Best Book Stores
CORNER BOOKSTORE 1313 Madison Ave.
212-831-3554
This compact book nook in Carnegie Hill has been offering a wide selection of books for kids of all ages for 40 years. Their small, carefully selected children’s titles begin with touch-and-feel books and are arranged by reading level through young adult books. They offer special store charge accounts for children and ask neighborhood youngsters to review advance copies of novels for kids ages 8 to 13 for their newsletter. They host storytime on Sunday mornings and an annual Christmas party for the neighborhood.
BOOK CULTURE 450 Columbus Ave.
212-595-1962
Book Culture on Columbus prides itself on its diverse selection of titles and activities. Owners say they were inspired by the “We Need Diverse Books” campaign to “reflect and honor the lives of all young people.” Its shelves hold books about a Hasidic Jewish girl who fights monsters, a homeless boy growing up in the Bronx, and a girl who fled Vietnam and ended up in Alabama. They have storytimes on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and a bilingual Turkish storytime on the last Saturday of the month in partnership with Makam New York.
BOOKS OF WONDER 18 West 18th St.
212-989-3270
This spacious and popular old-school Chelsea children’s book shop specializes in books that will “stimulate and encourage young imaginations.” They feature books about New York City, as well as popular — and under-the-radar — picture books along with folktales and fairy tales. Books of Wonder hosts storytime on Saturday and Sunday mornings featuring age-appropriate books selected by their knowledgeable and helpful staff.