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The Reading Bug
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Shopping Toy Stores Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Bookstores, Toy Stores, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
785 Laurel StSan Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 591-0100
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Thu 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Puzzle Contest coming on January 28, 2012. $500 Grand Prize for the fastest team of 4 people to put together a 1000 piece puzzle. So come celebrate… read more »
54 reviews for The Reading Bug
Review Highlights
"We enjoyed a story time there last week."
(in 12 reviews)
"...is my favorite place to but birthday gifts for children."
(in 3 reviews)
"The staff is so happy and helpful and put up with my crazy..."
(in 4 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Tracy c.
San Carlos, CA
11/2/2011
This is the cutest little bookstore around. The entire store is decorated in a fun and inviting way. Books and different sections are easy to locate, and the books on display change frequently so that you can discover new books more often.
The staff here is extremely helpful. They have happily gone out of their way to help me find and order books that I wanted to buy for my classroom.
Although this bookstore doesn't have the biggest selection of books, they have many of the new books in their store. They can also easily order books that they don't have in the store. It's an easy process, and I've been able to get my ordered books in about a week.
I'll continue to buy my classroom books form this place! -
Review from Ken K.
9/23/2011
Parents, you know the feeling of dread whenever your kids walk by a toy and gift store (where many of the products and by-products are cheaply mass produced, likely in China, and upsold for ridiculous amount$). Or maybe an ice cream, froyo, cupcake, or candy store that you know isn't "organic", "local", healthy and totally teeth rottening, and brave all attempts to stroll right past the establishment(s) un-noticed with your little one(s), only to receive the equivalent of the tug of life from him or her wanting to enter the store, almost ripping your arm off in the process, if not dislocating it, while demonstrating the laws of physics (action vs reaction).
With Reading Bug, I have no problems waltzing in and don't have to worry about having my arm dislocated. It is because the moment I enter the store, my mindset is that of a kid in flashbax mode when I see what RB has to offer. So I am not only in the majority, I am with the little ones on their playing field. Except I have more control of my emotions and desires (because after all, the adults are the ones $helling out the dough to buy stuff!) But like a kid in a candy store, it is all mind enrichening instead of sugar highing.
Very impressive selection of children's books, the greatest hits (including the latest) with many titles you won't even find at your local library.
They also stock a small number of Dabbawalla lunch bags for elementary school kids (http://www.dabbawallab...) that while are pricey ($30 per, even from the website), are very well constructed and catchy.
Don't miss the random special events held by RB (check their schedule), one of the many great things they do for the community. -
Review from Hari B.
San Carlos, CA
9/20/2011
We love the reading bug.
My kids can't get enough of it. My son loves the collections they have Big Nate, Magic Tree House, etc. They are super helpful and friendly.
We always find great gifts for our family and friends here. They have recently expanded and renovated.
Just a neighborhood store, easy to walk in, browse and buy. And we feel great about supporting another San Carlos business. -
Review from C. H.
San Mateo, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wonderful selection of books for the kiddos, toys, hats, reading groups for the toddlers. I love having a solid local business to support. as generally I opt for online shopping - don't want a store like this to ever go under.
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Review from teena y.
San Carlos, CA
9/10/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This bookstore is super cute. They have toy trains for kids to play with and you can find cute gifts all over the store. My favorite part of this store is the back room where they have story time and yoga for kids.
Every Wednesdays and Fridays, we go to story time and it's a great way for kids to play with one another and for moms to have some adult interaction. On Fridays, the owner reads stories and sings (she has a nice voice too) She's very good at telling stories.
We're fans! -
Review from K M.
San Carlos, CA
1/2/2012
I can not say enough good things about this store! I am so pleased to be able to peruse and purchase books and gifts here. I can easily spend hours in this store as there are is so much fabulous merchandise. They have created such a warm and inviting environment with a plethora of fantastic goods for sale. My two (almost three) year old son loves this store. I have been taking him in for story time for about a year now and he knows this store well! He asks me to take him there often and I am happy to oblige! Keep up the good work Bug!
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Review from Deb H.
San Carlos, CA
1/7/2012
What a great bookstore for kids! Super friendly sales help and plenty of books and other non book items available. They wrap too! Great local business that we're happy to spend money at!
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Review from Jenny K.
Millbrae, CA
8/8/2011
What an adorable place! How could you NOT love The Reading Bug? It's so cute and has such an amazing selection of books. I also love their games and activity books--they make great gifts for children.
I love that it's independently run!
And they often have community events or readers' theater (making stories come alive with actors). What a cute place in downtown San Carlos! Next time I head south on the Peninsula I'm definitely stopping by. -
Review from Lisa R.
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was headed to a BounceU five year old joint birthday party recently and I realized I had nothing for the "other" kid...not the kid I was invited for, but the other little birthday guy, who is a total hoot and spark plug. Seemed like a less than nice thing to do to show up empty handed so I detoured to the Reading Bug.
Hooray for this decision! I really like this store because:
It's clean, bright, cheerful and well stocked with an amazing array of inventory.
The staff is so happy and helpful and put up with my crazy nonsense...rushing in, babbling about Jacob the spark plug and asking if the books I thought of were appropriate/fun. They laughed along with me and we got it sorted. :)
They had the ZOOBIE I was searching for to give "my" little guy (actually Jennifer L's little L., but I get to borrow the little lovebug every once in a while, thanks Jenny!).
They did the gift wrapping for me and they did it lickety split. I had BOUNCING to do!!
Thanks Reading Bug....I'll come back soon. -
Review from Tony G.
Redwood City, CA
8/6/2011 13 Check-ins Here
Great story times for kids! My daughter loves Jill! Creative ethos for kids & free workshops! Now that it is expanded it offers so much more, too!
Great eclectic books for adults, as well! -
Review from Rachel W.
Redwood City, CA
7/20/2011
I love this store. They recently expanded so they are now twice the size they were before. Yay! More books, puzzles, and toys. I personally believe you can never have to many books. My library is always growing and this store has some wonderful finds.
Books: They have lots of books for all ages, from babies to teen readers. A large selection of board books, puzzle books, learning to read books, and so on.
Toys: I have been a nanny for many years and buy gifts for children all the time. I work with newborns to 5 year olds most of the time. At most big box stores it is hard to impossible to find an item that I would feel comfortable with the child putting in their mouth. But I don't have that problem at "The Reading Bug" they have lots of eco friendly and organic toys. They also carry "Apple Park" which is one of my new favorite companies.
Seating: There is seating throughout the store for you to use, from large chairs for adults to small stools for children.
Reading Room: They also have a large room in the back of the store with a curtain that can be closed for events. There is also a small entrance just for kids. One side of the room has a beautiful mural on it and the other side is covered in mirrors.
This store is just a perfect gem and probably the best kids book store I have ever been to. -
Review from Jocelyn B.
Redwood City, CA
1/17/2012
adorable, love it, fantastic. my kids love it, i love it, etc etc etc...go!
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Review from Colleen G.
San Carlos, CA
10/25/2011
I've always loved this local store and strive to shop here versus the large retailers whenever possible.
A recent experience prompted me to post this review. Last Easter I purchased a bunny stuffed animal for my friend's 2 year old daughter from The Bug. The little girl named the bunny Celeste and it quickly became the girl's favorite stuffed animal and she slept with it everynight. Very sadly and tragically, my friend's home burnt down about 6 weeks ago and they lost most everything in the fire. Her children lost everything they knew, in addition to being displaced.
I can't begin to imagine the emotional trauma of such a loss and tried to think of simple ways to help.
I called The Bug to see if they might still have the bunny and Lauren answered and explained it was a seasonal item. However she went out of her way to research the bunny and follow up in email with a link to the stuffed bunny so that I could purchase from an unrelated company. I was able to purchase the bunny and have it sent to the little girl who was beyond thrilled. The little girl now says Celeste was "at the doctor" and she's back to sleeping with (the new) Celeste everynight.
Lauren and The Reading Bug are amazing and I can't begin to express my appreciation for this unique, local gem. In addition, my friend was totally moved that Lauren would go out of her way to help the family in such a thoughtful way. -
Review from no o.
San Jose, CA
1/8/2012
by far one of my favorite places in SC to take the kids
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Review from Steve D.
San Carlos, CA
Updated - 9/6/2011
The renovation and expanded space is awesome. Seriously, let's face it, physical bookstores are pretty much dead, but a niche oriented store with creativity and great marketing...always room for those! So, patronize this puppy, please.
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Review from Lindsay M.
Burlingame, CA
11/19/2011
This is such an adorable bookstore! We had my daughter's 3rd birthday party here in their event space and it was fantastic. The room is decorated with a mural and fun reading chairs and we had story time, face painting, coloring and crafts. The staff was amazing and all the kids had a wonderful time. It was so great to have a birthday option besides the typical gyms and bounce houses. I wish we could have every birthday here!
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Review from Alejandra H.
Belmont, CA
8/20/2011
Our home away from home! We are here about 2-4 times a week. The trip never gets old. We love The Bug, the programs (that have really get better the more they add!!!) and the staff. My daughter is homeschooled so we buy a lot of books. It can get quite expensive to buy as many books as I want, BUT the reading bug offers an incredible rewards program for frequent shoppers which is unlike the discount you have to pay for at Barnes and Noble. We are moving out of the area and are seriously considering banging down the door of The Bug to beg for franchise opportunities!
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Review from Melanie N.
Belmont, CA
7/23/2010
Love it! Best children's book store I've ever seen. Delightfully decorated and big space. Clean bathrooms. Great owner and staff. Amazing selection. Awesome storytimes. Good recommendations of books from owner. Plus I didn't feel pressure from her to buy, but I wanted to spend $ to keep them in business.
Childrens books need to be opened and read and viewed for the beautiful art. Beyond Goodnight Moon and a few other standards, how do you know if it's worth your money? Online doesn't work for childrens books. You have to touch it.
Bottom line: If you are going to spend money on one of THE most important things in your childs life - BOOKS. And if you are going to have to read it... over and over again... you've got to like it too. Or else it's torture reading bad childrens books over and over and over again.
I plan to purchase all future birthday gifts for all our parties at this store. Plus of course adding to our library. I'm even thinking of having our next birthday party there. How cool?!
Don't let this treasure of a place go out of business. I've spoken with the owner and they aren't advertising. So we've got to spread the word. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Belmont, CA
Updated - 1/8/2010 2 photos
You never know what book will resonate with a child. For my husband as a kid, that special book was "One Was Johnny." I loved "Blueberries for Sal" - *kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!* (the sound of blueberries dropping into a little tin pail).
Our son's favorite book is about an ornery garbage truck and aptly titled "I Stink." http://www.yelp.com/bi... It's so beloved, he memorized it. Perhaps he can relate only too well to the garbage truck who roars around at the crack of dawn and then says: "Did I wake you? Too bad!"
I stopped by The Reading Bug yesterday looking for a birthday gift for my son's 4-year-old friend. Would she like Olivia, Curious George, a signed copy of Jim LaMarche's beautifully drawn book about dogs, or a tea set made of recycled plastic? I didn't know what would call out to her.
I left the store with a gift card so that she could choose for herself.Listed in: Fun Activities to Do With Kids, Yelptastic - look at me, look…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/14/2009
This is the best store ever. I wandered in here for the first time with my toddler and some friends… Read more »
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Review from David P.
MUST RESIST...what a sweet logo and window display...THE URGE....oh that shelf has books that would be perfect for my nephew Phineas...TO SUCCUMB TO... woo, check out the illustrations on that anthology; perfect for bedtime reading...THAT IMPULSE TO BUY....my, my, everything is so well organized by age and reading ability....DON'T REACH FOR...the staff is so enthusiastic about reading -- as if they've read every page of every book in the store...THAT WALLET! Too late. MUST RATIONALIZE EXTRAVAGANT IMPULSE BUY....
An utterly charming, well organized and spacious layout. Its very easy to hone in on whatever you are looking for and you weren't looking for but came to appreciate that you needed.
Great location across from Cowabunga will bolster foot traffic further south on Laurel. I was sad with the passing of Storybook Lane. It takes allot of courage for someone else to give it a go, especially in the current economy.Listed in: My San Carlos
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Review from Isabelle T.
San Carlos, CA
7/10/2011
Simply perfect. Lots of nice books, incredible staff, wonderful place. I go there every week... If you're looking for Birthday gifts, they also have gift cards and then people choose from tons of nice ideas themselves. The story time is fantastic and the craft they do each week on weekends is always creative. And free! Make sure to buy a book on your way out...
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Review from Connie W.
4/7/2011
When I win the lotto I will have a play room that will look exactly like The Reading Bug filled with adorable mushroom stools, rocker chairs in the shape of leaves, murals on the walls, and of course beautiful books!
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Review from Carina N.
San Carlos, CA
6/5/2011
This is my favorite place to but birthday gifts for children. Great variety of things to purchase besides books. They have gift sets for children, art supplies, personalized lap desks and sooo much more. The people that work in the store are great at helping you find what you need and they know what they have. I love it!
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Review from Sebastian R.
San Carlos, CA
9/29/2010
Great store and very friendly staff, but kind of $$$$$ , but hey we need more store like this one, and to be able to survive with this economic i guess prices has to little high.
But the reading its one of the best places i know -
Review from Adrian H.
San Mateo, CA
2/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is what a Children's bookstore should be, with a wide & interesting selection of books & toys, not just the standard disney stuff, nice play area with train table & lots of little chair for the kids to sit & read. Best of all, big clean bathrooms!! Prices very competitive too, & the great services & attitude from the staff. Highly recommended.
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Review from Christine P.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 4/30/2010
I came back again and again...
This time for story time, singing and stretching for babies. The owner Lauren is very talented. We read through many books, sang songs and stretched our babies. I think I had a lot of fun singing along. The place was packed so if you come for story time, come early to get a spot.
I am buying gifts for every baby I know from here. They have great books, plus eco friendly toys like eco play dough and wooden toys from Plan Toys. Make sure to put your name in the frequent buyer list to get a discount. They wrap the gifts well in cute ladybug paper.Listed in: San Carlos Insider
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/25/2009
Wow.
There aren't many places like this on the Peninsula. This is a well organized, clean and very… Read more »
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Review from Ada W.
Palo Alto, CA
3/22/2010
A terrific place for families. The place is nicely decorated throughout and it is attractive and welcoming for kids to look around, grab a book and educational toys etc. They even have a train table set up now, and kids can easily be addicted to the place!
We had our son's 1st birthday party there last weekend, and it was a TERRIFIC venue. Caitlin was an amazing organizer and was so detailed and thorough. She followed through all the details and made sure things happen according to your requests, be it decorations/ story theme etc. My son and his guests all loved her story time, Caitlin was engaging and incorporated all sorts of fun concepts and tools (sign language/ songs/ music etc).
It is an old-fashioned neighbourhood gem, that is so rare these days. We have to support local businesses like them, a place where our kids can grow up knowing that there is a "local bookstore" to hang out with families and friends.. Not just buying books online or chain stores where they have no real human behind it. -
Review from Shoyi C.
San Carlos, CA
1/30/2011
I've taken my infant daughter for story-time twice and loved the bookstore. They have a huge collection of books, some toys, and the staff seems extremely nice. I get to learn about the latest children's book offerings every time I visit.
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Review from Jay T.
Mountain View, CA
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is not only a nice neighborhood bookstore but also a great place to spend time educating your toddlers or kids and have lots of fun. The staff is super friendly and the environment is fun, energetic and very pleasant. Their prices are competitive with large bookstores but they offer a lot more because their staff is dedicated and passionate about children books and education. Highly recommended.
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Review from Pele M.
Bay Area, CA
4/30/2010
I want to clone this bookstore and plant it around the planet. It's the perfect bookstore for kids.
If you need to get a gift for a child, this bookstore has a huge range and selection. From picture books to youth novels to foreign books. There's also a pregnancy/parenting section, as well as a shelf of the latest adults books in case you want to look while your little one wanders about.
The story time area in the back has an adorable mural and the wooden trees they had custom made make the store feel like a magical forest.
This is a special place. LOVE IT.
** They also have great book-reading events and I love grabbing a yummy cupcake across the street at Vanilla Moon Bakery when we leave the bookstore. They have small $1 cupcakes that don't give too much of a sugar-overload to your little one. -
Review from Stina I.
Brooklyn, NY
12/24/2010
Great bookstore for kids. Very clean. The storytime is a lot of fun too! Good selection and the staff is very friendly.
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Review from Jess P.
Redwood City, CA
3/10/2010
Absolutely one of the best stores in San Carlos. Find this store has been a blessing.
My soon to be 4 year old can walk in, sit down and enjoy the books. This store has the ability to keep his attention for longer than 30 minutes. He loves picking out books for friends birthdays and also picking out a new story for bedtime.
Thank you sooo much for being so close to home! -
Review from Pamela M.
San Carlos, CA
1/24/2011
This is a wonderful children's book store. If you need a gift or your kids love to read, come here. Do not go to the big chain stores. They really know kids books. They also have a small adult section to keep you occupied while your kids look around.
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Review from Tania A.
Redwood City, CA
1/3/2011
We love coming in for storytimes! A really great atmosphere and wonderful place for the whole family! My daughter especially loves the "princess" book section. You are sure to find what you are looking for and if you don't, the staff are happy to special order it for you! Special orders come in so quick so you can dive into that special book in no time!
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Review from Clarence A.
Daly City, CA
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
5 stars for this quaint bookstore specialized for kids
if you have kids this is a great spot to visit for them to expand their mind. they are in the business of books so yeah they got lots of books, they also have a large open space in the back for projects, story time, arts and crafts hour for kids. there leaf seats are comfy, their tree stump looking ottomans are also comfy. they got lil table for lil kids haha got to love that.
the staff is super helpful and friendly definitely come by for some browsing or purchases or even for story hour.
price $ depends on the book if they dont have it they can order it
service ***** very helpful VERY HELPFUL
ambiance ***** wide space even for full sized strollers maneuvering is easy. -
Review from Denette B.
San Carlos, CA
4/9/2011
What a wonderful store! We go here all the time. This is a perfect store for Laurel Street. They have storytime for all ages and the special events are a lot of fun. The store is one of a kind with tons of children's books to choose from and is decorated so adorable! It's so hard not to buy something when we go in the store. Love the idea of birthday parties and my daughter and I are excited about the summer camps!
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Review from Ruth B.
San Carlos, CA
1/17/2010
How could I have not written a review of The Reading Bug yet? I must have been too busy shopping there to stop and write. We love The Reading Bug, it is beautiful and well organized inside. My daughter wanted to sit in every chair, and read every book. My son just found a book he liked and found a seat in the back, and that was the last I saw of him until it was time to go. I have found books for them, books as gifts, and books to use in my music classes. What a wonderful addition to downtown San Carlos!
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Review from Dana Z.
San Carlos, CA
9/8/2009
This is a FUN place to go. We enjoyed a story time there last week. The place is decorated so cute. I couldn't stop looking around. Even though my son barely sat still I did not feel awkward attending. It seemed the staff were used to babies his age. Can wait to go back and pick out some fun books.
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Review from Melissa R.
San Carlos, CA
9/8/2009
This store is more than just a bookstore, it is an oasis. My little one loved the story time with Miss Anna, and I could not stop singing "Brown bear, brown bear, who do you see?" for the rest of the day. I loved the great selection of books, but what was even better was all of the other unique items that went with the books, so it is super easy to find a gift that is unique that any child (and adult) would love. I am still eyeing the pricess slippers and the bathtime purse, for my kid, not me...
Such a great addition to San Carlos and I look forward to more story times. -
Review from Lisa C.
Menlo Park, CA
9/8/2009
A perfect neighborhood bookstore for children and adults to fall in love with books again. It's so thoughtfully put together by the owners. From the selection of books to the store's decor.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
