Over the next few weeks, Le Devoir is offering a foray into unique independent bookstores rooted in their communities to discover the stories, dreams and favorites of those who keep them at bay. Today we present Le Renard perché, a bookshop specializing in children’s literature.
Raphaëlle Beauregard and Mélissa Boudreault always knew they would work in the book industry. Even as children, they devoured albums, novels and comics and were amazed at the possibilities of their imagination. Both decided to study literature before working in bookshops, publishing houses and at book fairs.
Then, in 2019, the stars align. Mélissa Boudreault, who was then working in an independent bookshop, had to go on maternity leave. Her colleague Catherine Chiasson hires Raphaëlle Beauregard as a temporary replacement. It is love at first sight between the three women. Raphaëlle says: “I was sad because I didn’t have a chance to work with Mélissa. Eventually we became friends, a trio bound by a shared passion for children’s literature. We started dreaming of a unique place that would bring books closer to readers. It always takes me 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 an apartment on the corner of Ontario and Nicolet, in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood of Montreal. “Every time the development company conducted a survey of residents to find out what shops they wanted in the neighborhood, we found an Indian restaurant, a fish market and a bookstore,” laughs Mélissa Boudreault. The need was great. »
Young people first
On January 1, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accomplices received the keys to what would later become Le Renard perché. From that first day, they start dreaming and making plans for a general bookstore, paying special attention 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 that help to develop imagination, tolerance and sensitivity to beauty.” It is wonderful to see a child opening up to other realities and questioning the world and their feelings. »
“For us it was natural to give our bookstore a youthful touch. Although we offer books from all angles, this specialty has allowed us to find a touch of madness and create a colourful, magical and lively place following our example”, adds Raphaëlle Beauregard.
The place is really beautiful. Illuminated with accents of sage green, sunshine yellow and salmon pink, the displays highlight children’s albums, all of which are small masterpieces. An adult section features carefully curated titles. Windows, hiding places and even a small tent… everything is designed to offer young and old alike moments to engage with books and unleash their curiosity. Larger rooms for product launches, autograph sessions or pajama stories are also planned. The lucky ones can even find autographed copies to give away or keep in their personal library.
The importance of links
It didn’t take long for Le Renard perché to become a staple of the neighborhood’s residents. The booksellers know many of the customers by name and have the privilege of seeing children grow up, discover the joy of reading and develop their own interests. In addition, for them it is a point of honor to present local authors and illustrators and to become a real place of transmission, a cultural meeting point.
The owners work with several organizations to promote reading and also organize outdoor activities with the Société de développement du quartier. A partnership with the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier also enables them to sponsor plays published in book form and stimulate audience thought through related works.
Your events always attract many visitors. “We had scheduled a storytelling session on a Friday night two weeks ago,” says Raphaëlle Beauregard. It was pouring rain. I thought it was a flop. However, the bookstore was packed to the brim. It was so touching to see what we had achieved. That same evening, Mélissa asked us to be godmothers to 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 connections and find little pieces that do good, soothe, comfort, move us forward and reflect, that fill a need in the form of books.
“Reading is such a personal act. Every 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, they allow us to enter that private realm. The same applies to families who go through the development phases with us in which they would like to accompany their children. It’s hard not to have an authentic relationship with people when they allow you access to their intimacy,” says Mélissa Boudreault.
“We are a bit like pharmacists of the soul. There’s nothing more magical than putting the right books in the right hands,” adds her colleague.