To commemorate its 30th year in business, Hicklebee’s Children's Bookstore threw a party last Saturday, and Children’s Bookshelf was there for the celebration.

This past Saturday I was lucky enough to attend the 30th anniversary celebration at Hicklebee’s in San Jose, Calif. A staple in the community, the store is owned and operated by sisters Valerie Lewis and Monica Holmes. Guest after guest told of their own amazing connection to this valuable resource for children’s books. And it was evident from the huge turnout that families and children have cherished this special store, as well as the knowledgeable staff, for over three decades.

And what an amazing bash! The day was jam-packed with events and surprises. Not only were there authors signing books as well as raffles and music, but State Senator Joe Simitian presented Hicklebee’s with the accolade of Small Business of the Year. In a world where many independent bookstores struggle and children’s bookstores have diminished in number, this honor is yet another testimony to the store’s success and local fellowship.


Sisters and co-owners
Holmes and Lewis.

Authors and attendees couldn’t wait to share with me stories of their relationship with owners Valerie and Monica. Many of the guests were children themselves, though past customers, now grown-up, also came to pay homage. Valerie told me that a lot of what drives their creativity and ability to provide such excellent service is their dedication to readers. “In looking back at photos and through our albums and old newsletters,” she said, “I’ve been floored by the variety of ways we’ve dealt with our challenges, and the innovations we’ve created in the ways we’ve sold children’s books over the years. It’s exciting to work every day in a place where staff is thinking of new events, new programs, new ways to get books into young people’s hands.”

This zeal comes across to everyone that works with them. Andy Weiner, an Abrams sales rep, said that one of his favorite memories of the store was bringing Barbara Cooney to Hicklebee’s years ago. “She loved the store and the staff and was treated so well, she felt so respected as an artist.” When asked what working with Hicklebee’s has meant to him, he replied, “No other store has done more for children’s books and has endured all of the cycles. They are the greatest people—so much passion and so much fun. They’re the best.”


State Senator Joe Simitian
with Holmes and Lewis.

Amy Goldsmith, a school librarian and longtime customer, spoke about the arsenal of expertise at the store and their ability to choose the next great thing. “Valerie totally called Harry Potter before anyone else. That’s why when [J.K. Rowling] came there were only like 12 people here!”

Parents told of the important role Hicklebee’s has played in the lives of their children, and how instrumental the store has been in the development of their young readers. One Dad shared this story about his son: “Theo has replicated the entire store in his room, he loves it here so much. He plays ‘Hicklebee’s’ in his room and pretends to buy and sell books. We don’t come to this neighborhood without stopping in.”

Authors Paul Fleischman, Scott Mickelson, Jennifer Holm, Jill Wolfson, Wendelin Van Draanen, Bob Barner and Dave Keane all attended to sign books and greet fans. The veterans in the group raved about the support they’ve received over the years, and new authors marveled at how welcome they have felt. Fleischman was also complimentary of the store’s special place in the community: “There’s a feeling you get immediately when you walk in the door, that you’re not in a cookie-cutter bookstore. You know you’re in a place where folks know a lot and love children’s books. They are a devoted staff, from Valerie and Monica on down. They’ve fostered a community for families and anyone raising children—all roads lead to Hicklebee’s if you have children.”

Though Saturday’s party was my first visit to Hicklebee’s, I think I know exactly what he’s talking about. The minute I walked in the door I too sensed a real love and mutual respect between staff and customers, adults and children, authors and readers. It’s clear Hicklebee’s is a special place, and without a doubt, 30 years of promoting the love of reading and children’s literature is something to cheer about. Happy anniversary!


Large crowds turned out for Hicklebee's anniversary celebration.


Just some of the authors in attendance: (l. to r.) Jennifer Holm, Paul Fleischman, Scott Mickelson and Jill Wolfson.


Walter the Giant Storyteller.


Author Dave Keane with a young fan.