Here is a preview of the Summer 2013 Kids’ Indie Next List flier, arriving at stores in the upcoming Children’s White Box. The four-page, full-color flier features the top 10 titles for the spring publishing season and an additional 39 titles for children in different age groups.

This Friday, May 10, is the final chance for booksellers to sign up for several events exclusively for ABA members at BookExpo America.

On Tuesday, May 7, the Women’s National Book Association announced the winners of the 2013 WNBA Pannell Awards, given annually since 1983 to two bookstores that excel in contributing to their communities in ways that bring books and young people together.  This year’s winners are both from Michigan.

On Wednesday afternoon, May 29, at BEA, a group of lucky booksellers will tour the studios of children’s book illustrators for a behind-the-scenes peek into the creative lives of some of today’s top talent. The tour is open to ABC Group bookstore members only. There is no fee to participate, but space is limited. Registration for the tours will close on May 10.

Independent booksellers have spoken, and the cover design for Len Vlahos’ The Scar Boys has been revealed.

The 94^th Annual Children’s Book Week (May 13 –19) celebrates the joy of reading and honors the best in books for young people. Booksellers are encouraged to participate in the festivities, including the Children’s Book Week Window Display contest.

BookExpo America is right around the corner, and booksellers who want to take advantage of free trade show badges, exclusive parties at Hotel ABA, and special programming for ABC Children’s Group members, as well as be a part of the Celebration of Bookselling and Author Awards Lunch  and the Bookseller/Publisher Focus Groups, must be current on their ABA dues.

A special section of this year’s Children’s Book Art Silent Auction at BEA will honor the late Maurice Sendak, the beloved author and illustrator of classic children’s titles and a passionate defender of free speech. A number of illustrators will be creating special artworks commemorating Sendak that will be auctioned off at the event.

Promotional materials are now available to all ABA member stores  participating in Give Me Summer! Give Me Books! a national summer reading program for kids. Six titles tailored to children in each of three age groups — Kindergarten–Grade 2, Grades 3–5, and Grades 6–8— are featured.

Northshire begins hiring for Saratoga Springs branch; Reading Frenzy Corner opens in Elk River, Minnesota; Children’s book clubs foster community spirit; Changing Hands’ Gayle Shanks offers tips for authors