Here is this week’s Plainville, MA Business Highlight! Keep reading for the giveaway!
I find it humbling to know that just around the corner from my home is the house that Jeff Kinney, the best selling children’s author, once lived in with his family.
If you don’t know who Jeff Kinney is, you might know of his book series, “Diary of A Wimpy Kid”. If you don’t know of either, you really should check them out! The series is AWESOME- my 9-year-old son and I thoroughly enjoy reading about Greg and all his shenanigans. What’s even cooler? A few years ago, Jeff and his wife, Julie, rehabbed a dilapidated building in Plainville Center and opened a charming bookstore there called An Unlikely Story.
An Unlikely Story is quite possibly one of the best things to ever happen to Plainville. The bookstore itself is beautiful (inside and out) and it has helped to bring much needed attention and revenue to our tiny town. And also, books! Is there anything better than the smell of pages from a REAL good book?
I used to bring my kids to Story Times and other free events they hosted when the kids were little. These events were fantastic! The kids listened to loads of stories being read to them sang songs, and left with a super cute craft. And, did I mention, it was always FREE? Recently, I took my son to a really cool socially distant even that was hosted by An Unlikely Story for “Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Deep End’s” release. It was so well done ! We remained in our car the entire time and drove through an elaborate and quite frankly brilliant setup representing a pool party. Event participants got into the fun and decorated their cars, too. After a few fun and socially distant games, my son was handed his new book signed by Jeff Kinney himself. The best part? Jeff handed it directly to him, using a pool net! We all got a kick out of that!
Covid has definitely changed many things for all of us, one of which being able to attend indoor events, such as Story Times. An Unlikely Story has gone above and beyond to help keep all of us entertained and connected during these trying times. I have been adding events hosted by them to my Macaroni Kid calendar, such as: virtual story times, virtual trivia, and live interactions with authors. There are events dedicated to adults, kids, and families, virtually every day. (See what I did there?)
I recently stopped into the store to grab a few things for my son’s birthday. My daughter and I were greeted at the door after a brief wait, given the Covid run down, provided with hand sanitizer, and then informed that there was a small holiday boutique upstairs as well. I was so excited to hear that! My daughter and I picked up a new card game (Flipping Frenzy —it’s a good one!) and other Wimpy Kid swag for my son. We then went upstairs and had a blast looking at all the cuteness within the boutique! What an awesome way to shop local for the holidays!
Most of my friends were not aware that there is a boutique set up in the store so I thought it would be worth mentioning here! There is a capacity limit, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait to get inside the building. It can feel strange having to wait outside a store, wearing a mask, but, it is also really great to know that a store has not only their employees’ safety in mind, but ours as well.
Speaking of employees, I have never had so many positive customer service interactions with one business in my life. Every time I stop in in the store, call, email, or Facebook comment I am incredibly pleased with just how nice everyone is that works there. I mean it. I am not being paid to write one single word of this review.
When I walk around the block and see that cozy house that Jeff Kinney once lived in, it reminds me that absolutely anyone can follow their dreams and make amazing things happen. Dreams DO come true, as long as you believe in them... and work hard!
My Son with Jeff Kinney October 25, 2020
CLICK TO ENTER TO WIN A $25 GIFT CARD TO
Peace, Love, & Macaroni,
Jenn
*Neither Review or Giveaway were sponsored by An Unlikely Story. This is 100% my opinion.
