BookED

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Jocele Skinner of Shared Stories Books in Caldwell, ID interviews Lenna Jawdat, author of 70,000: Poems, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Easty Lambert-Brown of Ernest & Hadley Booksellers in Tuscaloosa, AL interviews Seán Farrelly, author of Tom Burne Has Left The Chat, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Michael Leali of Mrs. Dalloway's in Berkeley, CA interviews Darianne Schramm, author of 72 Hours Of You, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Amani Jackson of The Ivy Bookshop in Baltimore, MD interviews Carla Madeira and Alison Entrekin, author and translator of It's All River, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Allie Cesmat of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, AZ interviews Morgan J. Watchorn, author of Fire to the Stars, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Ashli Byfield of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, NY interviews T. C. Kemper, author of The Ginghams, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Jamie Anderson of Duck's Cottage in Duck, NC interviews Emilee Hackney, author of All That's Unseen, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Elizabeth Bosscher of Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, MI interviews F. A. Davidson, author of Flickerstate, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Jocele Skinner of Shared Stories Books in Caldwell, ID interviews Roberta Kwok, author of Lost In Curiosity, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Amy Buren of Maggie Mae's Bookshop in Gresham, OR interviews Amy Tern, author of Sneaks, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

There's a lot happening at Edelweiss, and this session is your chance to get up to speed. We'll walk through the latest platform improvements and features, and talk about our roadmap for 2026. Get behind the scenes, "first look" views of what's coming, including updates to Omnibus, our new bookstore operating system. Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion.

Doesn't it just make sense that if you know where you want to end up, it will be easier to figure out how to get there? We certainly think so! Visioning is a tool that can help clarify what success looks like at a particular point in time in the future on any scale – from articulating the future of your business in 20 years to figuring out a successful in-store promotion. Once you have the destination in mind, you can better prioritize how to spend your time and other resources (including physical and emotional energy) on a day-to-day basis. In this session, you'll practice writing a draft vision and learn how to share it with others. Leave with some practical strategies and helpful insights for incorporating (or re-incorporating) visioning into your life. Best of all, you'll have a tool to help you get more clarity about what personal and business success means to you.   Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion

Short-form video content doesn't have to be scary or time-consuming. In this interactive workshop, booksellers will learn a simple, repeatable workflow for making reels and TikToks. From brainstorming ideas, to filming, editing, and posting. Participants will practice on their phones, pick up helpful tips, and leave with a nearly finished video to share.   Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion

Many organizations invest in learning how to navigate conflict — but far fewer know what to do after it happens. What comes next determines whether relationships fracture or deepen. Building on the RISEWITHUS Conflict Philosophy™, this session focuses on the critical, often-missed phase of conflict: repair, reflection, and re-engagement. Participants will explore how to move beyond resolution and into meaningful restoration — where accountability, emotional intelligence, and equity-centered practices rebuild trust and strengthen relationships. Grounded in restorative approaches and power-aware frameworks, this session will guide attendees through what it means to: Reflect on conflict with intention, not avoidance Re-engage without self-abandonment or performative harmony Repair harm in ways that center dignity, accountability, and growth Integrate feedback and learning into future conflict practices If you've attended previous workshops, this session builds on that work—connecting insight to sustained transformation. Because conflict isn't the end of the story. What you do after is where the real work begins.   Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion  

Curious about what KPIs you should be tracking specifically for your children's section? This panel will break down the most important KPIs for children's bookstores and stores with children's sections, focusing on the data that truly drives sales growth and inventory success. You'll leave ready to start making data-driven decisions that will make your kids' section shine. Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion

Join Ingram for an educational ipage session with a live demo and a look at recent platform enhancements. Explore practical tools and techniques to boost title discoverability, navigate the platform more efficiently, and get your questions answered in an interactive Q&A. We'll also share a brief update on Covered, Ingram's new marketing platform launching Fall 2026. Covered connects publishers, booksellers, and librarians on one platform, enabling digital catalog and DRC access, title discovery, POS system connection, and ordering.   Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion

A parent comes into the store and asks about Lexile reading levels, and you're left secretly thinking, "What even is that?" This introductory session will demystify Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell reading levels for booksellers, explaining what they measure and how they're used in the children's book market. You'll leave with a greater understanding of the levels and confidence in how to choose books for each level.   Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion  

How do you extend specialized children's bookselling knowledge from beyond one expert to your entire staff? This session offers concrete methods for equipping all frontline staff with the core competencies of children's bookselling, from understanding age ranges and developmental stages to mastering key handselling techniques. Panelists will break down training models, workflow integrations, and resources that help general booksellers confidently recommend titles, engage families, and strengthen the store's overall children's business.   Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion  

The kids' section is looking very nostalgic these days with special edition reprints of popular '90s kids' books. This points to a greater trend in the industry and a great market and genre to tap into to improve your bottomline: millennial nostalgia. This session will focus on how stores have been successful in catering to millennials knowing this age group can't resist the magic of their own childhood memories. From special editions to sidelines and events, this session will share how the children's section is no longer just for children.   Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion.

Developed for author guests at Children's Institute, this panel features booksellers who have formulated best practices for creating events that benefit both stores and authors. This session will cover a number of issues, from author publicity to dealing with pre-event nerves.   Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion.

There are so many literary awards for children's books, so how do you keep up? Especially as established awards are now expanding to include children's books! This panel introduces booksellers to the wide landscape of children's book awards, from national honors to regional and genre-specific prizes. Hear how stores are also adapting this format into making their own engaging award programs!   Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion

This session is for those new — and newer! — to children's bookselling. Long-time children's booksellers will demystify and clarify important information you wouldn't know until someone told you! Developing sales rep relationships, opening accounts versus ordering from a wholesaler, and more will be discussed. You will leave feeling confident, with foundational knowledge that you will grow over the course of the Institute.   Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion

With pressure on bookstores increasing over their curation of books and events, it is essential to have clear policies that reflect your store's emphasis and values. Having a curation policy helps a store keep the team on the same page, explain curation decisions to customers, and work through disagreements within the staff and community. Led by ABFE's Associate Director Philomena Polefrone, this session will offer a structure to help you start articulating your store's processes and values. Attendees will leave with a draft they can continue developing when they return to their store.   Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion  

Analog is back! As more adults look to limit their screen time, they're rediscovering screen-free activities like reading, journaling, puzzling, and crafting. Curated "analog bags" — portable totes designed to encourage unplugging — are trending, and bookstores are perfectly positioned to become the go-to destination for filling them. This session will explore how to merchandise for the analog movement, handsell across categories, and create events that tap into the growing desire for offline connection and creativity.   Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion  

You can still celebrate an author and have an incredible, fun event even if the author can't come to the store physically! This session will focus on authorless events, such as craft workshops, character meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, zine-making workshops, cookbook dinners, and community partnerships. Learn to design crowd-pleasing, low-cost programming that doesn't rely on author visits. This session is perfect for stores that want steady community engagement with staff-led events.   Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion

Events can drive sales, build community, and strengthen your store's brand, but how do you know if an event is successful? This session will introduce practical ways to use ROI and key metrics to track and measure event success. You'll learn what data to gather before, during, and after events and how to interpret it to understand impact. We'll also explore how to evaluate your store's current event capacity, from staffing to sales potential, so you can make informed decisions about growth. You'll leave with a clearer framework for assessing performance and shaping an effective events strategy. Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion

Children's books are experiencing growth, largely driven by the popularity of board books and activity-based formats such as sticker and coloring books. These formats are especially appealing to young readers and families looking for engaging, hands-on experiences with books. This session will explore strategies for incorporating board books and activity books into your store's inventory, merchandising, and programming. You'll leave with ideas for capitalizing on this growing segment of children's publishing and positioning your store to meet customer demand. Recorded June 28, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion

Many children's bookstores partner with school librarians for book fairs, author visits, and summer reading programs. But as school districts face budget cuts — including the elimination of librarian positions — bookstores are left wondering how to sustain these important partnerships. This session will explore how to rethink and rebuild school relationships in the absence of a dedicated librarian. We'll discuss strategies for collaborating directly with administrators and teachers, navigating shifting responsibilities, and continuing to create meaningful events, even when school staff may not fully understand what goes into organizing them. Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion

Great marketing starts with great photos, and you don't need fancy equipment to get them. This hands-on workshop will teach you how to take better photos using just your smartphone. You'll learn how to shoot compelling book flat lays, staff portraits, event coverage, and beautiful shots of your store's interior and exterior. Then we'll practice our skills in guided group settings, where you will explore how perspective and creativity shape visual storytelling. You'll leave with new skills, resources, and a more confident eye behind the lens. Recorded June 27, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Coco Zephir of An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA interviews Ben Reeves, author of Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Angela Whited of Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, MN interviews Wendy Lu, author of Casting April, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Allie Cesmat of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, AZ interviews Ari Koontz, author of Just Ask Elsie, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Coco Zephir of An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA interviews Joanna Thurlow, author of Forever is the Sweetest Con, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Amani Jackson of The Ivy Bookshop, Baltimore, MD interviews P.C. Verrone, author of Rabbit, Fox, Tar, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion  

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Fisher Nash of Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville, KY interviews Ama Ofosua Lieb, author of Goldenborn, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Elisa McIntosh of The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, NY interviews Liv Mae Morris, author of The Last Dragon House, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, a bookseller at Third Place Books Ravenna in Seattle, WA interviews Lauren E. Osborn, author of Entomology of the Pin-Up Girl, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Britney Harker of Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID, interviews Lily Kim Qian, author of Until We Meet Again, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Claire Bone of Wild Sisters Book Company in Sacramento, CA, interviews Tolani Akinolai, author of Leave Your Mess at Home, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Katie Orphan of Orphan Books in Los Angeles, CA interviews Tesia Tsai, author of Deathly Fates, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Annastasia Williams of The Bottom in Knoxville, TN interviews Caro Claire Burke, author of Yesteryear, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Cassie Goodwin of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis, IN interviews Soraya Bouazzaoui, author of Aicha, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Haley Calvin of The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis, MO interviews Heba Al-Wasity, author of Weavingshaw, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Emily Russo of PRINT: A Bookstore in Portland, ME interviews Bar Fridman-Tell, author of Honeysuckle, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Sydne Conant of Ink Cap Books in Stoughton, WI interviews Sandy Bigna author of Little Bones, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Andrea Iriarte Dent of Molly's Bookstore in Melrose, MA interviews Cassie Miller, author of Meet Me Under the Lights, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Katie Orphan of Orphan Books in Los Angeles, CA interviews Georgina Chadderton, author of Oh Brother, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Fisher Nash of Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville, KY interviews Delali Adjoa, author of The Free Verse Society, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

ABA's Indies Introduce interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Jenny Chou of Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, WI interviews Clíodhna O'Sullivan, author of Her Hidden Fire, available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by Constant Companion

As online platforms shape how readers discover and connect with books, Bookstagrammers and BookTokers have become powerful voices in the literary ecosystem. This session will explore how independent bookstores can cultivate meaningful, values-driven relationships with digital creators to grow visibility, drive foot traffic, and build trust with online audiences. Join a panel of booksellers and content creators who have successfully partnered to promote events, create in-store content, and spotlight underrepresented titles. We'll explore how to find the right voices for your store, establish clear expectations, offer compensation that respects their work, and track return on investment without compromising authenticity. Whether you're new to influencer partnerships or want to elevate existing collaborations, this session will give you practical tools to make social partnerships that truly support your store's mission and your bottom line.   Recorded February 25, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion