Always Have Popsicles

Always Have Popsicles is filled with ideas and thoughts about how to have the most fulfilling relationship with your grandchildren and enjoy every moment with them. Ms. Harvin includes bits of advice for every occasion: Teach them to set a proper table. Teach them to like bugs. Introduce them to a police officer in uniform. Let them help you cook. And the ideas continue, reminding you that time with your grandchildren is what's most important. And of course, always have popsicles.

Where's Waldo?

Where's Waldo? In Wellsboro Pennsylvania. For the fifth year running, Indie Bookstores Launch a Massive Cross Country Campaign to Promote the Shop Local Message in July.

This July, From My Shelf Books & Gifts is joining a nationwide celebration of the Shop Local movement and the iconic children’s book character, Where’s Waldo, who recently celebrated his twenty-fifth birthday.

Brought back by popular demand for the fifth year in a row, indie bookstores across the country will be hosting Find Waldo scavenger hunts while spreading the "Buy Local" message in their cities and towns.

It’s a month-long scavenger hunt for Waldo hosted by 250 indie bookstores across the nation in July 2016. Participating bookstores champion the Shop Local message by enlivening downtown areas with a community-wide scavenger hunt activity to which everyone — kids, parents, and Waldo-lovers of all ages — is invited to participate.

On July 1, 2016, Waldo-spotters will set off on a hunt to find the elusive character hidden around dozens of downtown businesses in Wellsboro. Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a Find Waldo passport at a participating business and collect a store stamp or signature for each Waldo they spot. Hundreds of Waldo spotters will be eligible for prizes.

Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in 1987, and held the record for the fastest selling children’s book of all-time until Harry Potter. Since then, the Where’s Waldo books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over. There are now over 63 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they’ve been translated into over 30 languages. An entire generation has grown up searching for Waldo and his cast of wandering companions. His official 25th birthday was celebrated in 2013.

Author Event with Karla Jay

Karla Jay will be at From My Shelf Books Friday July 1st from Noon to 2PM. Please feel free to bring your copies to be signed, or order more books with us!

Karla Jay introduced us to her protagonist Marleigh Benning in her debut novel, Speaking in Tungs. This novel, Speak of the Devil, is her second and the sequel to Speaking in Tungs. Raised in Western New York and Mansfield Pennsylvania, Karla M. Jay has worked as a speech pathologist since 1982. When she is not home in Utah gardening or writing, she is traveling, trying to see as many countries as possible--in particular, those with good coffee, ancient history, and great beaches.

Where's Waldo? He’s In Wellsboro Pennsylvania, of course.

From My Shelf Books & Gifts is joining a nationwide celebration of the Shop Local movement and the iconic children’s book character, Where’s Waldo.

Brought back by popular demand for the fifth year in a row, 250 indie bookstores across the country will be hosting Find Waldo scavenger hunts during July while spreading the "Buy Local" message in their cities and towns.

In Wellsboro on Friday, July 1, Waldo-lovers of all ages from youngsters to grandparents are invited to begin the hunt to find the elusive character hidden around dozens of downtown businesses in Wellsboro. Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a Find Waldo passport at a participating business and collect a store stamp or signature for each Waldo they spot. Hundreds of Waldo spotters will be eligible for prizes culminating on July 31.

“This year, instead of waiting until the end of the month to give out prizes, we will draw prizewinners’ names throughout the month, and winners may pick up the prizes generously donated by the participating businesses at the businesses themselves,” said Kasey Cox, local bookstore manager. “This gives everyone more opportunities to win. At the end of the month, we will draw for the big Waldo book prizes offered by Candlewick Press, Waldo's publisher,” she added.

Where’s Waldo participating businesses represent a diverse showcase of many of the stores, restaurants, and opportunities that Wellsboro offers in the traditional shopping district and a little off the beaten path in the Wellsboro area. “We love to have Waldo introduce new businesses to the community and tourists alike, and are pleased to be able to include Scoops, and The "This N' That" Thrift Store this year,” Cox said.

Businesses include: Cafe 1905 and the Children’s Department, both in Dunham’s Department Store at 45 Main Street; Frog Hut, 132 Tioga Street; Fifth Season, 100 Main Street; Farmer’s Daughters, 11719 U.S. Route 6; Garrison's Men's Shop, 89 Main Street; Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center, 134 Main Street; Grubby's Games, 16 Pearl Street; Highland Chocolates, 11724 U.S. Route 6; Huffman's Office Equipment, 7 East Avenue; In My Shoes, 85 Main Street; the Native Bagel, 1 Central Avenue; Peggy’s Candies & Gifts, 82 Main Street; the Painted Cupboard, 15 Main Street; Red Skillet, 99 Main Street; Shabby Rue, 69 Main Street; Scoops Munchies & More, 2 Buena Vista Street; Shady Grove Natural Market, 144 Tioga Street; Treasure Agents Antiques, Gifts And Vintage Clothing, 5 East Avenue; This N' That Thrift Store; Tony's Italian Cuisine, 3 Main Street; Under the Sea Pets, 5½ East Avenue; Wellsboro House Restaurant & Brewery Wellsboro House Restaurant & Brewery, 34 Charleston Street; and Wild Asaph Outfitters, 71 Main Street.

For more information, call 570-724-5793.

Why Reading a Print Book Is Better for You and for Main Street

By Alex Gladu, Independent We Stand When you're living in the digital age, it can sometimes seem like there's less time for the physical world. An Internet browser can replace a trip to the mall, smartphones can interrupt dinnertime, and tablets can turn paperbacks and hardcovers all but obsolete. Technology has advanced society in countless ways,…

The Totally Ninja Raccoons are here at From My Shelf Books & Gifts. Here's a little about each of the books.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot ( Totally Ninja Raccoons #01 )

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons meet Bigfoot, our protagonists discover they are not meant to be ordinary bandits, but rather carry the potential to be something extraordinary, ninjas.

In this origin story, the Ninja Raccoons begin their ninja training, and meet their first potential employer--Gypsy the Cat. Gypsy sends the Raccoons on their first mission, to capture the elusive Bigfoot.

Things aren't what they seem to be. Bigfoot isn't the monstrous beast, as he's been portrayed. Gypsy isn't the benign employer. Cats want to take over the world.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons learn that sometimes you have to choose your own path if you want to choose your destination.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Weird & Wacky Werewolf ( Totally Ninja Raccoons #2 )

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Weird & Wacky Werewolf, the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn teamwork, and meet a creature of legend, a werewolf.

The Ninja Raccoons decide to track and catch the werewolf for the prize offered for capturing such a creature. Will the Raccoons succeed in their mission? Are friends more important than money? Do werewolves taste good with hot sauce?

There are more things in heaven and earth than these three brothers ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world; monsters are real; and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to the Ninja Raccoons to do something about it.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Secret of the Canyon ( Totally Ninja Raccoons #3 )

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Secret of the Canyon, the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn compassion, and meet a creature of Pennsylvania Folklore, a Sidehill gouger.

The Ninja Raccoons investigate the legend of the crying baby. Will the Raccoons discover the secret of the canyon? Can the Cat Board stop the Raccoons? What did Raccoons eat before there was tasty General Tso's Chicken?

There are more things in heaven and earth than these three brothers ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world; monsters are real; and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to the Ninja Raccoons to do something about it.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Thunderbird ( Totally Ninja Raccoons #4 )

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Thunderbird, the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn the value of friendship, and meet a creature of Native American myth, a thunderbird.

The Ninja Raccoons are framed for the theft of the Wynken, Blynken, and Nod statue. Will the Raccoons prove their innocence? Will the Raccoons return to Animal Land? Will the Cat Board triumph? Will Rascal ever learn to swim?

There are more things in heaven and earth than these three brothers ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world; monsters are real; and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to the Ninja Raccoons to do something about it.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Catmas Caper (Totally Ninja Raccoons #5)

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons and The Catmas Caper, the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn the true meaning of Christmas and meet a creature of Germanic myth, Krampus!

In this super-special Christmas edition, the infamous Cat Board is once again plotting against the Totally Ninja Raccoons and plans to eliminate Christmas! Will the Totally Ninja Raccoons be able to stop the Cat Board and save Christmas?

There are more things in heaven and earth than these three brothers ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world; monsters are real; and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to the Ninja Raccoons to do something about it.

Localism, It Works

Localism is the movement where consumers buy local. Like many movements, it can be hard to see just how it works, but I observed an example in the bookstore yesterday. Zack, one of our long time customers came in on his break from Grubby's Games, local game store. He bought a Harry Potter Watch from the store last week. He had just come from Dunkin Doughnuts(which has a local owner) where he told us that he had just tipped a boy who was working. That boy's mother works there, and he was earning some summer spending money. That boy came in and bought one of my Ninja Raccoon books, supporting a local writer. Buying local, it keeps the local economy strong.

Former Attorney Writes Book

Friday, July 1, from 5-7 p.m., Bob Cox, a Wellsboro native, will be at From My Shelf Books at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro to chat with folks and sign copies of the book he wrote titled “James Cock: His Life and Times: 1630-1699.” After 40 years of practicing law in Wellsboro, Cox retired in 2011 and soon began researching his mother’s genealogy. It wasn’t long before he realized that the story of his mother’s earliest ancestor to live in America was intertwined with the tumultuous era in which he had lived. Published this spring, Cox’s book covers early colonial law and history, early Quaker history, bloody clashes with several groups of Native Americans, and other harrowing challenges that faced early settlers.

Where's Waldo? In Wellsboro Pennsylvania. For the fifth year running, Indie Bookstores Launch a Massive Cross Country Campaign to Promote the Shop Local Message in July.

This July, From My Shelf Books & Gifts is joining a nationwide celebration of the Shop Local movement and the iconic children’s book character, Where’s Waldo, who recently celebrated his twenty-fifth birthday.

Brought back by popular demand for the fifth year in a row, indie bookstores across the country will be hosting Find Waldo
scavenger hunts while spreading the "Buy Local" message in their cities and towns.

It’s a month-long scavenger hunt for Waldo hosted by 250 indie bookstores across the nation in July 2016. Participating bookstores champion the Shop Local message by enlivening downtown areas with a community-wide scavenger hunt activity to which everyone — kids, parents, and Waldo-lovers of all ages — is invited to participate.

On July 1, 2016, Waldo-spotters will set off on a hunt to find the elusive character hidden around dozens of downtown businesses in Wellsboro. Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a Find Waldo passport at a participating business and collect a store stamp or signature for each Waldo they spot. Hundreds of Waldo spotters will be eligible for prizes.

The Cthulhu Wars: The United States Battles Against the Mythos

From the Patriots' raid on the necromancer Joseph Curwen, to the Special Forces' assault on Leng in 2007, this unique document reveals the secret and terrible struggle between the United States and the supernatural forces of Cthulhu. In this war, immortal cultists worship other-dimensional entities, and plot to raise an army of the dead. Incomprehensible undersea intelligences infiltrate and colonize American seaports, and alien races lurk beneath the ice of Antarctica and high in the mountains of Afghanistan. It is only through constant vigilance and violence that the earth has survived. Also included are threat reports describing the indescribable-- humanity's deadliest foes serving Cthulhu and the other Great Old Ones. Strange times are upon us, the world is changing, and even death may die-- but, until then, the war continues.

Kronos Rising: Kraken (Volume 1): My Idea of a Beach Read

I love summer, but with work, writing and mowing the lawn, I read less. I still make time to read every day. It just takes me longer. I just finished Kronos Rising: Kraken (Volume 1) and I'm glad I took the time to read it. It's the follow-up to Kronos Rising by Max Hawthorne. You can read the review I wrote about it here.

Kronos Rising is an award winning book, but I didn't read it because of that. I read it to read about a giant reptile eating people.
In Kronos Rising, a kronosaurus is introduced to the modern ecosystem of the oceans. A small, breeding population has survived. One of these prehistoric predators rises from the depths to terrorize a coastal community that won’t be idyllic soon.

As we open to the events of Kraken, thirty years have passed since the destruction of Paradise Cove. Since then, pliosaurs the size of whales have wreaked havoc on the world’s oceans. Despite tragic losses, Garm Braddock and his brother Dirk wage a bloody war of attrition against the voracious marine reptiles: Garm from the helm of the anti-biologic submarine Gryphon and his brother from the top-secret military research facility known as TARTARUS.

In spite of ongoing attempts to destroy them, the prehistoric predators that rose from the ashes of Diablo Caldera continue to multiply. They are bringers of death, and via more than just their deadly jaws. Their blood contains a primeval pathogen so virulent that, left unchecked, could spell the end of mammalian life.

Meanwhile, in the icy darkness of the deep, an evil as ancient as the dinosaurs stirs in response to the changes in Earth’s oceans. Rising hungrily to the surface, it brings with it an intellect as cold as the abyss and an irrepressible need to destroy and devour and conquer.

I enjoy marine terror, and if you do too, I suggest checking it out. Max did his homework, and it tells in the story, and the story is what's important. It's interesting speculation on what would happen if prehistoric creatures were let loose in the current ecosystem. It's Jurassic World on steroids. It's a fun, fast read even if you have to take the kids to the ball game and mow the lawn.

It's the EIGHTH book in the story of Harry Potter!!!

It's the EIGHTH book in the story of Harry Potter, his friends, and his family...... nineteen years after the 7th book, and the Battle of Hogwarts. It's the story of the love and tension between a father whose legacy is hard to live with. Our party will be a celebration of all things Harry Potter, and at midnight, we'll sell your copies of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"!

Between 5pm and midnight release, we'll have games, trivia, wizard classes, wand-making, potion-making, a visit to Hogsmeade, Quidditch, and wizard tasties, with something fun for everyone!

There is no fee for this event IF you preorder your "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" with us. If you don't want to buy the book, or aren't buying it with us, tickets for this awesome event are $6 for children under 16 and $10 for adults. College students with current ID and those currently serving in the military may buy a ticket for this event for $8. We will also offer a family rate for families who live together and who are bringing more than 3 people. Please ask about family prices before the evening of the event.

Thanks!! If you were with us for the release of "Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows" -- which over 300 people attended! -- know that the release party for book 7 was in our very first year of business. Nevertheless, it was really fun! This time around, we know a lot more about throwing a big event! Looking forward to celebrating with you!!!

Read the Very First Chapter of "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot"

Totally Ninja

A furry head pops up from a trash can, the lid tilted on his head like a hat. It's a raccoon, and he's holding a box of Chinese takeout. "Someone ate all the pork out of this pork-fried rice, and there aren't any chopsticks!" says Kevin.

The trashcan beside the raccoon starts to tremble noisily. There's no lid, so when a voice from within calls out, it echoes. "Who would throw away doughnuts? I love doughnuts," says the voice.

Another raccoon pokes his head up over the rim. It's Rascal. There is a jelly doughnut in his mouth, the powder speckling his face and whiskers. His whiskers twitch.

"Here are your chopsticks, bro," a voice from the third trashcan calls out. End over end, a pair of chopsticks flies across the cans, as many other objects come flying out: a banana peel, an orange rind, a broken toaster.

"Haven't these people heard of junk food?" asks Bandit. Rascal turns his furry face just in time for the chopsticks to hit him in the forehead. The wooden chopsticks bounce off his head. Kevin's little, black paw reaches out to snatch them from the air.

"Oh look! General Tso's chicken!" says Kevin excitedly as he glances back down into the trash can.

"Hey, if the general threw it away, he must not want it anymore," answers Rascal.

"No, General Tso's chicken is a sweet, slightly spicy, deep-fried chicken dish," says Bandit as he peers over at Kevin's chicken.
"What is he the general of?" asks Rascal.

"Huh? Why, nothing. It's all marketing," replies Bandit.

Rascal dives down for another delicious jelly doughnut. Bandit rests his chin on his paws. His ears twitch.

A screen door slams. Bandit quietly slips back down into the trash can. A bright beam of light shines through the night and stops on Kevin just as he's cramming a huge piece of chicken into his mouth. Kevin grins sheepishly and offers the piece of chicken.

"Get out of my garbage, you stinking thieves," yells a fat, hairy man holding a broom.

With a crash, Bandit's trash can topples over, and he dashes out, running for the safety of the dark. Kevin raises his arms, sniffs and looks puzzled, "I don't smell anything except General Tso's chicken." He jumps out of his trash can and follows Bandit.

"Hey guys, I can't get out. I'm stuck!" shouts Rascal in a muffled voice. The trash can shakes and then stops.

The big, angry man cautiously approaches the can. He's holding a flashlight; his chin jiggles as he shakes a broom in his other hand.

"I told you little bandits that if I caught you in my garbage one more time, I was going to clean house," he yells as he tries to peer into the garbage can. His belly is so huge that it blocks his view.

"The General threw away his chicken and his doughnuts. It's fair game, and my name is Rascal, not Bandit," says a muffled voice from the bottom of the trash can.

Kevin and Bandit stop their scurrying towards the woods and look at each other. "We have to help our clumsy brother," says Bandit. Kevin nods as they run back to the trash can.

Bandit dashes towards the upset man. As he nears the man, he starts a series of flips. He vaults onto the trash can, knocking it over. He jumps into the air, and over the man's head.

Bandit grabs the broom handle and flips over the man. It's a great view. He can see the shiny, bald spot on the top of the man's head. He lands behind the man and whacks him in his butt with the end of the broom.

Kevin sprints to the trash can and reaches in with his paws to help his brother. Rascal is stuck. He only comes halfway out. "It looks like you've eaten a few too many doughnuts," says Kevin.

Kevin grunts and pulls really hard. Rascal comes out with a loud, popping sound, and both of them go tumbling backward in a somersault resulting in a heap of fur.

The loud, obese man gives a surprised yell, and the raccoons laugh and go scurrying into the forest.

"That was fun!" exclaims Kevin as he rubs his paws furiously back and forth.

"I didn't think so. I got stuck, and there are still doughnuts left. I'm also not a thief," Rascal complains.

"You are wearing a mask," says Kevin.

"You have a mask!" shouts Rascal.

"We all have masks, but why be common thieves when we can be...ninjas!" exclaims Bandit.

"I could totally be a ninja," says Kevin.

"What's a ninja?" asks Rascal.

"A ninja is highly trained in martial arts and stealth. Ninjas hire themselves out for secret missions," says Bandit.

"Do ninjas eat General Tso's Chicken?" asks Kevin.

"A ninja eats whatever he wants," replies Bandit.

"I could totally be a ninja!" yells Rascal.

"We are the Totally Ninja Raccoons!" shout the raccoon brothers, jumping and slapping their paws together.


CLICK ON THE ILLUSTRATION TO BE TAKEN TO A LINK TO PURCHASE THE TOTALLY NINJA RACCOONS

Book Giveaway for "The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Secret of the Canyon" (Totally Raccoons, #3)

The third adventure of The Totally Ninja Raccoons is here! It's the "Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Secret of the Canyon" available now at From My Shelf Books, and you can enter to win of ten free copies signed by author Kevin Coolidge.

In "The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Secret of the Canyon" the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn compassion, and meet a creature of Pennsylvania Folklore, a Sidehill gouger.

The Ninja Raccoons investigate the legend of the crying baby. Will the Raccoons discover the secret of the canyon? Can the Cat Board stop the Raccoons? What did Raccoons eat before there was tasty General Tso's Chicken?

There are more things in heaven and earth than these three brothers ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world; monsters are real; and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to the Ninja Raccoons to do something about it.

The Totally Ninja Raccoon series is set right here in Wellsboro Pennsylvania, and is specifically geared towards reluctant readers. It's your classic trio with a twist. Think the "Three Investigators meet the "Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles" with a little "Ghost Busters" in the mix.What started as an idea to score free food soon ends up giving the raccoons a glimpse into another world, a world of shadows, mysteries, and plots.

There are things in heaven and earth than the raccoons ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world. Monsters are real, and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to The Totally Ninja Raccoons to stop it.

Don't forget to check out first Totally Ninja Raccoon adventure: "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot" and the second adventure of the Ninja Raccoons: "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Weird & Wacky Werewolf" available at From My Shelf Books & Gifts.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Secret of the Canyon

by Kevin Coolidge

Giveaway ends July 07, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Thanks for Voting for Wellsboro

Thanks for voting. Wellsboro made the top ten, and the winner was announced this morning. It wasn't Wellsboro, though it is still number one in our hearts. The winner is Downtown Lynden in Washington, congratulations.

The New "Totally Ninja Raccoons" Adventure is here!

The fourth adventure with "The Totally Ninja Racoons" is now available at From My Shelf Books & Gifts. In "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Thunderbird" the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn the value of friendship, and meet a creature of Native American myth, a thunderbird.

The Ninja Raccoons are framed for the theft of the Wynken, Blynken, and Nod statue. Will the Raccoons prove their innocence? Will the Raccoons return to Animal Land? Will the Cat Board triumph? Will Rascal ever learn to swim?

There are more things in heaven and earth than these three brothers ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world; monsters are real; and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to the Ninja Raccoons to do something about it.

The Totally Ninja Raccoon series is set right here in Wellsboro Pennsylvania, and is specifically geared towards reluctant readers. It's your classic trio with a twist. Think the "Three Investigators meet the "Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles" with a little "Ghost Busters" in the mix.What started as an idea to score free food soon ends up giving the raccoons a glimpse into another world, a world of shadows, mysteries, and plots.

There are things in heaven and earth than the raccoons ever dreamed. Cats are trying to take over the world. Monsters are real, and Chinese food really will make you hungry soon after you eat it. It's up to The Totally Ninja Raccoons to stop it.