With Barbara's knowledge of childhood learning, and her husband Tom's architectural flair for bringing the store to life, Storybook Village truly is a destination experience. The architectural features in the store were inspired from centennial landmarks in Pentwater and showcase perfectly all of the award winning books, puppets, musical instruments and interactive toys that engage children of all ages, in imaginative play. Starlight Theatre, added in 2013, delights hundreds of kids every year with interactive puppet shows, art and storytelling workshops, author visits, as well as school field trips and birthday parties.
This vision has been recognized and honored by teachers as one of the top 14 children's bookstores in the United States. Since being discovered by people outside of Pentwater, parents, grandparents, educators and children come to Pentwater just to take in Storybook Village.
Meet the Visionairies...
Barbara Sims, owner and operator of Storybook Village, is a former teacher and administrator of early learning services and remains active in local, state and national advocacy initiatives on behalf of children and families.
"Early childhood education is my life work and Storybook Village is a culmination of that work and such a fun outlet for me to share what I've learned and do what I love to do. Our goal is to get great books and exciting language and literacy experiences into the hands of children. We are also mindful of the great need that exists in our neighboring communities of children who do not have access to these resources and this is an important part of our mission to reach out to them as well." - Barbara Sims