my first americanbooksellers children’s institute was one for the books! new orleans was gorgeous and spooky and HOT and so much fun. i learned a lot, and left with two GIANT stacks of books (i checked a whole extra suitcase for books and even still almost had to pay extra to get them all back) and met so many amazing authors and booksellers. we went on a bookstore tour and traveled to six different bookstores in the new orleans area and i bought MORE books, but it was absolutely worth it. marisaaspence and i came in SECOND PLACE with our prospect costumes and could not have had more fun working that ballroom for votes, haha i’m glad to be home but there really is no other place like new orleans. their love for books and community was something so lovely to see and to get to be a part of for even just a little while. here’s to next year in the pnw (portland!!) being just as fun and hopefully a little less humid! . . image descriptions in alt text . . #ci2024 #childrensinstitute...