One of my favourite bookstores in the world has fallen on hard times—hardly news these days, as so many businesses have been hit hard. But I have a personal fondness and connection to Books of Wonder, which just happens to be New York City’s oldest and largest independent children’s bookstore.
I first discovered Books of Wonder several years ago through their publishing efforts—they reprinted faithful reproduction of the Wizard of Oz series. When I looked up to see the publishing house behind these efforts, I discovered an entire store!
I made it my mission to one-day visit Books of Wonder . . . so imagine my joy when not only did I get to visit the store, but appear there as an author.
Back in 2007 I was a member on a panel of fantasy authors including Michael Buckley (The Sisters Grimm), David Clement Davies (The Sight), Rebecca Stead (When You Reach Me), amongst others that presented at Books of Wonder. This was exciting, but to this day, I think my biggest thrill was meeting the owner Peter Glassman, who also wrote the editor’s notes on the reprints of the Oz books. Peter is a kind and generous man with the heart of a child and I feel that his enthusiasm inspires all the staff.
I’ve since been back to Books of Wonder and I hope it will still be there the next time I go to New York.
If you are interested in helping the Books of Wonder cause, you can click HERE to find out how you can receive some unique gifts for a small donation.
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Here’s me and Peter Glassman, owner of Books of Wonder back in 2007.
Here’s David Clement Davis and me during our fantasy author panel at Books of Wonder.
You don’t find this in bookstores anymore: A whole section devoted to Oz!
Between the Cracks of Here and There 