GIFTS is coming to you!

Here is some rather exciting news about the Gifts book I just received. I know there are people out there looking for this book. Keep these dates in mind if you are looking for the new edition of Gifts for yourself or someone you know. A heavy volume of sales at this time will ensure that Gifts stays around for other parents looking for reassurance.

The new edition of GIFTS will be featured on the New Release table at Barnes
& Noble from June 5 through June 18! That means the book will be placed on a
table at the front of stores along with other new nonfiction. Then, in July and
August, GIFTS will be given top-shelf placement in the Children with Special
Needs section of the store.

These are fantastic publicity
opportunities that could have a big impact on the future of GIFTS. The
bookselling industry works by a "sink or swim" mentality. If GIFTS sells
well during its debut period, it will have a longer, more visible
existence in Barnes & Noble, and will be more likely to have a strong
presence in other bookselling venues as well.

Many of us in
the Down syndrome community went looking for a book just like GIFTS after
our child's diagnosis, and couldn't find one. By purchasing copies of GIFTS and
encouraging others to do the same, we can ensure that the thousands of parents
who will be in our shoes in the coming months and years will be able to find the
support they need.

We are grateful to those who purchased
copies of the first edition of GIFTS. The royalties have been used to provide
copies of the book to Down syndrome support groups across the nation; we
hope that these organizations will buy multiple copies of the book to give
to new parents. But even if you already own a copy of the book and
don't desire to own another, there are many ways you can put extra
copies to good use. Donate a copy to your local library, hospital or
clinic, and/or DS support group. Give copies to friends or family
members. The royalties from these sales will be used to get books in the
hands of parents in need.

Each of us can make a difference
by buying and sharing copies of GIFTS. Head into your local Barnes &
Noble store in June and put your consumer dollar to a worthy cause! Together we
can convince the world that the life of a child with Down syndrome is
something to celebrate.

Kathryn Lynard Soper,
Editor