Local Literati: Interview with Heather Hebert
As book lovers, Kirsten and I love to showcase local authors and booksellers. I knew I wanted to do an interview with Heather Hebert, owner of Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA.
If you have never been to Children’s Book World, you are missing out. The store has every children’s book you can imagine and some books you may not have heard of before.
The collection includes an amazing assortment of middle grade and young adult books, as well as a small but meaty selection of adult books. What I love best about this store is the encyclopedic knowledge of books possessed by every person who works there.
They help my kids choose fantastic books that they love. A few choice questions later and my kids will all have a book that they can’t wait to read. In my world, that is a superpower!!!
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An Interview with Heather Hebert
Where did you go to High School? Friends’ Central School
What was your favorite High School required read? I loved To Kill A Mockingbird but we actually read that in middle school. We read a book of essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson that was probably my favorite but in truth, I had the most amazing high school English teacher, Mr. McCullom, and I loved EVERY book we read with him – he was that amazing!
What is your favorite restaurant in Philly? Right now it’s High Street on Market
What is your favorite hidden gem in Philly? Oh, I love…wait, if I tell you it won’t be hidden anymore 😉
What is your favorite childhood memory of this area? Going to the soda fountain at Mapes in Narberth.
What is your ideal Sunday Funday? Anything with my family!
What do you love most about the Mainline/Philly? I love the history of Philadelphia and all of her neighborhoods.
What are some of your favorite reads? Oh boy, that is too tough! How much time do you have? I am going to narrow it down to just ones I have read recently. GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes, LENGTH OF A STRING by Elissa Brent Weissman, WISHTREE by Katherine Applegate and HEY, KIDDO by Jarrett Krosoczka. These are all beautifully written, thought-provoking, and important books.
What is the last book you read? Bridge of Clay – Markus Zusak
Where is your favorite place to read? On a plane – because no one can bother me!
What’s on your nightstand? Okay- this is embarrassing because I don’t have a pile I have a tower (actually three towers).
To Be Read:
- Lovely War – Julie Berry
- Tales from the Inner City – Shaun Tan
- A Very Large Expanse of Sea – Tahereh Mafi
- Seafire – Natalie Parker
- Maybe A Mermaid – Josephine Cameron
- Leadership – Doris Kearns Goodwin
- 21 Lessons for the 21st Century – Yuval Noah Harari
Reading Now
- Far From the Tree – Robin Benway
- Harbour Me – Jacqueline Woodson
- Prince and the Dressmaker – Jen Wang
- Voice Lessons for Parents – Wendy Mogel
- Soul of America – Jon Meacham
- Israeli Soul – Michael Solomonov (I know I am not the only one that reads cookbooks in bed, right?)
Just finished but haven’t put away yet:
- Here to Stay – Sarah Farizen
- Shout – Laurie Halse Anderson
- Someday -David Levithan
- Soul of an Octopus – Sy Montgomery
- Educated – Tara Westover
- Rise and Kill First – Ronen Bergman
- Dactyl Hill Squad – Daniel Jose Older
Name 5 things you can’t live without: My family, books, music, jigsaw puzzles, and Mexican food.
Can you tell us about Children’s Book World? My mother opened the store just about 30 years ago. We are primarily children’s books – Birth to Young Adult – but have a nice selection of fiction and non-fiction for adults as well. While our business has many different aspects; author visits, special events, book fairs, curriculum fulfillment, the heart of our store and what we love to do most is find that special book for our young customers that will make them want to keep reading.
What inspired you to become an independent bookstore owner? My mom.
What is your favorite part about your job? Talking with kids about books.
What is the biggest challenge you face as an indie bookstore owner? Amazon.
How many children’s books do you read each month and how many adult books do you read? Gazillions of kids books and a handful of adult books (if I have time.)
And the most important…
Coffee or tea? COFFEE
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