From: Robin Smith <smithr>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 12:44:58 -0600

Dear Alison, What I find so funny about all this is the fact that a book usually can be back in stock relatively quickly, especially a novel with no illustrations. Everyone feels the need to read the new "winners" RIGHT NOW. I bet you Atheneum started a new print run at about 9:30 on Monday, after the thrill and shock wore off. It will be in the warehouses shortly. Patience, patience. Those of us who already had a copy get to gloat and share our copies...it is part of the fun. I was surprised that someone (a few days ago) reported that a big BN never had a copy in their system...that seems wrong, since others have reported finding it there. Usually the big chains buy the same titles, in varying quantities. Perhaps it was returned to the publisher in May, which seems about right, considering the short time a book has to "prove itself." The book did get some very good reviews in early spring and made it to many "best of" lists. Those lists might catch the eye of a librarian making additional purchases, but a chain buyer is already into the next buying cycle by the time those lists appear. It is just the nature of commerce--stores sell what is selling and bookstores return what is not. I reviewed Kira-Kira in February, 2004. That is two buying cycles away from January, 2005. Remember when Walk Two Moons won? It had barely been sent to stores the first time before the announcement. I think it was a December book, languishing behind all the holiday fare. How the Newbery Committee found it, I will never know. But I am glad they did. I know Ms. Creech was astounded. I imagine Ms. Kadohata was more than astounded. I look forward to hearing about in June. I am glad a February title stayed on the Committee's radar. That's why it is so much fun to see what these fine folks come up with every year.

Robin Smith Nashville, TN
Received on Wed 19 Jan 2005 12:44:58 PM CST