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The best bookshops: Quebec

ArchambaultThis Quebec chain that’s part music and musical instrument store, as well as a leading bookseller, has extensive titles in several children’s book categories, including dictionaries and reference manuals for little ones, as well as comic books in both French and English. Bookended on shelves are educational games, stuffed animals and arts and crafts.15 locations​514-849-8589; 877-849-8589

By Fina Scroppo
The best bookshops: Quebec

Photo: kate_sept2004/iStockphoto

ArchambaultThis Quebec chain that’s part music and musical instrument store, as well as a leading bookseller, has extensive titles in several children’s book categories, including dictionaries and reference manuals for little ones, as well as comic books in both French and English. Bookended on shelves are educational games, stuffed animals and arts and crafts.15 locations?514-849-8589; 877-849-8589Archambault.caBrome Lake BooksIn a village where both French- and English-language learning takes equal share, Brome Lake Books focuses its children’s section on English titles for school-aged kids. Here you’ll find popular titles for youth from Capstone Books (that specializes in kidlit). Stay tuned for publisher-sponsored events, which have, in the past, celebrated Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, Harry Potter and Peter Rabbit books with cake, costumes and readings.264 E. Knowlton Rd., Knowlton450-242-2242BromeLakeBooks.ca Kidlink Books & ToysThere’s no shortage of stimulating products, from captivating tales for preschoolers and adventure stories, to children’s non-fiction (exploring space, nature, history, sciences) and brain games (magnetic letters, abacuses, puzzles, musical instruments, construction blocks). Mom and dad are top of mind, too — Kidlink offers a unique top-sellers table of adult reads.5604 Avenue de Monkland, Montreal514-482-4188Livres Babar Books/Babar en VilleThe family-run business with two stores carries mainly English-language titles (about one-third are French books) for children and parents. Hand puppets, dress-up clothes and plush characters complement the reads, so you’ll find beloved characters like Olivia along with a collection of her stories. Your tween or teen might want to catch a writing workshop there, too. In its “What to Expect” section, parents will find books dealing with everything from pot training and bullying to learning disabilities.Livres Babar Books: 46 Rue Ste-Anne, Ste. 2, Pointe Claire514-694-0380Babar en Ville: 1235 Ave. Greene, Westmount514-931-0606La Maison Anglaise et InternationaleEnglish-only books occupy the shelf space at this store, which frequently partners with educational and cultural centres teaching ESL (English as a second language). Bring kids ages three to eight for a reading on Saturday mornings. While you’re there, consider learning a new language — habla español? — by picking up some Spanish-language references and Spanish children’s bestsellers. They offer everything from popular children’s authors (like Oliver Jeffers) to bestselling adult fiction (George R.R. Martin).Place de la Cité, 164-2600 Boul. Laurier, Quebec City418-654-9523LaMaisonAnglaise.comRenaud-Bray As the largest chain of French-language bookstores in North America, their in-store and online selection is enormous. They offer translated titles of kiddie favourites like Robert Munsch, as well as titles from the Winnie the Pooh and Caillou series. You can get free delivery for online orders of $39 or more.27 locations888-746-2283Renaud-Bray.com

This article was originally published on Jul 10, 2012

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