Current:Home > reviewsGo inside the fun and fanciful Plaid Elephant Books in Kentucky -WealthSync Hub
Go inside the fun and fanciful Plaid Elephant Books in Kentucky
View
Date:2025-04-17 11:42:46
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! (2)
Related
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- David Sedaris on why you should dress like a corpse
- US government may sue PacifiCorp, a Warren Buffett utility, for nearly $1B in wildfire costs
- NYC journalist's death is city's latest lithium-ion battery fire fatality, officials say
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Purdue, Houston, Creighton lead winners and losers from men's college basketball weekend
- How The Underground Railroad Got Its Name
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto to make Dodgers start. How to watch star pitcher's debut
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Idaho to execute Thomas Creech, infamous serial killer linked to at least 11 deaths
Ranking
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto to make Dodgers start. How to watch star pitcher's debut
- Duke coach Jon Scheyer calls on ACC to address court storming after Kyle Filipowski injury
- US sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying it could push prices higher
- 'Most Whopper
- West Virginia Senate passes bill that would remove marital exemption for sexual abuse
- Political consultant behind fake Biden robocalls says he was trying to highlight a need for AI rules
- Air Force member in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Handcuffed car theft suspect being sought after fleeing from officers, police say
2 killed, 2 wounded in Milwaukee when victims apparently exchange gunfire with others, police say
Volkswagen pickup truck ideas officially shelved for North America
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Delaware’s early voting and permanent absentee laws are unconstitutional, a judge says
Biden is traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday, according to AP sources
Virginia couple missing in Grenada and feared killed after yacht allegedly stolen by escaped criminals