Why we love Children’s Book World near Philadelphia

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting expert book recommendations from booksellers plugged into the pulse of their local readership. Independent bookstores are community connectors. They host events, clubs and social events that keep citizens engaged and informed. A local bookstore is a great place to make friends.

Up this week is Children’s Book World in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

What makes your bookshop unique?

When our founder Hannah Schwartz started Children’s Book World over 34 years ago, she wanted a store that was “big enough to serve you, small enough to know you.” Her daughter Heather continues to apply this philosophy by making every child feel welcome and comfortable in our store. 

Our store has a small stage where our customers can meet their favorite authors, storybook characters or sit and enjoy perusing through a book that has just caught their eye. Being a children’s focused store has also enabled us to work closely with schools in many districts surrounding our store.  By providing book fairs, author visits, curriculum consultation and educator programs we have been able to spread the love of reading beyond our walls. 

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

While children are certainly our focus, we know that their grownups deserve some fun too. We regularly host special in-store evenings with our favorite book bloggers as well as “Literature and Libations,” a book fair for big kids at a local cocktail bar. CBW After Dark is our special series of programming demonstrating that we always have something special popping up for adults.

For the past three decades we have also celebrated our amazing local authors and illustrators by hosting a special evening gathering for them at our store. Every first Friday in November 60-80 of these incredibly talented creators in our industry show up for what many consider the “do not miss” event of the year.

The real heart of store however, is our staff. They don’t just read for pleasure, they read so that they can help find the perfect book for every child who comes through the front door. They can find the book with the blue cover and teddy bear that you remember reading as a child or provide your non-reader with a story they won’t be able to put down. All this while wrapping a gift for the birthday party you have to be at in 10 minutes. Each member of our staff is equal parts detective and book whisperer.

What book can't you keep on the shelves?

“Gooseberry Park” by Cynthia Rylan

We can’t keep this on our shelves because it has something for everyone!  It is full of humorous characters that delight both kids and adults. It is a perfect read-aloud, but also spot-on for younger chapter book readers. The hijinks keep you laughing while the adventure keeps the pages turning. This story has so much heart you just want to read it over again.

What book do you think deserves more attention?

“Frankie & Bug” by Gayle Forman

This middle-grade novel is set in the summer of 1987 and tackles many timely and important issues, but never feels weighed down. Readers spend a full and eventful season with the two main characters who track a serial killer and learn to lift weights on Venice Beach, while also encountering homophobia for the first time. Their summer has its share of ups and downs, and Foreman shows us the good and bad while also making her readers feel seen. This would be reason enough to recommend this book. However, the beautiful thing about Frankie and Bug is that at its core is a story that fills you with hope, something we could all use right about now.

What books/series are you most excited about coming out in the next few months?

“Invincible: Fathers and Mothers of Black America” by Wade Hudson with illustrations by E.B. Lewis

Hudson’s text is both lyrical and meaningful, while Lewis’s illustrations are simply stunning. The entire book really feels like a work of art. A recent discussion in the store left us somewhat sad because people often think of picture books as being just for children. We’re challenging this narrative so that folks won’t miss out on books like this one. It will take your breath away. 

“You Stole My Name: The Curious Case of Animals with Shared Names” by Dennis McGregor

Our staff adores this clever picture book with the gorgeous illustrations showcasing animals that share a name but not much else (spider & spider monkey; cat & catfish). This book has been sparking such fun conversations throughout the store that we can’t stop talking with customers and employees about these unusual namesakes.

“I am Stuck” by Julia Mills

We love this book because not only are the illustrations delightful, but the story will resonate with those from 4 to 104. The main character Turtle is stuck on their back and unable to right themselves. A procession of animals then comes along to offer them some well-intentioned (yet ultimately unhelpful) advice on how to get unstuck. Fortunately, a friendly possum comes along and offers Turtle something better than advice in a story that shows that sometimes what you really need is a good friend that’s willing to lie there with you.     

“All the Fighting Parts” by Hannah Sawyerr

If you are looking for a book to inspire you then look no further. Written in verse, this unforgettable story is about a young woman that is sexually assaulted by a church leader. We don’t remember the last time we rooted for a character the way we did for 16-year-old Amina, whose bravery and courage transforms her from victim to survivor. Everyone at our store can’t believe that this book is the author’s debut novel!

“With or Without You” by Eric Smith

Our store resides in the Philly metro area, so this book about a secret romance between the daughter and son of two families that own rival cheesesteak trucks is a must read. The feuding families then take to reality TV to turn up the heat in this Romeo and Juliet for the neighborhood set. This story paints such a mouth-watering picture of this delectable local cuisine that if you’ve never had a real Philly cheesesteak, you’ll find yourself contemplating a trip to the City of Brotherly Love.

Why do you think customers should shop local/indie in your area?

Shopping at independent bookstores like ours allows us to provide free cultural and creative programming both in our store and at off-site local spaces like libraries and community centers. It gives us the ability to bring authors and illustrators into schools for free presentations and enables us to offer free programming for educators and parents to help them find the resources they need for their students and children.