Seattle Press on Line - All for Kids

U District

All for Kids

By Gwenyth K. McConnell

Dec 06, 2001 -- When Ava Nicolai turned seven last July, she expected the usual fare: A newly released Harry Potter book that she and her mother would read at an outdoor cafe for the rest of the summer. When that didn't happen this year, due to a year's delay in the release date of Harry Potter book number five, Ava experienced a syndrome common to millions of children worldwide: Harry Potter withdrawal. The solution was obvious: Chauni Haslet at All For Kids Books and Music would have the cure.

Sure enough, the doctor was in. Haslet and her staff gave Ava a list of Harry Potter alternatives. Ava tried a few books on the list and was happily reading all summer -- withdrawal cured.

Motivated by a passion to expose kids early and often to music and books, Haslet is the owner of All for Kids Books and Music, near University Village. What began 17 years ago as an attempt to stretch her own children's imaginations is now a successful independent bookstore that brings music, books and inspiration to many Seattle families. All For Kids stocks some 50,000 books and 2,600 recordings. The store sponsors readings, events and literacy benefits. Despite competition from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, All For Kids is growing and developing increasingly strong ties to the community.

All For Kids does more than sell books. The store sponsors readings by local and national authors. Twice the store has transformed into a gallery exhibiting major illustrators. With proximity to Children's Hospital, the store is stocked with books dealing with illness and recovery. Parenting and children's sections deal with traumas such as divorce, moving, and bullies. Children can write book reviews, which are displayed in the store.

Haslet and her staff give reading advice to everyone from the reluctant reader to the child going through Harry Potter withdrawal.

"We always start by addressing the child and saying: 'What is it you like to do? And, what book have you read that you really liked?'" Haslet said. "We've had a lot of reluctant reader boys come in here and become repeat customers, because if you start with a good suggestion they come back and back and back."

Haslet, 56, grew up in Salem, Oregon. Both of her parents were educators, and music and literature were important aspects of family life. Sometimes she awoke to her father quoting Shakespeare. Haslet sang at school, at Campfire girls, with her friends and with her family. One family game was to sing during car rides, from departure to destination. The idea was to sing, nonstop, everything they knew. She laments that today's parents don't have time to sing with their children. She is concerned that there is an unhealthy emphasis on entertaining children rather than giving them a model for learning how to play.

"Families have gotten away from nursery rhymes and fairy tales," she noted, "and these are essential or children grow up to be boards. We want imaginative, bright, creative kids. The more you can stretch the imagination, the better our world is going to be."

With that philosophy in mind, she pursued her interest in children's music and literature when she became a mother. When her twin sons were seven and her daughter four, Haslet noticed that they actually sat still while being read to--no minor feat. She began to wonder about the connections between music and books, and recognized musical elements of rhythm, rhyme, and repetition.

Haslet never intended to work full-time after having children, but found herself increasingly drawn into the business world.

"I am not a teacher, I am not a musician," she said. "I am a mom who is passionate about making sure kids get music and books in their lives."

She has no formal education in child development, but she has attended "conference after conference after conference." She studied bookselling through the American Booksellers Association and is now president of the Association of Booksellers for Children, as well as a board member of the Northwest Literacy Foundation.

Haslet's retail venture began in a Ravenna basement, selling music and a few books. She has moved into progressively larger spaces until she made her fourth move to the Ravenna shop.

When Barnes and Noble opened nearby, Haslet responded strongly. She says she is "too old and too stubborn" to let a chain store close her down. She and her staff stepped up exposure by hosting more events. Aside from breaking even and surviving chain store competition, Haslet's focuses on the invaluable benefits of bookselling. "We are not out to become millionaires. We want kids to learn to love to read."

All For Kids is located at 2900 Blakeley Street; open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.

Gwenyth K. McConnell, M.D. is a Seattle psychiatrist enrolled in the Writer's Program at the University of Washington.

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Alexandra	May 11, 2003	Centralia	fdgdf;gksd;flkgsd;flkg
I think she sould get over it!!!!