New Bookstore Opens in Fox River Grove, Inspiring Young Readers

A new independent children’s bookstore, Magical Forest Bookstore, has officially opened its doors in Fox River Grove, Illinois. Founded by former grade school English teacher Susan Kelly, the store aims to create a magical space that fosters a love for reading among children and their families. Located in the Stone Hill Shopping Center at 902 Route 22, the bookstore opened in August 2023 and offers a curated selection of children’s books, toys, and engaging community programs.

Kelly, a resident of Crystal Lake, has a deep appreciation for literature, rooted in her own childhood experiences. “A bookstore has always been my dream,” she stated in a recent news release from the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. “Magical Forest is truly a reflection of my passion for stories and the power they hold.” She envisioned a space where families could explore the wonder of reading together, while also building a community centered on creativity and connection.

The bookstore’s collection features a mix of classic favorites and contemporary titles, with a focus on dual-language and Spanish books. Each title is handpicked by Kelly to align with what she describes as a “certain vibe.” For example, the only Dr. Seuss book she carries is The Lorax, chosen specifically for its strong environmental themes. “The store is small, so I have to be selective,” she explained.

In addition to books, Magical Forest offers a range of toys, from felted finger puppets to low-tech fidget gadgets. Kelly has made a point of featuring handmade toys by artists from Kyiv, Ukraine, which she discovered on Etsy. Customers can also order titles not available in-store through bookshop.org, with proceeds supporting the bookstore.

Creating a Whimsical Environment

The theme of a “magical forest” was inspired by Kelly’s belief that every good story happens in a forest. This concept was solidified when she found three large metal mushrooms at All American Reclaim in Lake Barrington, which now serve as focal points in the store. The décor features bright shades of yellow and green, designed to evoke the feeling of wandering through a forest.

Children’s seating is plentiful, encouraging families to linger and explore. “I love when toddlers come in and immediately grab a toy or a book,” Kelly said. This welcoming atmosphere is part of her vision for the store.

Having moved to Crystal Lake approximately two years ago, Kelly saw the opening of a bookstore as a chance to pursue her long-held ambition of being her own boss. With her son now attending college, she decided this was the ideal moment to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. Growing up in Chicago, she was surrounded by books, as her father worked for World Book Encyclopedia. One memorable experience involved being asked to leave a bookstore after closing because she was too engrossed in reading.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, Kelly has aspirations to expand her offerings to include fiction for all ages. She plans to introduce a small section for “grown-up fiction” this winter and is considering starting a YouTube channel to highlight featured books in her store and share their stories.

Despite these plans, Kelly emphasized that the focus on children’s literature would remain central to her mission. “Reading should be fun,” she asserted. “I want this to be a fun, safe place to be.”

Magical Forest Bookstore is more than just a retail space; it represents Kelly’s dedication to nurturing a love for reading in young minds and creating a vibrant community hub in Fox River Grove.