I have had more good experiences in this book store than any other. Yes, I am not 100% objective, as part of the time I watched my adult daughter reading to a rapt audience of children at weekly "reading and crafting" that is free to the community. But even without that very personal experience, I love the collection of special edition (and pricey, but appropriately so) books intermixed with $1 used books out side. I have purchased several of each. Always worth it. As a grandfather with only one grandchild, now 10 years old, reading a deluxe edition of The Princess Bride to him during weekly visits last winter brought a kind of joy that is hard to capture in words. As Stephen King once famously wrote: "It's hard to make strangers care about the good things in your life." For me, Fables & Fancies is one of those good things. read more

This is a really lovely, whimsical bookshop nestled in downtown Sierra Madre. The shelves in the front room have a lot of good selections and some cool animal-themed decorations, I found myself moving from shelf to shelf to take a closer look. The back room has tons of new and used books and a large (artificial) tree to give the whole place an organic, peaceful vibe. After spending some time browsing the sci-fi and nonfiction sections, I ended up with "Speeches that Changed the World" for $7. Excited to flip through it for inspiration and education. I learned from Ana, the owner, that the shop recently celebrated its first anniversary! Excited to come back during future visits to my parents' home. read more

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This bookstore is such a cute addition to the area! The bookstore itself is next to a few restaurants, a cute clothing/accessory store and across the street from the theater. The inside is beautifully decorated. There's a huge tree inside and the front and back are lined with shelves of books. The books are also separated by category and then alphabetized. The selection is pretty great with a mix of both used and new books. There are titles that are both recent and older. For reference, I bought a paperback Christina Lauren book (The Paradise Problem) and a paperback Suzanne Collins book (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). But I saw selections from Austen, Hemingway, McEwan, etc. The prices range from how old and how worn the books are. I think they're fairly priced. And the person at the front was really nice and friendly! Definitely come visit this shop! read more

Fables & Fancies - Back part of the store - Bookstores Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

I love this store and am praying it stays open. There's such a huge selection of books and the used ones are reasonably priced. I've walked out with 4 books for less than $30. And it's in a super cute area. read more

The review is for the two ladies who ran the store today and the way they treated me ( I am 33 weeks pregnant) and my little daughter ( 2 years old) one of the associate scared her and made her cry, while I was completing my purchase and we did not even get an apology, the owner (I believe, ) made a joke about causing trauma to my child instead of encouraging her to apologized. I find it very rude and insensitive, especially these are both women and has compassion to how it is to be pregnant and trying to take care of a toddler and especially how they treated my little one. For context I am local to the area and once in a while I would take my daughter around downtown to the stores and grab lunch. And this store would always be one of our stop, I'm a book worm and my daughter also started to love books and she enjoys the ambience of this place , Every time we would come here we would always pick up a book. And today we visited, everything is going well my daughter being 2 years old would run around but she is always polite, She would try and touch things but as soon as I ask her to stop she would listen. And me being 33 weeks pregnant I'm a bit slow when it comes to chasing her. The only thing she loves to do when we are there is to ride the rocking horse and sit in the tiny couch back and fourth while, I browse for books and I would also let her pick a book she wants to take home. We found a book for her and as I was paying my daughter took interest in a small table lamp next to the counter, she tried to pull the light switch and the owner raised her voice at her that caused her to ran off back to the shelves, as she was approaching the doorway the other girl with short hair jumped in front of her and made loud noises startling her and my poor baby ran back to me scared and crying. I was so upset and out of words on the way they treated my daughter. And the owner watched me as I comfort my little daughter, but instead of encouraging her employee to apologized she made a joke telling her associate while smiling "that she caused my daughter some trauma". I was upset and I told them that I come there all the time cos I enjoy the place and support local businesses especially ran by women but the way they treated us is unacceptable, especially my little one. I did not nor my daughter receive any apology from neither of them maybe it had something to do with our race. I'm not sure if anyone else has experience this at this store. But I will not be coming back. read more

While I enjoy my crepe, I discovered this book store beside, really nice, beautiful inside, and good books choices. Outside, you can choose a promotion for $1 dollar book. I got two. The service is so nice, super friendly. read more

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A charming independent bookstore that has a nice selection of both used and new books. The store's environment is very welcoming and stylish. Ana, the proprietor, is extremely helpful and friendly. I highly recommend visiting the next time you plan to purchase a book. On a side note, the store is located in a section of Sierra Madre that is very walkable and is home to a variety of restaurants and other nice shops. read more

Come check out this latest independent bookstore in Sierra Madre! It is located right next to Corfu. It is a small space and great for browsing when you are walking around this cute foothill neighborhood. It's a great addition to this charming little town! There aren't that many quaint and small neighborhoods like this in the LA metropolitan area. Come support them ! read more

Fables & Fancies - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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Fables & Fancies (SM Books) is a tiny bookstore in central Sierra Madre. They have a modest collection of books from Tolkien to Frida Khalo to PeterPan to Dracula. They have a modest selection of old and new books some are fiction and non-fiction. Furthermore, their prices seem reasonable. Bookshelves were organized alphabetically. My favorite book was Shakespeare. Overall, it's the only bookstore in Sierra Madre. read more

Fables & Fancies - Bookstores Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

Fables & Fancies is the most incredible bookshop! Ana and her staff have recommended books that turned out to be my favorite reads of the year so far. They're not only booksellers, they're members of the community, constantly striving to offer enriching events and a wide range of literature. My husband and I love it so much, we got married right under the tree in the middle of the store! read more

Fables & Fancies - Getting married at Fables & Fancies! - Bookstores Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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An amazing asset to the community, beautiful location, kind people and a fun selection of books and gifts. They also have a wonderful children's story time on Sundays at 10am! read more

An absolute delight. Great selection of both new and used books as well as book-related gifts. Super charming decor and atmosphere. Lovely staff and owners. If you're a book lover, this is the kind of bookstore you dream about having in your neighborhood. read more

This bookstore is AMAZING! The love and care for the decor, layout, and books choices was palpable. I love the variety of items, including art prints and used books. The owner was so sweet and helpful. Good prices on used books! This is officially my current favorite bookstore read more

Lovely Spot and Beautiful Addition to the community! The awesome interior spaces are unique and cool.

good store, lots of books and compassion in there the short hair one really good at peekaboo read more

I love this place!!! Since opening, this has become my favorite store in town! They have done a fantastic job creating an environment that just leaves you wanting to hang out and enjoy the magic of being surrounded by so many fantastic books. There has been obvious care taken in every detail - from what is on every last shelf - to how everything is arranged. There is something for everyone here - with quite a vast selection & countless intriguing titles that leave me wishing I could fill a couple shopping carts and bring them all home. Can't say enough about the staff and the owner is absolutely delightful - always helpful - and with a genuine warmth that makes you want to go out of your way to pay a visit. So glad this gem of a store exists in our beloved Sierra Madre!! read more

Fables & Fancies is a beautiful, cozy little bookstore. It's got a great locations in Sierra Madre right in front of a free parking lot and around some restaurants, making it a lovely place to visit on a day out. The selection is very fun to browse, with a nice variety of genres and subjects. My personal favorites were the beautiful hardcover classics, fun variety of cookbooks and art books. Ana was absolutely delightful and we loved chatting while we browsed. read more

Saw the bookstore while returning from a nearby restaurant. Thought it looked neat so stopped in. Friendly and knowledgeable salesperson helped me find the sci-fi section, a genre I love and write. (Have 15 books out so far.). PIcked up one new and one used book. Will go back. read more