Little Bookstores We Love. . . Red Balloon Bookshop

Mr. Pig went on the road again, this time to St. Paul, MN, to interview the very nice folks at another beloved independent bookstore...

Red Balloon Bookshop

891 Grand Avenue 

St. Paul, MN 55105

http://www.redballoonbookshop.com

What year did Red Balloon open its doors?
1984. We moved down the street to our current location in 1989.

Tell me what the name of your shop signifies... why was it was chosen?
The name is related to the 1956 movie and subsequent book. According to Carol Erdahl and Michele Cromer-Poire, the original owners of Red Balloon, they wanted a name that would appeal to folk of all ages. “Red Balloon” was suggested by a woman in Port Angeles, WA, and Carol & Michele liked it right away. “The idea that books can open up new worlds and ideas—soaring like a balloon,” appealed to both of them.

Oooh, I love that. Why is Red Balloon a favorite among your community and customers, would you say? 
We have over 184 years of book experience accumulated by staff here! This knowledge, combined with continued passion for books and reading, makes Red Balloon the place to go when you want help finding just the right book, or if you want to share your own love of books.

Another unique and cool thing about us is we invite local illustrators to paint our window! This one was painted by Jennifer Bell.

How magical! Speaking of... which children’s books and/or authors would you say are store favorites? 
We love our local authors and illustrators, but there’s too many to mention them all! Here's a picture of one of our favorites, Kate DiCamillo, presenting Flora and Ulysses.

[Gasp!] The Ambassador, herself! How marvelous! I have all Kate's books back home on my crooked bookshelf at the Little Crooked Cottage. So... what recent children’s book made you laugh out loud?
Moo! By David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. The combination of word & pictures made us laugh hysterically.

http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/book/9780802734099   

Made you cry?

Impossible Knife of Memory, by Laurie Halse Anderson

http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/book/9780670012091

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

...we’re an integral part of a lively community, providing a wide choice of books and great service, making us a wonderful place for other book lovers to connect.

Well said! Thank you so much for giving us the tour of your marvelous book shop, and for all you do to support and celebrate authors, illustrators and their creations! 
Our pleasure, Mr. Pig!

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!