Independent book stores put a special focus on children
No matter what your children's ages, you can start encouraging a love of reading by taking them to local bookstores. While the suburbs are filled with big book chains, these independent stores make children a big focus, hosting reading events and impressive collections for every interest. They also include places where you can spend some time reading with the kids on a cold day.
Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, (630) 355-2665 or 5112 Main St., Downers Grove (630) 263-2665, andersonsbookshop.com
Hours: Naperville: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; Downers Grove: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Events: Anderson's regularly hosts author signings and readings to introduce kids to their favorite authors and get them excited about reading and writing
With more than 14,000 children's hard covers and 97,000 paperbacks, Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville has something for basically any kid's taste. Their selection is broken down by age range from infants to teenagers and takes up almost half the store. The staff is always excited to talk to kids about the books and make suggestions. Kids can also play with a Thomas train table while you browse.
The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka, (847) 446-8880, thebookstall.com
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Events: Preschool storytime from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday
About a third of the selection at the 25-year-old Book Stall is devoted to kids books, ranging from picture books for infants to a young adult section for ages 13 to 17. Located in the front of the store, the kids section features a selection of nonfiction, history, science, art and music books positioned on low shelves so that kids can grab them easily. A table with tiny chairs is set up for kids to sit down and read. There's also a selection of crafts, games, puzzles and maze books along with educational tools like children's dictionaries.
The Bookstore, 475 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, (630) 469-2891, justthebookstore.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Events: Preschool storytime 10:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday. The store periodically hosts parties and other kids' events.
Part of Glen Ellyn's downtown since 1960, The Bookstore dedicates 30 percent of its collection to kids books. Besides a good selection it's also a cozy place for kids to hang out and read with a table and chairs, big teddy bear and some toys in the kids section in the back of the store. While your kids play, you can browse their selection for adults.
Crocodile Pie, 866 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, (847) 362-8766, crocodilepie.com
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
Events: Preschool storytime and crafts at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday through Friday lead by people with teaching backgrounds. The store also periodically hosts author events and book signings.
Entirely dedicated to children's books, Crocodile Pie features 20,000 titles in the 2,400 square foot space. Some of the staff members have been working there for years and can make plenty of recommendations from personal experience. The store carries lots of classics and Newberry Award winners, with seasonal selections including Halloween books and books on American history and politics to teach kids about the election. New ownership recently took over to keep the bookstore from closing after 19 years, remodeling it to make it even more accessible to kids and parents. Changes include putting in a table with seats for coloring, bean bags and cushions for kids to sit and read and wide aisles for easy stroller access. They also added a room for kids 12 and up to try to keep them engaged in reading, including a foosball table in case they want a break from the books.
The Magic Tree Bookstore, 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, (708) 848-0770, magictreebooks.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Events: Preschool storytime 11 a.m. Wednesday along with regular author visits and occasional weekend story times.
The Magic Tree is almost entirely devoted to kids books, with just a small section for adults. The small store has been in business for 24 years and offers a huge variety of subjects including history, biographies, nature and fiction books which range from infants to young adults. There's lots of room to sit with a book. including spots by the window, plush chairs, a little wooden bench and rocking chairs for kids and adults. The décor is also especially cheery, with forest murals and the signature magic tree by the counter where bird music plays and a basket contains popup books and puzzle books for young kids. The store also carries puppets, toys and games for sale.