The Book Beat, in Oak Park, Michigan, celebrated 30 years in business on August 19, with live music, cake, tacos, and lots of visitors. Congratulations to owners Cary Loren (above) and Colleen Kammer for reaching this milestone! Some of the authors and illustrators who signed books:
Shutta Crum and Newbery medalist Christopher Paul Curtis show off Shutta's hit book Mine!
Denise Crittendon, Denise Brennan-Nelson, and Cyd Moore (from left to right) are happy to display their books.
Here's Kathryn Madeline Allen with her brand-new book, A Kiss Means I Love You.
Jean Alicia Elster, shown below, is ready to sign her Library of Michigan Michigan Notable Book, Who's Jim Hines? and other books.
I was there with Sheep in a Jeep books and my new Elena's Story. It was great to see old friends. And if you look closely at Cary's picture, you'll see he's holding a catalog from the recent Bordeaux art show by his Destroy All Monsters bandmate (and my brother) Jim Shaw. The Book Beat has specialties in art and children's books, and in a sense of community.
