In this day and age, it almost seems like the habit of reading physical books is gradually disappearing from younger generations. However, there’s no greater thrill than scouring through racks, seeking out the perfect book and flipping through its crisp pages.
Forget chain stores like Kinokuniya and My Greatest Child – this list will take you to 8 indie children’s bookstores in Singapore that are curated meticulously, each set apart from the other.
1. Books Beyond Borders: Preloved Books For A Cause
Located right across Maxwell food market, this quaint book store is perfect for a lunchtime book run for your kid if you’re working in the CBD area. With a 3 for $25 kids section, you can expect a range of titles – from the classic Geronimo Stilton to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. If you’re lucky, you might even get hold of limited edition box collection sets from Marvel and Harry Potter!
Though the books here are all pre-loved, they are still in pristine condition. Plus, they also do host occasional warehouse sales at their Jalan Pemimpin outlet – keep a lookout on their socials for that!
Location: 33 Erskine Road #01-08
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 8pm
2. Zall Bookstore: Chinese Bookstore (with over 30,000 titles!)
Where art, coffee and culture intersects, there you’ll find Zall Bookstore – a double-story store opened by renowned Chinese writer and poet, Yan Zhi, who has 18 published books under her belt. Zall remains the first international outlet of their expansion plans, apart from the existing 4 stores in China.
Here, you’ll find children’s storybooks and comics, as well as adult Chinese literature. They even have classics such as Peppa Pig, Harry Potter, and Roald Dahl in Mandarin.
An afternoon trip to Zall will probably ease your mind with its mini art gallery and cafe.
Location: Wheelock Place, #02-18
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am to 7.30pm
3. Wardah Books: Islamic History & Philosophy
Nestled on the streets of Bussorah Street, Wardah Books is a magical literary hideout which fits right in the history of Kampong Glam’s vicinity. Specialising in Islam culture and language, this bookstore is a gem – whether or not you subscribe to the faith. With titles spanning across different genres (fairytales, poems, Hadiths, non-fiction, and more), each patron who have visited left with glowing reviews!
Plus, you can even bring your kid along and they’ll be kept occupied at the kids’ reading corner!
Location: 58 Bussorah Street
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm (except Friday & Saturday – 10am to 7pm)
4. Ana Bookstore: 2nd Hand Bookstore in Orchard Road
One of the last few standing second-hand bookstores in Singapore, stepping in Ana Bookstore is guaranteed to take you back in time, to the 90’s and early 00’s. With stacks and stacks of books, there are titles here for both kids and adults. While there isn’t a particular genre that they specialise in, you can find yourself scouring through magazines, self-help books, comics, and more. You can count on Ana to score a deal for less than $10.
Location: Far East Plaza, #05-01
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.30pm to 7pm (except Sunday – 2pm to 5pm)
5. Woods In The Books: Picture & Illustrated Books for Kids
A cute little bookstore along Yong Siak Street, Woods In The Books beckons you with its rustic-turquoise exterior. When you enter, expect to be met with wooden interior, colourful streamers and rows of children’s books. They carry international titles, as well as local indie publishers. Flip through their collections to immerse yourself in a world of magic – healing even for the inner child in you!
They also have greeting cards, gifts, postcards, tote bags and activity books – perfect if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop which’ll suit your buying needs.
Location: 3 Yong Siak Street
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 7pm (except Sunday and Monday – 10am to 6pm); Closed on Tuesdays
6. Littered With Books: Shophouse Bookstore With Range of Titles
Another bookstore which sits along the five-foot-ways of shophouses, Littered With Books can be found on Duxton Road. Their genres include: literary, crime, non-fiction, thrillers, fantasy, travel and children’s titles. With two stores to browse through, you can be prepared to spend up to an hour here, lost in the narrative world.
Location: 20 Duxton Road
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm to 8pm (Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 8pm)
7. Closetful of Books: Hidden Bookstore in Industrial Area
Coining their catchy phrase – “where stories live”, Closetful of Books truly live up to their love for children’s books. Having been part of local literary events such as Singapore Writers Festival and ASEAN Festival of Children’s Content, you can truly bank on them to be passionate about kids literature.
With a range of titles inclusive for budding toddler readers to middle graders, there’s a book for every kid! If you’re still unsure about which title to purchase, the awesome thing about Closetful of Books is this – they have an online chat which provides live human recommendations!
They do frequent pop ups at events – so be sure to give their Instagram a follow for updates.
Location: Oxley Bizhub #10-60
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm (except Saturday and Sunday)
8. Josh and Cherie Books: Curated Monthly Book Subscription (Up to 30 months old)
Rounding off the list with a novel way to inculcate good reading habits, Josh and Cherie Books is an online book subscription platform which allows parents to conveniently get books delivered on a monthly basis!
In a book box, you can expect a couple of different titles – a good mix of picture books, board books, and even a Mandarin book (if you top up an additional $10). Each box also comes with a gift or activity for your kids to stay engaged!
Subscriptions range from $31.90 to $33.90 per box, depending on the duration of commitment.
Location: Online
Opening Hours: NIL
For curious kids who’re learning about the world, books are a great way in enabling them to access broader perspectives. Whether it’s learning about local culture and language, or a world bigger than the self, we’re glad parents as yourselves are invested in searching up bookstores for your kids to thrive inquisitively and intelligently!
