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July 02, 2008
The Curtain Closes on All For Kids
On June 30, the Seattle book community shed a few tears and shared a lot of laughs to mark the closing of All For Kids Books and Music. It was nothing short of miraculous that no one blabbed about the surprise send-off party for Chauni Haslett (on the left in this photo, taken when she and I did a joint radio interview for KWJZ) and her charming husband Bill (not in the photo. . .as usual!). The room was filled to capacity with well-wishers.
I would be writing this blog until mid-next week were I to try to set down all of the ways these two have nurtured, supported and enriched the lives of kids, parents, teachers, librarians and book creators. China has its Great Wall, but All for Kids had its "Greats Wall." Started years ago when Brian Jacques couldn't resist signing his name to a blank white wall in the bookstore's event room, the wall had over 500 signatures and illustrations -- every author or illustrator who visited -- at the store's closing.
Of course, we all wish Chauni and Bill well -- and much deserved rest. But, I can't help feeling the world is a bit smaller and duller without this gem of a bookstore.
If you know Chauni and Bill, why not honor their 25 years of service to children's literature and music by reading aloud to a kid today, donating to a literacy campaign in your community or buying a book at your own local independent bookstore.
To paraphrase my favorite talking spider, "It's not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and extraordinary bookseller." Chauni and Bill are such someones.
Posted by kirby at July 2, 2008 08:49 AM