Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00am–6:00pm | Sunday 12:00pm–5:00pm | CLOSED ON MONDAYS  

 

My Account

Jaya

Jaya
Jayashree Anderson (she/her)
Gift & Toy Buyer
Coordinator for Bookshop in a Box, Consignments, and Merchandising

Jaya joined the Red Balloon after moving to the Twin Cities from Florida in October 2018. She has been working in bookstores since 2005, and strongly believes in the magic they provide the community. An avid reader since childhood, Jaya always loved to read and can often be found with a book in hand. When not working at Red Balloon, she is probably painting, writing her novels, reading the latest fantasy, or going to concerts with her husband, Jeff. 

Jaya's favorite picture books tend to be funny and fun to read aloud. She enjoys reading YA and Adult books that have magical or fantasical elements, high and traditional fantasy, or scifi with heart. And, every once in a while she'll grab a romcom when the world feels a little too rough.

 

A Few Favorites:

Staff Pick Badge
Oona in the Arctic By Kelly DiPucchio, Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kelly DiPucchio, Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780063222328
Availability: On Our Shelves Now. Please call our store for up-to-the-minute stock availability.
Published: Katherine Tegen Books - January 24th, 2023
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I just adore Oona's stories, and this new one is just as delightful! Oona in the Arctic is beautifully illustrated and full of adventure. Oona and Otto help a baby beluga whale find her way back home with the assistance of many arctic animals. A fun read-aloud, this book is perfect for families looking for excellent visuals and narrative storytelling!


Star Wars: A Jedi You Will Be By Preeti Chhibber Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781368057240
Availability: Not on our shelves now. Usually ships in 4-7 business days from warehouse.
Published: Disney Lucasfilm Press - October 6th, 2020
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Perfect for Star Wars fans! Delightful! Enjoy it you will!


The Invention of Hugo Cabret By Brian Selznick, Brian Selznick (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Brian Selznick, Brian Selznick (Illustrator)
$29.99
ISBN: 9780439813785
Availability: On Our Shelves Now. Please call our store for up-to-the-minute stock availability.
Published: Scholastic Press - March 1st, 2007
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A gorgeous book! A combination of illustrations and text, Brian Selznick weaves a beautiful story. If you enjoyed the film, Hugo, I recommend getting this to share with the whole family.


Dealing with Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book One By Patricia C. Wrede Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9780544541221
Availability: On Our Shelves Now. Please call our store for up-to-the-minute stock availability.
Published: Clarion Books - September 15th, 2015
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The first book of my favorite fantasy series, The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. Each book features a new chracter, and this one is Cimorene's - she's a princess who's bored, so she convinces a dragon to let her be their assistant. Full of adventure and magic! A great alternative to more well known series.


Ella Enchanted: A Newbery Honor Award Winner By Gail Carson Levine Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780064407052
Availability: On Our Shelves Now. Please call our store for up-to-the-minute stock availability.
Published: Quill Tree Books - June 21st, 2022
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The perfect Cinderella retelling! Creative and adventurous, I've reread this fun story many times. Full of great characters and magical beings.


Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) By Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff Cover Image
$11.99
ISBN: 9781524720995
Availability: On Our Shelves Now. Please call our store for up-to-the-minute stock availability.
Published: Ember - April 7th, 2020
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This squad of misfits is trying to save the universe. Alternating POV's, and full of space excitement. Perfect for fans of Star Wars and Firefly.


Warcross By Marie Lu Cover Image
$11.99
ISBN: 9780399547973
Availability: Not on our shelves now. Usually ships in 4-7 business days from warehouse.
Published: Speak - June 26th, 2018
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Video game championships are treated like they're the Olympics, but someone is hacking into the game. This book was so much fun! Great for gamers, who are fans of D&D, World of Warcraft, and Final Fantasy.


Over the Woodward Wall (The Up-and-Under #1) By A. Deborah Baker Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780765399274
Availability: On Our Shelves Now. Please call our store for up-to-the-minute stock availability.
Published: Tordotcom - October 6th, 2020
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A folktale for adults and kids 9+. Reminescent of Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz, and beautifully written.


The Empress of Salt and Fortune (The Singing Hills Cycle #1) By Nghi Vo Cover Image
By Nghi Vo
$12.99
ISBN: 9781250750303
Availability: Not on our shelves now. Usually ships in 4-7 business days from warehouse.
Published: Tordotcom - March 24th, 2020
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A beautiful, feminist story about an empress and her rise to power. Quick, but powerful read. Calm and lyrical yet haunting and emotional.