Henri and Heidi’s Super Summer

Henri and Heidi’s Super Summer is coming to an end, but, not without one last surprise.

I will tell you in a minute. But first, let’s review Henri and Heidi’s Super Summer.

In June, I was invited to read Heidi Saves the Day at Aaron’s Books story time in Lititz, PA.  www.aaronsbooks.com

Heidi’s message of girl power was well-received and I hope this idea continues to spread around the community. Thanks Todd, Sam, and Alex for the opportunity.

 

Heidi Saves the Day is my most recent children’s book. This picture book took the sweet spotlight at Lancaster Cupcake in June for two sold-out sessions.

The store’s inventive concept of combining a high interest children’s story book with a featured cupcake decorating experience is a perfect combination. www.lancastercupcake.com It was my second appearance. I hope to be back next summer. Thank you, Alexa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not to be outdone by Heidi, her brother Henri took center stage at the 2023 Delta Kappa Gamma Pennsylvania State Organization Convention in June 2023.

There was a meet and greet session on the evening of Thursday 6/21/23  where I introduced all of my books. On Friday 6/22/23 at the Wyndham Lancaster Resort & Convention Center, I presented my keynote speech, You Are You and I Am Me which was based on my second children’s book Henri to the Rescue.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the outgoing DKG President, Eileen Little, who invited me to give this keynote. It was an honor to address educators from across the state of Pennsylvania and spread the important message of diversity and acceptance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then, off I went to the Jersey Shore. Of course, Henri and Heidi love the beach.

To set the stage for summer sales, in the spring I dropped off books to the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, N.J. Due to a previous commitment, I was not able to accept a July story-time invitation for this summer’s children’s sea turtle program. Thank you, Kimberly, for thinking of me. http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org

 

 

In July, I spent many hours transporting boxes of books for summer deliveries.

The beautiful gift shop, Whale’s Tale, in Washington Mall in Cape May, N.J. restocked their book inventory twice, as sales were brisk. http://www.whalestalecapemay.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cape Atlantic Book Store also put more copies on their shelves.Thanks Patrick! http://www.capeatlanticbookco.com

 

 

 

A shout-out goes to, Suzanne at Exit Zero Ferry Park  at the Cape May Ferry Terminal in North Cape May who added octopus, hermit crab and sea turtle plush toys to enhance their book display of my books. As a result, sales increased greatly. All of my books are also sold at the sister property, Exit Zero Filling Station down the street in North Cape May. http://www.visitferrypark.com

The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, N.J. filled its gift shop with Henri’s Home, Henri to the Rescue, and Heidi Saves the Day. This third tallest lighthouse in the U.S., built in 1857, has turned out to be a great venue. Thank you, Jean, for your support. http://www.abseconlighthouse.org

In July, I was invited for my annual book signing at Sun Rose Words and Music on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, NJ. I love sitting under the store’s yellow awning as I watch families on vacation stroll along the busy street. You are always so generous with your support Nancy. Thank you. http://www.sunrosebooks.com

 

 

 

 

Just up the road in Ventnor, NJ my friend Brenda, owner of Makt Arts, ordered more books for her quaint gift shop. I always love the drive north over the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to see her. This year she introduced me to her new dog who keeps her company in the shop.

 

 

Meanwhile, in Delaware, sales exploded at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.

 

My contact, Jamie, thrilled me with the store’s large order. She told me how well the books were doing at Browseabout Books. My 2019 inspirational book, Ocean Whispers even made a resurgence.

 

Bethany Beach Books in Bethany Beach, DE also continued with strong sales. In June while visiting friends, I stopped in the store to check out the current display.

 

In August when I reluctantly returned back to Lancaster from the beach, I entertained a roomful of preschoolers at Ducklings Center in Landisville, PA. http://www.ducklingselc.com

This is the second time that Amanda and Kelsi have invited me. I hope to come back next year. There is nothing like an audience of wide-eyed children sitting crossed legged at your feet listening to your every word.

 

Last spring, I sent a few issues of Heidi Saves the Day to a boutique store, Wind in the Willows, in Naples, FL. This store was a favorite of my mother’s and later became one of mine. The owner, Beth, was attracted to the beach-themed story and beautiful illustrations by Lisa Madenspacher that she graciously agreed to put the book on a display near the cash register. This was the only Florida connection I had.

Until…  drum roll please …. my summer surprise!

In early June I watched a Prime documentary featuring the famed author Judy Blume, recipient of the 2017 E.B. White Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. I enjoyed hearing about the details of her life and her other awards. But moreover, I learned that in 2016 Judy Blume and her husband George Cooper, wanting a book store where they lived in Key West, FL, founded the independent, non-profit bookstore Books & Books @ The Studios in  Key West, FL.  http://www.booksandbookskw.com.  

Mitchell Kaplan, the creator of the Miami Book Fair International, opened the first Books & Books in Coral Gables, FL 1982.

According to Judy Blume’s web site, she can be found working here at the bookstore several days a week.http://www.judyblume.com

After 50 years of writing, I’m enjoying meeting so many readers and introducing them to some of my favorite authors. (Judy Blume)

Upon the conclusion of the television show, I sent an email to the store manager, Emily, and waited for a response. The summer progressed and frankly I forgot about my email. Until a short time ago when I got a response from Emily. She apologized for her tardy reply. She was going through the huge amount of emails in her inbox and found mine.

We emailed back and forth and finally agreed upon a way to get some of my books on to the shelves of Books & Books. Emily offered me a spot in her local Key West author program whereby I could send several copies of two titles of my children’s books on consignment. I was excited.

Henri to the Rescue and Heidi Saves the Day should be arriving in Key West, Florida soon. I just know that they are going to feel right at home at a new seaside resort. And, I hope that the community will love them as much as I do. Next, I will have to plan a winter road trip to Key West.

 

So, that is the news of Henri and Heidi’s Super Summer. What a fun adventure it has been! Who knows what will happen next summer? I am grateful to all of my contacts and their support and for all of the young readers and families who have taken home copies of my children’s books.

Kim