Let The Wild Rumpus Start!

Nestled in the neighborhood of Linden Hills sits a children’s bookstore, Wild Rumpus.



When we first saw the bookstore we walked up to the display window where we spied the obligatory literary cat sunning itself while two children happily petted it.



But it wasn’t until we walked through the entrance, which was a door within a door, that we realized this was no ordinary bookstore.



We entered through the larger door mainly because we didn’t have the mandatory “DRINK ME” potion to shrink us. As we passed by the cash register, I quickly grabbed Jonathan’s arm and held him back because a rooster appeared from behind the counter, sauntering across the aisle. Suddenly, like kids, we started searching the store for other animals. We found a few more roosters, a chinchilla, more cats, a lazy lizard, a giant spider, some talkative cockatiels and a ferret lounging on his back in a hammock made just for him.

While searching for more bookish beasts, we also took in the atmosphere of the store itself. First we noticed the tremendous crack that fissured its way across the ceiling.



Then we spotted the various nooks and crannies for the kids to hide and play within.



Twinkle lights, too.



And, finally, the books. So many children’s books of all types, genres and age groups lining the shelves.



However, the truly best part of the bookstore, beyond all the twinkle lights, friendly animals and hidden spaces, was the fact that it was filled with children eager to read actual books. It's wonderful to see, especially when the media likes to scream that books are dead.

When we finally left and headed out the door, one of the roosters sat in the window to say good-bye and have a good day and please return soon, which, of course, we will.