Books Of Wonder - A Special Place For Stories

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For anyone who loves a good story, or perhaps wishes to find a book that feels like a warm hug, there is a truly special spot in New York City. This place, known as Books of Wonder, stands as the city's very oldest and largest independent children's bookstore. It's a cherished destination, you know, for families and collectors alike, offering a wide array of tales for young hearts and minds, and also some rather unique finds for those who appreciate history bound in pages.

This welcoming store, located in Manhattan's Chelsea area, and also in another spot, really puts a lot of thought into what it offers. You can find a carefully picked collection of new books, alongside some lovely old ones, and even original pieces of art and prints. It's not just a place to buy books; it's a place where stories, both fresh and from long ago, seem to come alive, creating a truly inviting atmosphere for anyone who walks through its doors.

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More than just a shop, Books of Wonder is, in a way, a publisher of children's books too. It started back in 1980, thanks to Peter Glassman and James Carey, and has a rich past of bringing back classic stories that people adore. It has also helped many new writers and artists begin their careers, which is pretty amazing. So, it's not just about selling books; it's about nurturing the world of children's literature itself, which is quite something.

Table of Contents

• What Makes Books of Wonder a Unique Spot?
• The Story Behind Books of Wonder
• What Kinds of Treasures Can You Find at Books of Wonder?
• Beyond the Pages - Art and Collectibles at Books of Wonder
• Where Does Books of Wonder Call Home?
• Connecting with Community at Books of Wonder Events
• Why Do People Love Books of Wonder So Much?
• Special Releases and Experiences at Books of Wonder

What Makes Books of Wonder a Unique Spot?

Books of Wonder truly stands out, in some respects, as a special kind of place. It holds the distinction of being New York City's most established and biggest independent children's bookshop. This means it has been around for a long time, sharing stories with generations of young readers, and it operates with a sense of independence, which is pretty cool. The focus here is very much on children's stories, from picture books for the very young to tales for older kids and young adults. It’s a place that, you know, understands the magic of a good book for a growing mind.

Beyond just new releases, the store also keeps a collection of old, rather rare, and truly special books that people like to collect. These are not just any old books; they are often beautiful editions, sometimes with unique art, that hold a particular charm. You might even find original pieces of art that were used in children's books, which is a bit of a surprise for some. So, it’s a spot that really celebrates the full scope of children's literature, from the newest adventures to pieces of history, which is quite interesting.

The atmosphere inside is, well, it’s just a little bit magical. It feels like a cozy haven, a quiet escape from the city's usual rush. This feeling is, in part, because of the people who work there. They are known for being polite, ready to chat, and always willing to help you find just the right book. Their knowledge of children's and young adult books is, frankly, something quite extraordinary, making every visit a real pleasure. It’s definitely a place where you feel welcome and cared for, which is a big part of its charm.

The Story Behind Books of Wonder

The story of Books of Wonder began, you see, back in 1980. It was founded by Peter Glassman and James Carey, who had a vision for a place dedicated to children's books. The initial idea, apparently, was to focus mostly on older, antique children's books. Peter Glassman, who had recently left Brown University, really wanted a spot where he could sell his collection of old children's books to people who collected them. It was a rather specific idea, which is kind of neat.

After Peter and James had set up the bookshelves and put out their items, they realized, in fact, that they still had quite a bit of room left. This led them to expand their offerings beyond just antique books. This decision, as a matter of fact, shaped the store into the broad and wonderful place it is today, offering a mix of new and old. Their foresight, you could say, allowed Books of Wonder to grow into the beloved institution it has become, supporting both the past and future of children's stories.

Over the years, Books of Wonder has done more than just sell books. It has a history of bringing back classic stories that might otherwise be forgotten, making them available to new generations of readers. This means, basically, that many beloved tales have found a new life through their efforts. Furthermore, the store has played a part in helping many writers and artists get their start, which is a pretty big deal in the world of publishing. So, it’s not just a shop; it’s a place that helps shape the literary landscape for children, which is quite a legacy.

What Kinds of Treasures Can You Find at Books of Wonder?

When you step into Books of Wonder, you'll find, first of all, a very carefully chosen collection of the best books available right now for young readers. Every single book they offer has been read and thought about by their knowledgeable staff, which is quite impressive. This means you’re getting recommendations from people who truly understand and appreciate children's literature. It's like having a trusted guide help you pick out your next adventure, which is really helpful, honestly.

But it’s not just about the newest releases. Books of Wonder also has a special section dedicated to vintage, old, rather rare, and collectible editions. These are the kinds of books that collectors seek out, or for anyone who is looking for those long-lost stories that hold a special place in their heart. You might stumble upon a forgotten gem, a book that takes you back to your own childhood, or perhaps a truly unique piece to add to a personal collection. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt, which is pretty exciting.

For instance, the text mentions a set of two rather fancy, matching volumes, called "The Books of Wonder." These particular books, each with about 340 pages of amazing material and 630 professional pictures by Kelly Lyles, are quite something. They are described as being quite valuable, which tells you about the quality of the special items you might discover here. So, if you are searching for something truly out of the ordinary, this place might just have it, which is rather nice to know.

Beyond the Pages - Art and Collectibles at Books of Wonder

It’s worth noting that Books of Wonder offers more than just stories in print. In the back of the store, they keep a display of those rare and older children's books, as well as prints and original pieces of art from picture books. This means you can see the actual drawings that brought some of your favorite characters to life, which is a really neat experience. It’s a chance to see the artistry that goes into creating these beloved tales, and it’s quite fascinating, actually.

This focus on original art and unique editions sets Books of Wonder apart. It suggests a deep respect for the craft of bookmaking and the visual storytelling that accompanies many children's narratives. You might find a piece that speaks to you, something that captures the spirit of a story you love, or perhaps just a beautiful image that stands on its own. It’s a very personal connection, in a way, to the books that mean so much to people.

The idea of finding "long lost treasures" here is not just a saying. For people who collect books, or simply those who cherish the past, these older editions can be incredibly meaningful. They are not just objects; they are pieces of history, carrying stories within their pages and, sometimes, unique illustrations that capture a moment in time. It's a rather special aspect of what Books of Wonder provides, offering something truly unique beyond the typical bookstore offerings.

Where Does Books of Wonder Call Home?

Books of Wonder, as a matter of fact, has a couple of homes in Manhattan. The main spot, the one often talked about, is at 42 West 17th Street in New York, NY 10011. This is the Chelsea location, a well-known part of the city. You can, you know, easily find it using Google Maps or Apple Maps if you are planning a visit. Its presence in such a lively neighborhood makes it quite accessible for many families and book lovers.

The store actually started its journey on September 2, 1980, on Hudson Street in Greenwich Village. That was the very first Books of Wonder store, which is a bit of history right there. So, while it’s now a fixture in Chelsea, it has roots in another charming part of the city. This gives it, arguably, a rich background, having been a part of different communities over the years.

Today, you can find Books of Wonder in both the Chelsea neighborhood and also on the Upper West Side. This means more people have a chance to experience what this special bookstore has to offer. Having multiple spots really helps it reach a wider audience, bringing its unique selection of books and art to more corners of the city, which is pretty convenient for folks.

Connecting with Community at Books of Wonder Events

Books of Wonder is, in fact, much more than just a place to buy books; it’s a hub for events and community gatherings. They often have storytimes, which are very popular with younger children and their families. These events create a lovely atmosphere where stories are shared aloud, bringing books to life in a lively way. It’s a chance for kids to connect with stories and, perhaps, meet other young readers, which is really sweet.

They also host frequent events, including book launches for new titles. For example, they were excited to share in the launch event for "Unraveled," which is book 9.5 in the New York Times bestselling "Keeper of the Lost Cities" series, and the newest middle grade title by Shannon Messenger. These events often feature the authors themselves, giving fans a chance to hear directly from the creators of their favorite stories. It’s a pretty big deal for many readers, actually.

Sometimes, these events are held virtually, like the one for "Unraveled," which partnered with Brookline Booksmith and was held on Zoom. For such events, fans often need to purchase a copy of the book to get the entry link, and sometimes they even offer signed copies while supplies last. This shows how Books of Wonder tries to make these experiences accessible and special for everyone, no matter where they are, which is very thoughtful. They also offer special gifts and personalized signatures with some upcoming releases, which is a nice touch.

Why Do People Love Books of Wonder So Much?

Many people consider Books of Wonder their favorite little haven in New York City, and it’s easy to see why. The general feeling you get when you are there is one of warmth and welcome. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the stories, surrounded by books that inspire and delight. This sense of being a "haven" is, in some respects, a testament to the comfortable and inviting space they have created for everyone who visits.

A big part of this affection comes from the people who work there. The staff are described as polite, chatty, and very helpful. They don't just point you to a section; they often engage in conversation, offering insights and guidance. Their willingness to assist, and their deep knowledge of the books, makes the experience of finding a new read, or a long-sought treasure, truly pleasant. It’s like having a friendly expert right there to guide you, which is very reassuring.

And then there’s the selection itself. The range of books for children and young adults is, frankly, something quite extraordinary. It’s described as "out of this world," which suggests a collection that goes beyond expectations, offering something for every taste and age. Whether you are looking for a classic tale, a brand new adventure, or a rare collectible, the sheer variety and quality of the books available contribute significantly to why so many people hold Books of Wonder in such high regard. It’s, arguably, a true paradise for book lovers.

Special Releases and Experiences at Books of Wonder

Books of Wonder often features special releases and unique experiences that go beyond just selling a book. For example, they might offer a book with an exclusive pin, like the one of "Tru," available while supplies last. These little extras make purchasing a book from them feel, in a way, more like an event, something to remember. It adds a bit of fun and collectibility to the whole experience, which is pretty cool for fans.

They also highlight specific, exciting new books that are coming out. The text mentions a novel where "we are okay meets wandavision," which sounds like a story about loss and learning to let go, following a character named Eric Ly who creates imaginary scenarios to deal with grief. Until one of them becomes real when a boy he met last summer in Japan finds his way back into his life. This kind of description makes you want to pick up the book right away, doesn't it? It’s a way of sharing the excitement of new stories with their community.

Another example given is a romantic fantasy where "Beauty and the Beast meets Six of Crows," involving a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord. This book, from the New York Times bestselling author of "Six Crimson Cranes," promises a plot about love, trickery, and bringing down gods. Books of Wonder does a great job of showcasing these captivating new releases, often with special gifts or signed copies, making them even more appealing. If you have questions about a book's timeline, you can just contact their customer service team, which is helpful.

Even beyond traditional children's literature, the store has a connection to other forms of wonder, as seen with a reference to Tommy Wonder, who provides a clear plan for a brand of magical theater through tricks, routines, and essays. This just shows, in a way, the broad scope of "wonder" that the store, or the concept it represents, touches upon. It’s a place that truly celebrates imagination in all its forms, which is quite delightful.