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Books of Wonder
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
18 W 18th St(between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood: Flatiron
(212) 989-3270
- Nearest Transit:
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14 St (F, M)
6 Av (L)
23 St (N, R)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
44 reviews for Books of Wonder
Review Highlights
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"...oh so helpful, and my cupcake from cupcake cafe was divine." In 7 reviews -
"It is the mecca for children's book fans young and old." In 22 reviews -
"I recommend this store to book lovers of all ages." In 4 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Lily C.
Manhattan, NY
5/9/2012
This is a hidden gem! I just recently found out the name of this bookstore after a year of just remembering it. I went downtown a year ago in the rain for photography equipment and as I walked out it began to pour. A few steps away and I dashed into this world of wonder!
I felt like I stumbled upon literature heaven! There were kids sitting in comfortable lounge chairs with their mothers reading books. Other kids were running around and enjoying themselves. Another group of kids were browsing books in the huge selection that they have. And lastly - there were children waiting for their yummy cupcake treats! I immediately went for the cupcake treat myself. The cupcake was delicious and I adored the butter cream icing.
After filling my stomach I browsed the books and hung around reading books I remembered.
The rain died down and I walked out forgetting to look at the store sign and a year later, I'm re-united. -
Review from Dawn F.
12/16/2011
If I could go to this bookstore every week, I'd be giddy. So many wonderful children's books, and a nice collection of limited and collectible books and prints. It's a great place to go with children - or by oneself - when needing a bookstore to hide and find good books in.
And kudos to the staff. They were extremely helpful and very lovely people to chat with. -
Review from Katherine C.
Manhattan, NY
4/23/2012
The best children's bookstore in the city. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. And the adjacent cupcake shop has delicious treats. Did you ever see the movie "You've got mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Meg Ryan's bookstore in the movie was based on this movie! I highly recommend this store to anyone with children.
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Review from ZANNE K.
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great selection of children's book with a great cafe' for cupcakes,ice cream, tea, etc. Very whimsical and relaxing place to hang out.
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Review from Jen S.
11/18/2011
New favorite. Stopped by last night, for an new author reading and book signing (my sis-in-law was among the authors), and knew immediately I'd be coming back sometime to linger. Loads of books, great selection, very helpful staff, and a space that is both lively and soothing (not an easy balance to strike).
Books of Wonder makes me nostalgic for all the times I was late to class, during elementary school, because I'd lost track of time reading in a corner of the school library. A totally sweet book spot, and I can't wait to come back. If you're a fan of children's literature or YA books, check 'em out! -
Review from Danielle M.
East Northport, NY
11/16/2011
This is just the cutest place ever. Although they seem to only sell children's, it is a place that an adult can enjoy. With a cafe that offers sweet treats, like red velvet cupcakes, tea and a variety of ice cream flavors, it a great place to hang out and/or get work done.
This place was definitely a fun little treasure to discover. The whimsical decor really made it fun and inviting. They can certainly get the kiddies excited about the adventures of reading. -
Review from Lee M.
New York, NY
1/19/2012
The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful here. I called with a question about an out-of-print children's book that I recently acquired, and Angela not only was happy to talk with me, but even called me back later after doing research!
The store is a treat for children and adults alike. Every time I come, I see another old favorite that I'd forgotten about. There is something about so many beloved titles from childhood all in one place that truly transports a person. The kids seem equally happy, plopping down to thumb through the pages, and trying to make parents buy copies of favorites that they already have at home. The store size and layout make the space feel intimate and cozy, a far cry from the children's section in so many chain bookstores. And there is even a cafe attached so you can sit and read whatever you just bought. -
Review from Elle P.
1/12/2011
I never outgrew my love for children's literature. Wonderful children books have the magical property to whisk me away from the humdrum life and into an enchanted world where elves and faeries live and magic still exists. Or I'm transported back to the "Wild Wild West" where I have to keep a lookout for bandits and work the land alongside my Pa.
I was absolutely delighted to see that Books of Wonder had all of the great children classics that are no longer sold in the big chain bookstores. I greeted them like old friends. They also carry new children books that will one day be considered classics. I immediately wanted to grab a book, sit on the floor, and read just as I used to do when I was a kid. Not to mention, the large locked bookcase at the back of the store, they sell rare collectibles. Looking for the original Wizard of Oz series? They have them. Tolkien? Got that too.
If you have a child or know of a child or still have a child-like love and wonder for books, I can't think of a better place to get a gift than Books of Wonder.Listed in: Bibliophile's dream
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Review from Matt G.
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place to buy books for kids. Great selection, all the classics, and a very helpful staff. Do your part to stave off the eventual disappearance of the printed page by buying a couple copies of mankind's greatest work:"The Poky Little Puppy."
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Review from Ashley L.
10/18/2011
... and sometimes you come across a little bit of magic right here in the Big Apple. Books of Wonder, in all it's glorious charm, is an absolute dream-world of children's literature. The brilliance of being attached to a cupcake shop is just the beginning. They sell everything from classics to rare books to the standards... and throw marvelous events! Clearly for kids of all ages.
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Review from Susan L.
11/6/2011
We visited this store today and it's nice to see there's still a children's bookstore surviving. It's a decent size and it invites leisurely browsing. The selection was pretty good and the guy behind the counter was very friendly & enthusiastic.
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Review from Kat H.
Brooklyn, NY
9/16/2009
I try to avoid Barnes & Noble whenever I can, for reasons both political (they replace local businesses) and practical (terrible service, too many coffee cups and calendars, etc). Independent booksellers are, as the kids say, where it's at, and this place + the adjoining cupcake cafe gives me an incomparably goofy grin.
I came in to buy a book for my nephew's birthday (whosa good auntie? whosa good auntie??), and was surprised at how this shop is able to maintain a "shoppe" atmosphere while having a stocklist about a mile long. So. Many. Books. And unlike other children's bookstores I've visited, the shelves aren't cluttered with syndicated toys or other disposable gifts, and everything is laid out so clearly that the sheer number of titles isn't overwhelming. The staff is really helpful, too: young people who genuinely care about helping you find just the right book. I picked up a hardcover copy of "Earl the Squirrel" by Don Freeman and a "Where The Wild Things Are" birthday card (gift wrap is free!), and the total came to $7.99. Apparently, my book (a classic, by the way) was on sale and I didn't even know it. What a welcome surprise!
Even if you aren't in the market for a copy of "Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus," you should still stop in to see their collection of limited edition prints and posters of illustrations and peruse the rare books. This is as good as it gets! There's just no reason to buy children's books anywhere else.Listed in: Take a look--it's in a book!
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Review from Scott B.
New York, NY
9/17/2007
Books of Wonder is filled with things for children, and yet it is not a hellish cesspit of screaming, spittle, snot and sippy cups. This dazzling miracle alone would garner the store 5 stars if the knowledgable staff, fine selection, and impeccable upkeep didn't already accomplish that.
I'm a children's book fanatic for some reason, and this is my absolute favorite place to shop in the city. Barnes & Noble's got a big selection and everything and is pretty good as chain stores go, but Books of Wonder has this ineffable quality to it that makes me love the merchandise more. I could pick up the same book in both places, and I'd feel more of a connection to it at Books of Wonder.
But anyway, let me change the subject before I get started on my weirdo-geek-librarian love-for-books psychosis and lose all my friends.
Their classics section is really neat because you can find some pretty editions there that you wouldn't necessarily see other places. If you like Oz books, you'll be in absolute heaven, but I don't like them so, ok.
Also, one day I went in there looking for a picture book, and I had the wrong title and author, and the guy working instantly saw through my mental problems and told me the book I was really looking for, so clearly everyone working there is a genius. -
Review from Steele F.
New York, NY
4/27/2010
Whoa. WHOA! Seriously, what can I add that hasn't already been said? Uncramped, clean, and stocking nearly everything you could want, there's a reason this store is called "Books of Wonder". For children of all ages who can't get enough of reading, this will be like stepping into a fantasyland. They even have a rare books and artwork section! And readings! And I found books that I haven't read as a child but was determined to buy!
Okay, I'll shut up a'fore I geek out.
BOOK SELECTION: For books from tots to teens, nothing better. Seriously. They may not have every single book in a series, but their selection is much more vast than other bookstores while stocking both classics and newbies.
FOOD: That's right. FOOD! MUFFINS AND CUPCAKES! AND COFFEE!!! OMNOMNOMBNOMNOMNOM... oh, excuse me...
For children's books, avoid the nearby Barnes & Noble and come to this place for all of your needs. A word of warning: you may wind up buying more books for yourself than your children. -
Review from Megan R.
11/14/2010
Many years ago before I became a teacher my mother recommended this bookstore to me since I am an avid reader of childrens' books. This place has every book you ever wanted and if they don't they will get it for you. There are classics and new books that are just great. There is not a bad book in the house.
Make sure to check their books signings on their calendar as well. I have met Mo Willems and Neil Gaiman. If you have a child in your life or are a child at heart please go and enjoy this magical place. -
Review from Hilary G.
7/14/2010
A great childrens book store with a bangin' cupcake shop attached. Not much else I could ask for!
Having worked in the childrens section of a bookstore, however, I have to give them demerits on their selection. Although they have everything new, some of the classics are missing. When I go to a specialty shop, I expect to find obscurities as well - this was not the case here, but they make up for it in the fact that anything I wanted, they could order for me, and have in a matter of days. Plus they were ridiculously friendly.
The store is clean (VERY different from a chain bookstore), the staff was knowledgeable (for sure), and the store was just plain adorable. Very reminiscent of "The Shop Around The Corner" from "You've Got Mail". I half expected Meg Ryan to walk out with a princess hat and read about mice. Love it. -
Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/10/2006
What an awesome bookstore. Better than the children's section of a Barnes & Noble or Borders -- which is usually impressive in its own right -- this independent bookstore gives one hope on many levels.
One, it's independent. This is the children's bookstore to patronize. And I don't mean look down on.
Two, it's extremely focused in what it carries. The book selection is smart and savvy. And the shop resonates with a love of reading, children, and children's literature. The place is all about sharing stories.
Three, it's organized for the explorer as well as the sentimental. Classic picture books are shelved separately from modern picture books, so if you want to return to the books of your youth, you can. And youth fiction is organized by age range. It feels just awesome to see Charlotte's Web shelved so closely to the Cricket in Times Square and Bunnicula.
And four, there's a cafe area that sells cupcakes. Cupcakes are perfect little cakes for kids. I haven't eaten then there yet, but go, get a book (say, a Bear Called Paddington), buy a coffee, and get your nibble on.
I can't wait to read the books I got, and I can't wait until my son is old enough to share them with him. Also, I don't know how it works, but I got several Books of Wonder Dollars, which appear to be $1 coupons off future purchases. They're dated to expire in March, so they appear to be good for about four months after your purchase. That ensures I'll be back real soon!Listed in: Best NYC Book Stores
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Review from Karen M.
Brooklyn, NY
9/29/2006
Of course, this is the classic New York children's bookstore. It is the mecca for children's book fans young and old. If you are a children's book fan like myself, you will also appreciate the collections of antique and early edition children's books that you can peer at through the glass cases in the back of the store (or if you are rich, you can buy them).
My only gripe about the store is that their selection of board books is quite small and could have a broader selection.
Oh, and as other readers have mentioned, Cupcake Cafe is here. The cupcakes are pretty and tasty enough, but they are expense ($2.50 for a tiny, $3.50 for a large).
Overall, it's a wonderful place to take a child, or a children's book-loving adult! -
Review from Elisabeth A.
Astoria, NY
10/17/2008
As a childrens book illustrator, this place is HEAVEN. Lovely helpful staff, tons of great books, well organized, nice atmosphere and decoration - also a really nice art gallery with some originals (graeme base originals, sweet!!!) Nice place to hang out, quiet and relaxed. When I worked nearby I would always come here on breaks.
Also came here for the final Harry Potter book release party - pretty dang fun. They know how to throw a book release party :P. and the cupcakes are cool too, but i guess thats technically a different place to review... -
Review from Lura P.
Las Vegas, NV
3/15/2011
Ah yes, Books of Wonder. As in, "Wonder if your books will EVER arrive." Ordered the complete Oz set from them back in November and STILL haven't received any of it, despite the fact that we told them they can ship us the partial set and send us whatever they didn't have in stock at the time later. I can't speak for the store itself, since I have never been there, but the mail order service from their website is absolutely abysmal. I love supporting independent booksellers but only if they don't do business like morons. Looks like Amazon is going to be getting a little more of our business.
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Review from Elisabella G.
Manhattan, NY
3/20/2011
As others have said, this is a great bookstore, overall great selection and knowledgable staff. I also agree that they could add do a better job with the classics.
So why only a 3 star.? The restroom was disgusting. No hand soap and the changing table was filthy- very glad not to have had to use it.
If it had been a bus weekend day, I might be more forgiving. However, this was a Monday afternoon with very few customers in the store. Surely someone had time to check the facilities.
If you are going to try to cater to children and serve food, one would think that a clean bathroom complete with the basics such as soap would be standard operating procedures. My previous feelings of a clean, charming bookstore no longer apply to Books of Wonder.
Oh and how they received an A rating for cleanliness from the Department of Public Health for sanitary conditions with food is beyond me. Makes me question all those other A's popping up in restaurants all over the city. -
Review from Michelle R.
NY
8/27/2009
Just call this place the wonderful Books Of Wonder!
This is absolutely THE best children's book shop in Manhattan. I am a children's book fanatic and own a pretty significant collection of antique children's books. This place has a fantastic selection of contemporary children's books as well as an amazing collection of antique books for sale. For all of you fans out there of the movie "You've Got Mail", this store is the real life, larger version of "The Shop Around The Corner." I've been shopping here for well over a decade - dating back to when they were at their previous location on Seventh Ave.
The staff is wonderful - both very knowledgable and friendly. The store is very neatly organized and decorated in the most charming manner. It's so much fun to shop here - unlike those big chain book "warehouses" that feel so impersonal and overwhelming.
This shop is truly one of NYC's finest shopping gems. A must-go destination for any book lover seeking a little escape from the hustle & bustle of the city streets to reconnect with their inner child, as well as a fun place to bring your little tots! The fact that the store shares their space with an outpost of fabulous Cupcake Cafe makes it an even more worthwhile adventure! -
Review from Gourmet G.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2005 1 photo
This is the best place for children's books in Manhattan. New York's oldest and largest independent bookstore, which served as the model for Meg Ryan's shop in 'You've Got Mail,' is a wonderland for budding bibliophiles. Teeming with tantalizing tomes, it offers contemporary and classic novels for kids of all ages, along with old books and rare first editions of classics like 'Winnie the Pooh' and 'The Wizard of Oz.' Their charming but cramped quarters prompted a move to a larger space two doors down in 2004, and this year Cupcake Cafe set up an in-house outlet so browsers and shoppers can satisfy their sweet cravings along with their literary hunger. In addition to occasional author readings and signings, featuring such guests Chris Van Allsburg, every Sunday at noon, children from ages two and up and their parents can sit and listen to books read aloud by creative and imaginative staffers.
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Review from karen T.
Flushing, NY
7/21/2010
I have no children. I have very few children in my life. I am however, a devourer of good literature in all genres. Books of Wonder is not just my favorite children's bookstore - it is my favorite bookstore in Manhattan.
I first met the owners of Books of Wonder in the (mumble mumble) decade, when we were all members of the International Wizard of Oz society. Decades later, after moving to NYC, I was thrilled to see that not only did their bookshop still exist, but they had started a Books of Wonder imprint to keep all those delightful Oz books in print.
I have been at Books of Wonder at midnight, for each of the Harry Potter series. It works like this: the spouse pre-orders the book on-line from Amazon, and then, at 10:00 p.m. the night before, she gets antsy and gives me the mournful/hopeful look that surpasses even that of a chocolate lab. We then drive into Manhattan, and go to Books of Wonder, where we are surrounded by cheerful parents whose kids are already in their pj's, and NYU students - equally cheerful - with their flashing "Potter Stinks" buttons. Very little whining or anxiety. I attribute this to my sincere belief that everyone of every age in this line reads and been read to all their lives, and are looking for a good book - not a competitive "kids gotta have it whatever it is" attitude. And my sweetie thanked me for driving her back and forth from Queens to attend the midnight Harry Potter madness by purchasing an early edition of L. Frank Baum's "Aunt Jane's Nieces" for me - what a classy spouse!
I have also perused the books during the day, and found both the classics missing from my bookshelves, and new finds. Books of Wonder introduced me to the Phillip Pullman novels long before they were mangled into a pretty-but-shallow major motion picture. I was also able to restock my Oz collection with some of my favorites under the new imprint.
I really like how the store is laid out. First, there's lots of aisle space. I think this is essential in a children's bookstore, as it encourages children to sit and turn pages while not impeding traffic. A win-win as far as I'm concerned.
Second, the ambient noise level is significantly lower than that of its chain competitors. As a middle-aged reader, this is important to me. I accept that I live in a huge-ass city, and thus the standard decibel level is already higher than it is for many other locations. But that noise level ratchets up in big-chain stores with their warehouse-high ceilings. I don't know about you, but it always seems to me that wherever I stand or sit, the echo-rebound of either a screaming toddler or the whine of a bored tweenster finds its way to that spot between my eye sockets, and reduces my capacity to enjoy browsing. Books of Wonder has lower ceilings, thicker sound-absorption flooring, and a pleasant level of background conversation so as not to be library-level intimidating.
The staff are readers, and friendly. They are not surprised to find adults reading children's books, and have pointed out some interesting literature. As others have pointed out, there is also a rare books section, for those who are collectors as well as readers. I only collect by accident, and thus the Books of Wonder imprint on my Oz books (complete with the color Denslow and Neill illustrations) are enough to please me and my bank account.
I recommend this store to book lovers of all ages. -
Review from megan c.
New York, NY
11/9/2005
Dudes, chicks, others, let me take this opportunity to wiggle around on a soapbox and tell you all that Books of Wonder changed my life. I was lucky enough to come here repeatedly as an Oz-obsessed child to find solidarity for my budding nerdiness. I learned from watching the staff that being a cool urban grownup and loving children's literature were not incompatible activities. Dagnabit, reading is real nifty, and there is nowhere I can think of in the United States where that is more apparent than at Books of Wonder. A truly great place to buy yourself a present.
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Review from joe r.
Brooklyn, NY
6/21/2007
I love Books of Wonder. As an elementary school teacher, it's like a giant box of happy. As an emotionally stunted child of boomers, it's like my playground never left me. And as a self-loathing middle-class white guy, it often either proves or disproves my feelings on my own people.
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Review from Christina F.
New York, NY
1/19/2010
As good as it gets for children's books. The adjoining cupcake store is pleasant too, though I'm always worried some kid will get frosting all over a book.... really nice to have a look around, even if you're just a kid at heart! Phantom Tollbooth, anyone?
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Review from Helena Z.
Brooklyn, NY
3/24/2007
Amazing selection and great display (yay!). Old/rare section (yay!). Cupcakes cafe (meh).
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Review from Jennifer B.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2006
The bookstore part is great, it has every kids book you could imagine, the cafe part wasn't so great though. The cupcakes are beautiful, with flowers made of icing. They don't taste that great though. The icing had the consistency of Crisco and about as much flavor. The cake itself was dry too.
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Review from alicia v.
Hauppauge, NY
11/14/2005
They have tons of childrens books here that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. A perfect place to find a unique holiday gift for a child that already has too many toys. The friendly staff will be happy to assist you in finding the right book.
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Review from J R.
New York, NY
1/14/2008
If, like me, you were one of those kids whos best friends had names like Ramona Quimby, Princess Ozma, Claudia Kincaid or even Babar.... this is the place for you.
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Review from Alma Z.
9/14/2005
The main book store from tots to teens. This is the bookstore to get the latest in for kids and young adults. They carry used and out of print books. The selection is choice and the staff is friendly and helpful. A great place to get that special something for a child in your life.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Atlanta, GA
9/28/2007
Store of my dreams. Well... if it was attached to Academy Records. They had an amazing selection of children's books and a great assortment of rare books as well. I hadn't seen the Doctor Doolitle books in years. However, they were a bit out of my price range (~$75), but considering it was the original edition, not an outrageous price. They also had these wonderful books by New York based author/illustrator Peter Sis. I bought three of them. One was on growing up in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, one on Charles Darwin, and one on Galileo. They are all works of art and I would recommend checking them out for some truly beautiful modern picture books. I don't currently have kids, but if I ever do, these are the kinds of books they are going to be reading.
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Review from Christy V.
Boulder, CO
12/29/2005 4 photos
If I were young again, I would definitely want to spend as much time as possible in a kids' bookstore that has a beautiful cupcake cafe attached. What more could I want? The best selection of books ever, grouped according to age, story time in the back, and oodles of cupcakes just behind the stacks! Bring on the reading time!
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Review from kay b.
12/15/2010
as i waited in line for 2 hours for the last installment (nerd alert... wait for it... wait for it.) of the hunger games trilogy, mocking jay, we bonded in the rain as we formed a long yet respectful line linked to books of wonder.
a lost tourist family from ohio, a recording exec, NYU students, and many an odd committed lot camped out discussing the shifts and turns of the latest read. random staff gave us a stern and cordial talking to to keep the peace. once inside, they operated with an elf-like precision. eager admirers of sci-fi young adult fiction clung to their tickets for the new crisp books. the complimentary mug and other related geekified swag were dispersed to us with smiles and a paramount excitement that equaled our own. among the fans were youth in slogan t-shirts, grandparents with their faces brandishing paint of their favorite shipped characters, editors eating cupcakes, and me with my partner, so excited for a live reading from the author. books of wonder staff handled a blissed fan community with understanding, guiding us to various stations to get our books signed, get our trivia on. with over 300+ people in a bookstore, the space was set up efficiently for the stampede. as mentioned, the acoustics were clear and the sound system more than adequate despite the enraptured audience. we could hear the first ever read of the new book and the gasps of our audience in one clean and engaging swoop. on the regular, i think books of wonder suits the avid reader and the adventurous youthful energy in all of us. the space is clean, cozy and with high ceilings and smart lay out. though the whimsy is rich here, the only sub-par aspect of the store are the cupcakes at the cafe. i consider them dry and not what cupcakes should be at such an otherwise fantastical outfit. over all, books of wonder and the 1st ever mockingjay release was the stuff my dream date and nerdgasms are made of. -
Review from Karen L.
New York, NY
5/9/2007
The place to go if you're in the mood to soak up some good children's books on a lazy afternoon. Great selection. Only if it was partnered with Sugar Sweet Sunshine, I'd be in heaven... Still, not a bad place to fill up with a cup of tea and some thought provoking, laughter instigating pictures and words.
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Review from Cristina C.
New York, NY
7/15/2010
This place makes me want to be a kid again. And the title is so perfect. Books of WONDER. You do get that feeling of wonder and butterflies when you walk in here and I kid you not. It is so cozy and has the feel of a small town mom and pop shop, as opposed to the big businesses replacing these small stores like Barnes and Nobles, Borders, etc. This small bookstore has everything-from popular to rare. The atmosphere is just wonderful. It is like walking into a children's book itself. I recommend bringing your kids here or just bringing yourself ;)
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Review from Kate L.
Hillsdale, NJ
9/26/2009
Really cute little children's book store made for everyone. Books shiny and new, brittle and old share the space of one store, along with a happy case full of cupcakes, juice and goodies. I loved perusing the prints and posters of some of my favorite childhood books on the back wall. A delight to visit.
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Review from noelia d.
New York, NY
3/8/2009
This place is magical.
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Review from Andrea D.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2005 4 photos
If you love children's books Books of Wonder has old ones, new ones, funny ones, sad ones, red ones, green ones, tall ones, teeny ones. They have fairy stories and Gorey stories and if you have a question, the staff is extremely knowledgable. They have recently remodeled, expanded, and banded together with The Cupcake Cafe for additional temptation power. I liked the smaller store better (it was cosier and had one more window to make playful displays in) but it's nice to think they're doing well enough to expand. You could spend an afternoon on this block... (City Bakery, Skyline Books, Academy Records and A.I. Friedman are all right here). As for the Cupcake Cafe: I haven't tasted in a few years, but I remember the cupcakes being prettier than they were tasty--they use an old-fashioned cupcake recipe with loads of butter. They are indeed incredibly beautiful, with wonderful bright colors and intricate handmade frosting flowers. If you crossed Magnolia cupcakes with these, you would have the perfect cupcake.
