You should reply to that email like this:

"You're a bookstore, so I assume you have books on how not to be an idiot."

Why are they conflating all these responsibilities?

So they don't have to?

That is a ham-handed email for sure.

I like the idea of kids making maps of all the places they've been, like Sam.

Thanks for the referral, Ginger. I saw that shirt jacket before. I think the shoulder/elbow patches rule it out for my dad. At that price I may consider it for myself, though. The JC Penny order arrived yesterday. It's a St. John's Bay grey/blue plaid quilted flannel and it looks really great. I'm bummed they didn't have one in my size. I think he'll be pleased with it.

King Arthur Flour is offering free shipping with $50 purchase. They make loads of great stuff including gluten-free flour for those who want to try some GF home baking. [link]

WTF, cow-orker!? Do you have any concept that other people might find a) playing music at work, and b) singing along with it to be annoying?

To be fair(ish) to the bookstore, they're probably looking for as many things to list on any posters or publicity items as possible. A lot of kids won't just sit to be read to -- they want an activity or something extra, and so do their parents, because that keeps them occupied longer.

Kids also love to be able to *get* something, and taking home a small project is that sort of boon.

Allyson,

You should check out my friend's blog. She has great advice about the MG and YA book market. That link should send you to the page on author appearances (which is part of her day job).

To be fair(ish) to the bookstore, they're probably looking for as many things to list on any posters or publicity items as possible

But why would Allyson be qualified to do that? I get their goals. I question their methods. And the way they presented it...pfah.

I bring goodie bags with bat treats and toys with me, and some bat prizes to give away. Which I already told them. Which is why I'm confused.

Does he mean some kind of craft project? Or is he just suggesting that you ask them questions/create some kind of back and forth?

But why would Allyson be qualified to do that?

Anyone's qualified to give them something to color. I'm just offering suggestions of things she could do.

The email was awkward, sure, but the point is to bring as many people to the signing as possible. Even if he phrased it badly, I think that's what the bookseller wants, too. And Allyson can just tell him, again, that she has giveaways and leave it at that.

Edited for typos. Moar caffeine needed.