Archive for Events
September 24, 2012 at 4:40 am · Filed under Ages newborn - 3, Booksellers Diary, Events ·Tagged books for infants, books for toddlers, Caroline Church, Happy Hippo Angry Duck, I Kissed the Baby, I'm the Biggest thing in the Ocean, Kevin Sherry, Leslie Patricelli, Mary Murphy, Sandra Boynton, storytime books, The More We Get Together, two and under storytime, Wee Ones Storytime, Yummy Yucky
Summer’s an awesome time for our Wee Ones Storytime—we’ve got our usual suspects, plus a collection of older siblings home from school! It’s crowded on Friday mornings, which means we’ve got a great audience to tell us which books are the top choices of the two-and-under crowd. Here are a few that have been popular lately.
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry; Dial Books (Penguin)
We follow a giant squid as he swims through the ocean, pointing out various other sea creatures. He’s bigger than the crab! He’s bigger than the shrimp! He’s bigger than the jellyfish! He’s even bigger than the shark! But, surprise, surprise—it turns out there’s one animal in the ocean bigger than our friend the squid. When a big whale gulps down our slimy protagonist, he’s a bit confused. But after taking in his new surroundings, he cheerily exclaims, “I’m the biggest thing in this whale!” I love to get kids involved with this one, yelling “BIG!” and stretching out their arms as wide as they can!
Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli; Candlewick Press
This one always get its fair share of chuckles. Each page displays something that’s either (you guessed it!) yummy or yucky. At first, comparisons are pretty standard—soup vs. soap, Mommy’s cookies vs. Mommy’s coffee, etc. But the yucky things get progressively sillier (Sand! Boogers! Earwax!), until we end in a fit of giggles from kids and grownups alike. I like to make this read a little more interactive by doing thumbs up for yummy and thumbs down for yucky, or asking kids to shout out “yes!” or “no!” based on whether the food/item is yummy or yucky.
Happy Hippo, Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton; Simon & Schuster
This quick read about feelings is one that I sometimes like to grab if the “meltdown memo” has gone out. (Have you noticed that if one child starts to cry, everyone else has to join in? Why is that? Are these kids using telekinesis to communicate without the grownups’ knowledge?!) Anyway, trusty kid-guru Sandra Boynton has paired various emotions with animals (and one undefinable “frazzled thing”) to create an adorable, silly little board book that’s just the right length to keep kids engaged.
I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy; Candlewick Press
Various animals talk about the baby and how they played with it, sang to it, tickled it, etc. This one provides a great opportunity to let loose with various animal sounds! Also, it starts out in black and white, and only gradually incorporates color, until when the baby duckling finally appears, we’ve got an explosion of bright colors as his mommy lays a giant kiss on his little head!
The More We Get Together by Caroline Church; Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)
This book is a simply illustrated version of the popular song, complete with adorable drawings of toddlers. It’s one of my favorites to use at the close of storytime, as we gently wind down towards our goodbye song. It’s also one that’s helpful to have within reach in case a ruckus breaks out. Issues with sharing? Sibling dispute? The perfect segue into this little story/song about friendship and being kind. Done and done.
Need more storytime suggestions? Check out my original list of favorites! Or join us for Wee Ones Storytime on Friday and Saturday mornings at 10:30 am!
Happy reading!
—Miss Megan
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August 29, 2012 at 7:02 am · Filed under Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Booksellers Diary, Events ·Tagged author events, chapter books, children's author, Darkbeast, fantasy books, Morgan Keyes, new books
Keara’s twelfth nameday is fast approaching and according to the law in the land of Duodecia, she is required to kill her darkbeast, a raven named Caw. Like all other darkbeasts, Caw has been bound to his owner since she was a baby and has absorbed all the negative emotions she has felt throughout her childhood. Whenever she exhibits a dark feeling such as fear or jealousy, she is sent to Caw, who takes it away. He also helps her see why manifesting these emotions in a negative way is undesirable. Most children look forward to the day they be rid of their darkbeast, but Keara is different. She loves Caw and cannot imagine killing him, but allowing a darkbeast to live beyond your twelfth nameday is a punishable offense in Duodecia.
Another complication in the story is that during the week leading up to her nameday, a troupe of actors called the Travelers visit Keara’s town. She finds herself drawn to their fantastic revels, stories about the land’s twelve gods performed on stage, and dreams of a life on the road with the group. Keara is faced with many decisions: Should she kill Caw as she is expected to? Should she join the Travelers and leave behind the only life she has ever known? Turning twelve is not easy!
When I read the description of Darkbeast, I immediately thought of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. Keyes’ darkbeasts sounded suspiciously similar to Pullman’s daemons, and I worried that the story would be an unsatisfying facsimile of the acclaimed trilogy. But much to my delight, Darkbeast tells a unique and compelling story. It is quite fast-paced and Keyes effectively uses cliffhangers to push readers to read “just one more chapter!” Don’t be fooled by the rather childish cover art, which initially made me think the book was for younger readers. Darkbeast is for ages 10 and up and covers complex concepts such as personal belief systems, emotions, and breaking from social norms.
Morgan Keyes will be at Hooray for Books on Friday, September 7, 2012 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Come by and meet the author of this thoroughly entertaining read!
~Kristen
Darkbeast by Morgan Keyes; Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster); Ages 10-12
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June 29, 2012 at 4:03 am · Filed under Events ·Tagged Candlewick, Hooray For Books Children's Bookstore, Independent Bookstores, Old Town Alexandria, Where's Waldo
Waldo is turning 25 this year, and to celebrate, the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 20 different local shops throughout the month of July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books, and more. From Hooray for Books! at 1555 King Street to Monday’s Child at 218 North Lee Street, from Whistle Stop Hobbies at 130 South Royal Street to The Sugar Cube at 1218 King Street, Waldo figures are showing up in public areas of local establishments.
Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Alexandria!” search list with the names of all the businesses, and collect an “I Found Waldo at ___________” card for each Waldo they spot. Collecting cards in 16 or more businesses and turning them in at Hooray for Books! will win a Waldo button and an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn at a Waldo party on July 31. The Grand Prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books! People who prefer a shorter version of the hunt can collect the cards from eight businesses and pick up a Waldo button at Hooray for Books!.
There is no charge to participate, and the game lasts for the entire month of July. For more information about hunting for Waldo in Alexandria, call Hooray for Books! call us at 703-548-4092 or email us!
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June 20, 2012 at 2:17 pm · Filed under Adult fiction and non-fiction, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Events ·Tagged 12-18, Alethea Kontis, book review, Brigid Kemmerer, Diana Peterfreund, Elizabeth Scott, HarperCollins, Hooray For Books Children's Bookstore, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Kensington Publishing, Simon & Schuster, summer reads, teen book, Young Adult, Young Adult Fiction
We’ve been so lucky to have a steady stream of YA Authors dropping by the store to share their books with all of you and next week we have 4 more! Come join us at 3:30 on June 30th and welcome Elizabeth Scott, Alethea Kontis, Diana Peterfreund, and Brigid Kemmerer to Hooray for Books!
Elizabeth Scott introduces her latest book, Miracle, the story of a young girl who is the only survivor of a plane crash. Megan is a miracle. At least, that’s what everyone says. Having survived a crash that killed everyone else on board, Megan knows she should be grateful just to be alive. But the truth is, she doesn’t feel like a miracle. In fact, she doesn’t feel anything at all. Then memories from the crash start coming back. Miracle, Simon Pulse, $16.99
Diana Peterfreund’s book, For Darkness Shows the Stars, features 18-year-old Elliot North, a girl who chose family over love four years ago, refusing to run away from the caste system she grew up in, as the servant, Kai, wanted her to. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it. For Darkness Shows the Stars, Balzer & Bray/Harperteen, $16.99
Alethea Kontis’ foray into the young adult world is Enchanted. It isn’t easy beign the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true. When Sunday meets an enchanted frog, the two become friends and the friendship deepens into something magical. Sunday’s love transforms the frog into a prince!
A lovely retelling of “The Frog Prince.” Enchanted, Harcourt Children’s Books, $16.99
Brigid Kemmerer has written Storm, a fast-paced story with lots of thrills and will definitely have you turning the pages faster and faster!
Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys — the ones she doesn’t want. Then she saves Chris from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water– just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death. Storm, Kensington Publishing, $9.95
Come join us as the authors talk about their latest books, answer questions, and sign your copies.
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May 25, 2012 at 9:20 am · Filed under Adult fiction and non-fiction, Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Booksellers Diary, Events ·Tagged autographed books, fantasy books, Michael Scott, middle grade books, summer reads, The Alchemyst, The Enchantress, The Magician, The Necromancer, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, The Sorceress, The Thirteen Hallows, The Warlock
Fans of Michael Scott, rejoice! The author himself was in the store earlier this week, and, luckily for you, he signed our stock. Check out our red display table, which is chock full of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series and Scott’s book for grownups, The Thirteen Hallows.
For those of you who aren’t as familiar with Scott’s middle grade books, check out this description of the first in the series, The Alchemyst:
The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the
greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty. The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It’s the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That’s exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won’t know what’s happening until it’s too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it. Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time. (Indiebound)
Want us to reserve copies of Michael’s books? Give us a call and we’ll set them aside! 703-548-4092.
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May 9, 2012 at 6:50 am · Filed under Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Events ·Tagged 12-18, Abrams, Bloomsbury, book review, Henry Holt, Hooray For Books Children's Bookstore, Jaclyn Dolamore, Jay Clark, Jon Skovron, teen book, teen panel, Young Adult, Young Adult Fiction
This coming Saturday, 5/12, we’ll be having 3 awesome teen authors at the store to talk about their books, do a signing, and answer any of your awesome questions.
Jay Baker is the brainchild of debut author Jay Clark. In The Edumacation of Jay Baker, this high school freshman’s parents are separated because his mom had an affair, he’s in love with his cheerleader best friend, and his football playing nemesis calls him “Gay Baker.” But Jay can give as good as he gets in the insult department, which makes for some funny and tense moments along the way. A funny and fast-paced coming-of-age story for ages 14 and up.
In Magic Under Stone, Jaclyn Dolamore continues the story of Nimira and Erris, started in Magic Under Glass. For these star-crossed lovers, there can be no happily ever after until Erris is freed from the clockwork form in which his soul is 
trapped. The two lovers go in search of the sorcerer Ordorio Valdana, hoping he will know how to grant Erris real life again. When they learn that Valdana has mysteriously vanished, Nimira decides to take matters into her own hands, and begins to secretly study the sorcerer’s spell books. Yet even as she begins to understand the power and limitations of sorcery, it becomes clear that freeing Erris will bring danger-if not out-and-out war-as factions within the faerie world are prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him from regaining the throne. Ages 12 and up.
Jon Skovron is the author of Misfit and Struts and Frets. In Misfit, we meet Jael Thompson, who has never really fit in. She’s changed schools too many times to count. The only family she’s ever known is her father, a bitter ex-priest who never lets her date and insists she attend the strictest Catholic school in Seattle. And her mother–well, she was a five thousand year old demon. That doesn’t exactly help. On her sixteenth birthday, her father gives her a present that brings about some unexpected changes. Some of the changes, like strange and wonderful powers and the cute skater boy with a knack for science, are awesome. But others, like the homicidal demon seeking revenge on her family? Not so much. Steeped in mythology, this is an epic tale of a heroine who balances old world with new, science with magic, and the terrifying depths of the underworld with the ordinary halls of high school. Ages 14 and up.
Call us to reserve your books or to let us know you’re coming! 703-548-4092.
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May 3, 2012 at 12:36 pm · Filed under Ages 3 - 6, Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Events ·Tagged Alexandra Boiger, Amy Reichert, author events, baking, beginning chapter books, Carrie Berk, Cupcake Club: Peace Love and Cupcakes, cupcakes, Hooray For Books Children's Bookstore, Lavender Moon Cupcakery, Mother's Day gift ideas, mothers and daughters, read aloud books, Sheryl Berk, Take Your Mama to Work Today, While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat
Mother’s Day is almost upon us! If you’re looking for a creative gift for mom, look no further. What’s better than an autographed book? Or meeting an author? Or cupcakes?
That’s right. Cupcakes.
Check out our great mom-themed author events this weekend!
Friday, May 4th, 5:30-6:30 pm / Sheryl and Carrie Berk, authors of The Cupcake Club: Peace, Love, and Cupcakes
Meet Kylie Carson, a fourth grader with a big problem. How will she make friends at her new school? Should she tell her classmates she loves monster movies? Forget it. Play the part of a turnip in the school play? Disaster! Then Kylie comes up with a delicious idea: what if she starts a cupcake club? Soon Kylie’s club is spinning out tasty treats with the help of her fellow bakers and new friends. But when Meredith tries to sabotage the girls’ big cupcake party, will it be the end of the Cupcake Club?
Sheryl Berk is the New York Times bestselling author of Soul Surfer, and her nine-year-old daughter Carrie is a cupcake 
connoisseur who has reviewed confections from around the world in her Carrie’s Cupcakes Critiques newsletter. Together, mother and daughter have cooked up a delightful new series that is sure to be a treat! Please email us at info@hooray4books.com if you’d like to join us for a sweet evening! Ages 6 and up.
The Cupcake Club: Peace, Love, and Cupcakes by Sheryl and Carrie Berk; Sourcebooks; 6.99; Ages 6 and up
Saturday, May 5th, 4-5 pm / Amy Reichert, author of Take Your Mama to Work Today
Violet is an expert at spending the day in Mama’s office, so now she’s put together a handbook to help the rest of us! Violet’s got lots of helpful tips, like how to enter the office (hop across the tiles!), what to do during coffee break (eat donuts!), and how to best use office supplies like hole punchers (make confetti!). At the end of the day your colleagues (that’s office-speak for friends), will be sad to see you go, but your trusty handmade business cards will ensure that you’re only a call away!
I’m already a big fan of Amy Reichert’s adorable While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat, and her newest story is just as 
fun! Illustrator Alexandra Boiger is back for this one, too, and her whimsically exuberant artwork makes this book come brilliantly to life! Don’t miss your chance to meet Amy Reichert this Saturday–give us a call if you’d like to put books on reserve. (703) 548-4092
Take Your Mama to Work Today by Amy Reichert, illus. by Alexandra Boiger; Atheneum Books (Simon & Schuster); 16.99; Ages 3-7
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March 12, 2012 at 7:41 am · Filed under Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Booksellers Diary, Events ·Tagged author event, Born Wicked, Cahill Witch Chronicles, Caitlin Kittredge, Iron Codex series, Iron Thorn, Jessica Spotswood, Teen Book Panel, The Unnaturalists, Tiffany Trent
We’re excited to welcome three talented young adult authors to the store as they discuss their own work and the current trends in the teen book world! On Saturday, March 24th, from 3:30-5:30 pm, Caitlin Kittredge, Jessica Spotswood, and Tiffany Trent will be here to answer your most burning questions.
Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge; Ages 14+; Ember (Random House); 17.99 (hardcover)/10.99 (paperback)
At the opening of Caitlin Kittredge’s novel Iron Thorn, the necrovirus is blamed for an epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets of Lovecraft after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical–born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. For Aoife Grayson, time is growing shorter and shorter by the day. Can she prevent fate from catching her in its curse? A fantastic fantasy thriller you won’t want to put down!
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood; Ages 14+; Putnam Publishing Group (Penguin); 17.99 (hardback)
In Jessica Spotswood’s Born Wicked, everyone knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse–they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship, or an early grave. We’re thrilled to welcome DC-gal Jessica back to the store!
The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent; Ages 14+; Simon & Schuster; $16.99 (hardback)
Tiffany Trent’s The Unnaturalists chronicles the story of Vespa Nyx, who wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum. As she gets older, though, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband looms over her. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s–and with the Unnaturals. Pre-order this spine-tingling read (out August 14, 2012) now!
Contact us to reserve your copies of any of these titles! 703.548.4092 or info@hooray4books.com.
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March 7, 2012 at 9:02 am · Filed under Ages 3 - 6, Events, Uncategorized ·Tagged Picture Book, read aloud, Rob Scotton, Secret Agent Splat, Splat the Cat
If you haven’t read the hilarious Splat the Cat series, now’s your chance! We love this mischievous, clumsy black cat and his various adventures, so we’re pretty excited that Splat’s creator, the one and only Rob Scotton, will be at the store on March 20th!
In Splat’s latest installment, Secret Agent Splat (out March 13th), our favorite furry friend sets out to solve the mysterious disappearances of several ducks. Spoiler: hilarity ensues! Little ones will love this delightful new story with all of Splat’s signature verve and energy!
Don’t miss your chance to meet Rob Scotton on Tuesday, March 20th, from 6-8 pm! Call us now to reserve your copy of Secret Agent Splat (or any of Scotton’s other titles)! 703.548.4092
Secret Agent Splat by Rob Scotton; Ages 3-6; HarperCollins; 16.99
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March 5, 2012 at 4:06 pm · Filed under Ages 3 - 6, Events, Uncategorized ·Tagged autographed copies, Isabella Girl on the Go, Jennifer Fosberry, My Name is Not Alexander, My Name is Not Isabella, read aloud
Author Jennifer Fosberry is stopping by this week, so we thought we’d give you the heads up! Her newest book, Isabella: Girl on the Go will be on our autograph shelf in honor of the event. Jennifer’s spunky character Isabella has previously starred in My Name is Not Isabella, a companion to Fosberry’s first book, My Name is Not Alexander.
In the first two books, the children imagine themselves as all kinds of famous inventors, artists, and activists, with loving parents to support their desire to make a difference. In Girl on the Go, Isabella imagines herself making a difference all over the world, from defending the Great Wall of China from invaders to lighting the way to America as the Statue of Liberty! Like Fosberry’s other books, Girl on the Go has a glossary at the end with information about and pictures of every place Isabella has “traveled” – making your journey with the spunky adventuress educational AND fun.
Call the store now to reserve a copy of this delightful new picture book!
Isabella: Girl on the Go by Jennifer Fosberry, illus. by Mike Litwin; Ages 3-6; Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; 16.99
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I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry; Dial Books (Penguin)
Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli; Candlewick Press
Happy Hippo, Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton; Simon & Schuster 
The More We Get Together by Caroline Church; Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)
