CC’ing Jayashree Anderson

September 25, 2025 | jordan bascom | consortium corner

Former bookseller Jayashree “Jaya” Anderson, children’s book enthusiast and Consortium’s sales and support rep, discusses her favorite picture books and the epic fantasy novel she’s writing.

Welcome to Consortium Corner, a Q&A series with staff and reps to celebrate Consortium’s 40 years of independent book distribution.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Consortium.

I started with Consortium in January 2024 after being a bookseller for nearly 18 years. I am the Sales and Support Rep: I help the Sales Team with reporting and other day-to-day work; I assist with Amazon A+ Content; and, I work with the IPS Gift and Specialty Team. I make recommendations to them regularly each season and give suggestions for the Gift and Children’s catalogs. I really enjoy presales as I love hearing and talking about books, especially children’s titles.

In my free time, I love to read (mostly romance or fantasy with a little horror sprinkled in), write (currently working on an epic fantasy inspired by my South Asian heritage, and a zombie outbreak horror), and watch TV (a recent fav is Dark Winds, perennial rewatches include Derry Girls, Reservation Dogs, and Downton Abbey). My husband and I also enjoy seeing live music and trying new restaurants, which has been a great way to explore the Twin Cities after moving here in 2018.

What are 5 Consortium titles you love and why?

Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk by Hasna Elbaamrani and Lisa Boersen, illus. Annelies Vandenbosch (Floris Books)
A delightful adventure while visiting family! Full of colorful illustrations, plus a page that turns vertically, this is great read aloud to share with every generation.

Sheep Number 19 by Blanca Lacasa, illus. Jorge Martín (NubeOcho)
Poor Sheep 19 never gets to jump over the fence, but what can he do? A funny bedtime book that the whole family will enjoy!

Getting Glam at Gram’s by Sara Weed, illus. Erin Hawryluk (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Who doesn’t want to play dress-up using your grandparents’ clothes? A wonderful picture book full of joy and acceptance! Perfect for any home or school library.

My Life on the Mountain: Living with Goats and Cows on an Alpine Farm by Marion Brand (Helvetiq)
Simple yet fantastically illustrated picture book (sort of Chris Ware for kids)! I greatly enjoyed the minimal color palette. A fun way to depict farm work that kids will love.

My Dear Sea by André Carrilho (Blue Dot Kids Press)
This book resonated with my inner Florida girl, and has a wonderful message about connecting with nature! Simple text paired with gorgeous illustrations makes for a fabulous book to read over and over.

Outside of Consortium titles, what books have you enjoyed recently?

Recently (or maybe for my entire adult life) I’ve been on a romance kick. Lucy Score and Juliette Cross are two favorites with multiple titles that I’ve read in the last year. I just finished Brynne Weaver’s Butcher & Blackbird and Leather & Lark—super fun and dark, I can see why they’re so popular on BookTok! I also read a spooky mystery last week, The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James—loved how atmospheric it was and such a quick read!

Can you share any special or formative experiences you’ve had with bookstores and libraries?

I’ve always loved reading and being in bookstores. I frequented my local Borders for a decade before I started working there at 20 years old. Every time I worked for an industry outside of bookstores (including a pet store, a bank, and Universal Studios Orlando), I always ended up leaving to work at another bookstore (or in the case of now, I left a bookstore to work in publishing, so it still counts). Bookstores are perfect, magical places and should be cherished, along with libraries.

In your time at Consortium, what memorable or meaningful moments stand out?

I love getting to hear about new books and connecting with the publishers. It’s a real treat to pick a few titles each month to get excited about and show that when I pitch the titles to the IPS Gift Team. I turn on the former storyteller and amp up my enthusiasm. We have fun discussing the titles and I know that helps them when talking to reps and accounts.

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