The Orphans Book Tour hit Saratoga Springs on a busy, icy and dark Friday night. It was the smallest crowd so far  at the Northshire book store – 15 people, but a bright, loyal and interested one.  Great questions, a good conversation. A light snow and ice storm hit in the early afternoon, but you never know with book tours, you can get 100 people one night and 10 the next.  I appreciate the people who braved the weather to come to see and hear me, we had fun.

Red visited everyone, that boy sells a lot of books. I am learning how to talk about the visualization techniques I am writing about in my next book “Talking To Animals,” to be published by Simon & Schuster.

Tomorrow night, we go to Northshire in Manchester, Vt., next to Battenkill Books, my home bookstore, I have always feel especially comfortable there.

Another bout of weather expected. I am loving this book tour, it is very personal, surprising, informal and intimate. Everywhere – even with 15 people – I feel as if I am talking to real book lovers and readers and people who are interested in the subjects and themes I write about. People are fascinated by donkeys, few  know anything about them. I talk about our view of animals in the world, and about the New York Carriage horses, and the importance of the struggle to determine their fate and future.

(I am going to the Westhampton, Mass. Public Library at 2 p.m. on February 28, 2015). If you are interested in buying a signed and personalized copy of “Saving Simon,” (and get a free tote bag and photo postcard) you can order the book from Battenkill Books online or by calling 518 677-2515. The book is turning out to be a rising Christmas gift choice, you can check out some of the early reviews here.