Back to School and Back to Book Fairs

It's back to school season, and for me that means back to book fairs. But did you know that when I first started my book business, it was 100% online? I was the mom behind the laptop during nap time, evenings, and stolen moments in between. It worked beautifully for the season of life I was in, and I loved being able to connect with families all across the country and help them find books that fit their children’s needs.

But then something shifted. My kids started preschool, and I saw the power of bringing books into their classrooms. That’s when I dipped my toe into my very first book fair — at their preschool. I lugged in boxes, set up tables, and held my breath wondering if parents would stop by. Spoiler alert: they did, and they loved it. That moment changed the trajectory of my business.

Fast forward a few years, and my kids are older now. These days, most of my business happens in person: book fairs, community events, and school partnerships. I love being "the book fair lady" — it’s a title I wear proudly! There’s something really special about being face-to-face, helping a child pick out the perfect story, and knowing those books are going into homes, classrooms, and libraries where they’ll spark imagination and a love of reading. And an added bonus? This structure allows me to work during the day and still be present before and after school for my own kids. It’s the balance I need in this stage of motherhood.

But here’s the thing: as much as I love being out in the community, I also know that not everyone can make it to a book fair or event. Busy schedules, long commutes, or maybe just a season of life that makes adding one more errand to the list feel impossible. That’s where my online roots come back in.

Online parties are a way for me to meet families exactly where they are — no packing up kids in the car, no hauling heavy bags across parking lots. Just a fun, interactive event right on your phone or computer. We can celebrate reading, browse amazing books, and even tackle that holiday shopping list without leaving the couch. And just like my in-person events, online parties come with host rewards — free books, half-price titles, and special bonuses I offer along the way.

For me, it’s never been about one way or the other — it’s about connection. Sometimes that looks like handing a child a book in person, and sometimes it looks like helping a mom build her at-home library through her phone while she’s waiting in the school pick-up line. Both bring me joy, because both mean more books in the hands of kids.

So yes, I’ll always love being the book fair lady. But I also love being able to serve families through online parties — because at the end of the day, it’s not about where we connect, but how we connect. And if a stack of books makes bedtime smoother, homework less stressful, or family time a little more magical, then my job is done.

If you’d love to stock your shelves (and earn some free books while you’re at it), shoot me a message - let’s chat about hosting an online party. It’s simple, fun, and you can even do it in pajamas. 😉

Happy Reading

-Julia