[This article was first published on 1st April 2022 and has been updated as at 5th March 2024.]
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 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
Website I Facebook I Instagram
2. The Museum of Picture Book Art
This lovely 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 held at this museum too.
Online store: Available (Oyez!Books)
Address: GMBB, No, 2, Jalan Robertson, Kuala Lumpur.
3. CzipLee Bangsar
CzipLee (集利) is a family-owned (and family-run) business that has been around for 56 long years! This cornerstone in Malaysia’s stationery and creative community recently unveiled its latest milestone -the official opening of its flagship store at Bangsar Village II, Kuala Lumpur. With its focus on creativity and community engagement, tastefully curated books, and the inclusion of comfortable, child-friendly features such as a kids’ book nook, playful tiles and vibrant colour schemes, and family-friendly cardboard play areas in the works, this bookstore is set to become your child’s next favourite place!
Address: 2F-36,37 & 38, Bangsar Village II, 2, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Website I Facebook I Instagram
4. 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.
Website I Facebook I Instagram
5. 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
Website I Facebook I Instagram
6. 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 Kuala Lumpur.
7. LearnINC x BUKU | BUKU by PJ Preloved House
A great way to get our kids to learn about sustainability and getting into the communal spirit! LearnINC x BUKU is a preloved bookstore nestled in INC @ KL Eco City 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 as low as RM5 or RM10. Their lovely space is also intended to foster a greater love of reading and trust within the community, as well as to host creative initiatives, such as book swaps, author events and other community activities.
Online Store: Shopee and Telegram
Address: Lot L3-21, Level, 3, INC, 3, Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
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 , 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
Website I Facebook I Instagram
9. 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
Website I Facebook I Instagram
Are there any local children’s bookstores that you love, #makchicmumsquad? If you have any further recommendations, please feel free to drop us an e-mail at hello@makchic.com.
