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The best bookshops: National

Indigo/ChaptersTake your child to any IndigoKids section within these stores and you’ll have a hard time getting them to leave. Each playfully decorated space features some 3,000 square feet of books, toys and games for children under 12. Drop in for storytime (o ffered at many locations), author signings or a release par for the hottest titles. While little ones explore the huge volumes of tales for infants to teens, parents can try out the Kobo Vox colour eReader at stations throughout the stores. Also, shop online for savings of up to 45 percent.

By Fina Scroppo
The best bookshops: National

Photo: Maica/iStockphoto

Indigo/ChaptersTake your child to any IndigoKids section within these stores and you’ll have a hard time getting them to leave. Each playfully decorated space features some 3,000 square feet of books, toys and games for children under 12. Drop in for storytime (o ffered at many locations), author signings or a release par for the hottest titles. While little ones explore the huge volumes of tales for infants to teens, parents can try out the Kobo Vox colour eReader at stations throughout the stores. Also, shop online for savings of up to 45 percent.indigo.caMastermind This special toy store pays just as much attention to their book selection as they do to their games and toys. Find books on natural science, cloth books for infants, special tomes for home-schooling, and pop-ups, sticker and activity-based books.mastermindtoys.comAmazon.caAmazon is an online-only retailer with a large offering of kids’ books in more than a dozen categories, such as animals, education, popular characters, sports and activities and more. They're often listed at 28 percent or more off the retail price.amazon.ca CanLitforkids.comWhile CanLit for Kids Books is a wholesaler of Canadian books supporting school libraries, parents can also order directly from the site by setting up an account before accessing the book lists. Individuals purchasing books will receive a five-percent discount off the list price.888-656-9906NeverEndingStories.comA former children’s book reviewer (including for Today’s Parent), Stephanie McLellan is dedicated to helping parents find age-appropriate books. Because she reads every book posted on her site, she has the inside scoop. Detailed book reviews, author guides and a book registry provides moms and dads with more information to make better choices. You’ll also find deep discounts on most books.905-853-9530TinyTales.caThis online boutique (which also sponsors author signings around Calgary) carries local and mainstream English books, as well as publications that reflect the cultural landscape of our country. They sell French, Spanish, German, Arabic, South Asian and East Asian language books. Check out their online Kidzone section for trivia and games.403-370-3259YouAreSpecial.comThe bilingual reader has a host of options on this site specializing in dual-language and multicultural children’s books. There are more than 60 languages and cultures represented in the assortment here, which includes bilingual children’s books that combine English with another language, and diverse English children’s books that cover many nationalities and heritages. Sign up to get e-newsletters about recent publications and events throughout Canada.905-713-0018AudioBookExpress.caThis Burlington, Ont., company specializes in unabridged children’s audiobooks on CD. You’ll find everything from the classics like Winnie the Pooh to newer titles like the Harry Potter series.905-333-8973; 866-224-6954

This article was originally published on Jul 09, 2012

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