Despite her latest book's national laydown date (April 1), neither author Elizabeth Peters nor her publisher are April Fools. Children of the Storm, the latest caper to star irrepressible Egyptologist Amelia Peabody, has shipped more than 100,000 copies, due not only to the author's loyal following, but also to Morrow's well orchestrated marketing campaign. First came postcards from Amelia. These were followed by royal-blue umbrellas, modeled after Amelia's beloved parasol; and, finally, T-shirts, which proclaimed "15 Adventures, 3 Generations, 1 Amazing Heroine." On the eve of publication, Morrow celebrated the author's achievements (along with her 75th birthday) at the elegantly turned-out Terrace Room of New York City's Plaza Hotel.

With reporting by Dick Donahue