The most unlikely circumstances can lead to the most delightful surprises. A 100-year-old farmstead on a narrow dirt road in the quiet rural community of River John, Nova Scotia, Canada is a case in point. This is where Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe & Dreamery is located.
The weathered old farmstead has been transformed into a riot of colors and shapes. It’s the perfect blend of old and new; traditional and unconventional; expected and unexpected. It’s a joyful place and a delightful surprise!
Sheree Fitch, an award winning author of children’s books, and her husband Gilles Plante created Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe and Dreamery. One of the characters in her books, Mabel Murple, is the inspiration for this magical place. The fun begins when a feisty little girl named Mable Murple wonders “What if there was a purple planet with purple people on it?”. Mabel is not your stereotypical storybook girl, she’s spunky and adventurous. She rides a motorbike, she skateboards and she skis… all in purple, in course! Mabel is brought to life by Sydney Smith’s charismatic illustrations.
One of the highlights of this remarkable place is a peek-a-boo house where children and fun-loving adults can peek into Mable Murple’s purple world. Those familiar with Mabel Murple stare in awe as they recognize various elements from their favorite story.
But the surprises don’t stop here. Everything from the welcome sign…
…to the kooky wood shed…
… to the mural in the restroom…
… to the lively chicken coop…
… to the granary-turned-book shoppe…
… has been transformed from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
The indie book store is packed with Sheree’s books as well as a fine selection of other books for children and adults. Sheree is often on site and eager to meet visitors and sign books. Of course, I had to buy a copy of Mable Murple and have it signed. It was a pleasure to meet Sheree. She was every bit as energetic and delightful as this place she created.
Guests are encouraged to find a quiet spot to read. Chairs and cozy spaces are sprinkled around the property for this very purpose.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a farm without animals. We saw horses, donkeys, sheep and chickens.
Mabel Murple’s is a magical place well worth visiting. It is obviously a great destination for children but equally fun and enjoyable for playful adults. Sheree and Gilles “hope this is a place for poetry, conversations, for stories, for making friends and making memories.” How could you not want to spend time here?
More Info
Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe and Dreamery has a LIMITED season so advanced planning is crucial. The 2018 season runs until Labour Day Sunday. Open hours are Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. See website and Facebook page for more info.
The Mabel Murple book is beautifully illustrated by Sydney Smith. If you’re interested in illustrators of children’s books, you may want to check out my post on Little Golden Books Illustrations Showcased.
Mabel Murple’s is a joyful place. I’ll be sharing these photos in Instagram with the #joyspotting hashtag. Check out my Joy Spotting post to learn more about joyful objects and patterns.
Today’s Takeaways
1. Consider introducing a child in your life to the spunky Mabel Murple.
2. Seek out and immerse yourself in joyful places.
3. Be open to discovering delightful surprises in unlikely circumstances.
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