The Little Bookstore: Empowering Bilingual Literacy and Building Bridges for Young Learners
An innovative bookstore has opened its doors to the Katy community. Approaching its first month in business, The Little Bookstore promotes bilingual literacy among children and families in a cozy and inviting environment where the community can immerse themselves in a unique bilingual education experience.
The store is the brainchild of Gabriela Gotay, a Venezuelan creative writer, educator, and bilingual children’s book author. Gotay's passion for literature and language is deeply rooted in her diverse experiences, spanning from designing Reading Corners in child therapy centers to advocating for bilingual education through her blog and books.
After living 20 years in Puerto Rico and being a frequent visitor to Katy, Gotay eventually made Katy her home in 2021. Before creating The Little Bookstore, she worked in various educational roles, including as an assistant teacher, a school clerk, and as an HR onboarding coordinator for a nationwide educational company.
The Little Bookstore is now her newest venture, aiming to be a physical hub for families and educators seeking bilingual books and resources. The goal is to support them in their efforts to encourage their children to unfold, explore, and make meaningful connections with a second language.
"Having the tool of a second language is the key that will open many doors," the Little Bookstore team explains. They believe that a second language can be a path towards empathy, communication, and self-expression for young learners.
In Gotay’s own words, it's about "Having the power of our own Rosetta Stone, a way to look back, move forward, and build bridges between ourselves and the world.” She emphasizes the importance of dual language skills in broadening minds, expanding horizons, and providing learners with a wider range of words to express ideas and emotions.
After the grand opening, The Little Bookstore will operate from its location at Painted Tree Cinco Ranch, ready to serve the community from 10am to 8pm. In addition to offering a curated selection of children's books, the bookstore also plans to host educational activities for children and families, furthering their mission to promote bilingual literacy.
The Little Bookstore is not just a business; it's a mission-driven entity dedicated to fostering bilingual literacy. As the Katy community awaits the official opening of this unique bookstore, the promise of a richer, multilingual future for their children has the city buzzing with anticipation.
For more information, contact Gabriela T. Gotay at info@shopthelittlebookstore.com or visit shopthelittlebookstore.com.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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