Heading to one of many bookstores in Singapore helps to nurture your child’s love for reading. Opening a book opens up the imagination. It is therefore unsurprising that many dreamers and thinkers count themselves as book-lovers.
There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.
This beautiful quote from Jackie Kennedy Onassis perfectly captures the magic of books. It summarises why so many parents go out of their way to cultivate the love of books in their children.
What can you do to nurture the love of reading in your child? For a start, bedtime stories and regular trips to the library go a long way toward nurturing their love for books.
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And if you love reading, there is a high likelihood your children will pick up the same passion for books too.
One interesting idea we came across recently is to give kids a book allowance. This can be a small sum for them to spend on any books they like. Doing so not only places a value on books, but also helps them kickstart their own treasured library.
Singapore’s Best Children’s Bookstores
And when they are ready to go book shopping, there are plenty of bookstores in Singapore to choose from. Walk into any of the major book retailers and you will find children’s titles well-stocked on their shelves.
Singapore has its share of boutique bookshops too – some of which specialise in children’s titles. Many online children’s bookstores have also sprouted in recent years and we are glad for more options in purchasing quality literature.
Here is a list of some of Singapore’s best children’s bookstores that are worth paying a visit, and perhaps spending a bit of that book allowance too!
My Greatest Child
Many of the books and stationery at My Greatest Child are imported from Australia, United Kingdom, and the United States. You can find colourful picture books, early readers, young adult literature and even toys at My Greatest Child stores.
Where: City Square Mall, Plaza Singapura, Jewel Changi Airport & United Square
Website: My Greatest Child
Junior Page
Junior Page is a book retailer whose buyers have been in the business for almost 20 years. Their mission is to provide affordable books for children and they sell everything from simple readers to fun fact books for older kids. They also stock a wide range of activity and sticker books. You can also choose to shop with them online, spend more than $25 and they will even deliver the books to you for free.
Where: Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC), KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, i12 Katong, Great World City, The CentrePoint, PROXIMA@Gambas
Website: Junior Page
My Imagination Kingdom
Stocking over 2,000 books, owner Jaclyn Tan wanted My Imagination Kingdom to be a bookstore where children picked their own books rather than one where parents picked the books for their kids. This led to the creation of a store with little alcoves for children to immerse themselves amongst books. The type of books that can be found at My Imagination Kingdom include board books, pop-up books, picture books and chapter books.
Where: One KM, 11 Tanjong Katong Road, #03-43, Singapore 437157
Website: My Imagination Kingdom
Closetful of Books
Ever wondered what books are suitable for your child? Get a recommendation from Closetful of Books’ resident book expert, Denise Tan. She enjoys corresponding with parents who need specific recommendations and, having read all the books that Closetful of Books sells, is more than happy to share her love of books with kids. You can also pop by their office at Ubi Road to browse through the 2,000 titles they carry. These include picture books, early readers, junior fiction and middle grade novels. At other times, they can be found around the schools holding book sales. You can also shop online with them at their website.
Where: Oxley BizHub 1, 71 Ubi Road 1, #07-43, Singapore 408732
Website: Closetful of Books
Woods in the Books & Books Ahoy
Located in increasingly gentrified East Coast, Woods in the Books specialises in picture books for all ages. And the obsession with pictures is understandable as the store was started by artist Mike Foo (who paints lovely wall murals) along with co-owner, Shannon Ong. There are picture books such as Where The Wild Things Are for younger kids and others like Tin Tin that will bring adults back to their childhoods. Woods in the Books has a second outlet, Books Ahoy, at Forum the Shopping. This shop takes over the spot vacated by Bookaburra Books and stocks a good range of children’s books.
Where: 206 East Coast Road Singapore 428905
Website: Woods in the Books
Where: 583 Orchard Road #02-02, Forum, Singapore 238884 & Centrepoint
176 Orchard Rd, #01-101 The Centrepoint , Singapore 238843
Website: Books Ahoy
Littered With Books
Set in a quaint shophouse on Duxton Hill, Littered With Books is an independent bookstore that sells both adult and children’s books. Stop in on the last Sunday of every month when children’s book readings are held at 3 pm.
Where: 20 Duxton Road, Singapore 089586
Website: Littered With Books
Dignity Mama
Dignity Mama bookstore is a social enterprise under Project Dignity that employs adults with special needs. They man the bookstore with the help of other supportive caregivers. The micro-enterprise model through zero-cost product via donations help the differently abled to gain basic employable skills. Dignity Mama bookstore is a social enterprise under Project Dignity that employs adults with special needs. They man the bookstore with the help of other supportive caregivers. The micro-enterprise model through zero-cost product via donations help the differently abled to gain basic employable skills.
Where: Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Ng Teng Fong Hospital, NUH Medical Centre, Changi General Hospital, SengKang Hospital
Website: Dignity Mama
Epigram Books
Even though more of a publisher than a book retailer, we think Epigram Books deserves a mention because of their focus on Singapore literature – stories created by Singaporeans, about Singapore. You would probably recognise their titles, many of which can be found at major retailers. These include Amos Lee, Sherlock Sam and Danger Dan. If you want to visit the epicentre of Epigram Books, their showroom is open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm or you can shop online as well.
For coffee along with books, head to Epigram Coffee Bookshop at a space at Singapore Art Museum @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Pick up your books, and check out the view of the port.
Where:
Main: 1008 Toa Payoh North #03-08
Epigram Coffee Bookshop – Singapore Art Museum (SAM) @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark 39 Keppel Road, #01-02
Website: Epigram Books
Elm Tree
Elm Tree strives to spread literacy and life skills to children. You can find a large variety of books, audiobooks, educational material, crafts and stationery at the stores. Elm Tree is also an exclusive distributor for brands like Hinkler, Make Believe Ideas, Kumon, Phidal, and Letterland. Elm Tree’s CDs, learning books, fiction, puzzles, interactive material, and books are available at both the retail stores and online.
Where: Kallang Wave Mall, Paragon, Parkway Parade, Raffles Xchange
Website: Elm Tree
Hook on Books 童言童语
Hook on Books or Tongyan Tongyu is a Chinese bookstore for children in Singapore. You can find children’s picture books, music CDs, local author Ago’s peripheral products, local creative products, stationery and traditional children’s toys, it also sellscards, notebooks and floral arrangements. For crafty kids, they can also craft personalised notebooks, floral cards and bouquets. Adults can also relax at the dedicated reading space in the shop.
Where: 114 Neil Road Singapore 088852
Hook on Books
Maha Yuyi
Maha Yu Yi is a family-run business established in 1969. This Chinese children bookstore specialises in book for children and parents, as well as teenagers & adults. There is an option of shopping online. The range includes board books, flap books, sound books, picture books, storybooks with hanyu pinyin, simple fiction, novels and comics for toddlers, primary school children, and secondary school students.
Where: Blk 231 Bain Street #03-07/#03-11 Singapore 180231
Website: Maha Yuyi
Zall Bookstore
Zall is a prominent bookstore at Wheelock Place that sells a wide range of Chinese books. It has a children’s section on the first floor with both English and Chinese books. You can also find translated copies of English classics as well as a wide range of Chinese storybooks and comics. We love the spacious seating where families can spend time together browsing and reading.
Where:501 Orchard Road #01-02/#02-18, Wheelock Place
Website: Zall Bookstore
Books Beyond Borders
This quaint little bookshop selling pre-loved books for a good cause. There are two locations, the warehouse is located at an industrial building at Singapore’s Jalan Pemimpin, with a cosy reading nook. The bookshop is located right across Maxwell Food Centre. Books Beyond Borders’ main aim was to raise funds for Nepalese girls, to enable them to go to school. It sells a variety of adult and children fiction and non-fiction books at $1 and above!
Where: 33 Erskine Road, 01-08 (Opp Maxwell Food Centre) & Warehouse 41 Jalan Penimpin, 03-01E
Website: Books Beyond Borders
BooksXcess
Want book at affordable prices? Try BooksXcess! Its mission is to make books accessible for everyone at big discounts. There is a physical store co-located with OCBC Bank Wisma Atria with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Other pop-up stores are at other OCBC branches including Ang Mo Kio, Jurong Point, Tampines, and United Square.
Where: Wisma Atria, United Square, CPF Tampines Building, Ang Mo Kio Hub, Jurong Point
Website: BooksXcess
Online Bookstores
Natventure
Natventure started as an extension of founder Cecilia’s passion in nature and books. Both have been her anchor and escape during the turbulent years in her life. It is an online bookstore with a key curation on nature and adventure themed books. Beyond an independent bookstore, Natventure aims to be a community of book lovers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts.
Website: Natventure website
My Story Treasury
Linxin, founder of My Story Treasury, shares her passion for promoting the love of Chinese through her well-run online bookstore. She curates a fantastic range of Chinese books from local culture, singlit to interactive books, picture books, to bilingual ones. The selection is guaranteed to be engaging, meaningful and sometimes hilariously rib-tickling.
Website: My Story Treasury
Josh & Cherie Books
Josh & Cherie is a children’s book subscription service based in Singapore . They offer curated boxes of children’s books delivered monthly, aimed at ages 0 to 7 years old. The books are selected based on age groups from 0 to 18 months to 7 years of age. Each book is carefully curated and reviewed by parents and educators.
Website: Josh & Cherie Books
Flip for Joy
Flip for Joy sources a wide variety of Chinese children’s books from around the world. It also offers personalized recommendations. As the selection is curated by professionals, parents will have an easy and convenient time shopping for books at Flip for Joy.
Flip for Joy is a valuable resource for parents in Singapore looking for high-quality, engaging Chinese children’s books. Their curated selection, recommendations, and free shipping for larger orders make them a convenient option. However, if you’re looking for a wider selection of children’s books in English or a physical bookstore experience, you might want to explore other options.
Website: Flip for Joy
The Big Book Retailers with Children’s Books – Popular Bookstore, Kinokuniya, Times
The big book sellers need no introduction.
Kinokuniya has two locations around Singapore, Times Bookstores has only one remaining outlet which can be found at Jelita Shopping Centre, while Popular Bookstore has too many to count!
Happy book shopping!
