We just did a blog post about the bookstores for those who are seeking vintage or rare books and the like, but this time we are focused on the more imaginative readers out there; children. There’s something truly magical about children’s bookstores. You'll find whimsical decor and shelves packed with color. There will be imaginative stories and immersive readings. There may even be some very messy art stations and a small toy section.
Whenever we traveled with our young one we'd always scope out these kinds of books stores so she would have a place to go as well. She would tire of museums, archaeology tours, and the sorts of things we'd typically seek out when abroad so we would always ensure that we had a little bit of time every day that was something for her. That could be children's museums, playgrounds, or these cute little shops.
Keeping on with the last three posts on vintage books and records, I'm sticking to North America once again for this post (but I will explore further out in later posts). Here are a few of the best children’s book nooks in North America where you can find not only classic and new children’s books but also enjoy the experience that comes with them. Each of these stores are designed to ignite a love of reading in young minds.
Founded: 1980
What Makes It Special: As one of the largest and oldest children’s bookstores in the U.S., Books of Wonder is a magical space for kids. The store offers an extensive collection of both classic and contemporary children’s literature, with a special focus on signed first editions and rare books. The walls are adorned with whimsical illustrations, adding to the enchantment.
Encouraging Reading: Books of Wonder fosters a love for reading through frequent storytimes, author events, and book launches. Their signature Sunday Storytime invites authors and illustrators to read aloud to young audiences.
Special Guests: J.K. Rowling, Maurice Sendak, and Madeleine L'Engle have all made appearances here, making the store a key destination for families and fans of children’s literature. Meg Ryan even spent a day working there to prepare for her role in "You've Got Mail.
Founded: 2008
What Makes It Special: Nestled in historic Alexandria, Hooray for Books! is a cozy neighborhood bookstore where kids feel right at home. With an inviting space designed to encourage exploration, children can browse through colorful displays that make it easy to discover new favorites.
Encouraging Reading: The store regularly hosts book clubs for young readers, featuring age-appropriate titles that encourage kids to share their thoughts and interact with their peers.
Special Guests: The store frequently partners with local schools and libraries for author readings and signings, featuring both well-known and up-and-coming children’s authors.
Founded: 1992
What Makes It Special: Wild Rumpus is a truly unique bookstore that blends the magic of books with a touch of whimsy and a dash of the unexpected. Inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, the bookstore was designed to feel like a fantastical world for children and their families. One of its standout features is the tiny purple door within the larger entrance, specifically for kids, making them feel like they’re entering their own special space. Inside, the store’s decor is colorful and playful, with themed sections that make browsing books an adventure in itself.
Adding to the magic are the store’s live animal residents, including chickens, cats, a ferret, a chinchilla, and even pigeons. The animals roam the store freely, creating an interactive and unforgettable experience for visitors. The presence of these animals adds a layer of excitement for children, who never know what creatures they might encounter while exploring the shelves.
Wild Rumpus is not just a bookstore—it’s a magical space where children can let their imaginations run wild. The combination of animals, creative displays, and thoughtful book selections makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for families, and it has become a cherished institution in Minneapolis.
Wild Rumpus Exterior - Image Credit Wild Rumpus Encouraging Reading: Wild Rumpus actively engages children in reading through a variety of interactive events. They hold weekly storytimes for different age groups, often featuring local authors and illustrators. Additionally, their book clubs, like the “Adventurers Club” for middle-grade readers, encourage kids to share and discuss stories with peers, sparking a love for literature through community. The store also hosts special animal-themed events that blend storytelling with learning about the animals that call the bookstore home.
Special Guests: Wild Rumpus regularly welcomes a diverse lineup of authors and illustrators to do readings and signings. Over the years, notable figures such as Kate DiCamillo, Dav Pilkey, and Christopher Paul Curtis have made appearances, creating memorable experiences for young fans. Their author events are interactive and often involve live demonstrations, which captivate children’s imaginations.
Wild Rumpus Interior (OMG I want this on my Ceiling) - Image Credit Wild Rumpus
Founded: 2011
What Makes It Special: As the first comic book store in the world specifically for children, Little Island Comics is a vibrant, energetic space where young fans of graphic novels, comics, and illustrated books can explore their passions. The colorful, playful decor makes it an inviting spot for creative minds.
Encouraging Reading: The store hosts workshops on creating comics, helping kids develop both storytelling and artistic skills. They also partner with local schools to offer workshops and comic-creation classes.
Special Guests: The store has welcomed a variety of well-known comic book authors and illustrators, making it a hotspot for fans of graphic novels, including those by Raina Telgemeier and Jeff Smith.
Founded: 2008
What Makes It Special: The Reading Bug is a family-owned bookstore with walls covered in murals of magical forests, castles, and creatures. This enchanting setting provides a welcoming environment for kids of all ages to immerse themselves in stories.
Encouraging Reading: The store organizes regular events like storytimes, musical performances, and craft activities tied to beloved children’s books. They also run a personalized book subscription service, sending carefully selected books to children each month.
Special Guests: The store frequently hosts live readings and workshops with children’s authors and illustrators, such as Peter Brown and Mac Barnett, adding to the excitement of discovering new books.
Founded: 1988
What Makes It Special: Mabel's Fables is a two-story children’s bookstore that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. With its warm and whimsical atmosphere, the store encourages kids to explore its collection while engaging their imaginations.
Encouraging Reading: The store regularly offers baby and toddler storytimes, early readers' book clubs, and workshops for young writers. They even host a Mabel's Fables Summer Reading Challenge to keep kids engaged with reading during school breaks.
Special Guests: Mabel's Fables frequently hosts visits by Canadian authors such as Kenneth Oppel and Kit Pearson, making it a local hub for fans of children’s literature.
Founded: 1966
What Makes It Special: Once Upon A Time is the oldest children’s bookstore in the U.S., and its charm lies in its deep connection to the community. Family-owned for over 50 years, the bookstore features a warm, intimate setting with a fantastic collection of books for all ages. They are also focused on diversity and inclusion with many offerings in the store that explore different racial and cultural backgrounds as well as ensuring that the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community are also represented.
Encouraging Reading: The store offers a variety of reading programs for different age groups, from toddlers to teens. They host a weekly graphic novel club every Wednesdays and Friday (sometimes Saturday special) Storytime sessions for the younger readers.
Special Guests: The store has hosted events with celebrated children’s authors like Patricia Tanumihardja who, along with illustrator Shiho Pate, shared their book "Ramen for Everyone" with readers at the bookstore drawing families from all over. Just last year the store hosted an event at the Sparr Heights community center celebrating the release of James Ponti's middle grade mystery "The Sherlock Society". Ponti himself was in attendance as well as fellow middle grade writers Stuart Gibbs (Spy School), Max Brallier (The Last Kids on Earth - one of my daughter's favorites), Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After), and Julie Buxbaum (The Area 51 Files). Great company indeed!
Founded: 2013
What Makes It Special: Curious Iguana is an independent bookstore with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion in children’s literature. The store’s colorful, open design encourages kids to wander through a thoughtfully curated selection of books.
Encouraging Reading: The store organizes regular “Little Iguanas” storytimes, where kids are invited to listen to stories from around the world. They also run book clubs that focus on diverse voices, encouraging young readers to explore new perspectives.
Special Guests: Curious Iguana often hosts author readings and discussions with both children’s and young adult authors, including Newbery Medal winner Kwame Alexander.
Founded: 2016
What Makes It Special: The Story Shop is a wonderland of imagination, featuring whimsical decor like a wardrobe entrance reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia and beautifully themed reading rooms. It’s designed to make children feel as though they are stepping into the pages of a book.
Encouraging Reading: The store offers creative writing camps, themed storytimes, and character visits that bring books to life. They also host birthday parties with book-related themes, where kids can interact with stories in unique ways.
Special Guests: The Story Shop frequently hosts events with authors and illustrators, including local Georgia talent, making it a destination for fans of both children’s and young adult literature.
Founded: 1996 (first in the original Charlotte VT post office then later in Shelburne)
What Makes It Special: The Flying Pig is a cozy, family-owned bookstore with a strong focus on children’s literature and a welcoming community atmosphere. Located in the scenic town of Shelburne, the store provides a wide range of books for young readers, as well as thoughtful staff recommendations.
Encouraging Reading: The Flying Pig regularly hosts themed storytimes, author events, and summer reading challenges to engage kids. The store also works with local schools to promote literacy through book fairs and special events.
Special Guests: The store has hosted signings and readings by acclaimed children's authors like Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Paterson, adding to its charm as a beloved local treasure.
Founded: 1977
What Makes It Special: This Seattle bookstore is a vibrant hub for children’s literature, with a large section dedicated to books for young readers. The store has a long-standing reputation for fostering community engagement through books.
Encouraging Reading: The store’s weekly storytimes and book clubs help introduce children to new books, while their partnership with local schools helps bring authors to classrooms. They also offer themed “read-aloud” programs designed to help reluctant readers get more involved in books.
Special Guests: Secret Garden Books has hosted notable children’s authors like Beverly Cleary and Brian Selznick, making it a favorite spot for kids and families in Seattle.
Founded: 2005
What Makes It Special: Little Shop of Stories is a beloved independent bookstore in the heart of Decatur. The store is decorated with murals and interactive displays that bring favorite children’s stories to life. It also has cozy reading nooks where kids can dive into a book.
Encouraging Reading: The store hosts a summer camp that turns books into adventures, bringing kids together to explore stories through play, crafts, and group activities. Their monthly book clubs cater to different age groups, from emerging readers to teens.
Special Guests: The store has attracted high-profile authors, including Neil Gaiman and R.J. Palacio, who have held readings and book signings here.
Founded: 2009
What Makes It Special: Located in the literary hub of Brooklyn, Greenlight Bookstore’s children’s section is a standout. With its welcoming, modern layout, it features carefully curated books that reflect the diverse community it serves.
Encouraging Reading: Greenlight regularly hosts storytimes and workshops where kids can meet authors and illustrators. They also organize events around important topics such as diversity, kindness, and creativity, encouraging young readers to think critically about the world around them.
Special Guests: The bookstore has hosted notable children’s authors such as Oliver Jeffers and LeUyen Pham, making it a literary destination for Brooklyn families.
Founded: 2003
What Makes It Special: Founded by Peter H. Reynolds, the well-known author and illustrator of The Dot (one of my daughter's absolute favorites years ago), The Blue Bunny is an inviting space filled with books, toys, and art supplies that foster creativity. The store features an interactive art corner where kids can draw and create while reading.
Encouraging Reading: The store hosts storytimes, book-themed art workshops, and author events. Kids are encouraged to create their own stories through special programs like "Picture Book Camp."
Special Guests: The store frequently hosts Peter H. Reynolds himself, along with other notable children’s authors, making it a favorite spot for book-loving families in the Boston area.
Summary
Perhaps you have one of these stores nearby. Perhaps you've visited them, or one like it during your travels. I know I've always enjoyed visiting them wherever we travel with my daughter and seeing her light up as she explores the new and exciting treasures that await. I've also found that there is usually a very fine coffee shop within a stone's throw of these shops so mum and da can enjoy a cup while the kids explore.
Anyone who has been into one or more of these stores knows that children’s bookstores don’t just sell books—they create immersive, imaginative environments where young readers are encouraged to engage with stories, explore their creative potential, and maybe even meet their favorite authors. Every one of them offers their unique approach to inspiring a lifelong love of reading, an endeavor that I find most worthwhile.
If any of these types of venues can get a child's nose buried into a book and away from the screens then power to them!
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