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Secret Garden Bookshop
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Secret Garden Bookshop
So, the only good thing about my English major is that I give good book. Seriously. At least once a month, I look at my poor, useless diploma and then at my empty wallet and then pull at my hair and wail at the sky. But at least I give good book. People who think getting books at Christmas are lame? They've never gotten one from me. But then, my fellow-book-loving nephew turned 12 and ... I hit a brick wall. What do 12 year old boys read? Little girls? I'm set. I was a little girl once. But I was never a 12 year old boy. Didn't get 'em then ... apparently still don't get 'em now.
Anyways, Secret Garden Bookshop to the rescue! There are all these wonderful women working there who seem to actually answering the question: "So, he's 12. And he likes to read. And he likes planes. What should I buy?"
I've also gone in there a few times with even *more* annoying questions. You know the type: "I read this book over 15 years ago, and can't remember the name or the author. But it had this girl in it and a desert and she had a sword and she fought things." And they knew the answer! (The Blue Sword, if anyone is actually interested...)
Lots of times they don't have what I'm looking for, but they order super-quick, and I enjoy walking up two blocks to pick up my purchase. It's a really warm, friendly, peaceful store to mosey around in. Stores like this make it easy to 'Buy in Ballard'!
No, No, no..
This is NOT that special spot that Frances Hodgson Burnett once wrote about in 1909, nor is it the magical place 'The Boss' claims crappy alcoholic sports agents, a la Jerry McGuire, go to be "let in her heart."
It's a Bookshop, okay. A BOOKSHOP!
Because it's smallish in size and there's no computer available for a quick easy search (I know! You actually have to talk to a person!), it's a bit difficult to navigate unless you know exactly what you're looking for.
While books for the grown ups can be found here, the real reason I'd shop here again is the huge of children's books. Loads of them! Mostly newer titles, which is expected since many of the older titles are out of print and they don't sell used.
They could use a few more people working on the weekends.. or a computer (yes, I'm back to that). It gets busy and while the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, get two or three people in here with questions on where to find something and you're a guaranteed player in the waiting game.
I'll definitely come back when I need a kiddie book, but I'll do my homework before I do.
My advice to you: Know thy author!
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I buy kids' books here all the time. Great selection, in-store author appearances, courteous, helpful employees, some of whom are really hot librarian types, and a great location are just some of the reasons I haunt this place.
A nice selection of books for grown-ups too, as well as a very hi-tone little selection of magazines. Sorry, they don't carry "US Weekly" or "Nascar Today".
I love it, you'll love it, go there immediately, if you're into this sort of thing.
People thought this was:
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I find myself in this bookshop a few times a year, mostly when buying books for my niece in NY. The staff are super-friendly and helpful, and if they don't have the books on my niece's 'list', they will order them and they'll be in the store within a few days. I love that they are independent, I especially love the friendly atmosphere - a fabulous place to encourage the art of reading in the younger set!
I encourage you to stop by and give them your business!
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Best selection of kids' books in town. I've found it hard to get the attention of the staff, who always seem to be busy doing something else, but when I seek out help I always get it. They were able to order a much wanted copy of "That's Not My Pirate!" which was in the store within 24 hours! They also have a really great frequent buyer program which allows you to get a free book based on the average purchase price of you last ten purchases.
My kids could spend hours there, and I've picked up some great reads too!
They carry "Make" and "Craft" magazines, which is a huge plus!
Fair to good selection of books for kids and good adult titles too. My only problem is the staff. They always seem too busy, sometimes talking to each other and sometimes performing some mysterious operation on the computer. Either way they have been disinterested in helping me enough times that I avoid the place now.
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For sure the place I would bring a little one to get a book! I was lured in by the shop name and fun display window! Inside is a very comfortable (mostly) kid's bookstore. I poked around a bit for fun and it was a relaxing experience. I chatted it up with the clerks a bit and they were muchas de friendly - thumbs up! Plus it is close to Cupcake Royale.. what kid wouldn't love this place?
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While they sell adult books too, the window display of gorgeous children's lit draws you in the store. If you ever loved Maurice Sendak or 'The Polar Express' or any number of kids books you'll be delighted here. One of the terrific things about independent stores is the highlighting of local authors and they do that here. So pick up the latest bestselling recommendation from independent booksellers and try to think of a kid who would love a book like 'Jitterbug Jam'.
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What a nice bookstore. The most impressive part is the attentive and knowledgeable staff. I have never been disappointed by any of their recommendations. Horray for local!
Perfect place to find books that are begging to be read by the younger set. Even though adult books are available, the display window plays up the appeal to those just starting to read. Decent prices and a staff who enjoy what they do makes for a pleasant shopping trip.
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The Secret Garden is primarily a children's bookstore, but it also has a well-stocked and thoughtful selection of "adult literature" available for purchase. Go during school hours while the kiddies are away, and enjoy!
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I walked in thinking 'book store,' not realizing I was actually walking into a childrens book haven...as you can see the title of the store does not lead you to think, poopy pants and playbins. Literally half the store is dedicated to the runts...don't get me wrong that's great, well if your a parent or a little one...but for me, Green Eggs and Ham are way last week, this week its America in the New World Order. Cheers!
A great bookshop if you need a gift for a child. They seem to specialize in books for the little tykes you'll find running around the shop. Although they do have interesting Authors stop by occasionally. I suppose anytime you can support a local store its good so if your in the neighborhood wander in and perhaps you'll find a new title of interest.
As an artist I'm a sucker for illustrations in children's books. This place, even though it says "books for all ages" is mainly for the little short people. You can find adult books in the back and they will special order things for you, but the real gem is in the front where they have bricks (signed by authors I think) that are in place but not yet cemented together. A little rocky, but a lot of charm. Perhaps this is Ballard's "shop around the corner"? (if you need a book for a child of artists... look for the MOMA book... I forget the name, but it was adorable!)
Secret Garden is a gem of a bookshop. Great selection of books for both children and adults. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. I love to stop in and browse, and find it difficult to ever leave without buying something! It's also a lovely shop to take a child to. They have an area where little ones can sit and look at books and do puzzles. They have a wide selection of nonfiction as well as fiction as well as a great magazine rack. Read your reviews on Amazon...but come here to buy the book!