The Best Independent Bookstores For Kids
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Photo by Jill Weber/Julie Salamon of Cat In the City
It's Independent Bookstore Day! To help you celebrate, I've compiled a short list of some bookstores that are particularly fun for kids.
Many of the stores on my list provide online shopping, so if you find yourself at home check out their most recent book suggestions for your littles!
Texas
With a backyard for kids and a full drink and coffee menu for adults, this bookstore is a fun spot for everyone. It also offers lots of events to help you get involved in your community, so check out their calendar.
kids in the cliff at wild detectives in dallas
Their name says it all as everything this bookstore does seems to bring people together. Book talks, book clubs, and literary camps are just a few activities that Book People offers for kids. They are very well connected in the community and across Texas, so if you are looking for an event that suits your child’s unique interests, I’m sure they can help.
Blue Willow’s storytimes include songs and crafts making them fun for everyone! The store has games and lots of resources for kids. Plus, they often bring in big name authors for adults and kids. Check out their thoughtfully designed Saturday club for middle school girls, Another Shade of Blue.
New York City and Brooklyn
Whether you are a parent, teacher, speech therapist, curriculum director, or a reading specialist, you will want to give this shop a look. As a teacher, I would often go straight to this shop if I were preparing an important lesson, and without fail, I would walk away with a great one. If you are looking for comprehensive information on new books, check out their yearly report The Best Children’s Books of the Year, which is thoughtfully written by a selected committee who reviews 6,000 books a year and selects 600 considering the quality and emotional impact on a child.
photo of books are magic featured in domino magazine
You’ll feel as if you are stepping straight into a picture book when you visit this store. If you are looking for some cozy, quality time with your child this is the place to go. With the busy streets of Manhattan outside its windows, the shop provides a quaint and charming feel that helps parents, caregivers and children slow down to enjoy the beauty of a book. If you are lucky enough to visit NYC with kids, this bookstore should be at the top of your list of activities. You can also shop their wide selection and rare and unique books online.
I've been stalking Stories on Instagram from their first day in business. Their workshops, parents nights and baby classes look like so much fun. Everyone in the family can find something special.
After the closing of BookCourt this year, it seems Emma Straub is doing her part to bring its charm back to the Brooklyn neighborhood, and, in a way, carry on its legacy. Books Are Magic opens today! Check out the cozy reading nook and big couch where you can get lost in a book with your child!
Books are magic. image by max touhey featured in domino magazine
California
Petunia’s Place is entirely dedicated to children’s and young adult books! Each person on staff either holds a degree in education or was an educator before joining the team. The entire store is a children’s store so all of the events include children’s book authors making it easy to attend since they have so many on their calendar.
Designed to look like an enchanted forest, this bookstore offers a unique, storybook experience for families. The family owned business offers lots of story and craft times, as well as subscription boxes delivered to your door.
Photo by the Reading B. via yelp and Redtri.com
Utah
The Children’s Hour is perfect for the busy parent because we all love combining errands. This bookstore has clothes, games, and the sweetest gifts along with lots of children’s books. Perfect for a Saturday morning storytime while parents run around picking up birthday gifts for the afternoon party (or a dress for themselves).
What are some of your favorites and where have you found the best storytimes, resources or activities for students and kids?
