Eleanor Douglas-Meyers
In Nelson Mandela Bay, Shayne Valkhoff is building a love of reading for children through her project Twice Upon a Time. The secondhand bookshop and book club is helping local families rediscover the magic of stories while keeping books affordable and accessible.
A Lifelong Love of Reading
Shayne grew up in a home where books were part of everyday life. “My mom read to me when I was small until I could read on my own, and my dad always had a book nearby. Reading was normal in my family and something that surrounded me from childhood,” she explains.
When her son was born, she returned to children’s literature and found new joy in the pages. That personal experience inspired her to create a space where children in Nelson Mandela Bay could grow up seeing books as treasures rather than chores.
How Twice Upon a Time Works
The project has three main parts:
- Secondhand Book Shop and Exchange
Parents and children can bring in books they have already read and exchange them for “new-to-them” titles. Books are carefully selected and sold at prices lower than retail, making them accessible for families. - Children’s Book Club
The club is designed mainly for Grade R to Grade 3 children, although siblings are welcome. Kids hear stories aloud, talk about different genres, and learn to enjoy reading in a relaxed setting. - Book Reviews and Guidance
Shayne also shares reviews on Instagram and offers tips for parents who want to encourage reading at home. She has started working with local authors and hopes to grow those partnerships.
Building a Reading Culture in Nelson Mandela Bay
For Shayne, reading is more than a skill. “Books are a doorway to imagination, empathy, and lifelong learning. In a world full of screens, children need books to help them focus, dream, and understand others,” she says.
Already, families involved in Twice Upon a Time are seeing results. Children are becoming more confident readers, parents are reading more with their kids, and some families are reporting that story time has become their favourite daily activity.
Challenges and Future Growth
Balancing homeschooling with running a business is not always easy. Sourcing quality books and managing time remain challenges, but Shayne is committed to letting Twice Upon a Time grow steadily.
Over the next five years she hopes the bookshop and club will become a well known destination in Nelson Mandela Bay for families who want to raise readers.
How to Get Involved
Parents and schools in Nelson Mandela Bay can contact Shayne Valkhoff directly to join the book club, browse the bookshop, or exchange books.
Her message to parents is simple:
“Read with your children every day. Make it a special time. Let them see you enjoying books too. Reading should be fun, not a chore.”
Follow Twice Upon a Time online:
- Facebook: Shayne Valkhoff
- Instagram: @twiceuponatimebooks
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