We've had wonderful storytellers/Mamans including Jacqueline and Claire, and Stephanie Berthier from Français a la Mode, and several parents have said they would like to read stories, so we will continue to plan more. [By the way, for the latest updates--including last minute events--please check Facebook or Twitter!] We wlll also begin hosting free, informal playdates every Tuesdays and Thursday at 11am for Moms, Dads and caregivers who just want to come and play in a French environment. There are toys in the kids' corner (between Tinker Toys and Magna Tiles I've seen some very impressive constructions!). We almost always have French music playing, and you never know when people will spontaneously break into song (like on Sunday everyone was comparing notes on children's music CDs and we all sang "Jean Petit qui Danse, avec sa main il danse...."). And last but not least -- les livres!
We are also opening up to any groups who would like to use our space for French-language activities (book club coordinators, conversation group leaders, vous etes les bienvenues!). Elisenda Sola-Sole (isn't that a poetic name?) --owner of the Kensington Row Bookshop --is extremely welcoming of our growing community of French speakers at the store, and has graciously offered to share her two very cozy meeting spaces with tables to any of us who would like to use them--for free! In the works: monthly book club for 3rd graders, possibly beginning with Tintin books. A very nice mom of a third grader at Sligo Creek immersion has offered to help organize this but we need a fluent French speaker to lead the discussions. Please get in touch if you are interested in leading this or another activity: bonjourmamadc@gmail.com.
Last but not least, we've moved! Not far: we're still at 3786 Howard Ave, inside the Kensington Row Bookshop, but we are now downstairs in our own room at the back of the store. It is also prime real estate, right next to the English kids section with the gorgeous dollhouse that many of your little ones have discovered wandering through the store.
Spring must be just around the corner, n'est-ce pas? In the meantime, I hope you are all getting a chance to curl up with a great book on these freezing evenings. And during the day, come cozy up with us: we have tea (please be green and bring your own mug!) --in addition to a steady stream of wonderful stories --on tap for all comers!
A bientot!
Jennifer
(Bonjour Mama)
Brand New Titles Just In!
Very cute stories by one of our favorite publishers (Usborne)- perfect for naptime or bedtime! $22.95
New in Déjà-Lu (Gently Used Books)
Lots of old J'aime lire and Moi je lis magazines for $2 each! Fantastic magazines with a mix of comics, chapters, and activities.
Please trade in your books! We offer credit (generally about 25% of the cover price) in store credit toward new books. You can use credit to pay for up to half of the price of your purchase of old or new books.
Upcoming Events
For the latest updates - including events planned last minute! please checkFacebook or Twitter!
Tuesday, 3/11
11am - Songs and stories with Beatrice Winter of Musical French! Recomended for ages 5+.
Space is limited - please RSVP to bonjourmamadc@gmail.com or via Facebook.
Thursday, 3/13
11am: French-language playdate: play, read, speak in French!
Tuesday, 3/18
Tuesday, 3/18
11am: French-language playdate: play, read, speak in French!
Thursday, 3/20
11am: French-language playdate: play, read, speak in French!
Tuesday, 3/25
10:30am: Storytime with Jacqueline!
11am: French-language playdate: play, read, speak in French!
Thursday, 3/27
11am: French-language playdate: play, read, speak in French!
Sunday, 4/27:
The Kensington Book Festival is on Sunday April 27, 2014 and Bonjour Mama is honored to be part of the organizing committee. Now in its ninth year, the Day of the Book has grown to be "one of the top literary festivals in the Washington DC area" (Washington Post), with over 100 participants and an expected 5,000-6,000 visitors. The event is geared toward book lovers of all ages and is organized as a street festival with author tables, poetry and author readings, artist displays, children's activities, food, music, and more. Are you an author or poet, or do you know someone who is? All languages welcome! Visit the web site for more information, or contact kensingtonbookfestival14@gmail.com!
English-Language Usborne/Kane Miller Books
Did you know that Bonjour Mama also carries award-winning Usborne English-language children's books? They are available on www.zachsbookstore.com and at local community events. Also, are you interested in becoming a publisher's representative, supplying books in your community or local schools and libraries in your spare time? This is a fantastic opportunity for SAHMs to earn extra income and a steady supply of amazing free children's books! We are recruiting someone to register as a rep and help with several events this spring. Training and support will be provided - all you need to have is a love of children and books! Find out more here.
Bonjour Mama Bookstore
Location: 3786 Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
(Inside the Kensington Row Bookshop)
240-383-9163, bonjourmamadc@gmail.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 3pm and Sundays from 12pm-5pm
Location: 3786 Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
(Inside the Kensington Row Bookshop)
240-383-9163, bonjourmamadc@gmail.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 3pm and Sundays from 12pm-5pm
