Starbucks Picks 'The Traveler'

By Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly, 10/16/2008 5:40:00 AM

Starbucks has made an unexpected choice for the latest title in its book program, the illustrated fable The Traveler. Written and illustrated by two brothers and first-time authors, Daniel and Daren Simkin, The Traveler will bow from FSG and Starbucks Entertainment in November; it will be in bookstores on November 25 and in over 7,000 Starbucks stores on November 28.

The book, which is a hybrid title--it's fully illustrated and follows a boy named Charlie who goes on a soul-searching mission to find a better way to spend his time--was being pitched by the publisher as an "adult fable." Drawing comparisons to The Little Prince any difficulty FSG might have had in placing the book with the right readership will now be alleviated by the Starbucks endorsement. 

Speaking to the selection, Nikkole Denson, director of content at Starbucks, said she thinks the title will "inspire and awe our customers" and stand as " a perfect gift for family and friends this holiday season."