Naughty or Nice?

Have you been naughty or nice in 2017? I think we all know the answer to that question. Face it. The fat man in red is NOT bringing you any thing this Christmas season. You might as well makes nice with the competition, Krampus. You can meet him at From My Shelf Books & Gifts December 8th 2016 from 5PM to 7PM

Krampus is visiting From My Shelf Books after his European tour. He'll be staying at Wellsboro's Penn Wells Hotel . He's gracious enough to stop by the bookstore, sign a few autographs, talk about his role in The Catmas Caper, and do some photo ops for those that are naughty or nice.

Krampus is shown along with Bill Colson holding bookstore cat, Finn

Who is Krampus you say? Saint Nicholas may reward the nice children with gifts, but it is Krampus, a creature from Germanic folklore, that punishes the naughty ones. It is said that if you are particularly naughty, he throws you in his sack and carries you to his lair.

Krampus is celebrated on Krampusnact, which takes place December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. In Austria, celebrants masquerade as hairy devils and dance, drink, and run through the streets through the streets terrifying children and adults.

In modern times, Saint Nicholas has upgraded his image. He’s dropped the bishop garb and added a red suit. He’s traded his horse and staff for a sleigh and reindeer, moved the date to Christmas Eve, and got rid of the competition. He’s banished Krampus and stolen his magic. Santa thought he could punish the naughty, but children have lost all fear of Santa and his lumps of coal.

It’s time for Krampus to take back what is his, to take back Yuletide. You can be part of the movement at From My Shelf Books December 8 from 5PM to 7PM. Be there, or Krampus will visit you at a time rather less convenient for you..

Krampus in the children's book "The Totally Ninja Raccoons and the Catmas Caper"

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Are Going to Galeton Pennsylvania

On Saturday, November 4th from 1PM to 3PM the Galeton Public Library will be hosting local author Kevin Coolidge. It is free and open to the public.

Author Kevin Coolidge will be signing his children's series "The Totally Ninja Raccoons" for children. The book is written for youngsters and enjoyed by people of all ages.

Last year, Kevin Coolidge published the first two books in his new series, “Totally Ninja Raccoons” set in Wellsboro and Tioga County. "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot" is the first book in his series about the three raccoon brothers who become ninjas. “The series is for the 7-10-year-old reluctant reader who loves action, adventure and creatures whose existence has yet to be proven, like Bigfoot,” said Coolidge.

In "The Totally Ninja Raccoons meet Bigfoot," the raccoons discover they are not meant to be ordinary bandits, but rather have the potential to be something extraordinary--ninjas. They 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. They quickly find out that things aren't what they seem. Bigfoot isn't the monstrous beast, he's been portrayed to be; Gypsy isn't a benign employer; and cats want to take over the world. And the raccoons learn that sometimes you have to choose your own path if you want to choose your destination.

"The Totally Ninja Raccoons" is a new children's series for second to fourth graders. It is specifically for reluctant readers. "Seven books have been published in the series with more to come," Coolidge said.

In the second book, the raccoons meet the “Weird & Wacky Werewolf." In the third, they learn "The Secret of the Canyon" and in the fourth, meet "The Thunderbird," In the fifth book "Catmas Caper" the raccoons have to save Christmas, and in the sixth book, the Ninja Raccoons learn the secret of Nessmuk Lake.

Kevin will have his seventh fun book in the series, "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men. This book is set at Cherry Spring State Park in Potter County!

In his ninja raccoon series, Coolidge has included the bookstore’s newest cats - brothers Huck and Finn. These cats receive daily doses of love from the many children and adults who visit the bookstore he co-owns at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men Is Here

Kevin Coolidge of Wellsboro has just released "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men,” the seventh book in his Totally Ninja Raccoon series. It is set at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, Pa.

The first six books in Coolidge’s series are set in Wellsboro and Tioga County, Pa. The first, “The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot,” released on Dec. 11, 2015, is about the three raccoon brothers who become ninjas. “The series is for the 7 to 10-year-old reluctant reader who loves action, adventure and creatures whose existence has yet to be proven, like Bigfoot,” said Coolidge.

In his second book, the raccoons meet the “Weird & Wacky Werewolf;” in the third, they learn “The Secret of the Canyon,” in the fourth, meet “The Thunderbird,” in the fifth are involved in “The Catmas Caper” and in the sixth, learn the “Secret of Nessmuk Lake." The second and fifth books were released between March 1 and Oct. 26, 2016, the six on May 2 and the seventh on November 13th, 2017.

In each book, the ninja raccoons learn important life lessons. In the first book, the raccoons discover they are not meant to be ordinary bandits, but rather have the potential to be something extraordinary--ninjas. They begin their ninja training and meet their first potential employer--Gypsy the Cat.

In Coolidge’s latest book, the raccoon brothers continue their ninja training, learn the power of forgiveness, and meet creatures from out of this world, aliens. The Cat Board plots against the raccoons as they explore the park. Will the cats trash the raccoons? Will the little green men find the perfect pet? Will Rascal make French toast?


During the day, Coolidge can be found at From My Shelf Books & Gifts, an independent bookstore he runs with his wife, several helpful employees, and two friendly black and white cats, Huck and Finn. He is there after hours, too, writing books. He is working on his eighth Totally Ninja Raccoons book now.

For more information about this series, call the bookstore at 570-724-5793.

Book Giveaway For "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men"

You can win a signed book of the 7th fun adventure of The Totally Ninja Raccoons, The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men.

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men, the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn the power of forgiveness, and meet creatures from out of this world, aliens!

The Cat Board plots against the Ninja Raccoons as the Raccoons explore Cherry Springs State Park. Will the Cat Board trash the Raccoons? Will the Little Green Men find the perfect pet? Will Rascal make French Toast?

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.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men

by Kevin Coolidge

Giveaway ends October 31, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

From My Shelf Books Has Been Nominated!

From My Shelf Books & Gifts and Kevin Coolidge's Totally Ninja Raccoons have both been nominated for the Indie Small Business Award sponsored by independentwestand.org. "Only 25 businesses will make it to the next round. We can't do it without the public's support," said Kevin Coolidge, owner of the bookstore at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro and author of the “Totally Ninja Raccoons,” a children's series he wrote specifically for young reluctant readers.

"People can vote once a day per IP address between now and Sunday, Nov. 12 for either my bookstore or my book series. That means those who use multiple computers can vote from home, from work and even their local coffee shop every day. The 25 getting the most votes will proceed to Round 2, which starts on Nov. 20 and ends on Dec. 11.

The top 10 selected will be in the running for the Indie Award grand prize. The overall winner will be announced on Dec. 13 and receive an enhanced prize package valued at $50,000, including $5,000 in cash, a comprehensive marketing makeover and $1,000 for a local organization that supports small businesses. "If From My Shelf Books & Gifts wins, we have selected the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce as the organization that helps small businesses in the community.

The chamber will receive $1,000, which is part of the award package. If Totally Ninja Raccoons wins, the Knoxville Public Library will receive the $1,000 for being totally awesome in supporting my new book series," said Coolidge. To make voting easier, a link to voting is pinned to the top of From My Shelf's Facebook page and to the top of the Totally Ninja Raccoons’ Facebook page. Those who don't do Facebook, can still vote for either the raccoons or the bookstore by visiting www.IndieBizAward.com.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men

In The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Little Green Men, the Ninja Raccoons continue their ninja training, learn the power of forgiveness, and meet creatures from out of this world, aliens!

The Cat Board plots against the Ninja Raccoons as the Raccoons explore Cherry Springs State Park. Will the Cat Board trash the Raccoons? Will the Little Green Men find the perfect pet? Will Rascal make French Toast?

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.

Story of Your Life At Wellsboro's Bookfest

Writer creates the “Story of Your Life” on the spot at upcoming event at “Wellsboro Bookfest 2017,” Wellsboro, PA.

In a unique twist on street artist character-sketching, Declan Synott, a poet and writer will write “the story of your life” in 100 words or less in an “on the spot” special appearance, Saturday, October 21, from 95 to 3 p.m. at “Wellsboro Bookfest 2017, Wellsboro, PA., aka Kevin Clark, is a retired professor of English and creative writing, most recently from Elmira College and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction in a variety of journals and anthologies.

“What I will attempt to do,” he said, “is provide a snapshot of one’s life based on a brief interview and other observations and perceptions.” Synott will use his favorite 1929 Remington manual typewriter to create “on the spot” vignettes, poems, or living eulogies for the curious or the impressionable. “Andy Warhol famously said we will each have 15 minutes of fame, yet these creations (suitable for framing and signed by the author) may be treasured keepsakes for years or you can crumble them up and dispose of them properly.”

Synott adds, “There’s a suggested donation of $5 per life story; $10 if you’d like a happy ending.”

Originally from Pittsburgh, Declan Synott now calls Wellsboro home and has a B.A. in Communication from Slippery Rock University, a Masters in English Literature from Bucknell University, and an M.F.A. in creative writing.

My First Shapes with Frank Lloyd Wright (Board Books)

Frank Lloyd Wright used basic geometric shapes as the foundation for his modern architecture. Learn your basic shapes alongside this famous architect with My First Shapes with Frank Lloyd Wright Board Book from Mudpuppy. Each chapter tab focuses on one of three basics shapes: circle, square, or triangle.
- Size: 6.25 x 7.

9TH ANNUAL WELLSBORO BOOKFEST!

WELLSBORO—The Ninth Annual Wellsboro BookFest, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Deane Center at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Spearheading the event are Tammy Knowlton, Wellsboro Area High School librarian and Kasey Cox Coolidge, manager of From My Shelf Books & Gifts.

Attending BookFest will be 20 visiting authors. The author portion of the event is free and open to the public.

“This year's used book sale promises to be our best, with the widest selection of genres and the greatest number of books from which to choose," said Knowlton. The used book sale has a $5 entry fee for people ages 10 and older. To reduce the fee to zero, attendees can get signatures from five visiting authors: $1 will be taken off the entry fee for each author's signature up to $5 total.

Bags and author signature sheets will be provided.

All books at the used book sale will be $5 a bag. The sale is being held to raise money to support the Wellsboro Area School District's four public school libraries. All money from the sale will be given to the libraries to purchase new and used books.

Local and regional authors attending this year's BookFest will have copies of their books for sale and be available to talk to anyone interested in learning more about the writing and publishing process. They represent a variety of genres and publishing venues. Among them are writers of Christian and children's books, local history, poetry and mysteries.

"Our authors are coming from as far away as River Edge, New Jersey and Philadelphia," said Coolidge. "We also have locals from Tioga County, Pa."

The focus of BookFest is to encourage community interest in literacy, reading and writing.

Those who have books they would like to donate to the sale are asked to drop them off at the high school or at From My Shelf Books during school and bookstore hours between now and Monday, Oct. 16. Magazines, encyclopedias or Time Life book sets will not be accepted.

For information about the used book sale, call the bookstore at 570-724-5793 or visit Wellsboro BookFest's Facebook page

Good Night, Steelers

Good Night, Steelers follows in the long tradition of 'good night' stories loved by children everywhere. The bedtime story takes children through the day of the big game good morning Pittsburgh as everyone wakes up in anticipation, good afternoon Steelers fans as everyone heads to Heinz Field, good evening Steelers as the teams take the field and game begins, and of course good night everyone as we say good night to Heinz Field, the players and young fans 'dreaming of their NFL debut.' Adorable illustrations and accurate drawings of Heinz Field and the Steelers only found in Good Night, Steelers. A touchdown for every young Steelers fan. Officially licensed by the NFL.

Bookstore Cats

Bookstore cats are an international phenomenon, and here is a collection as entertaining and as adorable as the cats who festoon book lovers' havens. This wonderful investigation has turned up the curious cats running bookshops worldwide, and documents the unique personalities of each. A sure-to-engage gift book for the cat lover, the book lover, the shopper, and the curious alike.

Reading an article about cats who live in bookstores inspired author Brandon Schultz to further investigate the lives of bookstore cats. Cats have strong personalities that enchant and engage, and it turns out there are many of them living in every reader's favorite environment: the bookstore. With personalities and histories as varied as the books they tend, each cat has a story worth telling.

Collected here are their tales, along with enchanting photos of the feline employees in their shops. Most bookstore cats are famous in their local communities, many have been featured and profiled in entertainment outlets, and some even have their own books and social media accounts.

Now, for the first time, some of the world's most beloved bookstore cats are collected together in one adorable directory, making the perfect gift for cat lovers, book lovers, shoppers, and the generally curious worldwide. Aside from keeping a bookseller free of mice, these noble creatures become part of the fabric of their environment and, while they chase away the mice, they lure in the world's cat-loving readers.

Brandon Schultz loves cats, bookstores, and especially bookstores run by cats. Among other things he is a book publisher, travel writer, and ice cream enthusiast. This is his fourth book, and he lives in Brooklyn, New York, with a cat named Lucy, who has previously authored her own book.

Independent We Stand

From My Shelf Books & Gifts and Kevin Coolidge's Totally Ninja Raccoons have both been nominated for the Indie Small Business Award sponsored by independentwestand.org. "Only 25 businesses will make it to the next round. We can't do it without the public's support," said Kevin Coolidge, owner of the bookstore at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro and author of the “Totally Ninja Raccoons,” a children's series he wrote specifically for young reluctant readers.

"People can vote once a day per IP address between now and Sunday, Nov. 12 for either my bookstore or my book series. That means those who use multiple computers can vote from home, from work and even their local coffee shop every day. The 25 getting the most votes will proceed to Round 2, which starts on Nov. 20 and ends on Dec. 11.

The top 10 selected will be in the running for the Indie Award grand prize. The overall winner will be announced on Dec. 13 and receive an enhanced prize package valued at $50,000, including $5,000 in cash, a comprehensive marketing makeover and $1,000 for a local organization that supports small businesses. "If From My Shelf Books & Gifts wins, we have selected the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce as the organization that helps small businesses in the community.

The chamber will receive $1,000, which is part of the award package. If Totally Ninja Raccoons wins, the Knoxville Public Library will receive the $1,000 for being totally awesome in supporting my new book series," said Coolidge. To make voting easier, a link to voting is pinned to the top of From My Shelf's Facebook page and to the top of the Totally Ninja Raccoons’ Facebook page. Those who don't do Facebook, can still vote for either the raccoons or the bookstore by visiting www.IndieBizAward.com.

H.P. Lovecraft's the Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers

The most merciful thing in the world, I believe is humanity's failure to fully conceive the cosmical horrors we've yet to reveal, and which up until now I have tried to conceal. The iconic H.P. Lovecraft 1928 story, The Call of Cthulhu, is now a children's book.

Seamlessly and gracefully told in anapestic tetrameter by "genius poet-artist" RJ Ivankovic. The late Professor Angell's research has been discovered by his grand-nephew, Francis Wayland Thurston. Francis delves into the papers and discovers a bas-relief depicting an odd creature with an octopoid head, spurring him to read on.

He learns of the raid led by Inspector Legrasse and the voyage of the Vigilant, captained by Gustaf Johansen. This glorious full color 102-page adaptation of the H.P. Lovecraft story was written and illustrated by R.J. Ivankovic.

Bigfoot in Pennsylvania: A History of Wild-Men, Gorillas, and Other Hairy Monsters in the Keystone State

Timothy Renner is an illustrator, author, and folk musician living in Pennsylvania. His illustrations have appeared in the pages of various books, magazines, fanzines and comics as well as on many record and CD covers. Since 1995, Timothy has been making music both solo and with his band, Stone Breath. Stone Breath has released over a dozen albums. Timothy's first book, "Beyond the Seventh Gate" was published in 2016. Timothy is the co-host of "Strange Familiars," a podcast concerning the paranormal, weird history, folklore and the occult. He makes regular appearances on the paranormal radio show, "Where Did the Road Go?," and has appeared as a guest on many other podcasts and radio programs, including "Coast to Coast AM."

Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park is located in Potter County Pennsylvania. It is named for a large stand of Black Cherry Trees in the park. The park is popular with stargazers and astronomers due to it's exceptionally dark skies. It is one of the best places in the eastern United States for watching stars.

Cherry Springs State Park was named Pennsylvania's first dark sky park in 2000. The park hosts several several star parties a year. There are regular stargazing and educational programs for the public at the park.

Cherry Springs also offers has trails for hiking, biking and snowmobiling, and offers camping and picinic facilities. The surrounding state forest are home to a variety of plants and animals. Contact the State Park office for facility seasons and hours. Phone: 814-435-1037

The Totally Ninja Raccoons Have Been Nominated!

The Totally Ninja Raccoons have been nominated for the Indie Awards sponsored by independentwestand.org. Only twenty five businesses will make the next round and they can't do it without your votes. The Totally Ninja Raccoons is a children's series specifically geared towards reluctant readers.

Voting to advance The Totally Ninja Raccoons to round two starts now! You can vote once a day per IP address, that means some of you can vote from home, from work, AND when you are drinking your latte in the coffee shop. Voting continues until November 13th. Then the top twenty five businesses will proceed to Round 2.

This year, the Indie Award winner will receive an enhanced prize package valued at $50,000, including $5,000 cash, a comprehensive marketing makeover and $1,000 for a local small business group. The Ninja Raccoons will give the $1,000 to the Knoxville Public Library for being totally awesome when they win. Those raccoons are confident.

Your vote can make that happen for The Totally Ninja Raccoons. You can go to their Facebook page where there's a link pinned to the top to make voting easier.

If you don't do the Facebook thing, you can still vote by visiting www.IndieBizAward.com


JUST CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO THE PAGE TO VOTE FOR THE TOTALLY NINJA RACCOONS!!!

From My Shelf Books & Gifts Has Been Nominated!

You may have already read that From My Shelf Books & Gifts has been nominated for the Indie Awards sponsored by independentwestand.org. Only twenty five businesses will make the next round and we can't do it without your votes.

Voting to advance us to round two starts now! You can vote once a day per IP address, that means some of you can vote from home, from work, AND when you are drinking your latte in the coffee shop. Voting continues until November 12th. Then the top twenty five businesses will proceed to Round 2.

This year, the Indie Award winner will receive an enhanced prize package valued at $50,000, including $5,000 cash, a comprehensive marketing makeover and $1,000 for a local small business group. From My Shelf Books & Gifts will give the $1,000 to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce if we win!

Your vote can make that happen for From My Shelf Books. You can go to our Facebook page where we will have a link pinned to the top to make voting easier. If you haven't already liked our Facebook page, please do. We have lots of great cartoons, word play, and geek culture.

If you don't do the Facebook thing, you can still vote by visiting www.IndieBizAward.com

Thanks so much for helping us get this far.

The Staff at From My Shelf Books & Gifts

JUST CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO THE PAGE TO VOTE FOR FROM MY SHELF BOOKS & GIFTS

October Happenings At From My Shelf Books & Gifts

It's fall at From My Shelf Books & Gifts. Fall into a great book! We'll help you find the perfect book for birthdays, Halloween, and yourself. From My Shelf Books has mystery, horror, romance, and fun. It's an experience.

October 6, 7, 8, and 9, Columbus Day weekend, From My Shelf Books is having a huge membership sale. Membership is usually $25 a year, but this weekend, it's only $5! Membership gives you discounts off books, games & gifts.

This Columbus Day weekend, we are also selling "The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot" for just $5. It's the first in the Totally Ninja Raccoon Ninja series, and it will turn your child into a reading ninja!

You can get the story of your life October 6. Local writer Declan Synott will create the “Story of Your Life” on the spot at “From My Shelf Books and Gifts,” Wellsboro, PA.

In a unique twist on street artist character-sketching, Declan Synott, a poet and writer will write “the story of your life” in 100 words or less in an “on the spot” special appearance, Friday, October 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at “From My Shelf Books and Gifts, 7 East Avenue, Wellsboro, PA, as part of Downtown Wellsboro’s First Friday Celebration. Synott, aka Kevin Clark, is a retired professor of English and creative writing, most recently from Elmira College and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction in a variety of journals and anthologies.

“What I will attempt to do,” he said, “is provide a snapshot of one’s life based on a brief interview and other observations and perceptions.” Synott will use his favorite 1929 Remington manual typewriter to create “on the spot” vignettes, poems, or living eulogies for the curious or the impressionable. “Andy Warhol famously said we will each have 15 minutes of fame, yet these creations (suitable for framing and signed by the author) may be treasured keepsakes for years or you can crumble them up and dispose of them properly.”

Synott adds, “There’s a suggested donation of $5 per life story; $10 if you’d like a happy ending.”
Originally from Pittsburgh, Declan Synott now calls Wellsboro home and has a B.A. in Communication from Slippery Rock University, a Masters in English Literature from Bucknell University, and an M.F.A. in creative writing.

October 21st is Wellsboro Bookfest is a huge used booksale and local/regional author event benefiting the Wellsboro Schools. The best combination of a used library-style book sale and a book festival celebrating local & regional authors! All in gorgeous historic Wellsboro, PA, during flaming foliage season!

From My Shelf Books is home to the Totally Ninja Raccoons, the award winning children's series that will turn your child into a reading ninja. It's all at From My Shelf Books on East Ave Wellsboro, your hometown bookstore.

The Story of Your Life

Writer creates the “Story of Your Life” on the spot at upcoming event at “From My Shelf Books and Gifts,” Wellsboro, PA.

In a unique twist on street artist character-sketching, Declan Synott, a poet and writer will write “the story of your life” in 100 words or less in an “on the spot” special appearance, Friday, October 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at “From My Shelf Books and Gifts, 7 East Avenue, Wellsboro, PA, as part of Downtown Wellsboro’s First Friday Celebration. Synott, aka Kevin Clark, is a retired professor of English and creative writing, most recently from Elmira College and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction in a variety of journals and anthologies.

“What I will attempt to do,” he said, “is provide a snapshot of one’s life based on a brief interview and other observations and perceptions.” Synott will use his favorite 1929 Remington manual typewriter to create “on the spot” vignettes, poems, or living eulogies for the curious or the impressionable. “Andy Warhol famously said we will each have 15 minutes of fame, yet these creations (suitable for framing and signed by the author) may be treasured keepsakes for years or you can crumble them up and dispose of them properly.”

Synott adds, “There’s a suggested donation of $5 per life story; $10 if you’d like a happy ending.”

Originally from Pittsburgh, Declan Synott now calls Wellsboro home and has a B.A. in Communication from Slippery Rock University, a Masters in English Literature from Bucknell University, and an M.F.A. in creative writing.