Learn ‘How to Talk Like a Bear’ With Local Children’s Author Charlie Grandy

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Local children’s author Charlie Grandy will read and sign copies of “How to Talk Like a Bear” at Loomey’s Toy Boutique on Via De La Paz on Saturday, October 7.

“Want to learn how to speak Bear? Well, you came to the right place,” according to Barnes & Noble description of the book. “It’s far more than just growling and roaring (a common misconception). There’s a lot more to it … For example, saying ‘ROOOAARR’ instead of ‘ROAAARRRR’ is the difference between wanting a sandwich and wanting to get into beekeeping.”

According to the description, the book, which was published by Flamingo Books on March 14, is a “silly romp,” “perfect for read-alouds.” It is “the exact right gift for anyone looking for a laugh (or looking to learn a new language).”

Grandy is an Emmy Award-winning television writer and producer, known for “Velma,” “The Office,” “The Mindy Project” and more.

The book was illustrated by Alex Griffiths, who is a children’s illustrator and graphic designer based in Toronto, according to a bio.

Amanda Rastegar, owner of Loomey’s and a Palisadian, said the event will take place in front of the shop, located at 833 Via De La Paz, beginning at 10 a.m.—marking the shop’s first story time.

“No need to RSVP, just drop by,” Rastegar said to the Palisadian-Post. “Charlie will be signing books … He’s a local Pali resident and father. Our children have grown up together, so this is really special.”

Rastegar opened Loomey’s Toy Boutique in 2022. The boutique offers toys for infants and children up to 8 years old, and items for tweens—in recognition of her two teenagers, who the store is named after.

“Loomey’s is a combination of my kids’ nicknames,” she previously explained. “My daughter Darby is ‘Darbaloo,’ but we call her ‘Loo,’ and my son Max is ‘Moomey,’ so we did Loomey’s.”

Rastegar said when her children were younger, she would joke with local parents about opening a toy store and space for families to socialize. She went on to work as an executive assistant for senior management at Warner Brothers for 15 years before deciding to open a boutique in town.

“I love this spot, I love my community … There’s space for kids to play in front of my shop. I’m excited for everyone to see it,” Rastegar previously said to the Post. “My goal is to bring the fun back to the kids of the Palisades after a hard couple of years.”

For more information, or to keep up with Loomey’s, visit instagram.com/loomeystoyboutique.