From My Carefully Curated Collection

No bookstore in the world has everything, and a one-woman operation in northern Michigan, of necessity, must practice careful inventory control. As Dog Ears Books comes into the holiday season, however, after which we will, this winter, close until spring, there have been a few books so exciting and wonderful that I could not help ordering them, hoping for a tiny little burst of holiday shoppers to make my investment pay off.

Becky Allender’s brave telling of her own life stories and a lovely little debut book of poetry from the other side of Grand Traverse Bay are my featured titles for today. Please stop in at 106 Waukazoo in Northport for other recommendations. The dog still can’t read, but the bookseller will be more than happy to assist you.

Hidden in Plain Sight: One Woman’s Search for Identity, Intimacy and Calling, by Becky Allender

Blue Wing Press, paper, 226pp.

$18.95

The Salt Before It Shakes: Poems, by Yvonne Stephens

Hidden Timber Books, paper, 47pp

$9.95

Welcoming Kids to Planet Earth

Children's book author Oliver Jeffers has a new picture book out this season. Inspired by the birth of his son, Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth introduces youngsters to the earth and its inhabitants as well as the sky above us. Some stuff is complicated, but the lessons are simple, and kids can ask questions when they don't understand.

The book is written for ages 3 to 7, but grownups will love it, too.

Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth
by Oliver Jeffers
Philomel, 48 pp, hardcover w/ dust jacket
$19.99