The Book Shop is pleased to offer the new book "Images of America: Covina," a history of Covina before 1949.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the $22 book go directly toward the restoration of the Heritage House at Covina Park led by the Covina Historical Society.  Written by Dr. Barbara Ann Hall, the book is filled with previously unpublished photographs that document the city's rich history.

COLLECTING NANCY DREW

Nancy Drew Sleuths from around the globe are converged in Pasadena June 13-17th for the 7th annual Nancy Drew Sleuth¹s Convention at the Pasadena Center. With the opening of the new Nancy Drew film based on the series by Carolyn Keene and the convention coming to Pasadena, interest is piqued in the original Nancy Drew series.

At The Book Shop in Covina an increasing number of book lovers have stopped in to inquire about the yellow and blue editions of Nancy Drew that have sat on their shelves for perhaps decades.

"They enjoyed reading them growing up and hung on to them to pass on to their own children and grandchildren," says The Book Shop owner Brad Johnson. "Now they are wondering if they are valuable."

There are currently 514 Nancy Drew series in the U.S. and counting. Among the oldest are the blue and yellow books. From 1930 to 1961, 38 titles were published in varying shades of blue hardcover with dust jackets. In 1962, the matte yellow picture cover books arrived with new artwork. An additional 18 titles were added to No. 56 and the original 38 stories were revised and updated until 1982. These 56 books have been printed in over 20 different formats and are the foundation of Nancy Drew's legacy.

First editions of some Nancy Drew series in their original dust jacket and in fine condition can now sell for several hundred dollars.

CLUES ON COLLECTING NANCY DREW

#1 Condition is everything. Cracked hinges, torn pages and ink notations all make a book undesirable.

#2 The dust jacket is important. A book without a dust jacket is like a table without a leg.

#3 Sorting out whether or not your Nancy Drew book is a first edition takes some serious detective work. Your first clue is checking the list of titles printed in the book and on the dust jacket. If the title you have in hand is the last title on both of those lists, you more than likely have a first edition. To be absolutely certain, consult a Nancy Drew collector¹s reference such as "All About Collecting Girls' Series Books" by John Axe.

The Book Shop buys and sells fine used books and libraries and is located at 134 N. Citrus Ave., Covina, CA. For more information, please call 626.967.1888 or email thebookshop@verizon.net.