The Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop

Rona Simpson chats with owner, Aileen Jeffrey

1. What made you decide to open a bookshop?

Opening a bookshop seemed more of an ‘out of reach dream’ that I had than anything else, then one night my husband and I were discussing what we would do if we won the lottery and I told him that I would open a bookshop, his reply was ‘well why can’t you, why don’t you look into it?’ And so with a little help from the Business Gateway and Transmit Startups it began to look like more of an achievable dream. With my husband Bryan now working from home it gives us much more flexibility with childcare. As a Health Visitor I knew that I wanted to focus on a children’s bookshop, the benefits of reading to children are huge, through promoting brain development, relationships and supporting language acquisition. For older children reading can further learning and be a form of escapism. I will be stocking books from birth to young adult and will also have some parenting books in stock. There aren’t many independent bookshops within the UK at present, but the numbers are starting to increase which is such a positive thing.

2. Who is your favourite children’s author?

At the moment my favourite children’s author is Matt Haig, I enjoy reading his adult books and it has become a family tradition that I read one of his children’s books to the children each year at Christmas, which is lovely. There are so many great authors, but Julia Donaldson is brilliant at what she does, I love the rhyming and repetition within her books.

3. Do you have a favourite illustrator?

My favourite illustrator would have to be Tony Ross, partly because my son absolutely loves his illustrations in the David Walliams books, but he is just such a phenomenal illustrator. My favourite illustrated children’s book is ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury, I loved reading this book to my children, it’s incredibly captivating and has such beautiful imagery.

4. Were you a ‘bookworm’ as a kid? And do you think children’s books have changed since you were young?

I was definitely a bookworm when I was younger; I loved nothing more than going into a bookshop or the library and getting new books. Children have such a variety of books to choose from and there are many more books available now that are factually based but appealing for younger readers such as the ‘Little People, Big Dreams series’.

5. Can you remember a book or story when you were little that made a big impression on you?

I remember being in school and I think I was in primary 3, the teacher read ‘James and the Giant Peach’ by Roald Dahl to the class and I loved it, it was always the part of the day that I looked forward to. I remember escaping into the story and picturing the scenes in my head. It’s one of the reasons that I would love to link in with the local schools and nurseries.

6. Where did the name ‘Ginger Cat Bookshop’ come from?

The ‘Ginger Cat’ name came from our ginger cat called Peanut, he is the most loving family pet and I couldn’t think of a better name for the shop.

7. Will you be selling other items as well as books?

As well as books I will be selling some other children’s products such as Orchard games and some eco-friendly toys. I’ll also have gift cards, gift wrap and notebooks.

8. When will you be open, and can you tell us your opening hours (We can’t wait to have a browse!)?

I hope to be open by the end of November all going well, but I will definitely be open for December with lots of lovely Christmas stock.

My address is 8 Stewart Place, Kilmacolm (nextdoor to Decorus)

Opening local hours community, will be Mon-Fri local business, 9am-5pm local and Sat 10am-4pm