The other day I traveled about an hour and a half to this little bookstore I had never heard of until a month ago for a author and artist meet and greet as they toured North America.

Now this may not seem like a big deal in many parts of the world and maybe not in many parts of the US, but here in the Golden State of California there’s an unwritten rule when it comes to travel: If it’s more than half an hour away, you plan your whole day around that commute.

What I found in the very lovely (and absolutely expensive) downtown was a charming little children’s bookstore called Hicklebee’s.

The store itself wasn’t too big, but reasonably sized and packed with plenty of books for children, early readers and young adults. There was art galore and signatures and messages scribbled on the store’s pillars. No doubt messages left from other writers who had graced its doors.

After a few minutes of waiting and trying to find a spot where I could stand and watch the story time reading while staying out of the way for kids and there parents, it began.

Story time began with a little introduction and applause as author Neil Sharpson and illustrator Dan Santat flipped through the pages and read aloud to the assembled youth exactly why you shouldn’t trust fish.

The read along went quite well, the two of them obviously knew their craft and how to work an audience. No doubt from years of practice with their own kids and their assemblage of friends. And the children gathered knew how to respond as well, when the grownups gave a call, they replied with plenty of gusto. They laughed at the bits obviously aimed at them, the adults laughed at the bits obviously aimed at us. And the whole thing went off without a hitch.

But that wasn’t all. Oh no. They had the audience wrapped around their fingers and they knew it. So Dan decided to keep the show going by demonstrating his art skills by creating objects and animals and people with nothing more than the simplest of shapes and just a few creative uses of the alphabet. There were more than a few laughs from the assembled adults as Dan decided to use the bare amount of effort to accurately draw figures like Michael Chiklis and Stanley Tucci while the kids puzzled on who they were supposed to be.

After some Q&A, the line for autographs began and after I had purchased my literature on why fish aren’t to be trusted, I waited my turn.

I wouldn’t say I was nervous, I’ve been to my fair share of conventions and autograph signings and I think I knew how to compose myself. It was only when one of the friendly staff members asked how I’d like the two books I had personalized that I drew a blank. I had bought Don’t Trust Fish for my cousin’s two little boys for Christmas and it didn’t feel necessary to have one personalized for them. But rather, how was I supposed to approach an author I had already given two glowing reviews to in the past? Someone I had interacted with online on his review blog for more than a few years? Someone whose style and wit in reviews inspired my to start my own review blog?

I didn’t have an answer so I just said I’d like their autograph and that was all.

When it got to my turn I had donned my worn and old but trusty fedora, which has become my signature look, and approached Neil and Dan with Don’t Trust Fish and When the Sparrow Falls, Neil’s first novel. There was a quiet look of waiting and just the littlest bit of disappointment from me as I had gotten my expectations up.

“My name’s Matt,” I said. “But online I also go by Media Hunter.”

There was a slow dawning moment of realization as he realized who he was. And after a few words of stuttered exchanged greetings, the realization hit me.

He didn’t recognize me because he had never seen my profile pic in full detail. And even if he did, I hid most of my face for the photo.

I felt very foolish.

But a few pleasantries were exchanged as well as a hearty handshake. The tension broken, I could breathe again.

There was plenty more said including a suggestion from me that while he was in California he should try some of the local taco fare. And no, Taco Bell doesn’t count. My books signed, and not wanting to monopolize the time, I got a quick photo with the two, another handshake, and departed the store with my newly signed books.

It was a bit of a trip to get there, but it was most certainly worth it. But it’s almost always worth it to see new places, experience new things and meet good people.

It’s been said that you should never meet your heroes. I don’t think that’s necessarily true. Rather, I think you should choose your heroes wisely. But above all else, be sure to find good people in the world and if you have the chance, even if just for an hour or two, just meet and say hello.

Best of luck to Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat on your next projects.

Courtesy, Matt the Media Hunter.