Costco Connection - April 2007

book
look
Also:
■ Thrillers and killers
■ Mystery money
■ Edgar nominees

Little House

makeover

IT’S HARD TO believe, but 2007 marks the 75th anniversary of the Little House on the Prairie series. To celebrate, HarperCollins Children’s Books has repackaged the entire series. Instead of the classic Garth Williams illustrations that most readers grew up with, the covers now feature photographs that are more action oriented and convey a sense of adventure for today’s readers. However, to appeal to all readers, the series will be available with both sets of covers.

HarperCollins decided to make the change after conducting a survey of teachers and librarians across the country and learning that the illustrations felt old-fashioned and did not resonate well with today’s young readers.

In a press release, a representative of HarperCollins said, “We also hope the new look will appeal to the growing market of homeschooling families—many of whom already identify with Little House family values and even use the books in their curriculum. Currently, an estimated 2 million students are homeschooled in the U.S. and this number increases by 7 to 12 percent every year. Our photographic look will attract these new young audiences, but we also wanted to hold on to dedicated Little House fans.”

Thrillers and killers

The International Thriller Writers (ITW) kicked off a new fund-raising event in March. The semiannual luncheon program, called Brunch and Bullets, features ITW writers who move from table to table during the meals. A quarter of net proceeds will be donated to

signings

Robin Miller signs Quick Fix Meals on April 2, at noon, at the Issaquah, Washington, Costco, 1801 10th Ave. NW.

Sanjay Gupta signs Chasing Life on April 28, at noon, at the Atlanta, Georgia, Costco, 6350 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE.

(Click here for maps and
directions to Costco locations.)

local chapters of Reading Is

Fundamental, a nonprofit organization promoting children’s literacy.

The next luncheon is scheduled for May 5, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Authors currently scheduled to appear, with more to be confirmed closer to the day, include Stephen Coonts, Linda Fairstein, Michael Palmer and Doug Preston. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp? Event Id=116819.

Mystery money

In other writers group news, the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) have also launched an initiative to help financially struggling libraries throughout the United States. Launched in February 2007, the program, named MWA: Reads, aims to bring attention to the needs of public library systems by donating books to libraries for their collections—with a particular focus on books for children and young adults.

The initiative is starting with a pilot program in West Virginia, where it’s seeking donations, especially children’s mysteries, to the West Virginia Library Commission. More information about the program is available at

giveaways

COSTCO HAS FIVE copies of Jodi Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes and five copies of Robert Crais’ The Watchman to give away. To enter, print the name of the book you hope to win, your name, membership number, address and daytime phone number on a postcard or letter and send it to: The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088, or fax it to (425) 313- 6718. No purchase is necessary.

Only current Costco members are eligible to win. One entry per household. Entries must be received or

www.mysterywriters.org/MWAreads.

In other MWA news, author Nelson DeMille has been elected president of the 67- year-old group. He will serve a one-year term, which ends in February 2008. DeMille is the author of novels such as The General’s Daughter, Wild Fire and The Gold Coast. Past presidents include Raymond Chandler, Mary Higgins Clark and Elmore Leonard.

Edgar nominees announced

At the end of April, the MWA will hold its 61st Gala Banquet to announce the winners of the 2007 Edgar Awards. Check this space next month for a list of winners. In the meantime, here are the nominees in the Best Novel category.

The Pale Blue Eye, by Louis Bayard

The Janissary Tree, by Jason Goodwin Gentlemen and Players, by Joanne Harris The Dead Hour, by Denise Mina

The Virgin of Small Plains, by Nancy Pickard

Liberation Movements, by Olen Steinhauer

postmarked by May 1, 2007. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by mail on or before June 1, 2007. The value of the prizes is $26 and $25.95, respectively. Void where prohibited. Winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes. The decision of the judges is final. Employees of Costco or Simon & Schuster and their families are not eligible.