Lost Willow Books children's bookshop opened last weekend in time for Independent Bookstore Day this spring at 1114 Central Ave. in Wilmette, Ill. Owner Jenna Rose posted on Instagram: "Thank you to everyone who came out to support Lost Willow Books during our opening weekend! We can’t wait to see you again soon."
Rose, who grew up in Wilmette and returned with her family a decade ago, told the Record recently that the downtown area was the "ideal place" for her business: "It's a community that is friendly, loves local business, loves reading and loves education. I think it will be a nice addition to an already great community.... I am so excited to open the doors and hear what people think."
Rose and her husband, David McKirdy, have three children. Professionally, she has been involved in health-care startups, but described her new venture as a "departure for me," but one that has been a "serious daydream" for two years.
She loves to read and has found joy watching her children learn, so "when her daydream became strong enough, Rose messaged the village of Wilmette about open spaces," the Record noted.
"Even at that time, I didn't think it would come to fruition, but the timing was perfect," Rose said, adding that the village informed her that Wild Child Toys was leaving 1114 Central Ave., and Rose said her idea "quickly went from daydream to reality."
Rose called Lost Willow a traditional children's bookshop, with titles for ages 0-12 that will vary from fiction to nonfiction and board books to YA novels. She also hopes to sell complementary items like toys and puzzles, while featuring a playspace in the rear of the store where children can sit down with a book.
"I hope it's a space parents want to come with their kids and spend time," she said. "I also hope older kids will come by themselves and spend time.... I hope people will come and give us their feedback. I want to hear from shoppers about what they want to see in the store, whether that's certain titles or genres, maybe nonbook items. I'm excited and nervous and hope over time the store will get better and better."