The Books of Wonder signing was a lot of fun. Thanks to the staff for their very warm reception, and especially to Peter Glassman, the owner, and to Elena, a staff member who really showed some love for the book. They have asked me back soon, when they get more stock in (they had expected me to sign more than the three stacks of books I did?), and I told them I definitely would go.

Thanks also to the friends and supporters who did stop by, or who were part of my "entourage" as i jokingly call it: three women in black who sported a "SCARY" pin on their jackets (Hermie Herrera, Jessica Smith, and Suzanne Lander). I couldn't have planned the look of the SCARY crew any better. My editor, Gail Greiner showed up with Nikolai and Anna, her kids. That made me feel pretty good, especially as Nikolai is my self-appointed "Number One Fan."

Also very kind and enjoyable were Jon Scieszka, and Kate DiCamillo, also authors. I was approached by Jon about taking part of some kind of project with him (I was a bit dazed by the whole thing, and felt rather silly when he asked if I had a card and I had to say...uh...no, actually...I don't), and a schoolteacher approached the woman who does marketing for SCARY and asked her about having me speak at her school.

And while I do not want to leave the lovely ladies out of this, I have to say that the boys in the crowd were very receptive, and I think every one of them bought a copy (or rather, beseeched their fathers or mothers to buy them a copy). Maybe because I told them that they really shouldn't buy this book unless they are brave and don't want to sleep at night.