SoSara

Gift Guide 2009: East Line Books

CLIFTON PARK (Nov. 18) — Lots of big-box bookstores can guide you to the latest bestsellers. But what if you want to find your favorite book from childhood, so you can now share it with your kids.

That’s why it’s nice to have a bookseller like Robyn Ringler of East Line Books. Her store contains one of the Capital Region’s finest treasuries of children’s stories, classics and poetry. East Line also stocks books from the Illustrated Junior Library.

“I think because we’re both a new and used bookstore people expect us to carry a bigger variety,” said Ringler, who added she sees a lot of parents seeking books for their children. “They come looking for their old favorites and the old classics.”

What books were under the tree when Ringler was a child?

“Santa Claus always brought me books of poetry,” Ringler says. “Some of the poems were serious, but others were silly and funny. I just loved them.”

Here are East Line’s holiday recommendations and specials:

Sales on suspense novels and thrillers and collectible mysteries
Starting on Thanksgiving and continuing through December, hardcover suspense novels and thrillers for only $4.50 — including James Patterson, Robert Parker, Janet Evanovich and Patricia Cornwell. Collectible mysteries will be 15% off, and coupons will be circulated for $3 off a $10 purchase on top of already discounted prices on everything.

Illustrated Junior Library books
Illustrated reissues of classics from the Illustrated Junior Library with vibrant new covers. Titles include The Wizard of Oz, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grow, Black Beauty, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Arabian Nights, Anne of Green Gables, Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, The Voyage of Doctor Doolittle and The Swiss Family Robinson. Each brand new illustrated classic sells for $17.99.

Children’s books
Titles on sale include: The 20th Century Children’s Book Treasury, A Children’s Anthology of Poetry, A Year Full of Poems, The House at Pooh Corner, Anne of Green Gables, The Wind in the Willows, Uncle Wiggly’s Story Books and The Illustrated Treasury of Fairy Tales. Also available are picture book editions of Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Noah’s Ark, all illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. Prices range from $5 to $25.

Gift certificates and gift baskets
Available in denominations from $5 to $50. East Line also can create a custom basket full of hand-picked books — just pay for the books plus $5 to make up the basket.

A couple of recommendations
A Girl Named Zippy. “It’s a book I’d give to any of my friends or family,” Ringler said. “It’s a delightful coming-of-age story about a little girl in the Midwest.” Chosen By a Horse. “Susan Richards tells of the incredibly strong bond she had with a horse who meant so much to her; he saved her life,” Ringler said. “It is a truly inspiring story.”

And for boys
Ender’s Game. “It is off-the-charts fantastic,” Ringler said. “I think every boy should read it. It has great themes and life lessons and is a gripping, engaging story.”

For more information:

• East Line Books, 1714 Route 9, Clifton Park, 371.4151, http://www.eastlinebooks.vpweb.com

Editor’s note: During the holiday season, SoSara will be highlighting gift ideas from local stores. If you are interested in seeing your store featured, email editor@sosara.com.