First day of the Taiwan Book Fair

I am sitting in the Tumblehome Learning booth at the Taipei International Book Exhibition, listening to the sound of unpacking all around me - ripping out of staples, wrenching off of tape, exclamations, the crackle of books in plastic wrappers being rearranged on shelves.

This place has undergone a facelift since yesterday. Overnight the bare floor, which yesterday was littered with packing tape and chewed betel, has been carpeted in immaculate blue-gray. Chinese letters cut out in foam core stand proudly over the booths. The shelves bear books of every color and kind. Cartoon figures grin down from corners.

I've set up the information about the Lexicon series and the Museum of Science books we're displaying. Now here come my colleagues with our own Tumblehome Learning posters, advance book copies, and stand-up foam core characters of our characters Benson and Selectra Volt. We will set up and prepare as waltz music plays in the background.