Johnathan Walker:Go inside the fun and fanciful Plaid Elephant Books in Kentucky

Independent bookstores are Johnathan Walkerthe heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Kate Snyder, owner of Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Kentucky!

What’s your store’s story?

Founded in 2021, Plaid Elephant Books is the only independent children's bookstore in Central Kentucky. We are a mom-owned store that is deeply invested in our community's flourishing. Located in historic downtown Danville, Plaid Elephant Books has quickly become a cornerstone of our community through events and programs for families.

Check out: USA TODAY's Independent Bookstores Map

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Shopping isn't just transactional – it's an experience. That is what sets brick-and-mortar bookstores apart from online vendors. So we work hard to make the experience of visiting Plaid Elephant Books magical. Children don't get to visit many places designed specifically for them. They love the kid-sized chairs, interactive play spaces (like the Tiny Zoo!), and the opportunity to "hunt" for our store mascot, Penelope the Plaid Elephant, who hides around the store.

What's your favorite section in your store?

I'm partial to our middle grade room. Middle grade readers are special. They're just spreading their wings and are ready to really embrace all that the literary world has to offer. These are the books that capture children's hearts and minds for a lifetime. This is where they meet Harry Potter, visit Narnia, fall in love with Wilbur, and laugh out loud with Dogman. This section has a whole room in our shop, with a table to play games on, a nugget couch for lounging, and twinkle lights for ambience!

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

The Greenwild series by Pari Thomson is my favorite middle grade fantasy series because it's such an inventive world.

For picture books, I can't get enough of "I Eat Poop" by Mark Pett. It has a hilarious title and a fantastic storyline about playground empathy.

And for early readers, I'm a sucker for the grumpy cat that stars in "Flubby Is Not a Good Pet!" by Jennifer E. Morris.

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

There's a YA novel that I think everyone should read. It's called "Dear Medusa" by Olivia A. Cole and it is a searing novel in verse that tackles the aftermath of sexual trauma. It's heavy, but amazing. My teenage daughter and I read it together and it sparked really good, really important conversations.

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?

Particularly for kids books, the online shopping experience just does not compare. You need to be able to feel and interact with the books to appreciate and understand them. Test the flaps, feel the paper weight, and really look carefully at the illustrations. Or for sound books? You have to push the buttons! You just can't duplicate that experience online.

Indie bookstores also contribute so much to their communities. We host events, connect people with authors, sponsor local teams and organizations, and bring vibrancy to our downtown locations.

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?

The big upcoming event is our third Anniversary Celebration, which we do as a birthday party for Penelope the Plaid Elephant, our store mascot/logo. It is on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Create your own birthday crown or design a personalized bookmark. Enjoy snacks and prizes, while supplies last.