Celebrating Culture, Community, and Children’s Literature at Turtle Books in Brookline Village

The charm of independent bookstores dedicated entirely to young readers was on full display recently as Brookline Village welcomed a vibrant community gathering. Turtle Books, a newly established bookstore devoted solely to children’s literature, served as the warm and welcoming venue for a special storytime and craft session featuring authors Kathleen Choi and Mia Wenjen. Despite dreary, rainy weather outside, the cozy shop filled up with an enthusiastic and diverse crowd that spanned multiple generations, bringing together local families with young children and adult supporters alike to celebrate storytelling, heritage, and the joy of reading.

The event offered a rich lineup of culturally resonant picture books, interactive activities, and artistic crafts that engaged attendees young and old. The program underscored the vital role that specialized neighborhood bookstores play in fostering community connections, particularly through events that highlight diverse cultural traditions, gratitude, and intergenerational bonds.

A Journey Into Chuseok and Korean Traditions

The morning’s programming kicked off with Kathleen Choi, who charmed the audience by reading from her celebrated picture book, Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival, which is beautifully illustrated by Sook Nyul Choi. The book introduces young readers to the heart and meaning of Chuseok, the traditional Korean harvest holiday often described as the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving. Through the lens of family, food, and generational gratitude, Choi’s reading transported the audience into a celebration of heritage and familial love.

Following the story, Choi led an engaging hands-on craft session that allowed children and parents to dive deeper into Korean culture. Participants created a traditional Korean wrapping craft, exploring the artistry and significance of gift presentation in Korean tradition. Alongside this primary activity, an additional second craft kept young hands busy and creative energies flowing throughout the morning session. The blend of literature and tactile art provided a memorable educational experience for the children in attendance.

Bringing Stories to Life Through Action and Imagination

Following the opening segment, author Mia Wenjen took center stage to share her own works, offering a dynamic and interactive reading experience. Wenjen read selections from her poignant picture book, Barbed Wire Between Us, setting a thoughtful tone before transitioning into a high-energy, participatory activity.

Keeping the audience fully engaged, Wenjen and the attendees transitioned from quiet listening to lively physical action as they acted out scenes from her popular picture book, Sumo Joe, illustrated by Sylvia Liu. The playful, movement-filled enactment brought out gales of laughter and allowed children to physically embody the themes of balance, fun, and gentle competition found in the book. This interactive approach bridged the gap between passive listening and active participation, making the stories resonate deeply with the young audience.

A Multigenerational Gathering Rooted in Community Support

The rainy weather outside failed to dampen the spirits inside Turtle Books, where a wonderfully diverse crowd gathered to support the authors and the new independent bookstore. The audience reflected a unique blend of community members, featuring families with young children sharing the joy of early literacy alongside adult friends and supporters. Among the attendees were members of a local "Drawing for Pleasure" class taught by instructor Martin R. Anderson at the Brookline Senior Center, illustrating how children’s literature and local bookstore events can successfully unite different generations through a shared appreciation for the arts and community spaces.

Documentation of the lively event was captured by fellow picture book author Lisa Vacholl Perron, who attended the gathering and provided photography for the occasion. Her snapshots and support added to the collaborative and collegial atmosphere that defines the local children’s literature community. A video capturing highlights of Kathleen Choi and Mia Wenjen’s storytime and craft activities at Turtle Books was subsequently made available online, allowing those who missed the rainy-day event to experience a glimpse of the vibrant morning.

The successful gathering at Turtle Books highlights the ongoing importance of local independent bookstores as cultural hubs. By providing a dedicated space for children’s books and author events, shops like Turtle Books help cultivate a lifelong love of reading while strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods in Brookline Village and beyond.