Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham, MA

February 27, 2009 in bookstore, childrens, gifts by Kim | 2 comments

Allison Staton contancted us about writing a review of her favorite local bookstore, The Blue Bunny, and we’re thrilled she sent us this lovely review.  Allison is a resident of Dedham, MA, a mother of three children and advocates on behalf of low-income communities. She writes at Soccer Mom in Denial and shares the joint photography blog, Looking Into. She recently finished Geraldine Brook’s People of the Book and is currently reading with her sons The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (years ago Claire and I read that book with our sons in our Family Book Group, I loved it).  Here’s Allison’s review:

The Blue Bunny Bookstore
The Blue Bunny Bookstore

Dedham, Massachusetts is a suburb that literally bumps into Boston. Settled in 1635, the town has born witness to much of America’s history including the first tax-payer funded public school in the United States and the first human-made canal in North America. My family and I live in a house built in the 1870’s and I often wonder what previous occupants experienced, especially after a neighbor dug up an old boot that had buttons instead of laces.

Dedham’s colorful history also includes a distinctive pottery created in the early 20th century. The blue-grey glaze was a fortuitous mistake that lead to the popular Dedham pottery that often had rabbits on the borders or in the middle of the plate or bowl. I wouldn’t doubt that at some point a piece of that pottery was in our house.

So it only makes sense that Dedham’s independent children’s book store, located in the historic Square, would be called The Blue Bunny. It incorporates the town’s history and conveys the colorful energy inside the bookstore. As a mom with twin 8-year-old sons and a nearly 5 year old daughter, all of whom literally seem to have a birthday party every weekend, I am grateful for a place that I can purchase books and simple toys as presents and know that I am supporting our local economy.

The store is co-owned by three Dedham residents – Peter H. Reynolds, author and illustrator of The Dot and Ish, his twin brother Paul and Paul’s wife, Janet. The three of them along with their talented staff are passionate about reading, children and creativity. You cannot walk into the store without being impressed with the selection, layout and atmosphere. A Putumayo CD is often playing and there are book shelves towering up to the beautifully restored tin ceiling. Books are organized by age and the staff are quick to help suggest a book. I feel strongly that birthday presents should include a book and a simple toy. Currently my favorite include decorate your-own projects (for instance a mirror or a memento box) that are reasonably priced. I’m able to get a paperback book and gift for between $12-15. Considering my sons are often invited to the same party, and they can’t very well “share” a gift, I’m grateful for the selection and reasonable prices.

My 4 year old daughter will often end up in the behind the register “helping” Janet wrap whatever book and gift we’ve purchased. Everyone at the Blue Bunny makes all of us, regardless of our ages, feel welcomed. They will host pre-school classes for story hour and will often refer to the children as “their students”.

The bookstore does host authors to sign books, sponsor events throughout town, donates items for fundraisers and helps promote literacy in the local public schools. But what makes The Blue Bunny extra special is its creative energy. There is a space in the back dedicated to workshops ranging from comic book design, making birdhouses to “Art for Creatively Challenged Adults”. I am a proud graduate of that evening class although was very relieved that wine was offered. Currently, they are launching a new kid’s literary magazine, Hutch, which publishes kid’s stories, poetry and art along with writing and art tips from Peter Reynolds.

Going to The Blue Bunny has become part of my daughter’s and my Friday ritual. We go to the local independent coffee shop for a latte (mine) and scone (my 4 year old’s). Then we cross the street to the bookstore. I have to restrain myself for buying something (or things) for the family every time we visit. But really just going into The Blue Bunny is a treat unto itself.

The Blue Bunny Bookstore

577 High Street

Dedham, MA 02026

ph: 781-493-6568

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  1. soccer mom in denial’s avatar

    soccer mom in denial on March 4, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity to talk about The Blue Bunny. I had to work this past Friday and found myself missing the weekly visit. Then a snow day (which canceled school) gave all of my kids and I chance to visit the bookstore.

    It is always a treat.

    As is this site. A terrific place. You both are doing a great job.

  2. Debbie S. Miller’s avatar

    Debbie S. Miller on February 27, 2010 at 4:31 am

    Thanks for sharing the nice article about the Blue Bunny Bookstore. You live in such a interesting, historic community and I look forward to meeting locals during my booksigning there today. As an Alaska author, I love visiting new communities, especially ones with strong and creative independent booksellers!

    All the best,

    Debbie Miller, visiting Alaska author

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