Over the next few weeks, The duty offers a foray into unique independent bookstores rooted in their community to discover the stories, dreams and favorites of those who carry them at arm’s length. Today, we present to you Le Renard perché, a bookstore specializing in children’s literature.
Raphaëlle Beauregard and Mélissa Boudreault always knew they would work in the book industry. Already, as children, they devoured albums, novels and comic strips, marveling at the possibilities of the imagination. Both chose to study literature, before working in bookstores, publishing houses and book fairs.
Then, in 2019, the stars align. Mélissa Boudreault, who was then working in an independent bookstore, had to go on maternity leave. Her colleague, Catherine Chiasson, hires Raphaëlle Beauregard to replace her temporarily. Between the three women, it’s love at first sight. Raphaëlle says: “I was sad because I wouldn’t have the chance to work with Mélissa. Finally, we became friends, a trio united by their common passion for children’s literature. We began to dream of a unique place that would bring readers closer to books. I always take a long time to make decisions, but when the girls came up with the idea for the bookstore, I didn’t hesitate for a second. »
A few months later, the three friends find a place, at the corner of Ontario and Nicolet, in the borough of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, in Montreal. “Each time the development company conducted a survey of residents to find out which businesses they wanted in the neighborhood, we found an Indian restaurant, a fish market and a bookstore,” says Mélissa Boudreault, laughing. The need was dire. »
Young people first
1er January 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accomplices obtain the keys to what would become Le Renard perché. From this first day, they begin to dream and sketch plans for a generalist bookstore, with particular attention paid to children’s literature. “It’s one of my fondest memories,” says Mélissa Boudreault.
Why this passion for children’s books? “Children’s books are windows on the world, small accessible works of art, which help to develop the imagination, tolerance and sensitivity to beauty. It’s wonderful to see a child opening up to other realities, questioning the world and his emotions. »
“For us, it went without saying to give a youthful touch to our bookstore. Even though we offer books for all angles, this specialty has allowed us to find a touch of madness, to create a colourful, magical, vibrant place, in our image,” adds Raphaëlle Beauregard.
The place is indeed beautiful. Illuminated by touches of sage green, sunny yellow and salmon pink, the displays highlight children’s albums that are all little masterpieces. An adult section features carefully chosen titles. Windows, hiding places, and even a small tent… everything has been designed to offer young and old alike moments to connect with books and let their curiosity flow. Larger spaces are also planned to receive launches, autograph sessions or pajama story hours. The lucky ones can even find autographed copies there, to give as gifts or to keep preciously in their personal library.
The importance of links
Le Renard perché didn’t take long to become a staple for neighborhood residents. The booksellers know many of the customers by name and have the privilege of watching children grow up, discover the pleasure of reading and develop their own interests. They also make it a point of honor to showcase local authors and illustrators, and to become a real place of transmission, a cultural meeting point.
The owners collaborate with several organizations to promote reading, in addition to organizing outdoor activities with the Société de développement du quartier. A partnership with the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier also allows them to promote plays published in the form of books and to encourage the public’s reflection with the help of related works.
Their events always attract a large number of visitors. “One Friday evening, two weeks ago, we had planned a story hour, says Raphaëlle Beauregard. It was pouring rain. I thought it would be a flop. However, the bookstore was full to bursting. It was so touching to see what we had accomplished. The same evening, Mélissa asked us to be the godmothers of her son Émile, thanks to whom we met. It was the icing on the sundae. »
What do the three founders prefer about their job? Weave links and find small pieces that do good, that reassure, that comfort, that move us forward and reflect, that fill a need in the form of books.
“Reading is such a personal act. Each book resonates differently from person to person. By telling us how a book made them feel, or how it helped them through a difficult time, customers allow us to enter that private space. It is the same with families, who go through the stages of development with us in which they wish to accompany their children. It’s hard not to have an authentic relationship with people when they give you access to their intimacy,” says Mélissa Boudreault.
“We are a bit like pharmacists of the soul. There is nothing more magical than putting the right books in the right hands,” adds her colleague.