HOT: Readings Kids Bookshop, Carlton

Readings, International Bookstore of the Year 2016, boasts Readings Kids, a sparkling children’s and young adult literature bookshop adjacent to the existing Carlton flagship store on Lygon Street.

Readings Kids is a gorgeous, light-filled shop and is dominated by a vibrant forest green mural by Melbourne author-illustrator Marc Martin, inspired by his best-selling children’s picture book A River.

The mural’s green colour scheme is extended to the rounded steps/reading seats for browsing children and is highlighted by the blond wood shelving and cute trolleys groaning with beautiful books.

My favourite bit? The w-i-d-e aisles that you can actually push a pram (even a double one!) through.

The popular train table has been moved from its cramped spot in the Carlton store into the new reading nook. The previous children’s and young adult section in the old store now houses a more extensive collection of visual arts and architectural literature.

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I visited with a vague idea that I wanted a box set of books, maybe classics, for Lady AB. She’s a very well-read little girl so she already owns or has read a lot of the usual titles.

Readings Kids manager and Children’s Book Buyer Angela Crocombe is very patient with me as I dismiss this suggestion and that suggestion, before alighting on a large illustrated version of Charlotte’s Web.

Readings Kids hosts regular celebrations and author events and they hold free weekly half-hour children’s story time every Friday 10am – 10.30am. Children’s storytime is suitable for ages 2-5 year olds. There’s no need to book.

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