Top Children's Bookstores In South Florida

Local bookstores are on the rise, and last year South Florida's best bookstores were profiled in the Best Specialty Bookstores In South Florida article. This year's list explores South Florida favorites, comic book hangouts and online options. Some entertain with book readings while others place the emphasis on education, but all are great alternates to social media and television. Help your child rediscover the world of books or introduce an old favorite to a new face. It could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 442-4408
www.booksandbooks.comBooks & Books is the perennial favorite for both the young and old. It offers a great selection of books including children's, young adult and adult books and hosts frequent book signings throughout the year featuring authors like Ridley Pearson, author of the "Kingdom Keepers" series. It also supports local schools by keeping required reading stocked for students and by holding school-sponsored book fairs with a portion of the funds benefiting the school. It's the best choice in South Florida for children's books with three South Florida locations to serve you.

Bookstore In The Grove
3390 Mary St.
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 443-2855
www.thebookstoreinthegrove.dreamhosters.com

The Bookstore In The Grove is a local bookshop featuring wide releases, local authors and events. Every Friday at 4 p.m., the bookstore hosts a story time reading that encourages learning without your little ones knowing it. Plus, it has the added benefit of an on-site café that takes care of the after-school snack. If your child has a knack with words, he or she can enter the La Plume Young Writers Contest. It's for elementary school to high school Coral Gables residents and it's held once a year. The grand prize winner will get their story published, proving that The Bookstore In The Grove doesn't just house authors, it creates them.

Big Apple Bookstore
Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theatre
Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus
10910 S.W. 17th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-0496
www.theatre.fiu.eduNov. 8 – 9, 13 – 16 at 8 p.m.. Nov. 10, 17 at 2 p.m.FIU Theatre puts a classic fairytale on its head with Rufus Norris's "Sleeping Beauty," an irreverent look at the princess who falls asleep with the prick of a finger and the flatulent fairy who tries to save her. These students are ready to show you "This isn't Disney, Princess." An interesting bonus, on Nov. 13, this production will have a special behind-the-scenes look led by members of the cast and crew.Related: Best Spots For Cabaret In Miami

Tate's
4566 N. University Drive
Lauderhill, FL 33351
(954) 748-0181
www.tatescomics.com
Tate's Comics began with a dream of a 17-year-old boy and a stock in Marvel that partially funded the grand opening in 1993. Though it sells a large selection of comics both new and old, its kid-friendly events are the main draw. Several times a year, Tate's celebrates national and fanboy holidays like Star Wars Day and Free Comic Book Day with giveaways. Come celebrate dressed in a costume and feel right at home. At Tate's, it's okay to be who you are.

ABC's Book Supply
Miami, FL 33238
(305) 595-5160
www.abcsbook.com

Unlike all of the bookstores in this list, ABC Book Supply does not have a physical store. It's a homegrown online bookstore that keeps the latest stock of textbooks and materials for local schools. This makes it a great alternative to high-priced bookstores and private school expenses. There are also fun learning aids and more to make sure that your child is ahead on the learning curve.

Related: Best Specialty Bookstores In South Florida

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com