Update- we are no longer sold out of Harry!

We previously reported we had sold out of preorder copies of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, our back-up shipment HAS come through! (Hooray!)
We are still accepting preorders at 25% off the cover price of $35.99, which includes a family invitation to our fabulous PARTY! (You must prepay for the book to get into the party!)
And thank you, everyone, we are quite frankly shocked to have sold out in the first place- take that, Voldemart!
See you there!

IMPORTANT!! THOMAS WOODEN RAILWAY RECALL NOTICE!

RC2 has issued a voluntary recall on selected Thomas Wooden Railway items due to traces of lead in the paint. No illnesses or injuries have been reported, however we urge you to remove any items listed and mail them back to the manufacturer for replacement. Please do NOT bring them in to the store, we cannot offer exchanges or replacement, this must be done through the manufacturer. There is more info on their website:
http://rc2corp.com/company/recalls.asp
For more information and/or instructions on returning the affected products and obtaining replacements, please contact RC2's customer service toll-free at (866) 725-4407, Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT and Friday 8 - 11 a.m. CT.

oooh, Deluxe Edition

Check out Mary Grandpré's amazing work for the Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Deluxe Edition! The Deluxe Edition is also available for preorder at 25% off the cover price of $65, and the regular edition is still available for preorder at 25% off the cover price of $35.99. Both include a family admission to our HUGE Magical Midnight Release Party!

Important news & HUGE SALE!

Dear friends & customers,

Tweedle Bros. Children’s Bookshop will be closing this
fall following the release of Harry Potter. A
storewide liquidation sale of 25% off will begin on
Tuesday, May 29th.

We had been actively searching for a buyer since
January, and have had a couple of offers fall through.
We have determined that we can no longer dedicate the time
and energy needed to effectively run the business.
When we opened, we had one child, now we are expecting
our third.  The store has been a huge labor of love
for us, but at this time we have to look at what’s
best for our own careers and growing family.

We are so grateful for our very loyal customer base
(that's you), and we are planning our Harry Potter
party to be a huge ‘thank-you’ to everyone who has
supported us over the years. Preorders of the book at
25% off will be available until the date of the party,
the evening of Friday, July 20th.  In addition, we are
still accepting enrollment for summer art classes,
which will also continue as scheduled.

Stock will not be replenished, so shop early (and
often)! (That includes Thomas and the knights!) Stock
up now for future birthdays and baby showers! All
sales are final, and other discounts will not apply.

Various events such as storytime will continue through
August, with the doors closing most likely in
September or possibly October. (We will be closing
briefly for two weeks in August, check our website for
details.) Bulk orders for teachers and classrooms will
continue to be filled until fall, at the regular
educator discount. Fixtures and shelving will be
available for purchase as well.

If anyone is interested in purchasing the business,
please contact Tina directly at 920-682-4669. We would
love to see the bookshop continue as an asset to the
community.

We greatly appreciate your business over the past
three years!
Carson & Tina

Summer Art Classes Announced!

Tweedle Bros. Summer Art Class Schedule!
Class sizes are extremely limited, enroll early! An enrollment form must be filled out completely, signed, and submitted with payment. There will be no refunds after the first class date. Sibling discount is valid for each family member enrolled in any of the classes.
Sorry, homeschool discount and gift cards do not apply towards classes.
Questions? Call us at 682-4669 or email at tweedlebooks@sbcglobal.net. All classes will be at Tweedle Bros. Children’s Bookshop, 708 Chicago St., Manitowoc.
Need an enrollment form? Pick one up in the store, request one by email, or call us & we will fax you one.

Cartooning & Illustration 1
Ages 8-12
8:30am-9:30am Friday mornings, June 15th-July 20th (6 one-hour sessions) Enroll by June 9th.
$90 per student for full course, sibling discount $10 off, includes materials
Course Synopsis: Learn the mechanics of cartooning & illustration, including character construction, design, emotion & movement, and creating art to effectively compliment a story. End product will be a series of illustrations based on a classic piece of children’s literature.
Instructor: Carson Kugler. Carson has been a professional storyboard artist & director for the past ten years, drawing such favorites as Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants. He has is currently pursuing his teaching certificate at Silver Lake College and has a BFA from UW-Milwaukee.

Cartooning & Illustration 2*
*This is an overflow class for #1, if enrollment is too low it may be consolidated with #1
(identical class as above, offered at a different time)
8:30am-9:30am Tuesday mornings, June 12th-July 17th (6 one-hour sessions) Enroll by June 9th.
$90 per student for full course, sibling discount $10 off, includes materials

Creative Writing & Illustration Workshop
Ages 7-9
9am-10am Saturday July 7th & 9am-10:30am Saturday July 14th (2 one-hour sessions plus half hour performance) Enroll by July 2nd.
$30 per student for both classes, sibling discount $5 off, includes materials
Course Synopsis: How & Why stories are folktales that explain natural phenomenon (How Tiger Got His Stripes, Why Monkey has a Long Tail). Construct your very own How & Why story and create accompanying illustrations, then present your story to an audience! Parents and friends are invited to the story presentations and a cookies & milk reception at 10am on Saturday July 14th, followed by a storyteller telling traditional How & Why stories!
Instructor: illustrator Tina Kugler

Art & Story Club 1
Ages 4-6, a parent must attend
8:30am-9:30am Thursday mornings, June 14th-June 28th (3 one-hour sessions,
each includes a snack)
Enroll by June 11th.
$30 per student for all 3 sessions, sibling discount $5 off, includes materials
Synopsis: Hear a favorite story, then create a project based on it! Different story/project each session.
Instructors: Carson or Tina Kugler

Art & Story Club 2
(same description as above, different dates & content, does not repeat content from #1)
8:30am-9:30am Thursday mornings, July 5th-July19th, enroll by July 2nd

Harry Potter reminder!

Don't forget to preorder your copy of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows for 25% off the cover price of $35.99 PLUS a family admission to our huuuge Magical Midnight Release Party! Everyone preordering by June 2nd will be entered in a drawing, 3 lucky fans will get a Howler awarding a free upgrade from the standard edition to the DELUXE edition ($65.00 value)!!! (Those already ordering the Deluxe would get a $25 gift card.) Invitations to the party (and Howlers) will be sent via Owl Post in late June or early July, the party is the evening of Friday, July 20th.
Remember: if you don't buy it here, you can't get in to our party!
Don't miss: A special showing of Order of the Phoenix at the Strand for partygoers ONLY (details to be announced, movie tickets additional)! Hogwarts Professors and Guest Wizards & Witches (including Divination with Professor Trelawney), ghost stories with Hogwarts students, costume contests with prizes (3 age categories- 9 & under, 10-17, 18 & up- so get planning!), face painting, Diagon Alley, magical craft projects, Wizard food & refreshments, handmade wands on-site, a LIVE owl (courtesy of Wildlife of Wisconsin), goodies & giveaways, plus TONS of wizarding surprises! A once-in-a-lifetime event at your Harry Potter Headquarters!

What to read while waiting for Potter (a partial list)

Yes, you're dying, I'm dying, we're all dying for #7. Other than rereading the first six books, consider checking out these titles:

Mugglenet.com's Guide to Book 7 (obviously)
This is a collection of enlightening (some brilliant, some absurd) theories, discussions, obscure details, and predictions for the goings-on of Deathly Hallows. It's technically a fan-made book, but it's a must for both the die-hard and those of us without the time to reread all six books. (So I guess that's everybody?)

The Septimus Heap series (Magyk, Flyte, and Physik) by Angie Sage
Another wizard-in-training, but refreshingly different. Good & evil, drama & peril, with a warmth and tongue-in-cheek humor. Excellent series with its own rapidly-growing following.

Fablehaven and the sequel, Rise of the Evening Star (sequel out in May) by Brandon Mull
See review above (and in archives). This series takes place in the "real" world where magical creatures secretly exist, with a bickering brother & sister team as protagonists.

Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton
A boy finds a book with many dangerous secrets that only he can see. Flashes back between present day and medieval times, an excellent and engrossing read.

Also recommended:
The Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer
The Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo
Half-Magic (and the rest in the series), by Edward Eager
Eragon and Eldest (the Inheritance series, books 1 & 2), by Christopher Paolini
Inkheart and Inkspell, by Cornelia Funke
His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman
anything by Edith Nesbit (a favorite author of J.K.Rowling's)
Dragonology
Wizardology
The Wandmaker's Guidebook (real wand included)
Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and countless others...

I'm probably forgetting something, leave your own recommendations in the comments!

Review: Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie

Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie, written & illustrated by Joel Stewart (picture book, ages 2-adult)

Poor Dexter has the misfortune of riding his scooter into a hungry (but rather bored) Big Blue Beastie. Fortunately, little Dexter is calmly resourceful, and distracts the beast with a series of increasingly entertaining joint ventures (including forming a detective agency, featured in a series of wry Edward Gorey-esque vignettes), resulting in a friendship (and dinner truce) between Dexter and the beast. The artwork is typically wonderful Stewart (see his fantastic version of Jabberwocky in our Classics section), with full, saturated colors and a playful line. Heartily approved by our 4-year-old.

reviewed by Tina K., bookseller and parent

Review: Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull (young adult novel, second in a series)

The sequel to the fabulously clever (and dryly humorous) Fablehaven is, fortunately, even better. Siblings Kendra and Seth return to Fablehaven to help a team of experts recover and protect a valuble artifact, but can all of them be trusted? The twisting and turning plot, involving the nefarious Society of the Evening Star, gives a final jolt at the end, leaving the reader (deliciously) hanging for the next installment. Entertaining, with a dash of Python-style humor, if the first installment didn't get you hooked, this one will.
(Fablehaven, the first book, was reviewed previously- see archives.)

reviewed by Tina K., bookseller

Harry Potter #7 cover art released!

Take a look at the gorgeous cover by Mary Grandpré!
(Front and back cover pictured, click on it to enlarge!!!)
We are doing preorders till June 2nd, don't miss out on our MASSIVE midnight release party! Wizards, witches, and an OWL, oh my!

Sell us your used books!

Overloaded bookshelves? We can help- recycle your books here!
Tweedle Bros. is now buying gently used books!
Hardcover books- we will pay 25 cents cash or 50 cents store credit.
Softcover (paperback) books- we will pay 10 cents cash or 25 cents store credit.
Books must be in re-saleable conditon!
The Rules:
1. No books with writing/scribbles
2. No torn pages, tape, or heavy wear
3. No books from libraries
4. No pop-up/lift-the-flap type books
5. Books must be clean & nice (no dried peanut butter, drool, etc.)
6. We reserve the right to refuse any book for any reason

Note: We aren't selling used books quite yet, we should have them available in a month or two, check back!

Harry Potter Release Date & Presale!!!

Hooray!
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) will be released July 21, 2007!
Preorder it today for 25% off of the cover price of $35.99 PLUS admission to our Midnight Release Party the evening of July 20th- the biggest Harry Potter bash in the area! (We are already working like house-elves!)
Responsible wizards shop locally! Our apologies if you choose to order from Amazon, as you will be sitting at home with your mailbox (or hanging out at Voldemart at midnight) instead of coming to our fantastic party. Sorry!

2007 Caldecott & Newbery winners!!!

Caldecott Award Winner
FLOTSAM by David Wiesner
Hooray! This one has been a HUGE store favorite!! A fantastic wordless book, a young boy finds an antique camera washed up on a beach...what do you imagine is on the film? Wiesner's best book yet!




Caldecott Honors
GONE WILD by David McLimans
MOSES by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by
Kadir Nelson

Newbery Award Winner
HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY by Susan Patron and Matt Phelan

Newbery Honors
HATTIE BIG SKY by Kirby Larson
PENNY FROM HEAVEN by Jennifer Holm
RULES by Cynthia Lord

Review: The Lost Baron

The Lost Baron by Allen French, young adult book.

Four stars out of five

In this daring medieval tale a squire named Martin becomes involved in the mysterious disapperance of Eric the Red at the castle of Cornwall. His brother, the stern Sir Basil, has taken over rule of the castle. His lovely young niece remains sorrowful about her father's absence. Is there a dark secret hidden in the depths of the castle? Turn the page and find out! Anyone who is a fan of medieval literature will consider this a riveting read!

reviewed by Belinda Z., age 13

Review: Eagle of the Ninth

Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff, young adult book.

Five stars!

In this tale that takes place in ancient Roman history, the Ninth Legion marches into the wilderness of Britain and never returns. A young, former Roman commander takes it upon himself to rescue the Eagle standard of the Ninth Legion, for as long as the Eagle is recovered the spirit of the Legion lives on. And he'll need the most unexpected of people to help him on his quest. The plot moves along at a lively pace particularly in the second half of the book. I highly recommend this historical fiction novel for anyone studying Roman history.

reviewed by Belinda Z., age 13

Announcing Schleich World of Elves & Fairies figures!

Attention fans of Schleich's World of Knights figures, new for 2007 is the amazing World of Elves & Fairies line of figures! These are compatible with the knights, and the meticulous detail is gorgeous. We are doing PREORDERS of this line (same prices as the knights), ask at the counter to see pictures. The figures will be available in May. We can't wait!!!

Book Review: The Red Keep

The Red Keep
Allen French
5 out of 5 stars

After the Red Keep is attacked and its king is killed, his daughter Anne fights tyranny and cheating so she can keep her title as heir to the Keep. Adventurous fighting! This book is good for those girls who like medieval and female heroes (Anne even wields a sword -- what a novel concept!). But there is also action for the boys, following Conan, who helps Anne.

reviewed by Teresa Z., 11

Book Review: Outcast

Outcast
by Rosemary Sutcliff
5 out of 5 stars

In a small village on the edge of Britain, Cunori finds in the shipwreck of a Roman vessel a tiny baby still alive among the dead crew. The question remained: Should they leave the child to die because of his Roman roots or to take him in and raise him? The latter choice is chosen, and from the age of nine Beric must defend himself due to his forbidden roots. He is finally thrown out of his village and must find his way among his blood people, of which he knows nothing. He will struggle through years of trouble and cruel treatment and finally discover some remaining blood relatives.

This book is very good and exciting! It can be very sad at times and very happy or exciting at other times. But you will enjoy this book even more with the understanding that this Beric is NOT a historical figure (which I originally thought).

reviewed by Teresa Z., 11

Book Review: Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast

Aliens Are Coming!:
The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
by Meghan McCarthy

A picture book intermixed with excerpts from the infamous radio play, Aliens Are Coming! records the initial scare, the discovery, and the subsequent aftermath across America. The prank was originally inspired by H. G. Wells' sci-fi novel. A playwright and a few actors took the idea and published it as a radio play. Not bad. The only key thing missing was that the one million Americans listening didn't catch the disclaimer. The resulting panic that ensued was chaotic, to say the least!

At the end of the book, more information about the people behind the War of the Worlds broadcast is revealed. Although definitely directed toward a younger audience (6-8 years old), it is interesting for anyone who wants to learn more about this historic account or just likes science fiction.

reviewed by Belinda Z., 12 yrs.

Soapbox: Downtown Manitowoc depends on YOU!

I have been sitting on this for awhile...a lot of you have been asking what our reaction is to the whole sad Cook's Corner news, and so forth, so here it is:
Downtown Manitowoc needs YOU. You speak with your dollars and where you choose to spend them. Every single dollar makes a difference to your local independent businesses, every single transaction counts. Most of the shopkeepers and business owners downtown are usually also the ones working behind the register. We care, personally, about your experience in our shop: were we able to help you find what you needed? Did you enjoy your visit? ...Can the big-box stores say that?
Your money stays in town, too. Read this:

$68 vs. $43 — Local businesses support local economies!

Several recent economic studies have concluded that locally owned independent businesses reinvest far more money in their local communities and economies than chain stores do.

One study* determined that for every $100 spent in their stores, local businesses give back $68 to their local economy. By contrast, for every $100 spent in national chains, those companies return only $43, meaning that those chain stores take away $57 from that same local economy.

Patronize your local businesses. Good sense for you, good cents for your local economy! * The Andersonville Study by the Civic Economics group can be read online at: www.andersonvillestudy.com

We are able to make donations of items and gift cards to various local fundraisers because of your support. We offer a wish list program to benefit local schools.
More independent businesses means a wider selection of products than the big chain stores. What kinds of shops would you like to see in downtown Manitowoc? What does downtown Manitowoc need to do? Let us know! The mom & pops need YOU to flourish- if no one shops downtown, there won't BE a downtown.
Pretend you are a tourist for a day- go into those shops you've been meaning to stop into but haven't yet. You will be surprised at what you find. Before you order something online, can a local shop order it for you?
Make a difference with your dollars! Support your local independent businesses!