Recently we launched a program that gives bookmarks to all clients on request. Get one with every book in your order! Newly designed these fun book marks are a great little extra for kids, coworkers or friends. Our bookmarks feature the wise ole’ owl, watching over you as your enjoy your new book and as it takes you to new, unimagined places.

Order any of our latest titles today to receive your free bookmarks! One suggested title to go with your new bookmarks is “The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time” gives you tips on how you can make a difference to the environment from stars like: Ellen DeGeneres, Robert Redford, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Martha Stewart, Tyra Banks, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tiki Barber, Owen Wilson, and Justin Timberlake.

Inside The Green Book, find out how you can too:

- Turn your thermostat a degree lower in the winter; if every home in America did it we’d save enough energy to power all the home is Iowa for one whole year!

- Take a shorter shower; if America subtracted just one minute from their daily showers we’d save twice the amount of freshwater withdrawn from the Great Lakes every day!

- Reuse ribbon and wrapping paper; if two-thirds of Americans each saved an arm’s length of ribbon this year, we could tie a bow around the earth!

With wit and authority, authors Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen provide hundreds of solutions for all areas of your life, pinpointing the smallest changes that have the biggest impact on the health of our precious planet.

Another motivational read on a different note is “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. Learn the secrets to success that make good companies great and long lasting. This groundbreaking book shatters myths, provides new insights, and gives practical guidance to those who would like to build landmark companies that stand the test of time.

Drawing upon a six-year research project at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Collins and Porras took eighteen truly exceptional and long-lasting companies — they have an average age of nearly one hundred years and have outperformed the general stock market by a factor of fifteen since 1926 — and studied each company in direct comparison to one of its top competitors. They examined the companies from their very beginnings to the present day — as start-ups, as midsize companies, and as large corporations. Throughout, the authors asked: “What makes the truly exceptional companies different from other companies?”

If you are like many companies today, knowing what makes great companies tick can go a long way to your success and continued growth.

Enjoy these great reads… and don’t forget to ask for your new bookmarks!

It’s no secret that the publishing business, like the “old-fashioned” newspaper has been in steady decline for some time now. In fact, just 5 years ago, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) issued an alarming report called Reading at Risk, which declared that literary reading was in dramatic decline. The reported highlighted a sharp drop from 1982 to 2002 in the proportion of people who were reading any kind of literature. Fewer than half of adults, the NEA said, had read any single work of literature during 2003, the previous year. What happened in 2003 that was so important that many people never picked up a real book? Beats me! Dana Gioia, then the chairman of the NEA, called the decline of literary reading a national crisis that represented a “general collapse in advanced literacy.”

So how can schools, communities and government agencies combat this problem? Get off the internet and read something for real. BookPal is working to make it easier than ever by offering deep discounts for buying multiple copies of any single title. In fact, a newer study found that when groups commit to reading and discussing a book together the rate of retention and enjoyment goes up. And earlier this year the NEA reported a turnaround in literacy, the first up-swing since 1982!

Everyone today reads online, we read text messages and milk cartons, but do we go out and seek classic novels that challenge our intellect and encourage open dialect on subjects that extend outside what Paris Hilton did last night or why Sandra Bullock got divorced? Sadly, unless the book was made into a Blockbuster movie the general public rarely gets to experience it. One great example of a success story is noted in the article mentioned below by Diane Ravitch where she was visiting a town in Wyoming where many people were reading the same book, and she could see that The Big Read (what they titled the group reading project) was a wonderful idea. Everyone was discussing the book. And isn’t everything in life more enjoyable when it’s done together? Whether it’s laundry or a barbeque at home- every activity, especially reading is better together.

At BookPal we not only encourage reading in groups we are setup to help you succeed in doing so by offering discounts on books in bulk. Let me leave you with this amazing quote on the subject. “The ability to read challenging books helps make one more independent-minded. It encourages a way of thinking that is not a product of the mass media. It gives one the ability to think for oneself and entertain contrary opinions, and the freedom from dependence on Hollywood for a view of the world. The literary culture is the last bastion of the individualist. Our society, our culture, even our economy depend on preserving freethinking dissidents. And there is nothing that works better to free a mind from cant and superstition than to engage with the ideas of the world’s greatest writers.” ~ All Twitter, No Twain by Diane Ravitch

We are always looking for new publishers to help bring you the widest variety of books in all genres. So we are excited that we will begin loading up new titles from Penguin soon and should be completed by the end of June. Penguin offers a comprehensive lineup of school trade novels, leading business books and of course Penguin classroom classics.

Some of the popular titles for young/teen readers include: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (geared toward teens), Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen, Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Jacky Davis and David Soman, Where’s Spot? By Eric Hill, Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby and so many more! Some of the Penguine Classics we are excited to have available include Winnie-the-Pooh, Homer Price, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and A Long Way from Chicago.

If you’re schools reading program is like many they are asking parents to get involved in bringing in books for the kids to share in reading since the book budgets are being cut so deeply. This is a great way to get 25 copies of a title at a great discount to either share with the school or re-sell to other parents at the discounted rates. Why should kids suffer and now have these amazing books to enjoy?

Anytime you’re on the site and can’t find the exact title your group is looking for, just email us at support@book-pal.com because we can access any title and still get it to you quickly in any quantity of 25 or more copies.

For several weeks now we have been working diligently to get all the amazing Workman Publishing titles up on the website and available to purchase. We now have thousands of Workman titles ready to go including the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die series, What to Expect series, a huge Page-A-Day Calendar selection, Sandra Boynton books, Barbecue Bible and Brain Quest.

The 1,000 Places series of books make great gifts with travel tips and ideas from around the globe they are fun for anyone who loves adventure. Another great gift or office give-a-way is the Page-A-Day calendars which can be completely customized for your business or group. Some existing popular selections are: 3,650 Things to Be Happy About, Amazing Trivia, Beer 2011, 365 Cats, 365 Days in France, Ireland, Italy or Islands and more!

The Workman group of books also brought us a huge selection of reference and educational books including titles on Bees, Wasps and Ants, Card Tricks, Animals and even a great title for the office, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees. There are also classic novels available now including Agatha Christie and Classic Fairy Tales, a large format gift book featuring ten of the most loved fairy tales of all time.

And we also picked up some new delicious finds too like

101 Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies, the Apple Cookbook and the Cornbread Gospels.

Take some time to explore all the new finds on the site and if a title is not loaded up yet or you can’t find it, simply email support@book-pal.com or call 866-522-6657. We can order any title from Workman for you in bulk at the same cost and with the same speedy shipping. Happy reading!

The hot new item for companies, non-profits, schools, religious groups & well anyone- are these customizable page-a-day calendars.  There is literally a neat page-a-day calendar for just about everything. We have only begun to put them up on our website but we can order anything directly from the publishers. Here’s what we have loaded up so far:

Busy Mom’s Page-A-Day Calendar 2010 (Calendar) [Bulk, Quantity, Multiple, Wholesale, Many] by Workman Publishing,

Busy Dad’s Page-A-Day Calendar 2010 (Calendar) [Bulk, Quantity, Multiple, Wholesale, Many] by Workman Publishing,

Busy Office Page-A-Day Calendar 2010 (Calendar) [Bulk, Quantity, Multiple, Wholesale, Many] by Workman Publishing,

Busy Office Page-A-Day Calendar 2011 (Calendar) [Bulk, Quantity, Multiple, Wholesale, Many] by Workman Publishing,

Some fun examples of creative page-a-days include:

365 Days of Shoes (my personal favorite and a sure to please as a gift for any woman!)

The 1,000 Places series calendar- super neat complete with facts about each location

3,650 Things to be Happy About – this one’s sure to keep you smiling all year round

There are also: 365 Amazing Trivia Facts- if you like to throw out a little trivia around the water cooler this one is sure to keep your co-workers guessing how you know all these crazy things and for the golf lovers out there.

Golf Digest put together a guide of the best 365 Golf Holes around the world. Something to dream about on a lazy day at the office.

No matter what your interests or those of your group- you can order an existing page-a-day calendar or customize one of your one. The possibilities are endless so have fun! You know what they say: “Time fly’s…”

Remember the old phrase “kids don’t come with a handbook”… well as it turns out, they kind of do! However, with so many great parenting books out there, we’ve narrowed down the cream of the crop to help you sort through all the information to get to the stuff you really need to know. Our first pick is “What to Expect the First Year” (Hardcover/Paperback Available) by Heidi Murkoff. Heidi has written a very successful series of pregnancy and parenting books that have skyrocketed to the New York Times Bestseller’s list multiple times. This book covers virtually everything new parents need to know about the care (and feeding) of an infant to your babies’ monthly growth and development, feeding for every age and stage and sleep strategies that really work. Now that’s some hot facts we know mommies everywhere are looking for! The book is laid out in a practical fashion with tips to answer all your questions about being a new parent. It covers giving your newborn a bath, how to decipher different cries and when is really the best time to return to work without feeling guilty. It also features the most current medical advice on vaccines, illnesses, vitamins, colic, safety and more! This is a great read for new parents, adoptive families or even babysitters.

The book has even been coined as “The only book on infant care to address the physical as well as the emotional needs of the entire family.” To learn more about this HarperCollins author, visit her website.

Our next pick for parents is called “Taking Care of Your Child” by Robert Pantell, MD and James Fries, MD. This book offers the most recent information on obesity, behavioral issues, and other critical health concerns, along with updated immunization schedules and new material on complementary and alternative medicine. The book is easy to use, even in a crisis. Parents can look up a symptom to find a complete explanation of probable causes, how serious they are, and how to relieve the problem at home. Easy-to-follow decision charts show exactly when to take a child to see a doctor. Covering more than 100 common complaints—like injuries, allergies, and childhood diseases—and with especially clear advice on handling emergencies; it is the indispensable guide for worrisome new parents.

Another fantastic and highly respected pregnancy book, “Your Pregnancy Week by Week” by Glade Curtis MD and Judith Schuler, MS is reportedly read by expectant mothers worldwide.  This new version is fully expanded and updated. This book is touted as the most medically current and comprehensive pregnancy guide available. Doctors recommend it. Reviewers praise it. Pregnant couples rely on it. With over 70 new topics covered, and completely updated throughout to keep up with trends, new products, and safety recommendations, this comprehensive, easy-to-use guide includes:

• Detailed descriptions of baby’s developmental milestones each week
• Clear illustrations of how both mother and baby are changing and growing
• Up-to-date information about medical tests and procedures
• Tips on nutrition and lifestyle and the ways actions affect baby
• Safe weekly exercises to help mother stay in shape and comfortable
• Helpful hints for the father-to-be and information on how a pregnancy affects a couple.

Our last pick on this topic is “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff. This is the brand new, completely revised pregnancy bible. This book is one of USA Today’s 25 most influential books of the past 25 years. It’s read by more than 90% of pregnant women who read a pregnancy book—the most iconic, must-have book for parents-to-be, with over 14.5 million copies in print.  With this new Fourth Edition, you get the most up-to-date information reflecting not only what’s new in pregnancy, but what’s relevant to pregnant women. This book is choked full of information pregnant woman want to know. Everything from physical concerns, dietary issues including vegan, low-carb and junk food to sex are covered in a factual, easy to read manner. Overflowing with tips, helpful hints, and humor (a pregnant woman’s best friend), this new edition is more accessible and easier to use than ever before.

Great Selection of Disease Management Books Available

The First Year: Parkinson’s Disease: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

All About Asthma: Stop Suffering And Start Living (Paperback)

The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

Colleges across the US have adapted a new technique to introduce incoming Freshman to the rigors of college level of work. They require students to all read the same books and then they challenge each other in critical thinking and debate while discussing the books at the start of the school year. Some titles currently in use are:

Food Inc. by Karl Weber

Blackwater by Jeremy Scahill

Slackanomics by Lisa Chamberlain

Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn

Group reading programs are becoming a very common practice as part of college and university level first-year experience initiatives. These programs are designed to provide students with an introduction to the intellectual expectations of college in an often-informal gathering of college faculty and peers. Yet, truly dynamic and successful programs move beyond book discussion groups to include students, faculty, staff, and the larger community in a wide range of social and intellectual activities. The experience is all part of teaching students that now that they are in college they are also a contributing member of society and their opinions will one day shape the political and social changes of the future. Issues such as classism, freedom, corporate greed, the politics of factory farming and healthcare are all debated inside the context of these and hundreds of other award winning novels.

Washington University in St. Louis is reading When the Emperor Was Divine, about Japanese internment camps and racial profiling. While California State University Northridge is reading The Soloist, by Steve Lopez as part of their Freshman Common Reading program.

If your college or high school is doing a common reading program the best way to buy those books is in bulk. It saves the students money & the school.