Grapevine’s Talking Animals Books renovates upstairs into enchanted forest-themed children’s area

Grapevine bookstore, Talking Animals Books, has renovated the upstairs at its original location into an enchanted forest-themed lounge for children and parents. 

Katy Lemieux and Valerie Walizadeh first opened their independent bookstore in 2023, with the upstairs always meant to be a place for families. This dream wasn’t able to be fully realized until they opened a second location and converted the original store to be fully for children in late June.

Now, the original location at 103 W. Worth St. is a dedicated children’s bookstore with one shelf for adults and the newer location at 909 S. Main St. offers a wider selection of books and a coffee bar.

The new upstairs opened on Aug. 31 and features a large painted forest mural along with fake trees and grass. The area is also decorated with vines and fairy lights, and includes a playhouse, seating areas and toys and games. 

Walizadeh had the idea for the enchanted forest theme and Celia Strang, the daughter of one of the bookstore’s employees, painted the mural and designed the trees and playhouse. She also paints the window designs at the other location.

The family-centered store includes a changing table in the bathroom.

“Our hope is that the newly remodeled store is a welcoming spot for kids and families,” Lemieux said. “We will have some really fun things going on during Christmas Capital of Texas time, too. It's always been a goal that kids feel welcome in the store and during our activities even if they aren't readers.”

• 103 W. Worth St., Grapevine

• www.talkinganimalsbooks.com