VICTORIA

Squishy Minnie Bookstore

In the village of Kyneton, in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges region, there’s a very special bookshop just for little people. “It looks like someone’s house with lots of books!” exclaimed one recent small visitor; a sentiment that owners Kristen Proud and Lakshal “Lucky” Perera tell us is “exactly the vibe we’re going for”. It’s impossible to resist a browse through this magical space. There are colourful books as far as the eye can see, plus a table for kids to sit at and read or play chess. Kristen and Lucky’s love for all things literary, plus their community spirit, shines through in their shop, and it’s not surprising the store’s ethos is centred around inclusivity. “The idea for Squishy Minnie was that a young person should be able to walk into our space and find themselves reflected back in our books, whether that be seeing their own family system, culture, skin colour, ability or, even more simply, their hobbies within the pages,” Kristen says. “On the flip side, this creates opportunity for other young people to have a window into the lives of their peers.” It’s this philosophy, as well as the weekly storytimes (often featuring guest authors), that ensures Squishy Minnie is a destination for travellers from Melbourne and coastal Victoria. But at the heart of the business are the children of the country. “Growing up in regional areas, I was aware that country kids often have less access to good-quality literature, especially if they don’t have a local library,” says Kristen. While lockdown has seen the business temporarily move online, a trip to the shop is well worth it when possible. Kristen agrees: “If someone leaves with the perfect book for them, that makes us happy… if they don’t leave with a book but have a heartwarming experience, we’re just as thrilled.” 6 High Street, Kyneton, (03) 5460 1420, squishyminnie.com.au