You might have seen the Page One photo in today's New York Times, showing a smiling President Barack Obama browsing at Prairie Lights bookstore in Iowa City, Iowa. What you might not have seen is the President buying a couple of books for his daughters--including "The Secret of Zoom," written by Plymouth author Lynne Jonell.

Jonell posted a video on her Website this morning, showing Obama holding up her book and talking about it. You can see the video here, "This whole thing has been unbelievable!" Jonell said.

Jonell, who was born in Little Falls, Minn., and grew up in Richfield, is the author of 10 books for children (and several more forthcoming), published with Henry Holt, Penguin Putnam and Random House.

"The Secret of Zoom" was named a best book of 2009 by School Library Journal. It's the story of a girl named Christina, whose mother died mysteriously and whose father works in a scientific laboratory. When Christina tries to help a young orphan boy named Taft, she begins to unravel the mystery of her mother's death.

Her book was recommended to the President by Prairie Lights bookseller Victoria Walton. Walton's husband sent Jonell an e-mail, telling her that his wife had been hand-selling "The Secret of Zoom" for months because she so loved it.

"I'm delighted the President bought my book, and I hope the girls love it," Jonell said, "but to hear that from a children's bookseller, that was an amazing accolade."

Rhonda Prast, Star Tribune

In gratitude, Jonell sent Walton a bouquet of flowers. They should arrive this morning.