Little Bookstores We Love: The Blue Bunny

Once a month, we send Mr. Pig out to learn more about our favorite independent bookstores. The Cottagers are a little obsessed with finding, visiting, supporting and celebrating independent book shops all over the world! Why? Because they are marvelous! And important. . . to authors, the community, and to the kids who can fold up on the floor of the children's section with their favorite books in their laps and get lost in a story.

This month, Mr. Pig spent some time chatting with the folks at THE BLUE BUNNY at 577 High Street in Dedham Square, Dedham, MA.
 

Q. How long has the store been open? 

A. Since October 2003. (Our 10-year anniversary is next month!)

Q. How did The Blue Bunny get its name?

A. Our name is a nod to the antique crackle-glazed Dedham Pottery with the cobalt blue rabbit pattern that was made in Dedham between 1896 and 1943. For us, this signifies our place in a continuing commitment to the arts in our community.

Q. What's unique about your shop? Why is a favorite among your community?

A. Our shop is unique for a number of reasons, first and foremost being the home studio of author-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, who not only owns the store, but is often on hand to talk and draw with, inspire, and sign books for fans from near and far. 

Second, our store is a cozy refuge with a retro feel -- the building’s original tin ceilings, hardwood floors and wainscoted walls make our customers feel good. And third, we try hard to know our customers by name, give friendly advice and book suggestions, we always gift wrap for free, and we happily support and collaborate with schools, organizations and non-profits in the area. Parents of our youngest customers love our twice-weekly free storytimes too! 

Oh, and we may be the only indie store that publishes a kids' creativity magazine too. Our HUTCH magazine comes out twice a year, filled with art, stories, and poems submitted to us by kids all over the world!

Q. Which children’s books and/or authors would you say are store favorites?

A. Peter H. Reynolds, Mo Willems, Oliver Jeffers, Todd Parr, Kevin Henkes, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jeff Kinney, Jarrett Krosoczka, Kimberly Newton Fusco, Fred Bowen, Roald Dahl, Kate DiCamillo, Shannon Hale, Suzanne Collins, John Green, Nancy Werlin, and many more! Authors are our "rock stars" -- we love 'em all! 

Crooked Cottager Kara LaReau reading her book Mr. Prickles: A Quill-Fated Love Story

Q. (Hey, we recognize that author!) What recent children’s book really made you laugh?

A. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, and A Big Guy Took My Ball by Mo Willems.

Q. Made you cry?  

A. The Saturday Boy by David Fleming 

Q. Finish this sentence: Everyone should support indie bookstores because. . . 

A. Indie bookstores love and support you! Not only as bookseller, but counselor, advisor, donor, cultural center, babysitter, eye-opener, safe harbor, local employer, and very often, the heart of your community too!

We couldn't have said it better! Thank you!