Books are beloved teaching tools that pique curiosity, foster a love for learning, build a gateway to knowledge and expand the imagination in even the youngest readers. Whether you take your kids to a bookstore to get lost in the stories on the shelves, attend an inspiring storytime or buy an armful of books to enjoy at home, babies, toddlers and big kids will all benefit from a visit to these fantastic L.A. area bookstores.
Books and Cookies
This new gem of a bookstore in Santa Monica boasts “an enchanting blend of literature, learning activities and sweet treats!” Chudney Ross, daughter of singing legend Diana Ross, is the enthusiastic founder of Books and Cookies, an engaging enrichment center that is complete with three spaces: a bookstore and interactive reading room, a bakery/kids cafe where healthy, freshly baked good are whipped up daily, and an events and activity space. Books and Cookies is the ultimate destination for unplugging where tots and parents will love lounging in comfy nooks and cuddling up with a great book. Books and Cookies has classics and contemporary reads for babies to tweens, and daily activities which include themed story times, arts and crafts, music classes and baby sign language.
Children’s Book World
Over 80,000 book titles for children are just waiting to be cracked open at Children’s Book World in West Los Angeles. Also on the shelves are an abundance of audio books, DVDs, music and educational aids, as well as a growing number of multicultural books. Children’s Book World also features a Saturday morning series, Saturdays at 10:30 am where storytellers, authors, musical performers and entertainers open the world of books by presenting interactive fun for kids and families. You may also bring in your new and gently used books to be passed along at their children’s book recycling center, which donates books to literacy programs that work with needy children in Southern California.
Storyopolis
More than a bookstore, Storyopolis in Sherman Oaks is an art gallery which displays the finest storybook illustration and editorial art, featuring the works of 140 artists. The staff has a true love of literature and the desire to help your child find the perfect story from a wide selection of books for ages 0-10. Authors and illustrators often make appearances at Storyopolis to read their books to children, and the store hosts special events and storytimes for families each week. If you’re looking for the perfect present for a budding bookworm, Storyopolis is renown for their book gift baskets, which have been purchased by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Seinfeld.
Scribble Press
If your child already has an extensive book collection, perhaps it’s time to get an absolutely unique, first edition, written by none other than your creative genius! Scribble Press affords kids the amazing opportunity to make their very own book in five easy steps. Visit their art studio which features on-site book binding and printing, and let your little storyteller write and illustrate a book for you to take home and enjoy reading time and again. It will also be a cherished keepsake for life!
Vroman’s Bookstore
Vroman’s is a historical literary landmark. Founded in Pasadena in 1894 by Adam Clark Vroman, this family owned business is the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California. In addition to a large children’s section, Vroman’s also hosts parent/child book clubs and storytimes. They also recently added a kids clothing section next to their children’s book department that features hip, chic labels, so you can double your pleasure and your errands by shopping for books and clothes at the same time.
What are your favorite bookstores for kids in Los Angeles?
- Beth Shea
