and wife who truly give from the heart. Selling your most treasured possession can bring the most humbling gifts. P.J. Lynch's breathtaking watercolor illustrations reflect the joy and sadness with each page turn. This is no doubt the beautiful-est illustrated edition out there. (Ages 10+)

*We also have a small assortment of Christmas books on sale, so don't forget to swing by our bargain table (just restocked with great money-saver books).* Thank you for shopping with us and supporting small businesses. Happy Holidays!

Mystery of Magic: Or, the Not So Common Reality

Every year it seems there are different themes in each crop of new books, and for 2013 middle grade (ages 8-12) there have been a lot of fantastical, whimsical, magical realism stories. But, what's the big deal with magical realism anyway?

Magical realism addresses everyday life in a unique way that makes the plot of a story much more unpredictable. Sometimes it takes this kind of new viewpoint to see the importance of things we take for granted or miss. Magical realism isn't simply an escape of reality, rather, as defined by bookseller Alex, "it is near enough to reality that we can accept it as truth, but far enough away that we get to experiment." Imagination feeds the mindset of overcoming the impossible!

Real life has many curveballs, but nothing like the curveballs of magical realism where you'll find time continuums, strange messages that take some out-of-the-box thinking to solve, puzzles, mysteries, and random strangers with important bonds unknowingly made.  Here are a few great titles to introduce you and your young reader to the joys and excitement of magical realism.

North of Nowhere by Liz Kessler (author of Emily Windsnap)

This is one of the most riveting tales I've read all year. Mia is up against multiple mysteries during her spring break -- her missing grandfather, a missing friend, a new friend, a strange time continuum, and events that are unreal. Though a time is lost and another found, in a away that no real person could experience, North pulses down on the realism of unanswered questions and agonizing secrets.

A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff

A great whimsical tale of talents, peanut butter, and cake portrays that "It's the way we deal with what Fate hands us that defines who we are." (And if you enjoyed Savvy, this book is for you!) Of course you can't physically steal talents with an icy hand and empty jar, but it is hope that keeps us moving, opposed to selfish ambition and self pity that blind you to answers.

The Last Present by Wendy Mass

The Willow Falls series is my highest recommendation for girls ages 9 to 13. The final book in this series is essential and NOT a let down. It answers a lot of questions posed in the first three books. Magical realism in this book is opportunity lost and opportunity found, but just how far can you place your burdens on others? (You can read Last Present as a standalone, but it won't be as good without 11 Birthdays, Finally, and 13 Gifts.)

Posted by Emily M.

New Harry Potter Covers

Harry Potter got a face lift this week. He is 33 years old after all (though the first book about him is only 16 years old). Sure, it's hard to count how many times these books have been issued in different formats. But these have got to be the coolest. The cover art is done by Kazu Kibuishi, author of another popular series, Amulet. The new HP looks a little more dark and dangerous than old HP, and it works. Plus, when you line them all up, the spines make a picture of Hogwarts!

I might just buy this beautiful new set myself. But then I realize that I already have my original hardcovers, and then a few years back I got a British set in paperback. So maybe three sets is crossing a line...but then again, I do own four different versions of Moby Dick. Hmmmmm...

Getting to Know...Doug TenNapel

Until recently, if you stumbled into one of Doug TenNapel’s quirky fantasy worlds there’s a good chance that it was through the video game Earthworm Jim or Nickelodeon’s Catscratch. But TenNapel has also worked away valiantly in the graphic novel format for the past 15 years and now seems to have hit the pop culture jackpot with his Cardboard, instantly beloved by librarians and elementary school teachers around the country (nominating it for all sorts of 2012 “best-of” lists). It has also been optioned as a Toby “Spider-Man” Maguire film by the folks behind Ice Age. The fantasy device at the heart of this TenNapel story may feel very familiar, fairytale-familiar in fact: a boy is given a seemingly ordinary object which quickly displays astonishing properties, taking on a life of its own and churning out so much magic that the adventure soon threatens to veer into nightmare territory. But can something as mundane as cardboard ever pass convincingly for magical, you may ask. Yes. Imagination + corrugated paper . . . as every child knows, it’s a simple, foolproof, alchemical formula. Also, even older readers really don’t have much chance resisting the story’s enchantment--TenNapel doesn't play fair and always uses his vibrant illustrations as the jack up his sleeve, his loaded dice.

This is the third of his popular graphic novels published for Scholastic Books (earlier books having come mainly through Image Comics) and aimed at a young audience. The first was Ghostopolis, a story of a troubled boy's journey into the land of the dead. Ghostopolis is an unusually haunting, richly mythopoeic book for TenNapel and might function as a natural stepping stone for kids destined to wander--a few years down the line--into Neil Gaiman territory. Between the release of these two graphic novels, TenNapel produced the energetic adventure story Bad Island. This was something of a cross between Jurassic Park and elements of the original, animated Transformers: The Movie from 1986 (sigh, yes, I'm geeky enough to bring in that reference).

And for the readers who just can't get enough TenNapel, his slightly more mature (i.e. enigmatic and a bit bloody) Gear is something else entirely. Gear was the first of his graphic novels. It is raw and rough-hewn. It's so short on exposition, so unconcerned with being “accessible” that I'd be tempted to call the book uncommerical, except that TenNapel later raided his character cast here to create the Catscratch cartoon. And the artwork is just as bold and gonzo as the story.

-Adam

Newbery and Caldecott Winners

The Super Bowl wasn't the only big game this week.  The awards and nominees for both the Newbery and Caldecott Medals were announced just a few days ago.

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery and is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children.  The medal is awarded for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.

This year's winner is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Appelgate.

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.

2013 Newbery Honor Books:

Splendors and Gloom by Laura Amy Schlitz

Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

This year's Caldecott winner is This is Not My Hat written and illustrated by Jon Klassen

When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened. . . . Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale.

2013 Caldecott Honor Books:

Creepy Carrots! pictures by Peter Brown 

and written by Aaron Reynolds

Extra Yarn illustrated by Jon Klassen (again!) 

and written by Mac Barnett

Green written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

One Cool Friend illustrated by David Small 

and written by Toni Buzzeo

Sleep Like a Tiger pictures by Pamela Zagarenski, 

written by Mary Logue

The great thing about books is that there's never a maximum age restriction.  So check out theses wonderful, beautiful books, even if you aren't technically a kid anymore!

It's Never Too Early for Great Literature

How much am I loving these?  So much!
Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver bring you these delightful board book "versions" of your favorite classics, perfect for introducing the heavyweights to the little reader in your life.  I know a certain nephew who is getting the entire set!

Little Miss Austen: Pride Prejudice: A Counting Primer

Little Master Dickens: A Christmas Carol

Little Master Carroll: Alice in Wonderland: A Colors Primer

Little Miss Bronte: Jane Eyre: A Counting Primer

Little Master Stoker: Dracula: A Counting Primer

Little Master Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet: A Counting Primer

And February brings three more titles:

• Moby Dick: An Ocean Primer  (YAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!)
• Sense & Sensibility: An Opposites Primer
• Wuthering Heights: A Weather Primer

Gifts for Everyone!

Yeah, we sell books, we are book experts. But you should also know that we have other great gift ideas. So if you're looking for something to stuff a stocking or give along with that perfect book, check out our new sidelines. We are stocked up and stuffed to the gills with unique gifts for everyone on your list.

Holiday themed paper sculpture kits for the crafter.

Art supplies to keep the kiddies busy.

Clever kitchen tools for that special cook in your life.

Beautiful advent calendars to build the anticipation.

Loads and loads of holiday cards and Christmas ornaments.

Personalized socks to keep your loved one's toes toasty all winter long.

Adorable plush toys that would look great under any Christmas tree.

What Ducks Read

If you are a frequenter of Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, you have probably made the acquaintance of our delightful duck couple.  You'll usually find them waddling around the parking lot, or hanging out by the delivery door for the Honey Bear Bakery.  Emily sent me this adorable picture of our resident ducks waiting to get a 'quack' at all those great books.  (apologies for the pun.)

There's been some debate about what this lovely couple would read.  How about...

or...

can't be this one...

Definitley, this one...

Pulse It & Wattpad Writing Contest!

Know any teen writers who would love to know more about the publishing industry?

Pulse It has partnered with Wattpad.com for a teen writing contest featuring bestselling author Lisa McMann. Wattpad, “the world’s most popular e-book community”, is an online & mobile social networking site where members are able write and share their stories & novels. Members can also rate stories and create a library. 

Wattpad’s Stats:

10 Million members worldwide

100,000 story submissions per month

Over 1 million app downloads per month 

39,000 Facebook Fans

6,600 Twitter followers

The Contest: 

To enter teens must to become a member of the Pulse It and Wattpad communities. Lisa McMann has written a prompt—the first few lines of a story—that users must finish in 2,500 words or less. The contest runs from July 15th to September 15th and the winner will be chosen & announced by Lisa McMann through Wattpad.com and Pulse It. Throughout the promotion, additional content will be released, including videos and excerpts from Lisa McMann’s books: The Unwanteds and Dead To You.  The winner will be flown to NYC and visit the S&S offices to get the inside scoop on publishing.  

If you know any teen writers, let them know about this awesome opportunity!

Young Adult Summer Extravaganza!

On July 31st, we will be hosting six local YA authors: Kimberly Derting, Lisa Schroeder, Mandy Hubbard, Suzanne Young, Eileen Cook, and Cat Patrick. Each will discuss her latest novel and we'll have treats and prizes, too! Check out the exciting trailers below or click on each book title to read more on our website.

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

A trailer was unavailable for this book, but read an awesome review at http://blog.figment.com/2011/07/21/ripple-by-mandy-hubbard/

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

A trailer was unavailable for this book, but read more about the book at the author's website: http://www.eileencook.com/

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Come see these authors at Third Place on July 31st at 4PM! 

Children's Poem In You Pocket Poetry Contest

You Travel a Path on Paper 

You travel a path on paper

and discover you're in a city

you only thought about before.

It's a Sunday marketplace. Parakeets and finches

are placed on the stones

and poppies in transparent wrapping

 

How can you be where you never were? 

And how did you find the way -- with your mind

your only measure?

-Fanny Howe, from Poem in Your Pocket For Young Kids (Amulet)

Are you a poet and nobody knows it?

Our children’s department is having a poetry contest open to kids grade K - 12. In celebration of National Poetry Month, every day during April we will select one poem to post on the blog and in our children’s department. 

Here's how to enter!

1. Stop by the children’s department to pick up your “pocket” to write your poem on. You can write it yourself or ask your parents for help. 
2. Drop your poem in our drop box on the desk in the children's department 
3. Check the blog every day in April to see if your poem is the poem of the day!

On the last day we will post the remaining submissions. So EVERYONE who enters has a chance to see their poem in print! We will also have a raffle at the end of the month to win a copy of 

Poem In Your Pocket For Young Poets: 100 Poems to Rip Out and Read  (Amulet)

Published in conjunction with The Academy of American Poets

selected by Bruno Navasky

And don't forget! All POETRY BOOKS are 20% off during April!

Where is the Green Sheep?

The Seattle Children's theater recently put on a production of Where is the Green Sheep, based on the book by Mem Fox. We love this book, its the perfect book to share with a toddler. So imagine our excitement when we received a shipment of fluffy green sheep stuff animals! He is so cute we couldn't help playing a game of "Where is the Green Sheep" around the store. You can play too! Here we go!
 
The Green Sheep loves children's books! He especially loves this display of Staff picks for toddlers to teens. To see the lists online, visit our website here.





Here the Green Sheep is checking out all the great Christmas romances we have! Just look for the handy signs labeled "Christmas Romance!"

Next the Green Sheep checked out the books in our Rare and Collectibles section. We have a great collection of Rare and Collectible books for the bibliophile in your life!




Don't forget to get a gift for your favorite pet! We have catnip toys and these adorable stockings for dogs!

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than enjoy hot apple cider while you decorate your home. The Green Sheep can't wait to try these new mulling spices. What ornaments does the Green Sheep decorate his tree with? Robot ornaments of course!











We have all these and more! Let us help take the stress out of Christmas shopping. Our staff is ready to help you find the perfect gift for even the pickiest of readers. Want to check if we carry a book? Give us a call at 206-366-3333! If we don't have it we're happy to do whatever we can to track it down. Most books we can have in under a week. The Green Sheep is waiting by the phone for your call! Happy Holidays from Third Place Books.