Stanford University Bookstore

I arrived in San Jose yesterday morning. I went directly to the campus after driving down University Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. I rented a bike as soon as I checked into my room and got settled in.

I met a wonderful group of people yesterday afternoon during the opening session as well as during the cocktail reception and dinner. The evening closed with an inspiring speech from Dorothy Kalins, former executive editor of Newsweek, and the first woman to be named Adweek's Editor of the Year.

Today, there were five separate sessions with many wonderful speakers, including Robert Miller (Harper Studio), Paul Saffo, Bill Tancer, and Kevin McKean (Consumer Reports).

Tonight, I will attend the 8pm session on the Art of the Interview presented by Dick Stolley (Time, Inc.), Greg Curtis and Mark Miller (Newsweek).

Until then, I enjoy the ambiance at the University Cafe. There was a bit of a problem with the internet connection on campus but I hopped on my bike after the last session this afternoon and found this hip, comfortable & computer friendly cafe which I plan on returning to later this week.

Also a place where I've returned to after my first discovery was the Stanford University Bookstore. That place is so overwhelming with its 5 floors of books, art & office supplies, clothing and computer products to explore.

Their kids section was amazing, and very busy. I definitely plan on stopping in this week and introduce myself to the buyer - if I can time it so that we're both there at the same time.

Stay tuned for more updates from Palo Alto.

See you in L.A., Baby!

We leave for Los Angeles on Thursday morning and will be in Booth 5129 over the weekend. Please stop by and say hello if you're one of the thousands walking the aisles. Oh, and in case you didn't already know, we'll be in the Children's Section.

K/M Kidlit Drink Nites

Now that our conference schedule is posted online for the first half of 2008, I'd like to request that those of you attending the following events Save the Date for an official Kane/Miller Kidlit Drink Nite.

Illustration from Jukebox PLA - Minneapolis, MN Wednesday, March 26th IRA - Atlanta, GA Wednesday, May 7th BEA - Los Angeles, CA Thursday, May 29th ALA - Anaheim, CA Friday, June 27th Details and venues will be announced on the official invites which will be posted to the K/M Kidlit blog.

Where in the World?

Kane/Miller was not present at the recent Mid-Winter Conference held by ALA in Philadelphia, but we do plan on attending even more publishing events this year including, PLA, CABE, TLA, IRA as well as making our usual appearance at BEA and ALA. And, since the dates and locations have already been set, you can guarantee that we will be in Denver next January.

We'll see you soon!

Weekend Events

Two upcoming events in the San Diego area fit in with what Kane/Miller is all about.

This weekend marks the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the San Diego Multicultural Festival held downtown tomorrow which will include a children's area, an international storytelling stage and many other highlights to draw families and residents from the area.

Taking place for the first time this year and sponsored by Kane/Miller is the Mira Mesa International Festival, featuring dance performances, and international foods. This one-day celebration of diversity, unity and community wellness will be held at Mira Mesa High School on Saturday, January 26th.

The Boom Boom Room - Day Two

Today was a whirlwind adventure for Kane/Miller as we welcomed to The Boom Boom Room Alicia Coppola, Bill Bellamy, Catt Sadler (pictured above, reading On the Road with son Ryan), Chris Noth, Denise Richards, Joely Fisher, Kim Porter, Ming Na, Natasha Henstridge (pictured below holding While Mum Was Little), Nicole Tubiola, Omorosa (from The Celebrity Apprentice), Rena Sofer, Rosa Blasi, Samantha Harris and Angela Bassett.

Of course, after the event, we packed up our things and drove back to San Diego but not before joining many of these same celebrities outside the hotel, all waiting for thier cars (just like us "normal" folks).

The Boom Boom Room - Day One

Hollywood's famous families came out to the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles today to visit the Kane/Miller library that was a part of The Boom Boom Room celebrity gifting suite that is held annually and put together by Jayneoni Moore.

A fabulous turnout which included both award-winning actors from the TV and film industry, as well as press (and the paparazzi that follows) stepped inside the K/M library to enjoy the books, and the quiet, kid-friendly atmosphere.

Today, we met Former Miss USA Ali Landry, Angela Kinsey (of The Office), Bridget Moynahan, Carnie Wilson, Dayna Devon, Jason Isaacs, Kevin Chapman, Kevin Weisman, Leah Remini, Mackenzie Aldajem, Madison Pettis, Sasha Alexander, Shar Jackson, Taryn Rose, Tracey Gold, and Zorianna Kit.

Of course most of the celebrities brought their children, spouses, partners, siblings and parents so it was a big turnout which is expected to be even bigger tomorrow.

Kevin Weisman's daughter, Maya Rose,
is one of the first to enjoy Minji's Salon.
(Kevin and family are expecting Baby #2 in mid-February)!

Double Double Sports Sunday

Talk turned to sports on more than one occasion this evening, amongst more than one circle of peers. First we discussed hockey when I was introduced to a publishing representative from Minneapolis. Quickly the conversation turned to the NFL (it is Sunday) and before I know it, we're discussing sports in different parts of the world and how the rules, equipment and even names vary.

It isn't something I think much about, but once it was pointed out to me, the sports that are represented in some of our picture books serve as yet another reminder of the similarities and differences between cultures and communities around the globe.

From England

Hit the Ball Duck
by Jez Alborough

From Australia

The Team series
Written by David Bedford
Illustrated by Keith Brumpton

From Australia

Could a Tyrannosaurus Play Table Tennis?
by Andrew Plant

And speaking of differences, do you know what you would get if you ordered a coffee double double North of the border? I drink my coffee black but if you're heading to Canada, you may want to study up on the lingo before you head to the nearest coffee shop.

On the Road Again

I leave this weekend for a quick trip to Canada. Feel free to send me warm wishes as I visit with our neighbors to the North - the cold, snowy North.

My day begins early Sunday morning when I head to Atlanta. Yes, I realize that this is not the direction I'm supposed to be heading but you know how airlines can be. I hang out in the airport for a few hours there before flying into Buffalo, New York. From there, I will take my rental car and drive across the border. I have a feeling that it will be much more difficult to get in and out of Canada than it is to drive South to Tijuana from here (and vice versa). My hotel is in Niagara-on-the-Lake which I hear is quite a pleasant little town.

On the Road
by Susan Steggall

Monday, I will meet our Canadian Distributors for a Sales Presenatation of our Spring 2008 titles, followed by a lunch with author and illustrator, Tina Burke, who recently moved to Toronto from Australia. I'm not sure where I will end up that afternoon, but I meet the crew from H.B. Fenn for a dinner meeting later that evening.

Tuesday morning I have an early lunch with an editor from a Canadian magazine before heading back to Buffalo to try and make it home by 11pm that night. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the flights are not delayed but at this time of year, one can never be sure.

The Boom Boom Book Room

Back in September, our Sales Manager attended the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. This was Kane/Miller's first appearance at the show, and one of our most successful - at least since I've been with the company.

We made a lot of new contacts there, including several new names and faces from the media as well as new retail accounts that are now carrying our titles, such as the new Toddler Tales series, featuring Tina Burke's adorable Sophie's Big Bed (Spanish edition coming in 2008).

From Australia
Sophie's Big Bed
by Tina Burke

This was just one of the books that caught the eye of Jayneoni Moore, Hollywood's Glamour Guru. Since then, I have spoken to Jayni over a dozen times, exchanged several emails and have been the recipient of the official invitation for Kane/Miller to participate in the Boom Boom Room as the exclusive publishing sponsor.

Founded by Jayneoni Moore, the Boom Boom Room began as a way to bring baby fashion and high quality products to celebrities and media.

In association with the 65th Annual Golden Globe Award Show, the Boom Boom Room will be held Friday and Saturday, January 11th and 12th, 2008 in Beverly Hills. This will be our opportunity to present Hollywood stars and international media with our award-winning children's books from around the world.

I better start shopping now for my wardrobe...

Chi-Town

Driving along Lake Shore Drive, seeing Navy Pier lit up at night and witnessing the construction of the new Trump Tower reminds me of what it is I love about Chicago. It is beautiful, clean and always full of energy.

People here have a Midwestern charm and although my Midwest accent has of course come out since spending the last few days with my big sis, I've enjoyed the reminder of my youth and spending time in the city during winter, as the holiday season approaches.

Last night we had dinner at the Green Zebra on Chicago Avenue. It is a swank little place with a vegetarian menu. The food was amazing, the wine was fantastic and sharing a dinner out with my sister was priceless.

This evening, my sister and I are meeting Anne Levy from Book Buds for dinner. We're going to head over to McCormick and Schmick's Fresh Seafood Restaurant on Wacker Drive.

Anne is also the co-founder of the Cybils (Children's & YA Bloggers' Literary Awards). This year is the second year of this annual independent book award which we're pleased to have three books nominated for (so far):

From South Korea

My Cat Copies Me
by Yoon-duck Kwon


From Japan
The Story of Cherry the Pig
by Utako Yamada

From Australia
Samsara Dog
by Helen Manos
Illustrated by Julie Vivas

What's so great about this award is that it's reader-nominated. Readers, whether they're parents, educators, book reviewers, librarians or professionals (in any industry), can nominate titles for this award. You'll find the growing list of nominated titles on the Cybils blog under each category:

• Fantasy and Science Fiction
  
• Fiction Picture Books
  
• Graphic Novels
  
• Middle Grade Fiction
  
• Nonfiction: Middle Grade and Young Adult
  
• Nonfiction Picture Books
  
• Poetry
  
• Young Adult Fiction

Nominate your favorite titles today, but make sure you read the rules first!

The Parlor Room

My flight from San Diego to Chicago was delayed by over an hour this afternoon. It gave me time to run a few errands, but I've arrived to the hotel so late that the only room they have available is a parlor room. It sounds nice and the young lady at the front desk made sure to emphasize that the room is twice as big as a standard room but I think she may have mentioned something about the fact that there isn't actually a bed in the room.

I realize it's 9pm and I've been on an airplane for over three hours and even though I'm still on Pacific Time I really have no excuse, but did she really just tell me that there's no bed in the room? I asked her to repeat what she just said and in fact, I was not mistaken.

It seems that the Parlor Room is perfect for having guests over, dinner for four, watching Monday Night Football or simply hosting a party. But I just want a bed to sleep in. This lovely, corner room with a beautiful view is not only next to the ice machine (yes, it does make ice A-L-L N-I-G-H-T), but my neighbors are taking full advantage of their parlor room by hosting at least 5 or 6 ladies. I might join the party in a minute...

I enjoy traveling. I especially love the comforts of being away and not having dishes or laundry to do and 24-hour room service, but this whole bed thing? Perhaps I'll have better luck tomorrow when they switch me to a room with a view, I mean bed.

National Association for the Education of Young Children

I leave for Chicago a week from today. While I have every intention of writing the weekly newsletter while I'm on the road, I may have to send a summarized edition of weekly websites instead.

In the meantime, I'm gearing up for a week of fun-filled networking with early childhood educators. This is always a fun conference to attend because the teachers are so used to working with toddlers and young children in diapers that they can't help but be pleasant and excited to spend nearly 5 full days with other adults! We moms can relate and I too look forward to attending the National Conference and heading to the Windy City.

My sister will be joining me for this trip. I think it will be the first time the two of us will be together without our kids (or our parents) so I'm sure we'll be laughing non-stop, like two giggling girls at a sleepover - at least for the first few nights, before we remember what it was like to share one bathroom!

Books about siblings are always a great hit which is why I am especially eager to introduce the Toddler Tales series at this conference and let the attendees know about the spring additions to the series: Little Brothers Are... and Little Sisters Are... by Beth Norling.

From Australia

by Beth Norling

Little School

(K/M, 2003)

Beth is the very talented Australian author/illustrator who brought us Little School, a wonderful book for pre-schoolers and for the adults who want to help get them prepared for the daily routine of laughing, learning, and playing with friends.

American Association of School Librarians

Even though I'm watching Game #3 of the World Series and sitting at the Reno-Sparks airport, I'm also running through my notes from the past few days during the AASL conference.

It was a quick two and a half days but I had a wonderful experience and accomplished quite a bit:

• I met a lot of great people and introduced several school librarians to Kane/Miller
  

• I saw several contacts that I usually don't see until the annual American Library Association conference in June

• I met quite a few vendors who were so nice and pleasant to be working near
  

• I was able to sign up for the 2009 conference which is to take place in North Carolina

• I managed to get fresh air (after being locked inside during the recent firestorms in San Diego) and get some exercise walking back and forth from the Atlantis Resort & Spa (located conveniently right across the street from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center)

• I was able to donate the remaining books to a local school here in Reno

My flight is boarding soon and I still need to eat dinner while cheering for the Rockies. Overall, the last few days have been quite successful and I'm pleased that we attended this bi-annual conference and look forward to meeting again in 2009.

Java Mama Story Time

I had an opportunity to promote and sell Kane/Miller picture books through the Working Moms with Toddlers Meetup Group that I'm a member of here in San Diego. One of the moms in the group suggested that I host a story time at Java Mama in La Mesa.

It turned out to be a fantastic event although I couldn't tell you how many moms and kids were there (I was too busy reading a counting book to count the number of heads).

The counting book that I read, with the help of my page-turning assistant and son, was One Woolly Wombat, from Australia. Written and illustrated by Rod Trinca and Kerry Argent, this picture book features Australian birds, reptiles and other creatures along with rhyming text and the numbers 1-14.

One Woolly Wombat
by Rod Trinca and Kerry Argent
(Kane/Miller, 1987)

Afterwards, I read a second book from Australia, Bobbie Dazzler. By Margaret Wild and Janine Dawson, this one features a red-necked Wallaby who amazes her friends with the acrobatic - gymnastic abilities she has, although sadly, the list doesn't include the splits. Bobbie's friends Koala, Possum and Wombat don't mind, but Bobbie certainly does.

Bobbie Dazzler
by Margaret Wild and Janine Dawson
(Kane/Miller, 2007)

After much practice Bobbie finally manages to do the splits, although she's not quite sure how she's going to get back up to a standing position! Her friends help Bobbie, encourage her and even participate in these activities that also kept the children jumping, hopping, whirling and twirling.

I sold a few books this morning, made some new friends and discovered a wonderful place to take my son and enjoy my daily caffeine requirement at the same time. I can't wait to go back and possibly host another story time event before the holidays.

Selznick, Frazee & A Big Box of Books

The SCIBA Trade Show and Authors Feast was last night. It took us nearly three hours to get to the Biltmore with an accident, road construction and typical Saturday evening traffic holding us back but we finally arrived!

We had enough time to walk the floor of the Trade Show, visit with many wonderful Sales Representatives and page through several fall books which I had not had a chance to see prior, and we still had time to mingle, enjoy a cocktail and wander through the beautiful hotel to see what other events were taking place that evening.

I was joined by two of my colleagues for dinner: Lynn, who most SCIBA members recall from her previous position as manager of The White Rabbit; and Christina, from The Book Works in Del Mar.

Also at our table was a member of the Harcourt children's division (also located in San Diego), along with four booksellers representing Russo's Books and Newsboy Books & Video.

The highlight of my night was meeting two of the award nominees (the two that I would've asked to meet if I was able to choose). Marla Frazee, whose work I absolutely adore, sat down at Table #12 just before dessert was served (what was that, by the way?). I nearly leaped across the table to shake her hand and gush over her work. She took me by surprise when she mentioned that some of her favorite picture books were Kane/Miller titles and I couldn't even begin to think of what to say to her after that, especially since we had to practically yell at one another to be heard.

Lynn was able to introduce me to Brian Selznick after the event and I was able to congratulate him after he received his much-anticipated award for his children's novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Other award-winners were: Lisa See (Peony in Love), Wendy Werris (An Alphabetical Life), Denise Hamilton (Los Angeles Noir), and Robin Preiss Glasser (Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy), who admitted on-stage that she had a little too much to drink.

It was a wonderful event and I was so pleased to be able to attend and very grateful for the big box of books that I opened early this morning with my son, who insisted that I read him Bossy Bear and Merry Christmas, Mouse! immediately. (This of course, after he asked me why his babysitter had to leave.) Welcome home, Mom!