Peter Pan, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel: What do they have in common? They’re all great picks for Tell a Fairy Tale Day, a fun Feb. 26 “holiday.”
Just ask Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom in Ann Arbor. This store provides enchanting “fairy tea” story times for kids (including one on Feb. 19), engaging young imaginations and sparking curiosity.
“Fairy tales teach children how to learn gender roles – how to develop better relationships,” says children’s event director Miranda Ransom, 30, of Ypsilanti. “They stimulate creativity and help them think of what they want to be when they grow up.”
This whimsical shop, open since 1982, brims with books to dazzle the minds of children and adults, along with unique knickknacks and over 100 varieties of tea and coffee.
“As we grow up, we tend to get used to being an adult and we lose our imagination,” Ransom says. “Fairy tales give children the opportunity to step outside of the box.”
We asked Ransom to recommend a few fairy tales you can share with your kids. Here are her top choices.
The Sock Fairy and The Knot Fairy by Bobbie Hinman
Who’s really responsible for missing, mismatched and hole-in-the-toe socks? And why is kids’ hair so tangled and knotted in the morning? These two books offer magical explanations. Ages 3-7. Best Fairy Books (2008 and ’07). $15.95 each.
The Little Mermaid by Michael Teitelbaum
Turn bath time into the deep blue sea with this Disney Princess book as you explore underwater adventures. Ages 3-7. Golden/Disney (2003). $3.99.
The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop
Strike your children’s fancies and help them uncover their unique gifts with this adventure. Ages 4-plus. Puffin (1996). $5.99.
Valentine’s Day Fairy Tea
With tea and cookies served by “real fairies,” this special story time for ages 2-8 invites children to dress as their favorite fairy for 75 minutes of fun.
When: 1 and 4 p.m. Thursday Feb. 19
Cost: $11/person (buy online in advance)
Location: Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom, 114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
Contact: 734-665-2757, crazywisdom.net
General hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday
