Take a backseat, Kindle kids! Bring your little ones on a fun-filled excursion to these bookstores, as you pick out some great reads together, and kickstart a lifelong love affair with books.
Often, books serve as windows to the world, helping our young to develop lifelong skills, grow their imagination and connect with those around them. Eager to get started? Check out our favourite list of bookstores around the Klang Valley (and Ipoh!), that offer some of the best picks in children’s literature:
1. Book Xcess at Tropicana Gardens Mall
Famed for their beautiful aesthetics, this BookXcess branch comes with an infinity loop bookshelf that provides a unique browsing experience for book lovers of all ages. The dome-like children’s browsing area houses kid-sized tables and chairs that caters to the comfort of little readers. There’s a café serving up hot coffee inside the bookstore too- so grab a cuppa and get ready to camp out with the family for a whole day of book browsing!
Address: Lot 1F – 26 & 26A, First Floor, West Walk No, 2A, Persiaran Surian, Tropicana Indah, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Online store: Available
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2. The Museum of Picture Book Art
This up-and-coming new museum collects, curates and sells picture books and art from Malaysia. Find much-loved books by local publisher, Oyez!Books that showcase literature centred on Asian heritage and values. Parents will be itching to get their hands on these well-written stories, with titles such as Atuk’s Amazing Sarong and The Secret Mission of the Malaysian Squirrel! Do keep a look out for book-related events to be held at this museum too, with April’s calendar including a story book hour, an exhibition, and a special tribute in honour of the late, great Pak Yusof Gajah.
Online store: Available (Oyez!Books)
Address: GMBB, No, 2, Jalan Robertson, Kuala Lumpur.
3. Monalisa
This three-level bookstore in Bukit Jalil is an aesthetic dream, combining elements of the East and the West through its warm textures and reflective surfaces. The children’s section on the top floor houses the store’s “Tree of Life’- a book-lined tower for little ones to sit around, and browse through their selected books. With chic, themed cafés located on each floor, and award-winning, feng shui-inspired interior design, this inviting space will keep the whole family busy! Do check for upcoming events on their Facebook page, and join their parent-child picture book sharing session held every month.
Online store: Available
Address: MY Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil F-8-1 PUSAT PERDAGANGAN Jalan Persiaran Jalil, 1, 57000.
4. BUKU by PJ Preloved House
A great way to get our kids to learn about sustainability and getting into the communal spirit! Visit this cosy, preloved bookstore that repurposes used books with the aim of spreading the love of books at affordable prices. This bookstore is self-serviced, and books are sold for RM5 or RM10. The shop may be on the smaller side, but there are plenty of places to sit outside, and a café next door too (it’s based on trust, so you can take your books over to the café, and bring it back to the shop!)
Online Store: Not Available
Address: K2-22, KEDAI KL, Block B, Level 2, MAHSA Avenue Jalan Universiti, Off, Jalan Ilmu, 59100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
5. Silverfish Books
We can’t believe that this iconic, independent bookstore and publisher has been around for 21 years! Silverfish is the leading imprint of quality Malaysian books written in English. Find unique, rare titles that are unavailable in mainstream bookstores at this proudly homegrown gem.
Address: 20-2F, Bangsar Village 2, (second floor), Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Online store: Available
6. Twigs
Aptly named after a growing twig that eventually evolves into a sturdy tree, TWIGS offers a range of books to develop and inspire our children’s curious young minds. Choose from a great selection of reads, with options ranging from bilingual books, to stories from renowned (and budding) local authors. There’s a small reading section right next to the bookshelves too, making it easy for parents to keep an eye on their younger tots as they browse for books.
Online store: Available
Address: Unit 1F-12, First Floor, 163 Retail Park, No.8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
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7. CzipLee
CzipLee is a family-owned (and family-run) business that has been around for 50 long years! Bring the kids to this favourite neighbourhood corner store in buzzy Bangsar, and they’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide array of books. While you’re at it as well, do check out their excellent selection of back-to-school supplies, puzzles and gifts too.
Address: 1 & 3 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur (2 more branches in Kajang and Johor).
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8. Little Bookworm
If you’re a fan of box sets and books, you’re going to love this place! Little Bookworm’s physical store, located in the Damansara Uptown area, has a warehouse-style set up to allow visitors to browse their wide selection of books. As the largest online UK children’s books retailer and distributor in Malaysia (think books from publishers such as Oxford Reading Tree, Usborne Books and Miles Kelly, to name a few), you’ll be able to save up to 80% off the retail price of similar books found at most major bookstores.
Address: B-3A-23, 10 Boulevard, Lebuhraya Sprint, 47400 Petaling Jaya.
Online store: Available
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9. Kinokuniya
Ah, the OG of beloved bookstores in Malaysia! No list would be complete without this KLCC treasure trove that caters to the reading needs of the whole family. We love their enormous range of beautiful, quality books – and the sheer nostalgia of curling up in a quiet corner of this large space, with a good book in hand.
Address: KLCC, 406-408 & 429-430, Level 4 Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Online store: Available
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10. ILHAM Gallery Gift Shop
Located on the 5th floor of the ILHAM Art Gallery is its unique gift shop, where a good selection of local and art-related picture books can be found. All profits from the shop will play a vital part in supporting ILHAM’s public and educational programmes. Pair your visit to the gift shop with a tour around the public art gallery itself, for an enriching experience that will help the kids cultivate an appreciation of Malaysian modern and contemporary art.
Address: Level 5, ILHAM Tower, No 8, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Online store: Available
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11. Live and Love Book House
If you’ve been hunting for books to hone your child’s Mandarin proficiency, look no further! This home-based bookstore stocks picture books that have been imported directly from mainland China and Taiwan, providing a lovely insight into Chinese literature and culture for young readers.
Address: No. 11, Jalan 7/20A, Seksyen 7, Selangor, 40000 Shah Alam.
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12. Pod in the Hood
Head northwards from Klang Valley to the city of Ipoh, where you’ll find this haven of books for kids! Pod in the Hood is a family-run, independent children’s bookstore that’s conveniently located on the ground floor of WEIL Hotel. This charming nook carries a gorgeous range of children’s books and toys, lovingly curated with little readers in mind.
Online Store: Available
Address: Unit 6, Ground Floor, WEIL Hotel, 292 Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 30000 Ipoh.
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Online Bookstores We Love
Sometimes, all we want is a quick stock up on fresh reads for our kids! For the time-pressed parent, we love the ease (and free worldwide shipping!) of Book Depository, or these terrific online bookstores listed below. (Bonus: if you’re looking for a copy of makchic’s What if? (our first children’s picture book on body boundaries and personal safety), you can find them here too!):
Are there any local children’s bookstores that you love, #makchicmumtribe? If you have any further recommendations, please feel free to drop us an e-mail at hello@makchic.com.
