(Houston, TX - March 30, 2007)- In a program started by former Texas state legislator, Hill Kemp, more than twenty Houston-area Kroger stores are welcoming local authors to talk about and sign their books.

Although most people don’t expect to buy a mystery novel or a children’s book or a book of poetry when they go to buy groceries, it’s a pleasant surprise to meet a local author and a great way to increase book sales for independent publishers, says Kemp.

“In just 5 months, we have sold 600+ of my husband’s young adult fiction books in various Kroger locations. Not only have we met a lot of great people while selling our books, but the stores reported an increase in overall book sales,” says Faye Walker, wife and publisher of William Bowman Piper’s children series Giraffe of Montana.

Piper and Walker have found their market by participating in the Kroger’s program. “Selling Giraffe of Montana at Kroger has allowed my husband and me an unusual opportunity to promote our publishing company,” says Walker. “We have such fun talking about the characters of the book and seeing the excitement in the eyes of kids who like the book.”

Piper uses a colorful array of characters, both human and animal, to entertain as well as to teach important principles of everyday life to his audience. Mr. Piper’s style of writing entertains and stimulates, offering obvious as well as underlying humor. He incorporates thought-provoking alternatives to the language commonly presented in today’s children’s literature.

The main character of the stories, Giraffe, is a thoughtful and wise friend to all, teaching those around him by being an example of wisdom and kindness. He offers counsel for many problems that arise in the Montana kingdom, no matter how big or small.

Mr. Piper will host several book signing events at Houston area Kroger stores during the months of April and May. The general public is encouraged to attend:

April 6 & 7 – Champion Forest Dr. @ Cypresswood
April 27-29 – S. Voss @ San Felipe
May 11-13 – Jones Road @ West Road
May 18-20 – 4825 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land

For more on the author and his books, visit www.giraffeofmontana.com.

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