The Blue Bunny Books & Toys
Open: 7 days a week
Address: 577 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 (Southwest of Boston)
Parking: Metered street parking or a free parking lot on the corner of Eastern Ave & High Street
Highlights:
- In-store café
- Storytimes: Monday & Tuesday @ 10:30 AM
- Book Club: Last Wednesday of every month @ 7:00 PM
Summary: Blue Bunny is an absolute treat. Founded by Peter Reynolds, author of The Dot, this jewel box of a bookstore is devoted to children’s literature. There are events happening all the time, including creativity workshops and Harry Potter trivia nights, and lots of chances to meet authors in person. There’s also a café at the front if your kids want more time to browse. Ask Margie about what to read next!
An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Café
Open: 7 days a week
Address: 111 South Street, Plainville, MA 02762 (Southwest of Boston)
Parking: Free parking lot for the store
Highlights:
- In-store café
- Storytimes: Friday @ 10 AM and 11:30 AM
- Second Story community events
- Staff picks
Summary: The Disney World of independent bookstores! Located not far from Gillette Stadium, this is a large and gorgeous shop lodged in a former general store. There are exposed wood beams, old barrels, and miles and miles of books for kids & adults. When I was there on a Sunday in June, the place was absolutely packed. Lucky visitors may spot Jeff Kinney, bookstore founder and author of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Jabberwocky Bookshop
Open: 7 days a week
Address: The Tannery Marketplace (Mill #1), 50 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 (Northeast of Boston)
Parking: Free parking in the Tannery Marketplace lot
Highlights:
- Over 1,000+ sq. ft. of children’s books & 8,000 sq. ft. of books!
- Brilling staff picks, special discounts & ongoing author visits
- Eureka Toys is right next door; gift stores are everywhere
Summary: Bless the lovely Sue Little for the creation of Jabberwocky Bookshop! Founded in 1972, this Newburyport independent has a book or magazine for every taste. Upstairs is an extensive children’s section, full of cozy corners and unexpected friends. Downstairs is a stroller-friendly area for toddler & infant books. The store is particularly strong in non-fiction. For a day of fun, combine your trip with a visit to the Farmers’ Market.
Andover Bookstore
Open: 7 days a week
Address: 89R Main Street, Andover, Massachusetts (North of Boston)
Parking: Large parking lot next to the store; pay at the kiosk (reasonable rates)
Highlights:
- Founded in 1809—second oldest bookstore in the U.S.
- Part of HugoBooks, with bookstores in Marblehead & Newburyport
- Gift wrapping
- Staff picks
Summary: This storybook shop is the perfect place to be on a cold, snowy afternoon. There’s a real fireplace (not in use), reading nooks & crannies, comfy chairs, and a whole room devoted to children’s literature. Once you’ve explored the offerings, you can grab a coffee at Caffé Nero or the Ultimate Perk Coffee Shop or pick up a pizza for dinner at Bertuccis—all within the block. Go on a Saturday and combine it with a visit to the Andover Farmers’ Market.
Park Street Books & Toys
Open: 7 days a week
Address: 504 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052 (Southwest of Boston)
Parking: Free parking outside the store
Highlights:
- Largest children’s bookstore in New England
- Fabulous Yelp reviews
- Make Your Own Pottery in the Pottery Place
- Outdoor patio for reading & painting
Summary: One of my favorite spots in the world! The owner (Jim James) is an absolute sweetheart and his staff have the sunniest smiles. There is an extensive selection of books—including used books and titles on school reading lists—and tons of exciting toys. Find a cozy chair or check out the aquarium & the wall mural. The accompanying Pottery Place is a popular choice for kids’ parties, but drop-ins are equally welcome.
The Bookstore of Gloucester
Open: 7 days a week
Address: 61 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 (Northeast of Boston)
Parking: Metered street parking & large lots along Rogers Street
Highlights:
- In the heart of downtown Gloucester
- Strong selection of local authors & Cape Ann history
- Restaurants & gift shops up and down Main Street
Summary: Heading to Gloucester for a trip to the beach, whale watching, a schooner sail, or any of the 101 things to do on Cape Ann? Be sure to visit Arwen and her staff at The Bookstore! It’s a small shop, but it has a lot of local flavor and a number of sea-tinged books for your toddlers. Middle grade & young adult readers will also find treasures. Once you’ve finished browsing, pick up a loaf of bread at Virgilio’s Italian Bakery or pastries at Caffe Sicilia.