A children's bookstore called Stop & Grow has opened in Coronado, Calif., the Coronado Eagle & Journal reported. Located at 1339 Orange Ave., Suite 8B, Stop & Grow made its debut in December, and carries children's books ranging from board and picture books to middle-grade titles, as well as some educational toys and gifts.
Owner Amanda Johnson, whose background is in education, told the Eagle & Journal she aims to support local children and families and provide resources for early childhood education.
"Stop & Grow will always offer a calming, nurturing, and enriching environment," she said. "I want parents to know and children to feel as though they can look, touch, and explore the books and resources to find the perfect one just for them. Stop & Grow is meant to be a place to fill your cup, not to drain it."
Since opening, Johnson has been expanding the inventory based on customer feedback, and she has greatly enjoyed "meeting and conversing with travelers, locals, young families, former students, teachers, and my favorite so far, the sweetest grandparents stopping by to shop for their grandchildren near and far."
Johnson noted that although she's always wanted to open a small business that supports children and families, she wasn't always sure that it would be a bookstore. "When I had my daughter, I wished there were more places that supported working parents with young children," she explained to the Eagle & Journal. "I dreamed of a place where I could bring my babies, and I could get some work done, while they were safe and engaged close by."