Pennington's, a new and used bookstore, coffee shop, and art gallery, hosted its grand opening celebration last Saturday at 400 E. Main St., suite 150, in Chattanooga, Tenn., the Times Free Press reported.

"We're not trying to be everything, but we're trying to be really good at these three things," said owner Spencer Pennington. His partner, Ellie Wical, is a painter and will curate a gallery in the space, selling her own work as well as that of other local artists.

"Eventually, my hope is that this can be a space for artists where we can come and critique one another's work in a very chill, nonjudgmental setting," she said.

In addition to focusing on literary fiction, nonfiction and a mix of genre fiction, the bookshop will also offer children's books, local publications and a selection of zines. Pennington told the Times Free Press he hopes to start working with local creators to add more handmade and small-batch zines to the existing collection. He also wants to incorporate books from small and independent presses, as well as from new and lesser-known writers into the shop's selections.

"A thing that both Ellie with the art program and me through the book program are trying to show here is you can come to stumble across things that you're not really looking for," he noted. "That's also kind of our advantage over Amazon or wherever. I can't beat Amazon in price or shipping, but it's hard to just get on Amazon and discover things."

Pennington said the shop's space "was the first and best place he looked at, with charmingly creaky wooden floors, exposed brick and several rooms perfect for showcasing books, serving coffee and hosting art classes and game nights," the Times Free Press wrote. He also cited the surrounding community, with lots of foot traffic from nearby businesses, as an advantage.  

Shop Around the Corner's new home

Shop Around the Corner Books, Redding, Calif., will relocate and expand, Redding Today reported. At the end of the month, Shop Around the Corner will move from its current home at 1430 Butte St. to 1244 California St. The new, larger space is located next to a popular recently opened cafe.

In an announcement on Facebook last month, store owner Amber Treat explained that the move has come about because the building at 1430 Butte is being sold. However, the bookstore had outgrown that space, and Treat hopes the neighboring cafe will help increase foot traffic and sales.

Treat opened Shop Around the Corner in 2021. It sells new titles for all ages, along with puzzles, candles, and other sidelines. Prior to opening Shop Around the Corner, Treat got her start in bookselling with an Etsy shop.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg, the award-winning actor, co-host of the View, and author of more than two dozen books, is expanding her partnership with Blackstone Publishing by launching her own book imprint: WhoopInk. Goldberg "will curate the WhoopInk imprint focused on bringing fresh, diverse new talent to the marketplace, revisiting the works of beloved authors, and releasing eagerly awaited new influential memoirs," the publisher said.

Blackstone will initially acquire a selection of genre-spanning titles reflecting Goldberg's interest in "literature that is inclusive, heartfelt, richly crafted, generationally relatable, often comedic, and insightful." She will be "intimately involved in the publishing process, including selection, acquisition, cover design, and promotion," the publisher noted. 

The first two books in the mystery series Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives by Rick Bleiweiss--Blackstone's head of new business--will become part of the imprint, as well as the next Scorbion book, The Cupid Killer and Other Murderers, coming in early 2027.

Goldberg's own future works will also be included under the imprint, including a follow-up to Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me and a nonfiction title coauthored by her longtime Whoop, Inc. business partner Tom Leonardis. Blackstone is releasing the revised and updated paperback edition of Bits and Pieces today, April 14. 
 
"I'm personally looking forward to finding new authors, working with established authors, and bringing influential voices into a curated imprint," Goldberg said. "I'm looking forward to working with Blackstone, who have been a powerhouse in the audio space and have been flourishing in print over the past years. WhoopInk will cater to audiobook lovers, like me, and get important stories into more hands and ears across the globe." 

Blackstone president Anthony Goff noted that Goldberg "is well-read with exquisite taste of what defines a great book. I look forward to curating an important list of works with Whoopi, Tom, and her team as we look to impact the future of this great industry together."

Ewelina Oksiuta has been named director of the European and International Booksellers Federation, effective May 4. She succeeds Julie Belgrado, who announced last October that she was stepping down after a decade at EIBF to become CEO of the Federation of European Screen Directors.

Ewelina Oksiuta

Oksiuta has been secretary general of the European Historic Houses (EHH) association, where she started working in 2020. She has a master's degree in European Studies from the Free University of Brussels and has a strong background in cultural heritage, project management, and international cooperation. Before joining EHH, she coordinated the members' network and projects of an association dedicated to Second World War remembrance tourism. She also gained experience in communications and public relations while working at the Polish Embassy and the Polish Tourism Organisation in Brussels.

EIBF president Fabian Paagman, owner of Paagman bookshops in the Netherlands, said, "We are truly delighted to welcome Ewelina Oksiuta as the new director of EIBF. Ewelina brings a unique blend of visionary leadership, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the European cultural ecosystem. Her passion for empowering booksellers, combined with her innovative spirit and collaborative approach, makes her an outstanding addition to our organisation. We are eager to embark on this exciting journey together and to support her in championing the vital role of booksellers in shaping the future of the book industry in Europe and beyond."

Oksiuta said, "I am truly delighted to join EIBF as its new director and to become part of a community that shares a deep passion for books and reading. Supporting booksellers, strengthening cultural life, and ensuring that books and bookshops continue to thrive in our cities and communities, and that their voice is heard at the EU level, is a mission I embrace with great enthusiasm. I am so grateful to the EIBF president and the entire executive committee for placing their trust in me, and I cannot wait to get to work together."

At Sourcebooks, Anna Michels has been named senior editorial director of Sourcebooks Nonfiction, and Samantha (Sam) Smith has joined the company as v-p, associate publishing director of Poisoned Pen Press. The moves reflect Sourcebooks' "deepening investment in two of its highest-growth programs," the company said.

Anna Michels

Michels joined Sourcebooks as an intern in 2012. Under her editorial leadership, Sourcebooks Nonfiction has grown to include bestselling titles like Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and Helltown by Casey Sherman.

Sourcebooks publisher and CEO Dominique Raccha said that Michels "has helped build our nonfiction program, as well as Poisoned Pen Press, into two truly distinctive imprints. Watching Anna grow both of these programs--and now taking on the nonfiction work with her full focus and excitement--I'm SO proud of what she's created. I am thrilled to see how it will grow from here!"

Michels said, "We have an extraordinary team that cares deeply about this work. I am so grateful for the authors who trust us with their books, and incredibly proud of what we're creating together. There's a world of opportunity in front of us, and I can't wait for what's next."

Sourcebooks senior v-p and editorial director Todd Stocke said, "Anna has a rare ability to identify the books that need to exist in the world. I’ve been lucky to watch her grow in her leadership over the years: her commitment to our authors, along with the editorial expertise she brings to our nonfiction list, has made this program really exceptional. This is exactly the kind of focused, intentional leadership that will keep driving it forward."

Sam Smith

Smith joins Sourcebooks from Little, Brown, where she most recently was v-p, publisher, for James Patterson. Before that, she was publisher at Pan Macmillan. At Poisoned Pen, she will lead the imprint's next phase of growth and oversee the editorial direction for several major author brands, including Freida McFadden, who incidentally last week revealed that she is Dr. Sara Cohen, a specialist in brain disorders.

Smith's hire creates the opportunity for Michels to direct her full attention and energy to nonfiction work, while ensuring that Poisoned Pen Press has a leader for its next chapter.

Raccah said that Smith "understands how to build for the long term. Her knowledge of how to grow authors, strengthen brands, and connect powerfully with readers is going to help us continue to dynamically build Poisoned Pen Press. I'm incredibly excited about what's ahead as we create new, BIG opportunities for our authors and their books!"

Smith said, "Poisoned Pen Press has established a definitive identity in the mystery/thriller, horror, and genre spaces. What excites me most is the chance to build alongside a group that cares so deeply about authors and readers. I look forward to helping grow the imprint with intention, championing great storytelling, and creating new programs."

And Jenn Gonzalez, senior v-p, publisher of children's at Sourcebooks, noted that Smith "brings the range, judgment, and publishing experience to help lead Poisoned Pen Press in its next chapter. She has a strong understanding of how to shape a list and support authors over time. We're so excited to welcome her to Team Sourcebooks and to continue building on the momentum behind Poisoned Pen Press."

This past week, Shelf Awareness sent our Kids & YA Pre-Order E-Blast to more than 320,000 of the country's best book readers. The e-blast went to 320,786 customers of 73 participating independent bookstores.

The mailing features four upcoming titles selected by Shelf Awareness editors and three advertised titles, one of which is a sponsored feature. Customers can buy these books via "pre-order" buttons that lead directly to the purchase page for the title on each sending store's website. A key feature is that bookstore partners can easily change title selections to best reflect the tastes of their customers and can customize the mailing with links, images, and promotional copy of their own.

The pre-order e-blasts are sent the second Wednesday of each month; the next will go out on Wednesday, May 13. This is a free service for indies. Stores interested in learning more can visit our program registration page or contact our partner program team via e-mail.

Ad spots are also available in the Kids & YA Pre-Order E-Blast. For more information contact sales@shelf-awareness.com for details.

For a sample of the April Kids & YA Pre-Order E-Blast, see this one from Downtown Books, Manteo, N.C.

The titles highlighted in the pre-order e-blast were:

The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott (HarperCollins)
Together We See by Ari Tison (Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers)
Wicked, Great and Small (The School for Wicked Witches, Book 4) by Will Taylor (Scholastic)
Monster and Apprentice by Jessica Khoury (Margaret K. McElderry)

The Book Stall, Winnetka, Ill., hosted an event with Andrew McCarthy at the Winnetka Chapel. He was in conversation with author Christie Tate for his new book, Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America (Grand Central Publishing).

"We're counting down the days to Independent Bookstore Day! Who has their route planned already?" Sandmeyer's Bookstore in Chicago, Ill., posted on Facebook while sharing a pic of the shop's Countdown sidewalk chalkboard. 

"The shelves are stocked, drinks are ready and it's feeling very cozy in here. We're opened till 9 p.m.!" the Wandering Page Bookstore Cafe in Omaha, Neb., posted on Instagram. 

The Second Act Advantage: Monetize Your Wisdom, Master Longevity, and Build an Unforgettable Legacy by Jay Samit (Peakpoint Press/Skyhorse).

Today:
Here & Now: Mark Kurlansky, author of To Catch a Fish: Essays on the Joy, Frustration, Curiosity, and Allure of Fishing (Storey Publishing, $25, 9781635869729).

Tomorrow:
Today: Lena Dunham, author of Famesick: A Memoir (Random House, $32, 9780593129326).

The View: Blair Underwood, author of A Soldier's Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood (Amistad, $28, 9780063211872).

Tamron Hall: Jennie Garth, author of I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose & Embracing Reinvention (Park Row, $32.50, 9780778305637).

Kelly Clarkson Show: Landon Donovan, author of Landon: A Memoir (Page Two, $29.95, 9781774586914).

Erin Kellyman (28 Years Later: The Bone Temple) and Tim McGraw (1883) will star with Kevin Bacon in Southern Bastards, the recently announced Hulu pilot from director and exec producer Reinaldo Marcus Green, Deadline reported. The project is based on the award-winning graphic novel series by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour, who serve as executive producers.

Southern Bastards "follows a tenacious military vet into Craw County, Alabama, in search of her estranged father. What she finds is a murderous hornet's nest of organized crime run by the winningest high school football coach in the South," Deadline noted.

The project is from Onyx Collective, POV Entertainment, and Proximity Media, in association with Fifth Season. Sharing story credit with Nia DaCosta, Bill Dubuque (Ozark) wrote the teleplay and is exec producing alongside Matt Olmstead, who will also be the showrunner.

The shortlist has been selected for the 2026 Stella Prize, awarded to "the most excellent, original, and outstanding book written by an Australian woman or non-binary writer." The winner, who will be named on May 13, receives A$60,000 (about US$42,290), while each of the shortlisted authors gets A$5,000 (about A$3,525). This year's shortlisted titles are:

The Rot by Evelyn Araluen (poetry)
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (nonfiction/memoir)
Fireweather by Miranda Darling (fiction)
Cannon by Lee Lai (graphic novel)
58 Facets: On Violence and the Law by Marika Sosnowski (nonfiction)
I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton (fiction)

Fiona Sweet, Stella Prize CEO and creative director, said, "The books contained in this year's Stella Prize shortlist remind us that women and non-binary writers contain multitudes. These six books contain big stories and little stories. Big stories that challenge and delight readers, and introduce ideas that dismantle the very structures we take as fact. There are also little stories, small, tender, sensitive and beautiful moments that reflect on personhood, gender, relationships, trauma and loss. These little stories intimately stay with us long after finishing reading a book. There are many forms of stories in this list, from a graphic novel, poetry and prose, to memoir and non-fiction, which showcase the incredible caliber within these genres. I hope you enjoy these big and small worlds that these books generously welcome us into just as much as I did."

Katherine Arden (The Warm Hands of Ghosts; The Bear and the Nightingale) offers readers an alternate history shaped by the fortitude of an iconic heroine in the epic, ethereal standalone fantasy The Unicorn Hunters.

Anne, duchess of Brittany, promised her late father that she would not let France annex their tiny nation. Anne has no wish to leave Brittany, as "her whole heart lay in its earth and gray sea, belonged to its people in their wool and lace," but her best hope to save it is through the right marriage. Her upcoming forced wedding to the French king would guarantee the loss of Brittany's independence, so she hatches a desperate scheme: she arranges her own betrothal to the Austrian monarch, who has no interest in annexing Brittany. She must hide her plan from the magical sight of France's royal diviners, so Anne coordinates a hasty wedding by proxy at an abbey in Brocéliande, a forest shielded from divining. She also starts a rumor of a unicorn sighting in the forest, stalling the French emissary with the promise of a unicorn hunt and giving herself an excuse to go to Brocéliande as the maiden bait. Anne's party encounters eldritch sightings at the abbey, including apparitions of people who stand in daylight even though it is night. The unicorn hunt goes awry when an actual unicorn appears, followed by a man who claims to have been lost in the world of the korriganed, Brittany's fair folk, for centuries. Anne must continue to hold off the French while she waits for her true bridegroom, but strange outpourings of magic and a shadowy nemesis threaten her plans and all she holds dear.

Arden again demonstrates her skill at creating feisty, full-hearted female characters through indomitable Anne, her headstrong younger sister, Isabeau, and Elesbed, a brave, sensible orphan girl. A female antagonist, the French king's sister Marguerite, is portrayed as intelligent and not without compassion even as she tries to outmaneuver Anne. This rewriting of the history of Anne of Brittany, who, in real life, married two kings of France, is a yearning and inspiring tale of an underdog ruler who decides to shape her own fate for the love of her nation. Arden's other gifts, including graceful turns of phrase and wry dialogue, also lend depth to this verdant, magic-laced world. Readers seeking a unicorn need look no further than this gorgeous fantasy. --Jaclyn Fulwood, blogger at Infinite Reads

Shelf Talker: Katherine Arden reinvents the life of Anne, Duchess of Brittany, in this epic, ethereal standalone historical fantasy.