Dozens of youngsters were seated quietly on the floor at Anderson’s Bookshop, listening intently as 8th-grade language arts teacher Jeanne Topic read aloud two Dr. Seuss classics Friday afternoon. The special occasion was to celebrate IndieBound-Naperville’s “Grow Your Heart Three Sizes” promotion as it came to a close this holiday season.
First there was the story of the mean green Grinch who “hated Christmas, the whole Christmas season. Oh, please don’t ask why, no one quite knows the reason.”
Quite by contrast, The Grinch who Stole Christmas was followed by Horton Hears the Who, featuring the lovable elephant who represents kindness, trustworthiness and perseverance.
Both stories kept the youngsters spellbound as they listened to verse after verse, eagerly waiting for the promised arrival of The Grinch, known for his rants about noise, noise, noise, noise.
Unlike the loud tiny Who’s of Whoville, the youngsters sat quietly, listening to the popular rhymes that have been passed on the children since the 1950s.
‘I found the Grinch’ Promotion
IndieBound Naperville’s Grinch promotion, preceded by Where’s Waldo? during the summer of 2012, served as another way to introduce individuals to the independent business community right in their hometown.
Beginning Nov. 23, individuals had the opportunity to look for 16 Grinches hidden on shelves at participating merchants from downtown Naperville to shopping destinations all over town, north to south and east to west.
During the Grinch Party, youngsters had a chance to meet the popular Dr. Seuss character. Thanks to the Seuss Estate, youngsters received a Horton stuffed animal. Other giveaways were provided by Random House Children’s Group.
More than 35 individuals completed the “I found the Grinch” search for 16 Grinches and entered the contest that included prize drawings for 22 assorted Dr. Seuss books, videos, Cock Robin t-shirts and other prizes from independent merchants. Refreshments were served. No purchase was necessary and individuals did not have to be present to win.
“This promotion was a great collaboration between a local independent book store and Random House,” said Tim Mooney, District Sales Manager of the Random House, who expressed his enthusiasm about the large turnout and participation.
“I’m hoping this will become a model for other independents to learn from,” Mooney said. “Buy local and partner was a facet of this promotion that was special.”
“I think everyone—independent merchants and Grinch finders— who participated grew their smart heart this holiday season,” said Becky Anderson, grateful that so many IndieBound-Naperville merchants throughout the city participated in the promotion to raise awareness about the importance of shopping locally and supporting independent shops and restaurants.
“We live, work and play here and we have a stake in the thriving culture of our hometown every day of the year,” added Anderson.
FYI: Anderson’s Bookshop, located at 123 W. Jefferson Ave., will be calling prize winners who did not attend the Grinch Party. For more information, call (630) 355-2665.
Thanks, IndieBound Naperville!
Thanks to all participating independent business owners who turned Naperville into Whoville this holiday season!
Dean’s Clothing, Dog Patch Pet & Feed, Ellman’s Music Center, Second Chance Retail, Porter Presentations, Two Bostons (both locations), Naperville Dog Magazine, Positively Naperville, Twisted Olive, Heaven on Seven, Quigley’s Irish Pub, Anderson’s Bookshop, Anderson’s Two Doors East, Couture Vision, Cowart Chiropractic, Gelati, Restyle, The Boxes, AnaBanana Kids, Gotskind Shoes, QBBQ, Roseland Draperies, Cookie Dough Creations, Sugar Monkey Cupcakes, Bela Caley, The Irish Way Shop, Saraboo Creek, Twist Boutique, Naperville Running Company and O’Cie Floral welcomed all ages to join the search for the Grinch.