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Alphabet Soup
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1406 N 45th St(between N Interlake Ave & N Woodlawn Ave)
Seattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Wallingford
(206) 547-4555
- Hours:
Thu-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
10 reviews for Alphabet Soup
10 reviews in English
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Review from Jay S.
Updated - 7/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This store is still amazing and continues to innovate and expand its offerings. On this latest sojourn, I noticed they are now selling books in sets by series (new and used)! Prices are excellent - get a great deal for the kid in your life who is into Magic Treehouse or Sisters Grimm.
A real destination shop if you're a children's book collector or have young bibliophiles (or wish to inspire some).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2009
Alphabet Soup is a fun independent children's book shop. What I like most: a thoughtful selection… Read more »
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Review from k m.
Seattle, WA
1/5/2010
While I don't have kids, I have a ton of kids in my life that I buy books, books, and more books for. That being said, I can't say enough positive things about this place, but here is a partial list:
1) The atmosphere: Super cute, d.i.y aesthetic. Magical, even. There's something about it that brings out the kid in me- I've never gone in this place and not have it change my mood to one that involves an eager-to-read grin.
2) There are concerts from time-to-time by bands that make music for kids. But not the boring, yawn-o type.
3) The owner is sweet and generous. She has contests from time to time where kids can win a $50 gift certificate to the store. That rules.
4) The books at the store are awesome. It's not the typical limitation of Beatrix Potter and Peter Pan stories (although those are in there, I'm sure), but books in non-English languages, great non-fiction picture books, cool-looking new series titles, and even rare-er versions of your favorites. (I found a great copy of Harriet the Spy here!)
5) The prices are INCREDIBLY reasonable!
Overall, this place is great and if I could get away with living in it, I probably would! -
Review from Miss C.
Seattle, WA
4/25/2010
I was completely floored by this bookstore, and I worked in a used/rare bookstore for 10 years.... They know their stock, stock it well, price it right, and carry an excellent balance of new and used.
The best part? They carry a whole Edward Gorey shelf and have a small collection of Richard Scarry and Serendipity books. -
Review from Shoshanna L.
WA
8/4/2009
I like to buy children's books for children and also for me. This bookstore is mostly only children's books and it is an independent local bookstore which is the best place to buy a book! So score!
I got a book here called I AM A LITTLE WHALE by some Frenchman. On the very first page you see that little whale busting out of its mama so you know you're in for a rollercoaster ride.
I gave that book to a baby. I bet you know a baby who needs some picture books about whales or possibly about hard topics such as divorce which are easier for an adult to address with a picture book. Maybe there could even be a picture book about whales getting a divorce! Oh man! Anyway, this would be the place to find such a book if it existed. -
Review from Kristi F.
Seattle, WA
7/17/2009
I love supporting this independent business in my neighborhood. I don't have kids, but I have nephews and a niece who are building up quite the library from their Auntie.
The owner is sweet and you can tell she really likes what she is doing and is passionate about children's books. They have a small, but great collection of picture books and the used prices are reasonable.
The adult section is small, but the reviews of the books are thoughtfully written and helpful in choosing a book. Again, used prices are reasonable. -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
12/5/2008
Here it is in Wallingford! A kid s book store. This has potential for hit or miss. For me, it's a miss.
Yes, they have books. Yes, there is a lot of color.
Does the staff make eye contact or listen or know much about the Seattle education or reading scene? Your guess is as good as mine, mine was probably they do. My questions tested that hypothesis to be incorrect. -
Review from Antipast I.
Queens, NY
9/26/2009 1 photo
This place is amazing. It has used and new books for a range of child ages and the service is awesome. You will be unable to go into this store and emerge without a book that you hadn't thought about in years but now are eager to read again and then pass it along to a deserving child.
Been going strong for a couple years now, too. A great addition to Wallingford.
Also: nice original illustrations from books framed on the walls. -
Review from Eileen S.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2009
I love this little book store. The owner is very knowledgeable and personable. The collections of kids books is extensive. Used books are in very good condition and pricing is reasonable/fair. I like to support private business. They have a book credit/trade program that allows you to bring in used kids books in good to excellent condition and turn around the credit you receive (50% of what she believes she can sell the book for) to purchase books in the shop! She offers readings and other entertainment for kids on the weekend. Wish it were open more often but I get that the hours are based on when business is most likely.
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Review from B F.
Seattle, WA
1/7/2010
This is a Seattle gem. Every city has a small number of vendors that are unique and which give the city its soul. This store is one of them for Seattle in the children's books category.
Worth a visit even if you don't have children who like to read! -
Review from Nadine W.
Seattle, WA
2/13/2010
I buy books - a LOT of books. y 15 month old already has well over 200 books. I refuse to buy them new when used books are so often in such good condition and 15 minutes with a toddler can make any book "used - well used". Over half of this store's inventory is made up of used hardcover children's books. Their books are in beautiful condition - often virtually brand new. They have a wonderful selection that is constantly changing and updating. The prices are reasonable when compared to buying used books on Amazon or at other used book stores. There is such a large selection that you should give yourself plenty of time to look. It is divided up nicely inside into categories including "caldecott winners, board books, books about holidays, books about your body, books about growing up, getting a little sibling, manners, etc." The store itself is very cute from the sign outside to the cozy feel inside. My only complaint with the store is with the staff that sometimes seems uninterested and more focused on playing on the computer than in helping customers. This store also offers new books.
