The best children’s book stores
My name is Louise Timmer-van Gaalen; I’m married and the mother of two sons. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been a real bookworm—I could often be found at the library, and I always spent my allowance on books. I’m still crazy about picture books and children’s books! That’s why I’m so excited about this time of year—because Children’s Book Week runs from October 6 through 17!
Children’s Book Week
This year’s theme is “Become What You Want.” This year’s Children’s Book Week gift was written by Bette Westera. You’ll receive this gift when you spend at least €12.50 on children’s books. There’s also a special picture book created by Mark Janssen, which is available for just €7.25. Of course, you can buy children’s books at a children’s bookstore. These are the best children’s bookstores I know.
Ver van Hier in Rotterdam
Ver van Hier is a super-fun children’s bookstore in the Kleiwegkwartier neighborhood of Rotterdam. Here you’ll find books (children’s books and young adult books), cards, and gifts. They also regularly organize fun activities and workshops. But that’s not all! This children’s bookstore also features a cozy café where you can enjoy delicious pastries with your coffee or tea, as well as breakfast and lunch. In short, it’s fun for both kids and parents!
Alice in Wonderland in The Hague
As far as I’m concerned, Alice in Wonderland is THE children’s bookstore in The Hague. It’s a lovely, cozy shop offering picture books, children’s books, AVI-level books, and young adult fiction. There’s a storytime every last Wednesday of the month. Every month, there are also several activities, such as a puppet show by Theater Kaboem or a fun arts-and-crafts afternoon. The store’s owners are clearly very passionate about books and children.
Kiekeboek in Haarlem
In Haarlem, too, children’s book lovers can go wild at the Kiekeboek children’s bookstore. This specialty children’s bookstore has no fewer than 5,000 book titles in stock for everyone from 0 to 18 years old. They even have English-language books! In addition to books, they also sell games, stuffed animals, and posters. They regularly organize fun activities, so keep an eye on their website!
In de Wolken in Voorburg
A household name in Voorburg is the children’s bookstore In de Wolken. It’s a cozy children’s bookstore that stocks many baby books, picture books, children’s books, and Young Adult titles. You can also find fun gifts there, such as puzzle games from SmartGames and Juni Jars by Sim. In de Wolken has its own Young Adult book club with a dedicated Facebook page.
Young Adult books have really been on the rise in recent years. That’s good news, because kids aged ten and up, in particular, would rather look at a screen than read a book. More and more young people are getting into reading—hurray!
Silvester Boek & Spel in Zoetermeer
Silvester Boek & Spel is a cozy children’s bookstore in Zoetermeer with a wide selection of picture books, AVI-level books, children’s books, and Young Adult titles. You can also find games and stuffed animals there. In addition to storytime sessions, they organize all kinds of fun workshops. Silvester also has its own book club, De Leesmonsters, and a Young Adult club called Boekverslinders. It’s definitely worth a visit during Children’s Book Week!
And now, let’s all head to the children’s bookstore to pick up a children’s book, because reading isn’t just good for you—it’s also a lot of fun!
Best regards,Louise
Photo credits: www.canva.com
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