Junior News

News from the realm of Square Books Junior

Introducing our Teen's First Subscription

Square Books, Jr. hosts scores of writers every year who sign wonderful, fun, or important books here, and often those who wish to get the book—for whatever reason—miss the opportunity. With a TEEN'S FIRST subscription, you—or, if you are purchasing this as a gift, your teen—will be guaranteed signed books and you will be forming the foundation for a life of reading and a lovely, valuable personal library, too! Starting in June 2018, a subscription gets you three signed books for this year. The first pick is Claire Legrand's Furyborn, who reads at Off Square Books on June 5th. Provide us your name, mailing address, and preferred method of billing, and we will send you a book in June, September, and November. There is no additional charge for the signing—all books are billed at list price, plus postage. For more information, please contact sami@squarebooks.com or call 662-236-2207.

Waldo Returns to Oxford

It's that time of year again.


Waldo has missed Oxford since his celebration last year and has decided to return this year to visit us once again. The famous fellow in striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 26 stores on the Square all through the month of July. From Amelia's to Amy Head Cosmetics, from Nest Paper Studio to Olive Juice Gifts, Waldo figures are showing up July 1-31. You can also find Waldo's dog Woof sniffing around Square Books, Jr. everyday. Those who spot them can win prizes, including buttons, books, and coupons. 

Don't miss the Grand Prize Drawing Party on July 31 at 4 p.m.

Children's Book Week


We are thrilled to participate in the 95th celebration of Children’s Book Week this year (May 12th-18th).

Children's Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading.

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, commemorative events are held nationwide at schools, libraries, bookstores, homes -- wherever young readers and books connect!

Children's Book Week is a truly national celebration, with events taking place from coast to coast.

Square Books Jr. will participate by hosting:

Sarah Frances Hardy, with her new book Paint Me May 10 at 10 a.m.
Laurie Fisher with Where Do the Go on Game Day? May 14 at 10 a.m.
Indie's First Storytime with Curious George and Ace Atkins May 17 at 10 a.m.
Live mannequin readings in the Square Books Jr. window all day Saturday May 17.
Volunteer mannequins can sign up in the store for twenty minute shifts.

School Colors


Photo by Bruce Newman

Lafayette Elementary students dress as crayons as they parade outside the school. Lafayette Elementary and Bramlett Elementary students are reading Drew Daywalt's book "The Day the Crayons Quit." Daywalt will make an appearance at Oxford Conference for the Book, March 26-28.
                                                  

A Quick Look at a Very Good Year for Square Books – Part 3

At Square Books Jr., the classic GOODNIGHT GORILLA (#6) is as likely to show up on its bestseller list as the latest picture book from Michael Kaplan, BETTY BUNNY DIDN’T DO IT (#16), and there are always surprises. The number 1 spot, which one would expect to be occupied by John Grisham’s fourth Theodore Boone novel, THE ACTIVIST (#2) was WHERE DO THEY GO ON GAME DAY? (a.k.a. the squirrel book) by newcomer Laurie Fisher. In fairness, we have to point out that the third installment of the Theodore Boone series was at #14. FANCY NANCY THE FANCIEST DOLL IN THE UNIVERSE (#3) was boosted by a visit from the illustrator, Robin Preiss Glasser. Others who visited were Ree Drummond, CHARLIE GOES TO SCHOOL (#12), John Marciano Bemelmans, MADELINE AND THE OLD HOUSE IN PARIS (#25), Loren Long, AN OTIS CHRISTMAS (#18). 

Teens and adults alike took home John Green’s THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (#10) and interest in the forthcoming movie spurred sales for DIVERGENT (#21). Middle graders were glad to see the release of the 8th in the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series (#5), and Dan Gutman’s new series THE GENUIS FILES (#7), while the intrigue factor for THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET (#17) remains. But picture books ruled, with Leita’s pick LITTLE BEAR’S LITTLE BOAT (#8), Sarah Frances Hardy’s PUZZLED BY PINK (#25) and Manning fan favorite FAMILY HUDDLE (#11). For another year PETE THE CAT: I LOVE MY WHITE SHOES (#9) showed, with other Pete books holding places at #s13,15,19. A huge new favorite is THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (#4), which all find clever, meaningful, and funny. The significance of a bestseller list for Square Books Jr. is a bit different than it is at what we call "the big store," as the staff at Jr. hand sells the books they love. That passion is as timeless and unregulated as are the interests and enthusiasms of the children who visit Square Books Jr. They know better than the rest of us that Square Books Jr. is a world unto themselves.

29 Days of Grinchmas



25 Days of Grinchmas will spread good deeds throughout the community, building a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit while supporting local retail shops during the holiday season.

Stop by Square Books, Jr. from November 16 through December 14 to pick up a Grinchmas bingo card. Mark off good deeds done at home, in the community, and at 1 of 28 participating stores around the Square. After you've bingoed, take the card back to Square Books, Jr. and you will receive a "grow your heart three sizes button."

Another way to do good deeds is to purchase a book at 20% discount for Leapfrog and place a heart ornament on the Grinchmas tree. We will have a special storytime on Saturday, December 14th to celebrate all the good deeds done and the Grinch himself will be in attendance.

So Long, Waldo!

Hooray for Alice, the grand prize winner of the complete box set of Waldo books.


The month of Find Waldo in Oxford! ended with a bang at the grand prize drawing party last week.



Believe it or not, there were approximately 200 names in the grand prize drawing! The prizes included Waldo tote bags, Waldo postcard books, a Waldo poster book and the ultimate supreme grand prize of the complete box set of Waldo books. Also included were donated items such as t-shirts from Square Books, Jr., Cat Daddy's and Something Southern, gift certificates and candy bags from Holli's Sweet Tooth and gift cards from YaYa's.



Thanks to everyone who participated in the hunt -- locals and out-of-towners, and to The Oxford Downtown Council's participating businesses who made the event possible. 

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