Tucked inside Suite 110 at 2526 E. Mission Blvd., Dad Suggests is the kind of shop Fayetteville didn't know it needed until now. Walk in, and you're greeted by thoughtfully curated children's books, family games, and the warm hum of a space clearly built by someone who genuinely loves this stuff.
That someone is Ryan Billingsley, who started Dad Suggests as a humble parenting blog before turning it into a brick-and-mortar reality. "I just wanted to help other parents find things to enjoy with their kids," Ryan muses, "and a place to wax nostalgic...and now I get to do both of those things at the bookstore!" The hobbit-themed reading nooks scattered throughout the shop say everything you need to know about his sensibility: this is a place for slowing down, sitting with your kid, and getting lost in a story. "Nothing makes me happier," Ryan says, "than seeing them sit in a nook to read with their kids while they're here."
With summer in full swing, Ryan is sharing his top picks for young readers.
1. Rumpelstiltskin: Written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis (Ages 4+). One of the most exciting picture books in a while, the classic slightly spooky tale of Rumpelstiltskin is brought to vivid life by two of the best artists working in children's lit right now.
2. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga: Written by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Motojiro (Ages 6+) The Captain Underpants we all know and love is attempting an epic comeback, going back to the very beginning with an all-new manga art style that's sure to hook a whole new generation.
3. Alice with a Why: Written by Anna James (Ages 8+). This early chapter book is a perfect, beautiful, silly, and wonderful love letter to Alice in Wonderland, following Alice's granddaughter Alyce as she returns to Wonderland and asks the big questions.
4. Ghost Book: Written and illustrated by Remy Lai (Ages 10+). Creepy, heartfelt, and utterly unique, this criminally under-the-radar graphic novel follows a girl who sees ghosts and sets out to help one return to his body. Don't sleep on this one.
Ryan wants Fayetteville to know that the shop's cozy hobbit-themed reading room is full of books for every age waiting to be discovered. The nooks are designed for sitting down with your kids and building lasting memories, one page at a time.
Dad Suggests is located at 2526 E. Mission Blvd., Suite 110, Fayetteville, AR.
"Nothing makes me happier than seeing parents sit in a nook to read with their kids while they're here."