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!

Review: Art Fraud Detective

The Art Fraud Detective by Anna Nilsen. Advanced activity search book, ages 9 and up.

Rating: Four stars out of five

Far from your typical mystery -- this book falls into the "secretly educational" category! The security guard of the Museum of Art needs YOUR help to track down four gangs of infamous national art forgers -- by tracing their path through the Museum of Art. Apparently thirty of the paintings in the gallery have been swiped and replaced by crafty replicas! Your mission: identify the changes in each painting and record what each forger stole to convict them in court. Can you make it?

Not only is the book a great spot-the-difference activity, it also includes short but specific information about the artists that did the classic works of art, such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, and many more. The computer drawn 3-D art makes the book look "high-tech". So why did I give this book 4 stars? I haven't even finished it yet but I'm more than half way through, and just recently I discovered I had just about all my solutions turned upside-down when I thought I was doing so well. Very frustrating. But that's my personal opinion. I think any art lover would greatly enjoy this book. It even comes with a magnifying glass that doubles as a bookmark!

reviewed by Belinda Z., age 12

Note: A younger version of this book would be Mystery, a picture book by Arthur Geisert. If you enjoyed Art Fraud Detective, we would highly recommend Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet (young adult chapter book, ages 9 and up).

Review: Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott, young adult classic, ages 9 and up.
5 stars out of 5

Jack and Jill went up the hill
to coast with fun and laughter.
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
and Jill came tumbling after.

Thus this classic novel begins, and the reader need not be familiar with any other of Alcott's works to read this treat. The two main characters (Jack and Jill, of course), as suggested by the rhyme above, go sledding down a tricky hill and receive numerous injuries that land Jack and Jill in bed for many months. During this time the children learn more and grow more spiritually, physically, and emotionally. When they finally come out from bedrest their lives are all changed for the better. Told in Alcott's classic style for her stories, this book is very inspiring for one's own self-improvement. Great for a family read-aloud!

reviewed by Belinda Z., age 12

Review: The Return of the King (Book Three)

The Return of the King by J.R.R.Tolkien, young adult classic. Ages 9 and up.
Book three in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

5 out of 5 stars

The final book in the Trilogy, where all good joins in a final attempt to destroy the Ring of Power. A deceitful guide leads Frodo and Sam to Mordor... or where is he leading them? The rest of the fellowship, not knowing whether Frodo is even alive, tries to give him a last chance by engaging Mordor's army; but will they succeed? I am reading the last part of the book now, and it has all been very exciting. Tolkien uses the same style of following the groups in the fellowship, sometimes leaving you in a very exciting scene, which makes you just *have* to read more.

reviewed by Teresa Z., age 11

Review: The Two Towers (Book Two)

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien, young adult classic. Ages 9 and up.
Book two in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

5 out of 5 stars

The Fellowship has been scattered, but they all still fight to give Frodo a chance to carry the Ring ever closer to Mount Doom. But evil also begins to know this, and works even harder to prevent its destruction. The forces of good will join together for a last battle, but all hope is with Frodo. This is a very exciting book full of suspense and adventure. Tolkien writes this book following the scattered fellowship, spending a few chapters on each group: Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn; Pippin, Merry and Gandalf; and Frodo and Sam.

reviewed by Teresa Z., age 11

Review: The Fellowship of the Ring (Book One)

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R.Tolkien, young adult classic, ages 9 and up. Book one of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

5 out of 5 stars

In the peaceful Shire where Hobbits eat and bask in the sun, Frodo Baggins is given the task of destroying the Ring of Power, the source of all evil in Middle Earth. He goes to Rivendell, where others join to help him with his burden. But many trials lie in their path. Will they be able to carry the Ring to Mount Doom to destroy it? Although not as exciting as the books that follow it, The Fellowship of the Ring is an excellent classic.

reviewed by Teresa Z., age 11