This new author’s career highlight at Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe

August 27, 2024 — My partner in crime drove me to Grosse Pointe Park. As we approached the front door to the charming Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe, I saw a flyer for my reading posted on their door with “SOLD OUT” written across it. Their theater is on the small side so they sell out often, but still, it was a great feeling! 

My friend since being on the high school tennis team, Amy Sanford (nee Allison) was just inside the front door and greeted me with a happy hug. A darling little girl, Liv, who she nannies for, immediately showed us the doll she was getting. When I said hello to the women behind the front counter, they welcomed me with warmth and excitement. They kindly made me feel a bit like a celebrity. Jen, who I had emailed with about today, showed me their beautiful theater, where I’d be reading soon.

I tried to calm and center myself before we began. Despite having forgotten to put on deodorant. (It’s real life, these things happen.) The theater filled up with young children, their parents, grandparents and caregivers. I’d say the childrens’ ages ranged from about one to six. Between the children and their adults, the theater seats were full. There were fuschia Queen Anne chairs on a little stage, but I was happy to sit in the regular chair that was on the same level as the audience and closer to them — better for them to see the book illustrations as I read. I’m guessing the princesses who visit on occasion and Santa and Mrs. Claus, sit in those fancy chairs. That’s next level! 

I was delighted just after I began reading, to see several family members (from Tim’s side) enter the room. Our Aunt Jackie, cousins Dean and Kathy, and Kathy’s granddaughter. I encourage some audience engagement that’s always fun. The loudest is from the angry hornet page when I prompt them to yell “BUZZ OFF” with the hornet and me. One little guy, he was probably between 1 to 2 years old, walked right up near me as I read, at least for several final pages. He was clearly taking off on talking because he liked to repeat key words after I read them and point. It was nice having someone so young and so engaged. 

Coreander’s had two round tables and chairs set up for me for book sales and signing, just outside the theater. I’d set up my paraphernalia beforehand. As I signed the first little girl’s book, Liv looked on carefully and waited patiently. Next was her turn. She began telling me how to spell her name. “L - I - V,” she said. “And a heart.” I thought that was so sweet. She’d heard the mother and daughter spelling her unique name for me and she’d seen me write the first girl’s name and draw a heart after it.  I said, “oh, of course you get a heart!” 

The first girl was visiting from Colorado. It’s nice to know the book’s getting around. It was an especially good sales day. Between the five signed copies Coreander’s purchased outright from me (rather than taking them on consignment) and what I sold after the reading, I sold 12 books. Just for comparison, for the month of August, I sold one book on Amazon early in the month and the needle finally moved yesterday — to two books sold! I was so happy, haha.

Between the reading and selling/signing, the event lasted an hour. Tim videoed my reading on his phone, it’s just over nine minutes. (update: I had the whole video posted on YouTube previously, but I’ve unpublished it and I think I will just post a clip of it instead in the near future.)

Afterward, Tim and I got coffees (yes, there’s a coffee and ice cream shop within the bookshop), sat in the lovely courtyard garden where many woodland creatures are nestled in, reading good books that I assume they purchased at Coreander’s. Next, we checked out all the special store details and of course, the books. The wall paintings tell stories. There’s a cubbyhole hideaway. The decor includes a large sunshine, earth and moon globes. Many of the books have accompanying stuffies adorning the shelves. One I was surprised and delighted to see for the first time (and learned it’s new) was Frederick, the mouse from my favorite picture book as a child by Leo Lionni. What staying power for a book written so many decades ago. I was tempted, but didn’t purchase it. 

I haven’t done a lot of it lately, but I’ve heard adults say how much they still enjoy reading young adult (YA) books. I bought two by Kate DiCamillo, Because of Winn Dixie and The Tiger Rising as well as Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper. I also got a copy of Frederick by Leo Lionni for a gift. 

Coreander’s upstairs is dedicated to young adults, it’s nice for older children to have their own section/floor. It wraps around the perimeter overlooking downstairs. I don’t know of many bookstores dedicated to children only. I think it’s a wonderful concept and is done with so much love, you can see and feel it within the walls. Even if you’re not in the area, I’d highly recommend a trip to Coreander’s, especially if you have blossoming young readers in your life to accompany you. After so much online shopping, it feels refreshing to be in a brick and mortar store, with friendly people and books and other fun book-related items you can actually put your hands on. For example, I saw a Peter Pan map on a tea towel. 

On our way out, I was delighted to see my signed books, postcards and bookmarks front and center on the counter where people enter the shop. Thanks again, Coreander’s! This was the definite highlight of my short author career so far. 

New book update: More time is needed to finish the gorgeous illustrations and have enough time for presales (six week minimum). So, we will not be publishing our new book this fall. I just want to update you that Into the Thicket will be published in 2025. While it won’t be published during the upcoming holiday season, there are always birthdays and many other reasons to buy a good book. Really, who needs a reason? And it will be around for the 2025 holidays! I’ve been blown away by John’s illustrations and I think you will be too. This will be well worth the wait.

Huge thanks to Tim for supporting me in this new life adventure in so many ways! I really couldn’t do a good deal of this without him. 

Top image: courtesy Coreander’s Instagram