Fun & Books at Books & Books

What: Kid-Friendly Events at Books & Books
Who: 2 years and up
When: Saturdays (see below for specific dates), 11 am
Where: 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables
How Much: Free

Not that I’m an expert on any topic, but if I were to be an expert on something, (as a writing teacher, bona fide book club member, library explorer, novel collector, and former nerd) then that something would be bookstores. And, in my “expert” opinion, Books & Books is the best local bookstore we have. It’s a pretty courtyard building surrounding an outdoor café. The inside is a storybook romance for any bibliophile. The walls are crammed with pages and pages of words waiting to be read. The people who work there really know their stuff, too. Also, it is THE place in South Florida to meet famous authors, if you’re into that kind of thing, which I am. And, parents, this is the best part for you: they have the coolest free activities for your little readers. For example, on Saturday, July 11 at 11:00 am, kids get to meet the real actors from the Actors’ Playhouse production of Stuart Little. They come over in costume to hang out and chat. This summer, Books & Books is also doing something called Summer of Fun Book Clubs for Kids. Here is a schedule of some of the activities:

Saturday, July 18, 11:00 a.m.
Join us for the first of our Summer of Fun Book Clubs for Kids with Katie Kazoo’s Switcheroo for You Club. We’ll celebrate democracy in action, reading from and talking about Katie Kazoo Switcheroo: Vote for Suzanne and stay for our Katie Kazoo Craft. See you there!

Saturday, July 25, 11:00 a.m.
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late … to join our The Name of This Book Is Secret Book Club. As we get ready for a visit from author Pseudonymous Bosch -- with his new book, This Book is Not Good for You on Tuesday, September 22 -- we’re reading the infamous impostor’s The Name of This Book is Secret and having some cool contests and crafts with it. Get your copy today and start reading up before July 25, but remember: The Name of This Book Club Is Secret. Shhhh….

Happy reading.

Mommy Tip: They also have stores in Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, but the Coral Gables location is my favorite.