Bookshops for toddlers

[mamabear]

Hi All

Does anyone know where i can go to get good advice about great books for toddlers?

I've been into a few like Dymocks, ANgus and Robertson etc but I end talking to someone who doesn't seem to have been out of nappies for long themselves and are certainly not particularly helpful. :(

I'm going mad...aaahhhh.

[draught]

I haven't had much luck with shops, but have found the staff at the public library really helpful - so we trial books there and then buy them if they are "keepers". Collins bookstores seem to have a better range than most, but they seem to be closing down up here in Brisbane, so don't know how you would go where you are. Otherwise keep an eye out for the book lists that papers like the SMH publish every now and then - 100 books children must read, or something like that - they normally have good recommendations.

[xkwzit]

Hi Mamabear
Do you have a Borders near you? I know in Bris-vegas you have to troop into the city, but their range of kids books is HUGE. And there's a great area for the kids to sit and read to find a book they like. My 3.5 yo can stay up there for ages - which suit her Dad as he likes the bookstore too! Can't say whether the staff are much help - I've never spoken to one (except to say "Credit, Thanks)!

The library also rocks - in Bris they all have a story and craft hour once a week that you can take kiddies along to.

Cheers

[ziggi]

There's also the party plan/mail order businesses that specialise in kids books. I've had, and been to, a few run by Total Learning which has a pretty good selection.

My only fault with these systems is that you get sucked in to buying at the party only to find out later that you could get the same thing from a retail store cheaper.

I have to agree with the Library option. We have around 4 or 5 branch libraries in our council area and each hold their own collection of childrens books. Therefore if we go to a different one every two or three visits (we go once a fortnight), we're always seeing a wide circulation of titles.

Z.

[mummyb]

hi
i dont know where in nsw you live but there is ag reat new bookshop in clovelly called muffledux its in clovelly rd.
it is achildrens bookshop and the staff are very sweet and helpful they also have a morning wher you can take the little kids and they read them stories.
i know that from about two my ds loved hairy maclarey ,spot ,and pop up book actually.
then from three on wards we have gone to the local second hand book shop and he has chosen his own,
kmart have 35% off paper backs including childrens and while the selection isnt wide it is surprising how many uality books you can pick up.
our family favourites are green eggs and ham by dr seuss ,possum magic by mem fox, all pamela allens books and a special adition night time bible all the clasic storiess are there and they are short and they rythm.
enjoy your little one ,enjoy finding your families favourites and let us all know what you find and where . :)

[noniandlilysmum]

Hi there mamabear, In Brisbane there is what is called Books, babies and beyond... It's not on up here at the moment, I think it starts again in July... It is at Dymocks in the city and is in conjunction with Playgroup Australia. What happens is A local Author will read one of her books to the little ones and if you like the book you can buy it at the end of the session... It starts at about 9.30am and goes till 11.30am... My little girl is 5 and she loves it as it is a nice day out once a month, we have lunch and get to look around... She also loves the freedom to just look around, and it's great not to be questioned or asked to put the book back if we aren't going to purchase the book... Morning tea is provided and there are also activities for the children before the session starts... It's also a good opportunity to meet other mums... It might be worth asking Dymocks where you are if they have this or something like it, It is well worth it if you get the chance, and a great opportunity to find special books... We love the disney princess books and my favourite books are Dr Seuss, I especially love Wocket in my pocket, It's short and funny, and let's your childrens imaginations run wild... Hope this has helped :)

[Evo]

Another option I've used is the online bookstore specially for kids (0-7) called My First Bookshelf. They offer recommendations and advice and have packs of books for various agegroups as well. Delivery is free and the prices are about the same as the other bookstores (except KMart, Target). The site is www.myfirstbookshelf.com.au.

[mamabear]

Thanks everyone for your advice.

Evo,

I took a look at the website you mentioned and it is fantastic. You can phone and ask for advice as well and the staff were excellent. I've ordered heaps of books and I know where I'm going when i need to send gifts to friends etc. Also the added bonus is that you get an extra 10% discount if you're a Huggies club member.

I can't recommend it highly enough. MY FIRST BOOKSHELF

Thanks again to everyone for your ideas. :) :)