Elisabeth Sydor of Homebody Books (photo by Ellyn Hament)
Homebody Books, owned by Elisabeth Sydor, mirrors much of what she cherishes, loves, and believes in: engaging children’s imagination and creativity through the power of reading and play. Welcoming and cozy, Homebody carries classics, vintage, and new books — mostly for kids, but also for adults. “If a children’s book is good, it appeals to adults, too,” she says. The store also sells greeting cards plus toys, craft kits, art supplies, and other items that inspire creative play.
Unexpected Junkyard Treasures
Elisabeth’s own love of literature and old things began in Metuchen, New Jersey, where she grew up in a family of six children in an old house full of books. Money was tight, but opportunities for imaginative play and outdoor adventures were abundant.
Her father spent weekends scouring junkyards for scrap copper, but sometimes brought home unexpected finds. “A lot of my family’s most interesting treasured books and toys were from the junkyard,” she notes. Elisabeth’s first collectibles were “Bobbsey Twins” books from the early 1900s. Her mother, who earned a doctorate in music composition while raising her children, read aloud to them every night. Elisabeth’s love of books, reading, and old items blossomed.
“I was a very early reader. I also read whatever was on the shelves, even if it was hard,” she says, adding: “It’s important for children to have access to challenging material, not stay in what’s easy, to build mental pathways that make deeper understanding possible later on.”
A Patchwork of Positions
After studying English in college, Elisabeth supported herself through a patchwork of positions — from junior literary agent to film producer to driving a New York City horse carriage. “I didn’t have a clear sense of career; I was always attracted to doing different things,” she notes. When her son was born, she moved to Rockland. Wanting to keep him close, she worked as a nanny for local families and brought her son along. That work grew into something deeper: years of hands-on experience with children paired with her informal study of child development. It felt natural. “I’ve been tutoring and working with kids since I was a kid myself,” she notes.
Eventually, she returned to editorial work, spending nearly two decades at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades. In 2023, she lost her job. The idea of opening a bookstore had always been there. What changed was her willingness to act on it.
Homebody’s Evolving Story
She began looking in Nyack for a place to open her store. “I feel at home here,” she notes, citing the town’s history, diversity, and enduring character. When a space opened up on Park Street, she jumped on it, securing the lease and accepting a two-week deadline to open. “It was an exhilarating experience,” she says. “I just went for it.” Homebody opened in December 2024.
You might find Elisabeth stepping away from the counter sometimes to sit on the floor with children, reading aloud or guiding them through simple crafting, or helping someone to find just the right book or toy. “The most rewarding part is helping people find something that makes them happy,” she says. “I’m very good at that. If they let me engage, I’ll find it.”
Offering Much More Than Vintage Books
While Homebody continues to reflect her carefully considered vision, it’s evolved from primarily vintage books to include new children’s books and a section of classic books and books for adults, new and used. Nearly half the store is now filled with traditional wooden toys, games, stuffed animals and dolls, building kits, puzzles, and art supplies that are designed to ignite imagination. Many are priced under $20, and small toys are under $10. Homebody’s first storewide toy sale is running through July.
The store also offers events. This summer, a Friday afternoon drop-in series offers a craft kit discount and session and chapter book promotion. Customers can organize their own groups for a free Hobbit listening party, or a workshop (with drawing) introducing Emily Dickinson’s poems. There’s also Storytime Saturdays and a mom’s group in process. You can learn the latest about Homebody’s events here.
What’s Ahead for Homebody?
Looking toward the future, Elisabeth hopes to build a bridge: a program or partnership that extends beyond the shop’s walls to reach families who could benefit most from access to books, but may not walk through the door. She’d also like to find more recently published but off-the-beaten track children’s books in translation, and more choices for adults.
“Everyone deserves to experience the pleasure and power of reading,” she says, adding: “Books can be your best friends. They can give you hope. They can connect you with people and worlds you may never have imagined, and change your life.”
