BookExpo

ABA educational programming at the first ABC Children’s Institute kicked off with the opening plenary “Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer in the Digital Age,” presented by Kelly Gallagher, vice president, Publishing Work Flow Solutions, R.R. Bowker.

The 2012 Indies Choice Book Awards and E.B. White Read-Aloud Awards were presented at ABA’s 12th annual Celebration of Bookselling & Author Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, June 5, at BookExpo America.

American booksellers learned about the challenges and opportunities facing bricks-and-mortar bookstores in other countries at the Monday afternoon Day of Education session “Indies International: Bookselling in Other Countries.”

On Monday, ABA kicked off is 10th annual Day of Education with an interview-style event featuring award-winning author Richard Russo and journalist and author Lynn Sherr. The focus of the discussion was “Why Indies Matter.”

Lovers of original children’s art who cannot attend the Children’s Art Auction and Reception on Wednesday evening at BEA will still have an opportunity to win one of 11 pieces to be raffled during the auction, including works by Bruce Degen, Chris Raschka, and Mo Willems.

More than 75 authors pay tribute to their favorite bookstores and booksellers in My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop, which will be featured in the Black Dog & Leventhal booth at BEA.

Here’s a roundup of the American Booksellers Association’s programming highlights, BEA breakfast and lunch events, and resources for booksellers at BookExpo America.

Next Tuesday’s ABA Celebration of Bookselling & Author Awards Luncheon will be a joyful occasion featuring 40 authors and illustrators, whose works independent booksellers across the nation have enthusiastically hand-sold and nominated to the Indie Next Lists.

The ABA Booksellers Lounge (Room 1E07/08 of the Javits Center) will be the place for member booksellers to have their questions answered by ABA and IndieCommerce staff, learn about products and services, have a snack, and relax in a comfy chair.

Bringing booksellers’ “salesmanship” to the next level will be the focus of the ABA Day of Education session “Putting the ‘Sell’ in Bookseller.”