Handselling

Review: ‘The Italian Teacher’

21 Feb , 2018 No Comments

Is it possible to really enjoy a book even though the main character is pretty much all-around unattractive? In looks, demeanor, attitude, thought? I think it must be, because I really enjoyed The Italian Teacher by Tom Rachman, even though Pinch, our “hero,” is pretty pathetic.

The son of Bear Bavinsky, a famous and philandering painter, Pinch lives his life struggling to earn his father’s approval. He questions every move, every decision, and every conversation – hoping that it is the “right” one. He ends up teaching Italian at a small, unremarkable college in London, having long ago cast aside his desire to paint. When Pinch finds himself suddenly in Bear’s confidence and good graces, he makes some interesting and life-changing decisions that propel the second half of the story.

Bear is definitely the most dynamic character in the novel – loud, interesting, creatively unique. He’s almost too much of a character, probably best seen through the eyes of his admittedly less interesting son. A lot of the story has to do with Bear’s artistic persona, the quirks to his genius and also his obsession with self-preservation and perfection. I was completely interested the whole way through but found Pinch pretty pathetic.

The Italian Teacher by Tom Rachman (Viking | 9780735222694 | February 20, 2018)

Review: ‘Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow’

20 Feb , 2018 No Comments

I know everyone compares everything to Harry Potter, but this really does have the same sort of readability and charm. It’s the story of Morrigan Crow, born a cursed child and hated in her hometown (her father is mayor). Morrigan gets blamed for everything, from bad weather to upset stomachs to lost pets. Good thing that cursed children are all killed the night before their 11th birthday, and for Morrigan Crow, that is tomorrow.

Just before Morrigan is to die, a mysterious stranger whisks her away to Nevermoor, a realm she didn’t know existed, where she finds herself being groomed to compete for a spot in the illustrious Wundrous Society, a school for the gifted. The magically gifted, that is. Morrigan has to compete in a series of trials to earn her place among the future leaders of the country. The only problem is, she has no magic talent to speak of.

Living in an enchanted, clever and ever-changing hotel overseen by a large talking cat, Morrigan comes to love her life in this new world. But as with all good Harry-Potter-esque novels, there is something sinister afoot. And if she doesn’t pass her trials and make it into the Wundrous Society, she’ll be thrown back to her hometown to face certain death. I can’t wait for the second installment, due out in October 2018.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (Little Brown Books for Young Readers | 9780316508889 | October 31, 2017)

Review (Plus): ‘I Sleep In a Big Bed’

15 Feb , 2018 No Comments

Ms. America’s Review:

I have found there are three mega times of transition in my children’s lives—becoming a ‘kid’ from a toddler, entering middle school (hormones, name-brands, pressure) and the junior year of high school (leaving the nest, learning to drive, college apps and what am I going to do with my life?). Now, I haven’t found a series of books for the last two, but Maria van Lieshout has offered help with the first transitional period—BIG*KID Power books. Her fourth book in this series comes out in March, I Sleep in a Big Bed.

As with her other books in this series, this little book offers relatable pictures for children to see themselves as a baby transitioning to a toddler. One of my favorite aspects in these books is the read-aloud quality van Lieshout offers. Her use of onomatopoeia is super fun! I love making the noises and making the youngster giggle as I read!

There are so many nights of parenting when we just WANT THEM TO SLEEP IN THEIR OWN BEDS! This book helps a parent with a teachable moment during the day without frustration or anger as they are often sleep deprived when the little one insists on sleeping with the parent, or comes crawling in to the parent bed in the middle of the night. It is often easier to let the child crawl into bed with them. But this book provides the idea of a lovey for their comfort verse the parent. This is also a book that can be read multiple times and used as an example throughout the days, months or years when your little one needs/insists/begs to be in your bed.

Vibrant pictures, fun sounds, and an easy to understand message is presented. The use of black and blue colors also helps give the book a ‘night time’ feel. The darkness of night is scary for little people, but with a lovey and some reassurance, a big kid can learn to sleep by themselves.

In the classroom:

Usually I offer a guide to an assignment or a lesson plan idea. This book should be used in the home instead of the classroom. It is a personal parenting decision whether you want your little person to co-sleep with you. If you are ready for the little person to sleep on their own and have tried every tactic you can think of, I highly recommend a lovey and this book. If you are having issues with potty training, binky addictions or awful tantrums there are BIG*KID Power books for these life issues, too.

I Sleep in a Big Bed by Maria van Lieshout (Chronicle Books | 9781452162904 | March 13, 2018)

300 Seconds: In-House Communication

12 Feb , 2018 No Comments

When communicating information about events planned for the store, it’s easy to remember to use Facebook, Twitter, the store website, newsletters, community calendars and news releases to achieve the best reach. But the most important communication is sometimes forgotten: communication to the staff.

Even if you broadcast event information through all of the platforms I’ve mentioned, chances are someone will call the store for more information, or with a specific question or request. If your staff isn’t equipped with the know-how to handle the call, or that the event exists at all, you’ve just made a bad first impression.

But if your staff knows about the event, they can not only answer questions that arise but can also help spread the message and their own excitement through their personal social media accounts.

So if you only have 5 minutes to spend on marketing today, market to your staff and make sure they are aware of your programs and upcoming events. Not only will this help spread your message, it will be amplified.

Year-End Video: And the winners are…

12 Feb , 2018 No Comments

Thanks to all who entered for a chance to win a produced year-end video for your store. The three winning stores are:

If you’re interested in producing your own video to showcase 2018 at your store, remember that the first step is to take photos. Snap more pictures than you think you’ll need. It’s easier to cull through many photos to find the right shot than it is to recreate the moment!