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This month’s best selling kids series from The Children’s Book Review’s affiliate store Captain No Beard, by award-winning author Carole P. Roman, is an imaginative picture book series loved by all.

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It’s always difficult to narrow down the teetering pile of “Books I Loved” and the tottering pile of “Books to be Read” to a manageable number. Here are just a few middle grade novels author Sarah Dooley loved, and a few more she's looking forward to reading.

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This month's our list of hand-selected series from the nationwide best selling Children's Series list, as noted by The New York Times, features James Dashner's Maze Runner series and Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series.

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This month's best selling kids series from The Children's Book Review's affiliate store, First 100, is a great series for babies and toddlers ready to absorb information about the world around them.

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This month's best selling kids series from The Children's Book Review's affiliate store, Superhero Classics: I Can Read Level 2, is a great series to hook young readers that show an interest in classic superheros.

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We think it's so fun that one of our all-time favorite Christmas books is our best selling picture book from our affiliate store this month—we just love Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's Stick Man. As per usual, we've shared our hand selected titles of the most popular picture books from the nationwide best selling picture books, as listed by The New York Times.

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New York Times Bestselling author, Jennifer Nielsen, was born and raised in northern Utah, where she still lives today with her husband, three children, and a dog that won’t play fetch. She is the author of The Ascendance trilogy, beginning with THE FALSE PRINCE; Book 6 of the Infinity Ring series, BEHIND ENEMY LINES, The Underworld Chronicles, beginning with ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR; and the forthcoming PRAETOR WAR series.

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2008 CWIM Publisher Updates...

In my January CWIM newsletter (which may or may not have mailed by the time you read this) I included a list of publishers who have given me updates to their info for CWIM. As promised in the newsletter (click here to subscibe) here are their complete, up-to-date listings.


BLOOMING TREE PRESS (page 142)
P.O. Box 140934, Austin TX 78714. Estab. 2000. (512)921-8846. Fax: (512)873-7710. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.bloomingtreepress.com. Publisher: Miriam Hees; Madeline Smoot, senior editor, children's division; Kay Pluta, associate editor, children's division; Anna Herrington, associate editor, children's division; Debbie Smart, editorial assistant, children's division; Bradford Hees, senior editor, graphic novels/comics. Art Acquisitions: Regan Johnson, art director. "Blooming Tree Press is dedicated to producing high quality book for the young and the young at heart. It is our hope that you will find your dreams between that pages of our books."
Fiction Picture books: adventure, animal, contemporary, fantasy, folktales, history, humor, multicultural, religion, science fiction, special needs, sports. Young readers: adventure, animal, contemporary, fantasy, folktales, history, humor, multicultural, religion, science fiction, special needs, sports, suspense. Middle readers: adventure, animal, anthology, contemporary, fantasy, folktales, history, humor, multicultural, poetry, religion, science fiction, suspense. Young adults/teens: adventure, animal, anthology, contemporary, fantasy, folktales, history, humor, religion, science fiction, suspense. Average word length: picture books--500-1,000; young readers--800-9,000; middle readers--25,000-40,000; young adult/teens: 40,000-70,000. Recently published Jessica McBean, Tap Dance Queen, by Carole Gerger, illustrated by Patrice Barton (chapter book about teasing); One-Eyed Jack, by Paula Miller, illustrated by Chris Forrest (mid-grade about a boy and his dog in 1880s Montana); Summer Shorts, by multiple authors and illustrators (mid-grade stories about summer); Kichi in Jungle Jeopardy, by Lila Guzman, illustrations by Regan Johnson (middle grade about a talking dog in the Mayan temples.
Nonfiction Picture Books: biography, cooking, geography, history, self help, social issues, special needs, sports. Young Readers: animal, biography, careers, cooking, geography, history, music/dance, religion, science, self help, social issues, special needs, sports. Middle Readers: biography, cooking, geography, history, how-to, music/dance, religion, science, self help, social issues, sports. Young Adults/Teens: biography, careers, cooking, geography, history, hobbies, music/dance, religion, science, self help, social issues, sports.
How to Contact/Writers Fiction/nonfiction: "Accepting agented, conference attendee and personally requested submissions. For unsolicited submissions check Web site for dates of unsolicited submission times throughout the year. Do not send unsolicited submissions unless it is during a specified submission time period."
Illustration Works with 6-20 illustrators/year. Send illustration samples to Regan Johnson, publisher. Samples not returned; sample filed for future projects.
Terms Pays authors royalty of 10% depending on the project. Pays illustrators by the project. Authors see galleys for review; illustrators see dummies. Send e-mail with mailing address for catalog. Writer's guidelines on Web site.
Tips "During submission times follow the guidelines listed on our Web site. Send a crisp and clean one-page query letter stating your project, why it is right for the market, and a little about yourself. Write what you know, not what's 'in.' Remember, every great writer/illustrator started somewhere. Keep submitting . . . don't ever give up."


HOLIDAY HOUSE INC. (page 168)
425 Madison Ave., New York NY 10017. (212)688-0085. Fax: (212)421-6134. Web site: www.holidayhouse.com. Estab. 1935. Book publisher. Vice President/Editor-in-Chief: Mary Cash. Acquisitions: Acquisitions Editor. Art Director: Claire Counihan. Publishes 35 picture books/year; 3 young readers/year; 15 middle readers/year; 8 young adult titles/year. 20% of books by first-time authors; 10% from agented writers. Mission Statement: "To publish high-quality books for children."
Fiction All levels: adventure, contemporary, fantasy, folktales, ghost, historical, humor, literary, multicultural, school, suspense/mystery, sports. Recently published Jazz, by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers; Keeper of Soles, by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Yayo; Freedom Walkers, by Russell Freedman.
Nonfiction All levels, but more picture books and fewer middle-grade nonfiction titles: animal, biography, concept, contemporary, geography, historical, math, multicultural, music/dance, nature/environment, religion, science, social issues.
How to Contact/Writers Send queries only to editor. Responds to queries in 3 months; mss in 4 months. "If we find your book idea suits our present needs, we will notify you by mail." Once a ms has been requested, the writers should send in the exclusive submission, with a SASE, otherwise the ms will not be returned.
Illustration Works with 35 illustrators/year. Reviews ms illustration packages from artists. Send ms with dummy. Do not submit original artwork or slides. Color photocopies or printed samples are preferred. Responds only if interested. Samples filed.
Terms Pays authors and illustrators an advance against royalties. Originals returned at job's completion. Book catalog, ms/artist's guidelines available for a SASE.
Tips "We need books with strong stories, writing and art. We do not publish board books or novelties. No easy readers."


ARTHUR A. LEVINE BOOKS (page 180)
Imprint of Scholastic, Inc., 557 Broadway, New York NY 10012. (212)343-4436. Fax: (212)343-4890. Web site: www.arthuralevinebooks.com. Acquisitions: Arthur A. Levine, editorial director; Cheryl Klein, senior editor. Publishes approximately 8 picture books/year; 8 full-length works for middle grade and young adult readers/year. Approximately 25% of books by first-time authors.
Fiction Recently published The Arrival, by Shaun Tan (graphic novel); The Nutcracker Doll, by Mary Newell DePalma (picture book); The Book of Time, by Guillaume Prévost, trans. by William Rodarmor (novel); The Spell Book of Listen Taylor, by Jaclyn Moriarty (novel); and Wilderness, by Roddy Doyle (novel).
Nonfiction Recently published The Secret World of Hildegard, by Jonah Winter and Jeanette Winter (picture book); Dizzy, by Jonah Winter and Sean Qualls (picture book); and The Adventures of Marco Polo, by Russell Freedman and Bagram Ibatoulline (picture book).
How to Contact/Writers Fiction/nonfiction: Accepts queries only. Responds to queries in 1 month; mss in 5 months. Publishes a book 1½ years after acceptance.
Illustration Works with 8 illustrators/year. Will review ms/illustration packages from artists. Query first. Illustrations only: Send postcard sample with tearsheets. Samples not returned.


MARGARET K. McELDERRY BOOKS (page 183)
Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10020. (212)698-7000. Web site: www.simonsayskids.com. Publisher: Vice President, Associate Publisher Emma D. Dryden. Acquisitions: Karen Wojtyla, executive editor; Lisa Cheng, associate editor; Sarah Payne, editorial assistant. Art Acquisitions: Ann Bobco, executive art director. Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division. Publishes 12 picture books/year; 5-8 middle readers/year; 8-10 young adult titles/year. 10% of books by first-time authors; 50% of books from agented writers. "Margaret K. McElderry Books publishes original hardcover trade books for children from pre-school age through young adult. This list includes picture books, middle grade and teen fiction, poetry, and fantasy. The style and subject matter of the books we publish is almost unlimited. We do not publish textbooks, coloring and activity books, greeting cards, magazines, pamphlets, or religious publications."
Fiction All levels. "Always interested in publishing humorous picture books, original beginning reader stories, and strong poetry." Average word length: picture books--500; young readers--2,000; middle readers--10,000-20,000; young adults--45,000-50,000. Recently published Bear Feels Sick, by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman (picture book); Birdsongs, by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Steve Jenkins (picture book); Hey Batta Batta Swing!, by Sally Cook and Jim Charlton, illustrated by Ross MacDonald (picture book); Questors, by Joan Lennon (middle grade); City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare (debut teen); America at War, by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn (poetry).
How to Contact/Writers Send query letters with SASE for picture books; send synopsis and first 3 chapters or first 30 pages with SASE for novels. Responds to queries in 1-2 month; mss in 3-4 months. Publishes a book 24-36 months after acceptance. Will consider simultaneous queries from previously unpublished authors and those submitted to other publishers, "though we request that the author let us know it is a simultaneous query." Please do not call to query or follow up.
Illustration Works with 20-30 illustrators/year. Query with samples, resume, tearsheets. Contact: Ann Bobco, executive art director, Design Dept., 4th Floor. Samples filed. Responds only if interested.
Terms Pays authors royalty based on retail price. Pays illustrator royalty of by the project. Pays photographers by the project. Original artwork returned at job's completion. Manuscript guidelines for #10 SASE with one first-class stamp.
Tips "We're looking for strong, original fiction, especially mysteries and middle grade humor. We are always interested in picture books for the youngest age reader. Study our titles."


ROARING BROOK PRESS (page 204)
175 Fifth Ave., New York NY 10010. (212)375-7149. Manuscript/Art Acquisitions: Simon Boughton, publisher. Editorial Director, Neal Porter Books: Neal Porter. Executive Editor: Nancy Mercado. Senior Editor: Dierdre Langeland. Publishes approximately 70 titles/year. 1% of books by first-time authors. This publisher's goal is "to publish distinctive high-quality children's literature for all ages. To be a great place for authors to be published. To provide personal attention and a focused and thoughtful publishing effort for every book and every author on the list."

• Roaring Brook Press is an imprint of MacMillan, a group of companies that includes Henry Holt and Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Roaring Brook is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts.

Fiction/Nonfiction Picture books, young readers, middle readers, young adults: adventure, animal, contemporary, fantasy, history, humor, multicultural, nature/environment, poetry, religion, science fiction, sports, suspense/mystery. Recently published Dog and Bear, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger; Candyfloss, by Jacqueline Wilson.
How to Contact/Writers Primarily interested in agented material. Not accepting unsolicited mss or queries. Will consider simultaneous agented submissions.
Illustration Primarily interested in agented material. Works with 25 illustrators/year. Illustrations only: Query with samples. Do not send original art; copies only through the mail. Samples returned with SASE.
Photography Works on assignment only.
Terms Pays authors royalty based on retail price. Pays illustrators royalty or flat fee depending on project. Sends galleys to authors; dummies to illustrators, if requested.
Tips "You should find a reputable agent and have him/her submit your work."


SIMON & SCHUSTER BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS (page 208)
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10020. (212)698-7000. Fax: (212)698-2796. Web site: www.simonsayskids.com. Manuscript Acquisitions: Justin Chanda, associate publisher; David Gale, vice president, editorial director; Kevin Lewis, executive editor; Paula Wiseman, vice president, editorial director, Paula Wiseman Books. Art Acquisitions: Dan Potash, vice president, creative director. Publishes 95 books/year. "We publish high-quality fiction and nonfiction for a variety of age groups and a variety of markets. Above all we strive to publish books that will offer kids a fresh perspective on their world."

• Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Queries are accepted via mail.

Fiction Picture books: animal, minimal text/very young readers. Middle readers, young adult: fantasy, adventure, suspense/mystery. All levels: contemporary, history, humor. Recently published Orange Pear Apple Bear, written and illustrated by Emily Gravett (picture book, agest 1-4); Huge, by Sasha Paley (young adult fiction, agest 13 and up).
Nonfiction Picture books: concept. All levels: narrative, current events, biography, history. "We're looking for picture book or middle grade nonfiction that have a retail potential. No photo essays." Recently published Insiders Series (picture book nonfiction, all ages).
How to Contact/Writers Accepting query letters only; please note the appropriate editor. Responds to queries/mss in 3-4 months. Publishes a book 2 years after acceptance. Will not consider simultaneous submissions.
Illustration Works with 70 illustrators/year. Do not submit original artwork. Editorial reviews ms/illustration packages from artists. Submit query letter to Submissions Editor. Illustrations only: Query with samples; samples filed. Provide promo sheet, tearsheets. Responds only if interested.
Terms Pays authors royalty (varies) based on retail price. Pays illustrators or photographers by the project or royalty (varies) based on retail price. Original artwork returned at job's completion. Manuscript/artist's guidelines available via Web site or free on request. Call (212)698-2707.
Tips "We're looking for picture books centered on a strong, fully-developed protagonist who grows or changes during the course of the story; YA novels that are challenging and psychologically complex; also imaginative and humorous middle-grade fiction. And we want nonfiction that is as engaging as fiction. Our imprint's slogan is 'Reading You'll Remember.' We aim to publish books that are fresh, accessible and family-oriented; we want them to have an impact on the reader."


WILLIAMSON BOOKS (page 217)
An imprint of Ideals Publications, 535 Metroplex Drive, Suite 250, Nashville TN 37211. Web site: www.idealsbooks.com. Manuscript and Art Acquisitions: Williamson Books Submission. Publishes 6-10 titles/year. 50% of books by first-time authors; 10% of books from agented authors. Publishes "very successful nonfiction series (Kids Can!® Series) on subjects such as history, science, arts/crafts, geography, diversity, multiculturalism. Successfully launched Little Hands® series for ages 2-6, Kaleidoscope Kids® series (age 7 and up) and Quick Starts for Kids! ® series (ages 8 and up). "Our goal is to help every child fulfill his/her potential and experience personal growth."
Nonfiction Hands-on active learning books, animals, African-American, arts/crafts, Asian, biography, diversity, careers, geography, health, history, hobbies, how-to, math, multicultural, music/dance, nature/environment, Native American, science, writing and journaling. Does not want to see textbooks, picture books, fiction. "Looking for all things African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino, and Native American including crafts and traditions, as well as their history, biographies, and personal retrospectives of growing up in U.S. for grades pre-K-8th. We are looking for books in which learning and doing are inseparable." Recently published Making Amazing Art, by Sandi Henry, illustrated by Sarah Cole (ages 7-13); Kids Care, by Rebecca Olien, illustrated by Michael Kline (ages 7-12); Super Science Concoctions, by Jill Frankel Hauser, illustrated by Michael Kline (ages 6-12).
How to Contact/Writers Query with annotated TOC/synopsis and 1 sample chapter. Responds to queries/mss in 4 months. Publishes book "about 1 year" after acceptance. Writers may send a SASE for guidelines or e-mail.
Illustration Works with at least 6 illustrators and 6 designers/year. "We're interested in expanding our illustrator and design freelancers." Uses primarily b&w artwork and 2-color and 4-color. Responds only if interested. Samples returned with SASE; samples filed.
Photography Buys photos from freelancers; uses archival art and photos.
Terms Pays authors advance against future royalties based on wholesale price or purchases outright. Pays illustrators by the project. Pays photographers per photo. Sends galleys to authors.
Tips "Please do not send any fiction or picture books of any kind--those should go to Ideals Children's Books. Look at our books to see what we do. We're interested in interactive learning books with a creative approach packed with interesting information, written for young readers ages 3-7 and 8-14. In nonfiction children's publishing, we are looking for authors with a depth of knowledge shared with children through a warm, embracing style. Our publishing philosophy is based on the idea that all children can succeed and have positive learning experiences. Children's lasting learning experiences involve their participation."

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I'll back up quickly before we move forward, and tell you about our intimate gathering at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia on August 25 -- a steamy summer Saturday. Owner Diane Capriola put the word out to area writers and teachers, and that's who showed up for a lovely hour and a half of talking shop, reading from ALL-STARS, and munching on Crackerjacks -- House Jackson, age 12, is a Crackerjack baseball pitcher, or so we're told in chapter one of THE AURORA COUNTY ALL-STARS.

Here is something I've learned about book signings: Every book signing, every bookstore, every bookstore owner is so different. Each owner's vision is different, and each audience creates a kind of personality or character that the author must read and respond to. Figuring out what works best in each unique community is a puzzle and a challenge for the bookstore owner. If that owner is very good at this puzzling, it's a gift to the author. Here's Diane behind the desk, smiling that knowing smile.

When Diane called me a little over two years ago to introduce herself and tell me she was opening an independent children's bookstore in Decatur, Georgia, I said, "good luck!" And I meant it sincerely, as I'd heard about independent bookstores closing across the country. I had no idea how tenacious Diane and her business partner Dave would be. Just one example: Jake's Ice Cream is adjacent to Little Shop -- no wall separates the two businesses and customers mingle back and forth between the two. "The books will get sticky," people said. They didn't. The comfy couches between Jake's and Little Shop have housed many an intimate author talk, ice cream sometimes included.

Hmmm, I think, as we settle into the furniture. Lots of writers in this bunch; some teachers, a few kids. Punt. We talk about the writing process, the choppy sea of publishing, do we need agents? and then savvy reader-mom Kim says, "This is all well and good, but what about your characters? How do you create them?"

I learn how to read from ALL-STARS -- something I'll be discovering the entire time I'm on tour. I try to relate the adults' questions to the kids' fidget factor so I don't lose either. I eat my Moon Pie.

Then I sign books. I discover that Dr. Pearl McHaney from Georgia State is here. Dr. McHaney is a Eudora Welty scholar; the ancient, wrinkly, lovable pug dog in ALL-STARS is named Eudora Welty. Diane! You called the Eudora Welty Society! See what I mean? Bookstore owners find the most interesting, unusual threads to follow when setting up a signing, just as readers unravel their most personal, internal threads as they devour a book and make it their own.

I'm going to devour ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis and THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary Schmidt, the two books I purchase from Diane. I'll get lost in the worlds those authors create for me, and then I'll pass them (the books and the worlds) on to Logan, one of the most discerning 12-year-old readers I know.

I've been home from Columbia and Happy Bookseller for three days. I've done my laundry, watered my garden, cut my hair, paid the bills, cleaned out my email inbox (a first), watched the Justin Timberlake concert on television with my daughter, and lay on a blanket under the stars with my husband (still such a new word!).

The Tour Packet arrived via FedEx from Harcourt. In it are luscious lists of bookstores, schools, libraries, events, signing confirmations, flight numbers, media escort cell phones, hotel reservations, an itinerary as long -- longer! -- than my arm.

It's official. It's a tour. Here we go.

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I'm typing in the air conditioned comfort of an old, high-ceilinged, civil-war-style house in downtown Atlanta, GA -- have you ever seen Gone With the Wind? It's like that, only instead of Rhett Butler, it's just us inside. The house belongs to our friends Ayesha and Dave, but they're not here either--coincidentally, their already-planned vacation coincided with our visit (at least they told us it was coincidental…) so they're off in parts unknown. Still, they let us use their glorious pad in their absence. Thanks, guys!

Here’s a picture of us in Frisco, NC, before we left. Also, a picture with Leslie Ann Lanier of the wonderful bookstore Books To Be Red in Ocracoke, NC. A must-visit if you're a bibliophile on the Outer Banks.  The 'Red' in the store's name comes from Ann's hair.  Isn't that cool? :-)

Two days ago we left North Carolina's Outer Banks at 9:30 AM and drove all day, arriving here after midnight. Believe it or not, it wasn't too bad a trip. The kids were happily involved with the backseat DVD player (many thanks to my parents for providing that!), and Karen and I actually got a chance to talk. Weird, huh? We ended up stopping at South Of The Border (http://www.pedroland.com/), a Mecca for weary travelers of Interstate 95. There we had a fabulously fun 24-story elevator ride up into a giant Mexican sombrero. Que barbaro! :-)




I love Atlanta! Such nice people, such nice weather, good coffee--it's got it all. And Evan, Lucy, and Zoe are fascinated by the GIANT bugs we see everywhere here in the south. I need to take a photo. They really are somethin' to see!

Yesterday we were given the royal treatment by the Barnes and Noble in Alpharetta, GA. Before I spoke to readers, they had a 'dragon' -- a big ol' lizard -- as the opening act.  I never opened up for a reptile before. :-) Here’s a picture with Cindy Rittenhouse, who runs the amazing children’s/young-adult section and Rachel, a high school junior and future star critic.



The Little Shop of Stories, a fantastic independent book store in Decatur, GA, did an absolutely amazing window display about our road trip. See the pictures below -- although they don't actually do justice to it. Still, can you believe this? In the last photo I’m also shown with store co-owner Dave Shallenberger, who did the artwork, and Terra McVoy, store manager. Thanks, guys!




Here are Elle Race and Regan Foster of Storyville, a lovely book shop for younger kids in Duluth, GA. They served lemonade for my visit--a very nice touch.  They're a new bookstore in the northern suburbs of Atlanta -- Good luck to them! :-)

Some fun news: Check out the Publisher’s Weekly Web site – we’re the lead article! :-) Here’s the link:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6457079.html

A Note added by Karen:  A highlight of our stay in Atlanta was that we met up with one of my best friends from high school, Karen Sytsma and her family!  I haven't seen Karen in 20 years, and we hit it off as if we see each other everyday!  Karen and her sons Josiah and Caleb followed us to all the bookstores, and we got a chance to visit her husband Mike at work!  Josiah showed the kids a dragon lizard called Beowolf...a relative of the giant iguana we saw earlier.  All these lizards in Atlanta, is it a requirement to have one?  What a great visit!!
 

Tomorrow we’re off to Jackson, MS, via Birmingham, AL. :-)

Happy travels!
--Mark
www.markpeterhughes.com

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