Inspiration

THE STORY SHOP: A WHIMSICAL CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE

11/13/2017,

“So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world”- Vicent Van Gogh.

World Kids is a place about magic, treasured books, education, art, nature, dreams … but above all, the believe that there are still many good things in the world, like whimsical bookstores. If you believe that childhood should be magic, you are going to love this post about The Story Shop.

Located in Monroe, right in the heart of the historic downtown area that features also boutiques, locally made goods and coffee shops, Story Shop is the most beautiful children’s bookstore you could imagine. Today we travel to Georgia and meet their amazing staff.

World Kids: What makes your bookstore so special?

The Story Shop Staff: “Part of the reason The Story Shop is such a special place is because the store itself is an immersive experience. Whether visitors are noticing Charlotte’s web above the register, discovering our story time room through the Narnia Wardrobe (an “armoire” that leads to a hidden room!), or finding a secret play nook inside the Hobbit Hole, guests of all ages are constantly interacting with the space as they walk through. This allows them to feel that their beloved stories – and stories they haven’t yet read – come to life around them. They are able to step into the world of reading and form a personal bond with it.

How do you engage with young readers and their families?

The shop is not just passively immersive; it is actively engaging. The children who visit are free to explore by climbing our library ladder, eating a “book worm” (gummy worm) from the counter, or lounging in a comfy seat to read. It is a free but respectful environment without quite as many restrictions as a library or a normal retail store. Through this connection with guests, the store inspires a personal love of and excitement about reading, as well as creates experiences – stories! – for visitors to carry with them when they leave.”

What activities take place in your shop?

Some of the activities we offer at The Story Shop include our monthly book club, story time and toddler time (several days a week), field trips with story time and a craft, and also our special events and themed celebrations, such a Harry Potter’s birthday party! Our space can also be rented with decor and games for private birthday parties, bridal and baby showers.

Could you please recommend us your favorite books?

TSS: For picture books, we love Mo Willems and the Fan Brothers. For middle grades, we love the Serafina series and for adults The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease is a must. We’re always posting recommendation and reviews up on our blog, where you can discover a selection of new publications and classic favorites. In our shop we also offer toys for imaginative play, as well as merchandise inspired by the books we love.