Our Shrinking Violet reader, Becky Levine, gave a thumbs up to HICKLEBEE'S in San Jose, California. After poking around their impressive website, I couldn't agree more.
Hicklebee's
1378 Lincoln Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 292-8880
From their website: "Of our nineteen person staff, eight of them have averaged fifteen years on staff at Hicklebee's-- their combined experience equals more than 200 years of immersion in children's books. On a daily basis our staff is relied upon to recommend books for a variety of readers of different ages, cultures and lifestyles. We match children to books!" Gee, there's concept that some 'other' bookstores might want to consider!
Upcoming author events in May include appearances/signings by Barbara Kerley, Rick Riordan, and Linda Sue Park. (Becky, want to a host a big slumber party for all of us this month?)
One of Hicklebee's founders, Valerie Lewis, has been a regular guest on CBS Morning for 12 years, and co-authored the book Valerie and Walter's Best Books for Kids. Co-owner Monica Holmes has worked devotedly for two decades to bring this store to the level of a nationally known independent bookstore.
Hicklebee's has been voted Best Bookstore and Best Children's Bookstore by the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury.
So there you have it-- another fine indie surviving and thriving. So, friends, do you know the way to San Jose? (You must have been born a really, really long time ago to get that.)
:-) =]
Mary & Robin
The Staff of Hicklebee's
