Hi. I’m Joanna, and I opened Chicken and Frog Bookstore in Featherston in August 2020.
It’s a specialist bookshop for children where “imagination, innovation and information collide in a glorious celebration of words and pictures” (thanks to the wonderful authors, illustrators, designers and publishers).
I call myself a Curator, as books don’t sell themselves. Children love context, so I theme the rooms and displays, and have lots of ‘props’ to make the shop fun.
I specialise in children’s books because that’s what I know best. I’ve been a Primary School Librarian, and feel I need to restrict myself to do justice to the amazing children’s stock available.
I chose to open in Featherston as its New Zealand’s only International Booktown, and I liked the idea of a book community. There are seven other bookshops in town, the others being secondhand dealers. The Booktown Trust is very supportive, and as a town we can offer visitors a great literary experience.
My shop is beside the Joy Cowley Playground, which is exciting. Joy lived in Featherston for many years and is much loved here.
I’m only open Friday – Sunday (and Thursdays during school holidays) as that’s when people seem to be out buying books. Unfortunately I can’t afford staff regularly, but I do have wonderful locals to draw on when I need to visit grandchildren overseas. Everyone loves the idea of working in a bookstore!
This is a retirement ‘hobby’ that has given me such a wonderful new life. I love meeting with other booksellers, reps and especially the customers.
I hope that a visit to Chicken and Frog Bookstore makes children happy, and curious, and gives them an interesting experience that they’ll remember.
Find out more here.
Browse the website here.
Follow on Instagram here.