Brick and Mortar Books

And the Bigfoot Kid's Book Festival

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Bigfoot Kid’s Book Festival in Redmond, Washington. The event was hosted by a wonderful independent bookstore located in Redmond Town Center called Brick and Mortar Books.

It was a really lovely day. The sun was out and the store was packed. Outside there were tents set up where authors had tables for signings to take place. Just a really cool event.

I had invited my ten-year-old niece, Miranda to attend with me. She’s a voracious reader and was familiar with a couple of the authors in attendance. We decided we would visit the store, decide if we wanted to visit with any of the authors, and have some lunch afterward.

On the drive there, Miranda giggled and said “People are probably going to think that you’re my dad.”

“Yeah, probably,” I replied.

“I bet someone there will know who you are too.” She continued.

I didn’t know about that. I told her that my comics were for older readers and that the people coming to the event were more interested in kids’ books than the comics I had drawn in the past.

“Well, when Table Titans Club comes out next year, it’ll be all over the world and then everyone will know you.”

Yeah, probably not. But wouldn’t that be nice?

Upon exiting the parking garage we ran into Kazu and Amy Kibuishi and family, which was fortuitous because I had no idea where the store was inside the shopping center and I knew Kazu was a frequent visitor. Kazu and Amy are just the most amazing people. They’re so kind and friendly and really generous with their time. Miranda and I were a little starstruck and awkward around them.

I explained to Miranda afterward that Kazu had given me a nice quote for the cover of my new book, which seemed to impress her. “That’s really nice of him because he’s a big deal.”

You got that right, kid.

We found the store and headed inside. It was totally packed. I’m a big guy and I always feel like I’m in the way, so I was doing my best to browse without blocking traffic. I did a horrible job of it as immediately a little girl was asking me to clear a path for her and her father.

As her father passed by me and we exchanged some laughs he said “Big fan by the way.”

That immediately earned me a puckish grin from Miranda.

“Told you.” She said with a sly smile.

After making a couple of purchases we headed back outside and saw that a couple of really big lines were forming. One was for Kazu and Amy, the other was for Miriam Bonastre Tur, creator of the Hooky webcomic and books.

I pointed the lines out to Miranda.

“Take a look at the big lines of people waiting to meet these authors. Isn’t that awesome?” I said.

As we left for lunch I mentioned “I used to have lines like that. Back when I was somebody.”

Now, Miranda has one big rule: we never talk poorly about ourselves or others. She’s not big on that kind of talk and she never lets anyone get away with it, especially talking poorly about yourself. But this particular comment really upset her.

This little ten-year-old girl looked up at me, touched my arm, and said “You’re somebody to me.”

I was floored. She just shattered me into a million pieces.

The whole drive home I tried to explain to her how I wasn’t trying to be down on myself but instead it was a happy memory of when we were all in our prime, doing our thing, and had a lot of positive attention on our work. And I was happy to see younger artists getting their turn at that.

“It’s a good memory. A happy thought. I’m not being down on myself.”

Yeah, she wasn’t having it.

I had to promise her that I believed I would have long lines when Table Titans Club came out.

So I’m counting on all of you. I need at least one long line when I do signings next year. Preferably one where Miranda is in attendance.

I’ll let you know when you should show up. :)

-Thank you to Kazu, Amy (and family), and the staff of Brick and Mortar Books for making it a wonderful day for myself and my niece.-