Ratty Books, a children's bookstore, has opened at 4893 Main Street in Jeffersonville, N.Y. The Albany Times Union reported that for owner Caitlin Kranz Yaccino, "cracking open a children's book has always been a magical occasion. To her, they're tools for conveying deep themes to young minds as much as they are creators of cherished memories."
"Children's books are just very special," she said. "It's a blend of nostalgia and art because they're so beautiful. They talk about things in small ways."
In addition to books, "stuffed animals and handmade goods fill the shelves and double windows of the cool-blue interior" of the shop named after the character in The Wind and the Willows. The Times Union noted that the owner wanted the store to have a kind of "British cozy" atmosphere. "Its formal grand opening on Halloween drew curious new visitors, along with Yaccino's friends and family who have shown up to lend a hand wherever they could."
"I literally had a painting party and all of the great moms I know from around town came and painted with me for a night," she said. "Friends and family have been incredible getting it all set up."
Yaccino, her husband and two children moved to Sullivan County from Brooklyn, N.Y., during the pandemic after visiting from their weekend house since 2017. She had worked several years in children's boutique retail, but dreamed of owning her own store or launching some sort of pop-up. A friend told her about retail space available in Jeffersonville, and Yaccino jumped at the opportunity.
Yaccino envisions Ratty Books as a space that prompts all kinds of conversations: "I want kids to feel comfortable here. I want kids to feel like they can talk to me about anything, and that I can talk to them about whatever they want to talk about. I want it to be a comfortable moment."
In keeping with the community-building power of third places, she plans to hold events for kids and parents, including weekly story times. "I cannot say enough (about the support) from other business owners to locals popping in," she added. "I feel super loved and supported. I'm really grateful."