We’re delighted that our brilliant Assistant Manager of Readings Kids, Dani Solomon, has been shortlisted for this year’s ABA Bookseller of the Year Awards. These awards recognise booksellers for their performance within their own bookshops, along with their achievements within the book industry and throughout their local community.

Dani, who has worked at Readings for more than 10 years, is a finalist for the ABA Penguin Random House Young Bookseller of the Year. While she has only recently stepped into the role of Assistant Manager at our Kids shop, her enormous and contagious love for children’s books has seen her handselling her favourites to customers and other staff since her very first day at the mail-order desk.

If you won’t take our word for it, here’s a review from our one of young customers – Verity Blyth, aged 9, says: ‘Dani is one of the best workers in the universe! She is funny, joyful, optimistic, smart and awesome! She has helped me find so many good books.’

Dani says: ‘It’s such a thrill to be nominated for this award. I love my job. It’s one of the best jobs in the world and I can’t believe I get paid to do it (but I’m glad I do). Every day I get to meet amazing kids who keep me on my toes and make putting the right book in the right hands at the right time an absolute joy. On top of that I get to read so many great books and support new authors, such as the winner of this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize. I also get to introduce new kids to all my favourite established authors (I love you Terry Pratchett). Basically, I get paid to talk about all my favourite books all day and to hear about other people’s favourite books. It’s the ultimate dream job!’

Like all of us here at Readings, bestselling author Andy Griffiths is a big fan of Dani’s. He says: ‘As a touring author over the last 25 years I have met a lot of great booksellers and Dani stands out as one of the best, most enthusiastic and passionate of them all. She is a genuine book lover and her enthusiasm is infectious.’

Dani has been shortlisted for this award alongside Stephanie Beck (Better Read Than Dead), Kate Frawley (The Sun Bookshop), Tim Jarvis (Fullers) and Annie Waters (Mostly Books). Congratulations to all the finalists.

The winners of the 2018 ABA Bookseller of the Year Awards will be announced at the ABA Gala Dinner on Sunday 17 June at QT Canberra.