The Pettit’s recently opened a 150,000-square-foot building with more than 40 immersive storybook-themed exhibits. The first floor of the building is currently open to the public, with plans to expand in the future. Future additions will include a café serving storybook-referenced food, such as Strega Nona’s pasta and Bobo’s jum-jills from the book “The Funny Thing,” as well as additional rooms for crafts and activities. The goal of the exhibit, according to Deb Pettit, is to instill a love of reading in children.
Deb Pettit believes that instilling a love of reading is more important than simply being able to read. She believes that individuals who seek to ban or politicize books are not serious readers, and are often afraid of what they don’t know. Pettit hopes that the immersive storybook exhibits will expose both new and experienced readers to characters, cultures, and experiences they may not have encountered before. By providing a fun and engaging environment that celebrates literature, the Pettits aim to foster a love of reading in young visitors.
The Pettits have created an environment that aims to engage children and foster a love of reading through interactive exhibits and activities. By incorporating storybook themes, characters, and cuisine, they hope to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for children of all ages. The café, planned to serve storybook-referenced food, will provide visitors with an immersive dining experience that enhances the overall storybook theme of the exhibit. In addition, the Pettits plan to offer rooms for crafts and other activities to further engage visitors and encourage a hands-on approach to learning.
Deb Pettit emphasized the importance of exposing readers to characters, cultures, and experiences that may be unfamiliar to them. By providing a diverse range of stories and themes, the exhibit aims to broaden visitors’ perspectives and foster a sense of curiosity and exploration. Pettit believes that individuals who seek to control or limit access to certain books are often motivated by fear of the unknown, and hopes that the immersive storybook exhibits will help to break down barriers and promote a more open-minded approach to literature. Ultimately, the goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates the power of storytelling and encourages a lifelong love of reading in all who visit.
The Pettits’ passion for promoting literacy and a love of reading is evident in their efforts to create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. By combining interactive exhibits, themed cuisine, and hands-on activities, they aim to make reading a fun and accessible activity for children. The emphasis on fostering a love of reading, rather than simply teaching the mechanics of reading, reflects their belief in the transformative power of literature. Through their exhibit, the Pettits hope to inspire a new generation of readers and instill in them a lifelong appreciation for the magic of storytelling.
In a society where reading is increasingly overshadowed by digital media and technology, the Pettits’ exhibit serves as a reminder of the joy and wonder that can be found in books. By creating a space that celebrates the power of storytelling and encourages creativity and imagination, they hope to spark a renewed interest in reading among children and families. Through their dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes literacy and a love of reading, the Pettits are making a valuable contribution to the cultural landscape and inspiring others to embrace the magic of books.
