Let your little readers roam the shelves and dive into new worlds at these great places around Portland. There are chairs for lounging, quiet rooms for discovering old stories, friendly shopkeepers to recommend new favorites, and even a sneaky cat to find! Whether you are looking for a book for your kids, to give as a gift, or for yourself (we won’t judge, we love kid’s books too), these 6 stores will help you find just what you need. Read on to find out more!
photo: ThomasLife via yelp
Green Bean Books
This adorable Alberta Street store is tucked inside a whimsical little red house. Inside shines with a fantastic book collection, couches for lounging, and plenty of events to keep your little readers excited! New release parties and special visiting authors are scattered throughout regular monthly and weekly events– be sure to check out their Musical Spanish Story time, and Read to a Dog!
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
1600 NE Alberta St.
Portland, Or
503-954-2354
Online: greenbeanbookspdx.com
photo: randy via yelp
Powell’s Bookstores
Of course, there’s Powell’s. This giant Portland book behemoth boasts a huge kids section at their downtown location, with lots of space to spread out and browse. But don’t miss out on the other locations: Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing is almost as big as downtown, and is renowned for their children’s and young adult sections. And the Hawthorne Home and Garden location is currently organizing an expansion into the former Pastaworks space next door, allowing them to give a needed boost to the kids’ section.
Powell’s City of Books
Daily 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
1005 W Burnside St.
Portland, Or
Online: powells.com
Powell’s on Hawthorne
Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Or
Online: powells.com
Powell’s Home & Garden
Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
3747 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Or
Online: powells.com
Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing
Mon. – Sat: 10am – 9pm
sun: 11am – 7pm
3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton, Or
Online: powells.com/
photo: Erik Schepers via flickr
Annie Bloom’s
A Multnomah Village institution since 1978, this bookstore has a perfect nook for kids, complete with a dragon rocking chair. Kids will find a large selection of favorites there, and can while away their time in the back of the store, while parents find their own goodies (along with free coffee). Lure children out of their worlds, if you dare, by challenging them to find the store cat, Molly!
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
7834 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, Or
503-246-0053
Online: annieblooms.com
photo: Megan Hemphill via flickr
Broadway Books
This neighborhood spot is a relaxed place that carries a great selection of kids books. With a devoted staff ready to find the perfect book for your reader, it prides itself on attentive service. And with a (hot pink!) frequent buyer card, your little one can earn their way to a free book in 12 visits!
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1714 NE Broadway
Portland, Or
50-284-1726
Online: broadwaybooks.net
photo: lydia via yelp
Cosmic Monkey Comics
With a Sesame Street signpost in the corner of the store, your kids will know they’re in the right place. They’ll find classic comics like Archie and Nancy Drew, as well as newer ones like Powerpuff Girls and Star Wars. Take your little nerds here and, as the store says, “discover the secret world of comics!”
Daily 11 a.m.- 7 p.m, Wed. until 8 p.m.
5335 Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Or
503-517-9050
Online: http://www.cosmicmonkeycomics.com/
photo: sally via yelp
Books with Pictures
This comic book store labels itself as an inclusive women-friendly, kid-friendly hang out. Comic books and graphic novels are a great way to get kids and teens into reading more, and there are so many options. Chat up the workers here and they’ll point your tween to the best ones for them, whether they want dragons, inner turmoil, escapist fiction, or just something goofy.
Sun.-Tue. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
1100 SE Division St, #103
Portland, Or
503-206-4369
Online: bookswithpictures.com
Bonus Book Options!
The following aren’t full bookstores, but you won’t want to miss seeing their small-but-great selections of children’s books.
Made You Look
The bright and happy toy store has a small selection of unique zines, books, and magazines for kids. Don’t miss their Rebel Kids Story Club, featuring great stories and crafts around a theme like Amelia Earhart or Frida Kahlo. Find the club there every other Thursday at 11 a.m!
Mon. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2418 East Burnside St.
Portland, Or
503-719-7906
Online: madeyoulookpdx.com
Seahorses
A kids store for dads! Focusing on supporting dads on their parenting journey, the book section features ideas for fun activities and things to do, and the story characters highlight (you guessed it): Dads.
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
4029 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Or
971-352-6130
Online: seahorsespdx.com
Hello Good Morning
This colorful kids store explodes with fun, and has an equally colorful wall of beautifully curated books.
Wed.- Sun. 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
2419 NE Broadway Street
Portland, Or
503-841-5120
Online: hellogoodmorningkids.com
What’s your child’s favorite store to discover a new book? Tell us in the comments below!
—Katrina Emery
