Teaching Life At Turn The Page Book Shop In Red Bluff

Sonora happily shares her favorite book with her little sister Ayla Mae, held by mom Jillian.

“Again, again, again!” How many parents have heard this plea from their children after reading a book or reciting a rhyme? This might be the only stage of a child’s life when they will repeatedly ask their parents to spend time with them. Veteran parents advise younger parents to embrace those days. Children’s book author Jane Yolen captures those sentiments in her poem, “Read to Me.”

“Read to me riddles and read to me rhymes

Read to me stories of magical times

Read to me tales about castles and kings

Read to me stories of fabulous things

Read to me pirates and read to me knights

Read to me dragons and dragon-book fights

Read to me spaceships and cowboys and then

When you are finished- please read them again.”

Reading to children builds confidence and security, teaches grammar

“Words and stories are a foundation for life,” Heidi Henderson, co-owner of Turn the Page Book Shop says. “Reading to children inspires their imagination, teaches literacy, shapes their character and helps both the reader and the listener learn more about themselves.”

When a child begs to hear a story or a rhyme again, they are trying to memorize the story. Besides language development, this builds confidence and makes them feel secure when they know what is coming next. Reading often to your children will help them be better writers as they age. Children learn correct sentence structure and “what sounds good” to the reader. Reading to young children can make future grammar lessons a breeze. It is a win-win! 

Story time at Turn the Page is a favorite time for Red Bluff families to gather, bond and dream.

Turn the Page Book Shop is built on shared love of the written word

Turn the Page Shop owners Heidi and her daughter, Riley Henderson, are lifelong, avid readers and now published authors. Their love of books stems from their shared love of words. Heidi and Riley have made it the goal of their bookstore to celebrate the written word with their customers – more specifically, the words written on pages.

“Reading a book is a tangible experience,” Heidi says. “It’s tactile in that we hold the book, touch the pages and turn them as the story unfolds. A book is just that—a book. Whereas when we are reading on our phones, for example, any number of distractions can ‘pop up.’ Books give a way of escape from all of that.”

Red Bluff mom Ashley Mendenhall says, “Having various levels of readers in my home, Turn the Page Book Shop has sparked interest in all my children. Their curiosity for learning grows with each visit because there’s something for all of them, which is so encouraging. It really has been a wonderful resource for my growing kids and a gem in our community.”

Turn the Page book shop offers books for all interests and every budget.

Even though Turn the Page co-owner Heidi Henderson is busy running her book shop, she managed to write her book Bits of Paper, one little piece of paper at a time.

Investing in your child’s future with books

Books are companions for the lonely, inspiration for the dreamer, brain exercise for lovers of mystery and the anticipation of a new book can brighten even the darkest mood. “I love discovering the charming, one-of-a-kind bookshops in my local towns,” says Jillian Hower, owner of Mill Creek Resort. “One of my most treasured finds from Turn the Page is a book that remains my daughter’s favorite, even years later. There’s something so special about experiencing a book for the first time or revisiting it over and over as a family. I’ve been reading to my little ones since they were born and watching their love for books grow has been such a joy. Nurturing future bookworms is one of the greatest gifts.”

Heidi and Riley want to keep reading affordable. So, apart from all their new titles, they carry a huge stock of used books which average $7 per book. Reading and placing value in books is something parents can model for their children. Instead of a new video game or a grande coffee, the money could be spent on a book – a valuable investment in your child’s future. Heidi says, “Encouraging your child to slow down and read in the quiet can also help alleviate some of the anxiety disorders that are growing in our country. And, if you still can, sit them in your lap! Healing can be found in that deep connection with your child.”

Story time at Turn the Page

Heidi’s favorite part of owning a book shop is planning Turn the Page’s monthly children’s story time. She puts a lot of thought into picking two books for the occasion with a seasonal theme and an engaging rhyme or word play. She also likes to inspire with adapted classics as often as she can. Heidi always prepares a craft so kids can take the fun back home with them. “If nothing else, we want reading to leave children with a happy and secure feeling.” 

This month’s story time at Turn the Page is April 24, 11am. Heidi will choose two spring themed books to read and will send each child home with a craft. Come by the book shop, 643 Main St., Red Bluff, or visit their website to learn more. 

Priscilla and Emi cheer for Turn the Page. Photo by Kate Hiller.