Peak City Publishing's New Home - Profile for All Booked Up

A Unique Book Boutique

Owner:  Janice Monaco

Web:  http://www.AllBookedUpSalemSt.com

All Booked Up, owned by Janice Monaco of Apex, NC, is considered a staple in the historic downtown shopping area. Reminiscent of old Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show, Apex is considered a bustling destination spot for Raleigh/Durham residents.

All Booked Up | Janice Monaco | Apex

The store front, originating around 1863, was once home to Popes Five and Dime, a town mainstay. Today, All Booked Up is not only the last independent book store in and around Apex, it is THE place to find books by local authors and illustrators. In June, the local publishing company, Peak City Publishing, moved in to the space to provide a place for writers and artists to share their stories, take classes and promote books. Ms. Monaco said, "We are strong supporters of our local community and anything we can do to help authors get their books visibility is a priority for us."

The book store, dubbed A Unique Book Boutique is certainly that! Taking a tour of the 1800 SQ FT store,

Foyer | All Booked Up  | Janice Monaco | Apex 

it is clear that the customer's comfort, the quality of books and the overall experience is the owner's priority. Upon entering, customer's are welcomed into a large front room with book shelves and displays placed along the walls. Similar to walking into an old home, the space is tastefully decorated with art, furniture and, of course, books.

Kids Corner | All Booked Up | Janice Monaco | Apex

Young Adults | All Booked Up | Janice Monaco | Apex

The Kids Corner is beautifully set in a separate room with shelves, wall pockets and books for readers of all ages. Every Wednesday, children attend a Story Time event, complete with reading and activities. 

And, the young adult section which stretches along the walls just outside of the children's room is one of the most visited and popular places to browse, read and buy the latest books. The young adults of Apex run to All Booked Up for all of their classics and required reading.

The book selection, from Mystery to Romance and the genre's in between, is of the highest quality for used books. Ms. Monaco has put strict, quality standards on all books brought into the store. A customer will never find a ripped cover, stained page or poorly handled book for sale in this store.

All Booked Up is certainly unique and stands out as a jewel in the community. Their hours and policies for buying used books are posted on their website at: http://www.AllBookedUpSalemSt.com.

ABOUT THE OWNER

Janice Monaco | All Booked Up | Apex

Janice Monaco is an Apex resident and owner of All Booked Up in Apex, NC. A natural born entrepreneur, she has owned, managed and directed her family's businesses from Florida to North Carolina. In 2010, Janice opened All Booked Up and has been pivotal in growing and strengthening the downtown community of businesses. She is also well known for her advocacy for children and animal protection.

Star of the Week

We're thrilled to add Star of the Week by Monica Wyrick to our Peak City Publishing book collection! This charming children's picture book features a cute little mouse named, Hildie. Hildie is over the moon excited to be featured as her class' "Star of the Week." She's asked by her teacher to bring in a list of words that describe her. This task proves to be difficult for her to complete, launching her on a journey of self discovery. This touching and engaging book would be a great teaching tool in the classroom from a Pre-K to 2nd Grade level.

Here's an activity that one of our mom's sent to us:


"Hi Monica Wyrick and Peak City Publishing!

I just wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how much my daughters, age 2 and 4 love your book, Star of the Week! Hildie is totally cute, and reminds me so much of my oldest daughter with her humor and determined originality. My oldest, Caleigh cracks up at the different color socks that would blend to make orange! She's been mixing her socks to blend colors now too!
Your book was so touching, and I enjoyed seeing how Hildie built her self esteem by reflecting on her characteristics, despite them being different than everyone else. After reading Star of the Week to my girls, I asked them if they could come up with a few words that described themselves. While my youngest, who is two missed the point... Caleigh did not! She first listed the same qualities that Hildie does in the book, (which they do indeed share...) then she dove deeper and got more creative. Your book provided a great springboard to discussion with her about how important it is to be herself, and that all her talents and characteristics are what make her special and unique. 
The next day we were still talking about "All about Me" Words to describe herself, her sister and even Momma. We're working on handwriting right now, and was inspired to work with Caleigh on an Acrostic Name Poem. I wanted to share with you what she came up with....

C-Caring

A-Awesome

L-Loving

E-Energetic

I-I love horses

G-Girl

H-Happy

I was so excited that she was able to understand how to reflect on herself and her personality. She's inspired, and already asking me if they'll be doing a 'Star of the Week' program at her preschool this fall!  Thank you for the fun!

Sincerely,
Mom in New York"


Thank you for sharing, Mom! We love to hear from our readers, and more than that, we LOVE to see children engaging, learning and loving to read! 

You can buy Star of the Week by Monica Wyrick and all of our great children's books on our website, Peak City Publishing.

We'd love to hear what great activities you come up with, please be sure to share them with us! :)