An independent bookshop is helping children take their first steps into the world of reading.
Bear Hunt Books and Toys is literature heaven for young children. The space, located in Bebington invites children of all ages, from toddlers to older teenagers to browse, purchase and experience books in a safe space specially made for them to enjoy.
The store's founder, Michelle Porter, 49, admitted she's always loved working with children. Before opening Bear Hunt, she worked as an event manager in young spaces before deciding to open the store. With an already keen eye for business and a love for children's literature and reading, she set up shop in October 2021, offering a wide new world for children to enjoy.
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She said: "You can't sell something you know nothing about. If you asked me to recommend a book about dinosaurs I could do it and that's important for an indie shop to be able to deliver. I've always loved working with children and reading children's books. It's important for customers to know someone is looking after you."
Parents, guardians and children flock to the store on a regular basis, so much so that Bear Hunt feels like more of a community than a bookseller. Discussing the response from locals, she said: "It gives me precious, precious joy. Bookshops are a place for communities to feel welcome, even between the public and publishing industry, and it's amazing to see so many young people happy and willing to get involved."
Bear Hunt hosts an array of events, from book clubs to writing, along with welcoming authors to meet their readers. Jarvis, the author of Bear and Bird and The Boy With Flowers in His Hair, will be decorating a window and welcoming children for story time on Wednesday, June 21. This is just one event taking place across the summer which Michelle hopes helps children become keen readers.
She added: "One of the most powerful tools is reading. So for a child to meet an author and get a new insight into books will have them bursting with energy and excitement. That's what I try to do. I want to create a safe space where children can be themselves and enjoy reading."
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