Pooja Hits Baltimore: Why Libraries Nationwide Are Key to Her Adventure
Hello, friends of stories and big wins!
We just got thrilling news—Pooja: Destiny Awaits is now in the Baltimore Public Library system! Thanks to our amazing publisher, The Omnibus Publishing (https://theomnibuspublishing.com/), you can find Pooja’s adventure on their shelves (check it out here: Baltimore Library Catalog). As Jamison Shults and I cheer from Louisiana, I’m more convinced than ever that getting our book into libraries across the country is a game-changer—for kids, for us, and for communities everywhere.
Libraries Bring Pooja to Every Kid
Imagine a Baltimore kid picking up Pooja: Destiny Awaits—my illustrations of her South Indian puppy journey sparking their imagination. Libraries make that free for all, not just those who can buy the hardcover ($25.00) or eBook ($7.99). From Ruston to Baltimore, kids aged 4-8 can follow Pooja’s global quest to help animals, learning kindness and curiosity without a barrier. One library system down—hundreds to go!
A Win for Indie Creators
For indie authors and illustrators like Jamison and me, libraries are gold. Baltimore stocking Pooja (via IngramSpark) means real sales—maybe 5, 10, or more copies across branches. It’s not just numbers; it’s reach. A kid borrows it, loves it, and their family buys a copy—or their school orders more. With Pooja: El Destino Aguarda hitting mid-March, libraries nationwide could double that impact for bilingual readers. The Omnibus Publishing’s push got us to Baltimore—now we’re dreaming bigger!
Community Starts on the Shelf
Libraries are hubs—think storytimes, book clubs, and kids begging for “Pooja again!” I’ve been pitching events to North Louisiana libraries on X (@PoojaAdventures), offering signed copies and a free activity kit (downloadable at www.jamisonshults.com). Baltimore’s a start—imagine Pooja in New York, Chicago, or Seattle, sparking sales and buzz. It could even lead to the Louisiana Book Festival (Nov 1, fingers crossed!). Libraries connect us coast to coast.
From Ruston to Baltimore—and Beyond
As a Ruston native and Louisiana Tech design professor, I grew up with libraries shaping my world. Now, seeing Pooja on Baltimore’s shelves feels personal—a step toward sharing her magic everywhere. We’re chasing 40-60 sales by March 20—libraries are key!
Help us reach more! Ask your library to stock Pooja: Destiny Awaits (English now, Spanish soon) or buy yours—$25.00 hardcover, $7.99 eBook—at www.jamisonshults.com. Join our TikTok giveaway (@poojaadventures, ends Mar 7) for a signed copy, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@poojaadventures). Pooja’s library adventure is just beginning—let’s take her nationwide!
Warmly,
Marla Emory
Illustrator of Pooja: Destiny Awaits
Professor, School of Design, Louisiana Tech University