Latest New Yorker Book Sense Special Showcases Kids' 76 Picks

The September 30 issue of The New Yorker -- on newsstands September 23 -- will feature the latest Book Sense section, "Just Kidding -- Books for Children and Young Adults." The 10-page special feature will present the handselling favorites of 13 independent booksellers, and the titles are drawn from the fall 2002 Children's Book Sense 76. (The full 76 can be reviewed here [1].)

The feature notes that the selection of children's books in independent stores "surpasses mere entertainment," and it underscores for consumers the special commitment of independents, including offering young readers "in-store opportunities that include storytimes and the chance to meet celebrated authors and illustrators." Also noted is independent booksellers' work in literacy advocacy that "reaches beyond the boundaries of the store."

When introducing the featured titles, the piece points out that "periodically throughout the year, the informed and inspired recommendations of these independent booksellers are gathered in the Children's Book Sense 76 list." At the end of the piece, consumers are informed that more information on the Children's Book Sense 76 can be found at www.BookSense.com [2].

The bookstores included in the piece are: Wild Rumpus in Minneapolis; Snow Goose Bookstore in Stanwood, Washington; Grrreat Bears and Childhood Delights in Baltimore; Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minnesota; The Secret Garden in Seattle; Hearts & Stars Bookshop in Canton, Massachusetts; Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick, Vermont; University of Connecticut Co-Op in Storrs, Connecticut; Grass Roots Books & Music in Corvallis, Oregon; Chesterfield Books in Chesterfield Township, Michigan; Kids Ink Children's Bookstore in Indianapolis; Scott's Bookstore in Mount Vernon, Washington; All for Kids Books & Music in Seattle; Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois; The BookWorks in Marysville, Washington; Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston; and Malaprops in Asheville, North Carolina.