Supporting small business owners is one of the best parts about being a Macaroni KID publisher (technically, I'm a small business owner too, which I tend to forget!). Small business owners devote time and resources into making connections and impacts in their communities - and that is for sure true of Moon and Back Bookstore, one of my favorite additions to Medford. Need a book about Pokemon? Check. Need the latest in dinosaur tales? Check. Unicorn books? They've got plenty. But more than the inventory, they genuinely care about helping my kids pick out a perfect book, and that's the number one reason my kids love it. They feel seen and heard there - and most retail stores just don't cater to kids their ages. In honor of Moon and Back's 1-year anniversary, I asked Michelle to share what her first year in business has been like. I hope you enjoy!
It’s been one whole year since you opened your doors! What has been your favorite part of welcoming local families into Moon and Back Bookstore?
It’s been such a fun, joyful undertaking, it's hard to pick! I think hearing SO many people say how happy they are that we are *here* in Medford makes it worthwhile. We love that kids can be kids here. It’s ok that they want to touch everything or may not stay quiet/seated during storytime (we 100% expect that!). Plus, there’s something magical about any kids’ bookstore, but the fact that you can just pop over after school or on your way to one of the 87 kid’s parties you’ll be invited to this year makes it more special.
Have there been any moments over the past year where you thought, “This is exactly why we opened a children’s bookstore”?
Thankfully, I think it pretty much every day! When I see a kid come in holding a gift certificate with wide eyes and glee; when I see a little one who looks nervous to be in a new space, and then immediately calms down when they see our bubble fish tank; when a kid RUNS to a section of books full of their favorite things; when kids cozy up on the couch to flip through a book; when a kid finds exactly the book they were looking for and cheers; (I could keep going... ) On a personal note, I’m especially grateful for this little bookstore on the hard days (and there have been too many in the last year) because the bookstore is just filled with so much love and hope, it’s hard to be discouraged.
Are there any books, series, or characters that have become surprise favorites with kids and families this year?
Our boys love the Who Would Win series, so I shouldn’t be surprised that so many other kids love it too, but it really is quite a phenomenon! When we opened, I didn’t know that Jerry Pallotta (the author of the Who Would Win series) grew up right here in West Medford! Jerry launched his latest in the series (Who Would Win: Porcupine vs Pangolin) here at the bookstore in September, and the event was jammed! The Greeking Out book series, which is about Greek mythology, has been surprisingly popular for both kids and adults!
Moon and Back has become such a cozy spot for storytimes and events — what kinds of programs have families loved most so far?
One of our favorite events was Touch-a-Truck & storytime with the Medford Fire Department, which was a blast for all the truck-obsessed kiddos. We also had a lot of fun with our Stuffie Sleepover, where kids dropped off a Stuffie to sleep at the bookstore overnight, and then we posted pictures of their Stuffies doing silly things at the bookstore. Another community favorite was the month-long Where’s Waldo program that we did in collaboration with the ABA and Candlewick Press. Little Waldo standees were hidden in 25 different local Medford businesses for kids to find, and kids that found 10 or more Waldos earned a prize! It was awesome to collaborate with other local businesses. (All these events will be back in 2026!)
As you celebrate your first birthday, what can families look forward to next at Moon and Back Bookstore?
Moon and Back is (and always will be) a safe and welcoming space for kids. We are going to keep showing up with books and events that promote kindness and build community. We will continue to host storytimes on Wednesdays at 10:30am AND Saturdays at 2:30pm, including author events and storytimes with community guest readers (sign up to read with us!). We will continue to partner with local businesses and artists, with the city and local schools, with the MFN and other charitable organizations that provide support and resources for local families. We’re excited to host more birthday parties this year (more info on private parties) and always offer free wrapping on any purchase!
