Current:Home > ScamsGo inside the fun and fanciful Plaid Elephant Books in Kentucky-LoTradeCoin
Go inside the fun and fanciful Plaid Elephant Books in Kentucky
View Date:2024-12-24 11:08:44
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have Kate Snyder, owner of Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Kentucky!
What’s your store’s story?
Founded in 2021, Plaid Elephant Books is the only independent children's bookstore in Central Kentucky. We are a mom-owned store that is deeply invested in our community's flourishing. Located in historic downtown Danville, Plaid Elephant Books has quickly become a cornerstone of our community through events and programs for families.
Check out: USA TODAY's Independent Bookstores Map
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
Shopping isn't just transactional – it's an experience. That is what sets brick-and-mortar bookstores apart from online vendors. So we work hard to make the experience of visiting Plaid Elephant Books magical. Children don't get to visit many places designed specifically for them. They love the kid-sized chairs, interactive play spaces (like the Tiny Zoo!), and the opportunity to "hunt" for our store mascot, Penelope the Plaid Elephant, who hides around the store.
What's your favorite section in your store?
I'm partial to our middle grade room. Middle grade readers are special. They're just spreading their wings and are ready to really embrace all that the literary world has to offer. These are the books that capture children's hearts and minds for a lifetime. This is where they meet Harry Potter, visit Narnia, fall in love with Wilbur, and laugh out loud with Dogman. This section has a whole room in our shop, with a table to play games on, a nugget couch for lounging, and twinkle lights for ambience!
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
The Greenwild series by Pari Thomson is my favorite middle grade fantasy series because it's such an inventive world.
For picture books, I can't get enough of "I Eat Poop" by Mark Pett. It has a hilarious title and a fantastic storyline about playground empathy.
And for early readers, I'm a sucker for the grumpy cat that stars in "Flubby Is Not a Good Pet!" by Jennifer E. Morris.
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
There's a YA novel that I think everyone should read. It's called "Dear Medusa" by Olivia A. Cole and it is a searing novel in verse that tackles the aftermath of sexual trauma. It's heavy, but amazing. My teenage daughter and I read it together and it sparked really good, really important conversations.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Particularly for kids books, the online shopping experience just does not compare. You need to be able to feel and interact with the books to appreciate and understand them. Test the flaps, feel the paper weight, and really look carefully at the illustrations. Or for sound books? You have to push the buttons! You just can't duplicate that experience online.
Indie bookstores also contribute so much to their communities. We host events, connect people with authors, sponsor local teams and organizations, and bring vibrancy to our downtown locations.
What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?
The big upcoming event is our third Anniversary Celebration, which we do as a birthday party for Penelope the Plaid Elephant, our store mascot/logo. It is on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Create your own birthday crown or design a personalized bookmark. Enjoy snacks and prizes, while supplies last.
veryGood! (5228)
Related
- How Ben Affleck Really Feels About His and Jennifer Lopez’s Movie Gigli Today
- Senate passes bill forcing TikTok’s parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
- Jill Biden praises her husband’s advocacy for the military as wounded vets begin annual bike ride
- Youngkin will visit Europe for his third international trade mission as Virginia governor
- Biden funded new factories and infrastructure projects, but Trump might get to cut the ribbons
- Jason Kelce Clarifies Rumors His Missing Super Bowl Ring Was Stolen
- The Best Swimsuit Coverups on Amazon for All Your Future Beachy Vacations
- Person fishing with a magnet pulls up rifle, other new evidence in 2015 killing of Georgia couple, investigators say
- Kyle Richards Shares an Amazing Bottega Dupe From Amazon Along With Her Favorite Fall Trends
- Prosecutors argue Trump willfully and flagrantly violated gag order, seek penalty
Ranking
- Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 9 drawing: Jackpot rises to $92 million
- Michigan student dies 'suddenly' on school trip to robotics competition in Texas
- Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo and Judy Greer reunite as '13 Going on 30' turns 20
- With lawsuits in rearview mirror, Disney World government gets back to being boring
- Manhattan rooftop fire sends plumes of dark smoke into skyline
- USDA updates rules for school meals that limit added sugars for the first time
- Tennessee legislature passes bill allowing teachers to carry concealed guns
- New music from Aaron Carter will benefit a nonprofit mental health foundation for kids
Recommendation
-
Wreck of Navy destroyer USS Edsall known as 'the dancing mouse' found 80 years after sinking
-
‘Pathetic, Really, and Dangerous’: Al Gore Reflects on Fraudulent Fossil Fuel Claims, Climate Voters and Clean Energy
-
Earth Day 2024: Some scientists are calling for urgent optimism for change | The Excerpt
-
With lawsuits in rearview mirror, Disney World government gets back to being boring
-
2025 Medicare Part B premium increase outpaces both Social Security COLA and inflation
-
Glen Powell admits Sydney Sweeney affair rumors 'worked wonderfully' for 'Anyone But You'
-
Fast-food businesses hiking prices because of higher minimum wage sound like Gordon Gekko
-
Prime energy, sports drinks contain PFAS and excessive caffeine, class action suits say