MADISON — Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles — in fact anyone involved with children — should visit By The Cross Catholic Gift and Bookstore on Madison’s east side.
This store is filled with many wonderful religious items for children, from coloring and activity books to prayer books to stuffed animals. It’s literally a treasure trove of educational, faith-filled, and fun things for Catholic kids.
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Owner moves to Madison
And it’s no surprise there’s so much for children. By The Cross owner Kevin Niles and his wife are the parents of six children.
The store opened two years ago, and Niles says it’s doing well. He and his family moved from Stevens Point to the Madison area last summer.
“We wanted to put more focus on the store and get to know the priests and people who work in the parishes,” he said.
Niles is now taking fall orders from parishes and schools for any materials for children, as well as for adults. “Adult formation is becoming very popular,” he noted.
Books by area author
One of the newest features at the store are the books in the Spring Pond series by area author Pamela Quinlan. Quinlan is a retired social worker who developed the idea for her series of children’s books while volunteering as a tour guide at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center in Baraboo.
The central character in the series — Herman the Turtle — actually was her son’s turtle that was released in the pond at Durward’s Glen over 15 years ago.
Quinlan wrote 41 stories in about six weeks. At that time, she was hoping to help save Durward’s Glen, which was formerly owned by the Order of St. Camillus and now is run by a nonprofit organization, OLRG, Ltd.
“I’m hoping families with children will want to come to Durward’s Glen after reading my books and experience a spiritual renewal there,’ said Quinlan.
Each book in the series focuses on a special lesson on such topics as adjusting to a new environment, bullying, helping others, following directions, showing respect, and the problems of playing with matches.
The books all have Christian values, but some are more specifically religious and include special events at Durward’s Glen, such as the fifth book in the series, A Silent Night at Spring Pond about Christmas caroling at the Glen.
Quinlan is also available for speaking engagements and book signings at libraries, school events, and other venues. Besides talking about her books, she can discuss how to write and how she became a author.
More information on the books and the author can be found at www.pqcompany.net