When it comes to finding the perfect children’s book, there's something special about wandering through an independent bookshop. Beyond the mass-market options and online algorithms, indie bookshops offer a haven of handpicked stories, unique selections, and knowledgeable staff who bring a personal touch to every recommendation.
For this blog post we have compiled a list of our favourite indie bookshops that not only provide an excellent range of children’s books but also create a hub of excitement for little minds. Establishments that are not only passionate about books themselves but are championing a movement to get children excited about reading and boosting literacy.
Here is our list of our best indie bookshops around Scotland and the rest of the UK:
Scotland
Edinburgh
As a UNESCO City of Literature, it is no surprise that there is a large community of bookshops in the capital. We have hand selected some that we feel have the best children’s areas in their stores.
The Edinburgh Bookshop
(176 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DF)
This award winning bookshop has a large collection of children’s books as well, of course, a selection of adults books. The Edinburgh Bookshop also hosts a wide variety of events including author talks and under 5’s storytimes on Thursday and a Friday. This shop is also known for their highly knowledgable staff and welcoming atmosphere.
The Portobello Bookshop
(46 Portobello High Street, EH15 1DA)
Since opening in 2019, in the seaside community of Portobello. This bookshop has created a bustling community of booklovers, with highly knowledgable staff that a ready to pass on recommendation. The Portobello Bookshop have also managed to create a strong events and workshop calendar filled with both adults and children’s events.
Ginger and Pickles Bookshop
(51 St Stephen Street, EH3 5AH)
A cozy and quaint shop based in Stockbridge has books suitable for babies, young adults, and school-age children. Plus, there are little areas of the shop filled fun and wonder including their picture book corner. There are events including story time, and the staff are onboard with advice for parents and teachers.
Glasgow
Daydream's Bookshop
(Unit 2, 38 Stewart Street, Milngavie, G62 6BY)
A new bookshop to Glasgow, Daydreams opened in September of 2024 by ex lawyer Elaine. Elaine has also ran a successful book club since 2021 which gave her the inspiration to open the bookshop. Daydreams offer wide range of books for all ages and events including a regular children’s storytime.
You can now shop Voxblock at Daydream's Bookshop.
Hyndland Bookshop
(143 Hyndland Road, G12 9JA)
An independent bookshop in the west end of Glasgow offering a great range of books. This bookshop is run by ex librarians so you are sure to get some great recommendations.
Central
Far From the Madding Crowd
(20 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7AE)
This unique, award-winning bookshop has something for everyone. There is also a great selection of gifts and stationery, so perfect for finding gifts for book lovers. Far From the Madding Crowd also host a wide variety of events including space for book club events.
Inkspot and Silverleaf
(76-78 South Street, Bo'ness, EH51 9HA)
This cosy bookshop in Bo’ness opened in 2008. This bookshop not only has a large array of books but also features a gift and stationery collection from local authors and makers. Inkspot also do a great collection of children’s books in the Scots language.
The Book Nook
(24 Upper Craigs, Stirling, FK8 2DG)
A home away from home, The Book Nook’s focus is creating a bookshop which is welcoming and inclusive community for Stirling and their visitors. There is a cosy cafe in The Book Nook plus a vast array of community events including a children’s storytime every Sunday.
The Wee Bookshop
(56 Bridge Street, Dollar, FK14 7DG)
A new bookshop situated in Dollar recently celebrated their first birthday. This beautiful bookshop has an extensive children’s and young adults selection with plenty of reading nooks to relax in. There is also a selection of gifts as well as a cafe.
Scottish Borders
Being a commute away from the hustle and bustle of the nearest city, it is nice to see a community of supporting bookshops popping up around the Scottish Borders, there is so many to choose from.
The Mainstreet Trading Company
(23 Main Street, St Boswells, TD6 0AT)
A destination bookshop to spend hours and hours in. Not only is there a large selection of books, but there is also a cafe, deli and a homeware shop. They have a great selection of children’s books at Mainstreet, and it’s an area of bookselling that is very important to them. Mainstreet also host a large number book related events in their barn and. also have their own groups including a Mother and Baby group. Mainstreet also take great pride in their knowledge of all things books, so their booksellers are always on hand to help.
You can now shop Voxblock at The Mainstreet Trading Company.
Night Owl Books
(1 Bridge Street, East Linton, EH40 3AG)
A finalist in the 2024 British Book Awards has become a favourite amongst many. They offer a large collection of children’s books, with some even being signed by the authors. Night Owl also have their own book club and offer a great calendar of author events and creative workshops.
Wedale Books
(231 Galashiels Road, Stow, TD1 2RE)
Wedale Bookshop offers a wide range of children’s young adults books with relaxing nooks to help encourage reading. In 2025, Wedale Bookshop is planning to open a outdoor activity area to take storytime outside.
The Reading Room
(8-10 High Street, Melrose, TD6 9PA)
A small bookshop in the heart of the Scottish Borders, with a great selection of books including children’s books. The Reading Room also offers a small selection of gifts from local makers.
You can now shop Voxblock at The Reading Room
Heron and Willow
(4 Canongate, Jedburgh, TD8 6AJ)
A family run bookshop with a carefully curated collection of books, including children’s. Heron and Willow’s aim is to be the place where creativity happens with a wide range of events. Including; a reading group, writing group and hosted author events.
England
Some of our favourites have also gone over the border. We have only started explore bookshops in England so we are sure this list will grow. But here are some of our current favourites.
The Accidental Bookshop (Alnwick)
(4 Narrowgate, Alnwick, NE66 1FG)
A new vibrant bookshop, owned by the team behind FORUM books (see below). The Accidental Bookshop is home to the UK’s tallest bookshelf. This bookshop is home to 10,000 books, plus they are open to ordering any book a customer needs to arrive in 24 hrs. The booksellers are always on hand to help you find your next favourite read.
Forum Books (Corbridge)
(The Chapel, Market Place, Corbridge, NE45 5AW)
This award-winning bookshop in a converted chapel, is also the proud owners of the bound in Whitley Bay and The Accidental Bookshop in Alnwick. The team behind FORUM are extremely passionate about books and literature. Their book collection has been hand-picked and also includes a curated collection of special editions and beautiful books. Plus they have a vast children’s, teens and YA collection.
The Blue House Bookshop (York)
(10 Bootham, York, YO30 7BL)
The Blue House Bookshop is nestled inside a beautiful Tudor building. They are predominately a children’s bookshop with a wide range of fun and inspiring books. But they also carry a collection of adult books too so there is something for everyone. They also host regular book signings with children’s authors.
The Little Apple Bookshop (York)
(13 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN)
This bookshop is highly regarded in their area and is a firm favourite amongst locals. They stock a wide fiction range of the latest titles as well as local authors. Plus an exciting range of children’s books that are helpfully displayed by age but also there are sections within the children’s department dedicated to informative topics and genres.
Bear Bookshop (Birmingham)
(588 Bearwood Road, Smethwick, B66 4BW)
This specialist children’s bookshop is situated just outside Birmingham. Bear Bookshop’s main focus is putting literacy front and centre, which means they have a weekly calendar filled with inspiring kids events and activities.
You can now shop Voxblock at Bear Bookshop.
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