The store itself is adorable, my daughter is always excited to come in and explore. The book selection is great -- a mix of classics and new stories. And the owners have a great schedule of special events and activities. It's always nice to know we can go in and poke around for a while or join the craft session without feeling pressure to buy, buy, buy! Of course, I almost always end up buying something when I'm there -- there are so many wonderful books. read more

What a wonderful store! We go here all the time. This is a perfect store for Laurel Street. They have storytime for all ages and the special events are a lot of fun. The store is one of a kind with tons of children's books to choose from and is decorated so adorable! It's so hard not to buy something when we go in the store. Love the idea of birthday parties and my daughter and I are excited about the summer camps! read more

Great store with great customer service. I am grateful to Hillary for tracking down a special order and sticking with it until it was exactly right. Thank you! read more

I came here for a fundraiser for my son's school. I was blown away by the selection of books and gifts in this store. The majority of it was books but they also had a great selection of art supplies, toys and gifts for children. I liked how the store organized their books into specifics sections (animals, world, sports) I will support this local store. read more

I've taken my infant daughter for story-time twice and loved the bookstore. They have a huge collection of books, some toys, and the staff seems extremely nice. I get to learn about the latest children's book offerings every time I visit. read more

This place is really special. What I love is that they gift wrap for a quarter. We usually get gifts for my son's preschool friends here. So nice to get a bunch of gifts for the next 1-2 months, get them gift wrapped, and pop them in your bag before the party. read more

I'm so impressed with this bookstore. My daughter and I were waiting to meet up with others so went into the bookstore to pass the time. They have a great selection of kids' books. Someone has really taken time to make sure the shelves are stocked with a great variety of new and classic titles. Also, they carry more affordable paperback copies of books as well as beautiful illustrated versions. Here's the best part: when we were checking out, the woman behind the counter commented that my daughter had made a great choice. I paid and as I was headed out, I asked her what titles she really loves for kids my daughter's age. She said she knew I had already checked out but she'd show me what she likes for when my daughter is ready for her next book. She left the register and walked back with us to show us her favorites. I thought that was super nice of her! I realize I can get some titles cheaper by buying online. But you know, the customer service here is so great and I love being able to walk into a brick and mortar bookstore with my child so she can browse. We will be back. I hope others support this local gem as well! read more

This is what a Children's bookstore should be, with a wide & interesting selection of books & toys, not just the standard disney stuff, nice play area with train table & lots of little chair for the kids to sit & read. Best of all, big clean bathrooms!! Prices very competitive too, & the great services & attitude from the staff. Highly recommended. read more

We just walked by this bookstore by chance and the window displays caught my son's attention right away. The inviting decor drew us right in. The staff was warm and friendly and they had nice displays and a great variety of crafts for kids. All bookstores should model after them. read more

This is the most amazing children's store, especially if you need to buy some awesome gifts. I've been to a lot of storytimes for my little one, but Wednesday at 11am has been my favorite :) I can't say enough great things about the reading bug. read more

An ABSOLUTE GEM!!!! One of the most magical stores around! Fantastic place to spark the imagination of any kid or adult! Kind and knowledgeable staff who go above an beyond to help you. Storytimes everyday, and crafts on the weekends, easy to find a quick birthday gift beautifully wrapped. Always something to discover here!!!! Family owned and operated and they put their heart and soul into every detail. I can't say enough wonderful things about the store and everyone who works there. LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! GO!!! read more

Another perfect addition to downtown San Carlos! This is a great children's bookstore. The decor is great, kids love it. The selection is great and the staff is equally wonderful. They also have great gifts and speciality items. My kids love coming here and so do i! read more

This is a wonderful children's book store. If you need a gift or your kids love to read, come here. Do not go to the big chain stores. They really know kids books. They also have a small adult section to keep you occupied while your kids look around. read more

We love coming in for storytimes! A really great atmosphere and wonderful place for the whole family! My daughter especially loves the "princess" book section. You are sure to find what you are looking for and if you don't, the staff are happy to special order it for you! Special orders come in so quick so you can dive into that special book in no time! read more

Great bookstore for kids. Very clean. The storytime is a lot of fun too! Good selection and the staff is very friendly.

Adorable children's store! They have lots of events for the community, which is wonderful. Not to mention the loads of cute toys, books and games in stock. read more

Wonderful, welcoming spacious local book store with a fantastic selection. The owner and staff make the most amazing recommendations!!

If you cannot tolerate kids please stop selling kids' books!!!!! It had been a long while since I came here and I came with my toddler (2 yrs) yesterday and today . I was given mean looks by the two workers at the store since my toddler was a little loud on the way out. An older lady with short hair and young skinny lady with long skirt.... So we came in the store, my son looked at the books, we sang wheels on the bus song looking at a pop up book, he played with the trains, and I took him in the restroom to change his diaper (everything took about 30 mins) when I put my son into the stroller he didn't like it and started crying .So on the way out, i tried to stop him and showed him couple of books but he didn't have it. So as i was about to walk out the door, this girl who works there comes to my son and tries to sush him...I was on the phone and was taken aback very much so. I told her that we were leaving didn't need to sush him. He's two years old for god's sake, come talk to me. While she rushed to get me out of the door she started yelling at me for us being there for one hour and we have been annoying the customers...excuse meee.... there were almost no customers!!! It was just you two ladies who worked there that got annoyed. They gave me the look ever since i got in. Please correct me if you guys are the new library in town? If you are going to be jerks towards us moms for kids behaving, please work at elsewhere. Thanks for ruining my day. read more

Our home away from home! We are here about 2-4 times a week. The trip never gets old. We love The Bug, the programs (that have really get better the more they add!!!) and the staff. My daughter is homeschooled so we buy a lot of books. It can get quite expensive to buy as many books as I want, BUT the reading bug offers an incredible rewards program for frequent shoppers which is unlike the discount you have to pay for at Barnes and Noble. We are moving out of the area and are seriously considering banging down the door of The Bug to beg for franchise opportunities! read more

I can't believe I'd never been to the Reading Bug! They have the MOST amazing selection of reading materials for children ages baby to teens. All the books I adored as a kid and then some! They have daily story time and singing and a play area and a CLEAN bathroom with a CLEAN changing table. It's fabulous. Pricing for the books is higher than you would find on Amazon, but totally worth it. The staff KNOWS their stuff. If you are looking for a book for any specific situation (think learning to read, potty training, boys birthday around age 6 interested in science) they can actually give you a recommendation right off hand. This is the quintessential "old school bookstore" the one that has storekeepers who actually curate the materials in their store and know each one inside and out. They know the classics, they know the new books, they know everything children book-wise. My husband hates it when they go since I always spend a ton - but I feel good knowing that it is going to a really great quality local business. One that I hope stays around for a good long while. read more

Wonderful neighborhood bookstore! They have a great little play area for children and LOTS of children books. The place is quite large and has more books than you'd think. It's so cutely decorated and the books are creatively categorized. When I went, there was a section of multi cultural kids books, sea animals, and Easter themed. Ditch Amazon and Barnes and Noble and take your kids here! read more

This store is adorable! They have lots of toys and activity sets for kids in addition to all the books. They also have a good selection of local products and organic toys for babies. My little guy is 9 months but I can't wait until he is walking - he will have a great time exploring the store. There is a lot for little ones to play with. The staff is also super friendly and helpful. They are very knowledgeable about the products if you ask for recommendations for your child/baby. They also have a wonderful space that can be rented out for parties in the back. We are having my son's birthday party here. I wish I would have discovered this place when I was on maternity leave - we would have come for story time! read more

Wonderful place to explore and buy new books/toys for kids. Also, we like their community events. The staff is nice too.

Love this bookstore! It is a parents and children's paradise. Their selection of books are great. They have toys. They have classes and you can throw your kid's birthday party here. read more

When I win the lotto I will have a play room that will look exactly like The Reading Bug filled with adorable mushroom stools, rocker chairs in the shape of leaves, murals on the walls, and of course beautiful books! read more

Wonderful selection of books for the kiddos, toys, hats, reading groups for the toddlers. I love having a solid local business to support. as generally I opt for online shopping - don't want a store like this to ever go under. read more

This is a dream place for kids. Great layout , great books. Reminds you what a bookstore should be like

The renovation and expanded space is awesome. Seriously, let's face it, physical bookstores are pretty much dead, but a niche oriented store with creativity and great marketing...always room for those! So, patronize this puppy, please. read more

Very cute space to bring your children. You can also rent the back area space for parties and etc. Free street parking in downtown San Carlos! read more

I don't know how this store could ever get 4 stars. It has everything. What an amazing place not just for books, but for toys, games, stuffed animals, dress up clothes, and even a space for events. I'm a mom and even MY imagination goes wild in there. I shop here, pay retail instead of going to Amazon because if you don't shop here, it may disappear. It's a giant conglomeration of ALL the best kids brands like Jellycat and Djeco. read more

I love this bookstore. Perfect for a baby or child's gift, but they also have some adult books as well. They do gift wrap. It's very cute inside and everyone that works there is extremely friendly and helpful. And it's a local bookstore!!! Shop local! read more

this is a gem of a place for kids, more than just buying books, story time and events are included too. We came here and saw the illustrator for Fancy Nancy books. She signed a copy of the book for my daughter and she read the book to a group of kids, she brought people up to help out and it was a fun event for kids, they also will do parties in their back room. the place is decorated in imagination, fantasy and fun. You have to check it out. read more

I adore this bookstore!!! Whenever I think I am going to "pop in" and pick up something quickly, I wind up immersed in children's books for hours. They have an incredible selection of quality children's literature (and other amazing gifts) and the employees are all exceptionally knowledgable. I'm always thrilled with their recommendations and have gotten rave reviews from all of my gift recipients. My go-to store for all things child-related! read more

Love this place. I have been going there for the past four months, my 10 months old baby enjoys browsing the store and the story time. They have a great selection of books and toys. The stuff are super friendly and helpful. read more

Great children's bookstore. Good selection. Happy helpful staff who are kid friendly.

Amazing bookstore for children. This is the most amazing bookstore for kids I've ever seen (and I love bookstores). There's a really cute playhouse for the little ones, adorable storyhours with crafts (we just happened on one story and craft hour on a weekend, and it was so fun), and a really nice selection of books with a knowledgeable staff. They gift wrap for free so it's perfect for birthday presents. I could spend all day there! read more

What a lovely store with a playroom, great selection of books, toys and kids products! You can read books and find cute lounge seating in every corner! We love this store! There are also free music events and other classes. I recommend this store for shopping, reading and playing with your kids! read more

Love this place!!! They have some many cute books and gifts for everyone. The staff is amazing. Every time my daughter and I walk into this charming bookstore. We never come home empty handed. read more

As much as I appreciate the store manager reaching out to me to clearly defend herself on the uncleanliness of the restroom, I want to clarify that I didn't just walk off the street and use the restroom. I was ACTUALLY shopping in the store and it happened to be during the farmers market. I wish now I would have taken a photo of this restroom. There was no exaggeration when I said there was "mysterious markings" on the walls, no toilet paper, no baby wipes, and there were close to 20 empty toilet paper rolls located on the floor. At the time there were literally 4 girls standing behind the counter talking. Why should I have to tell your staff to clean the restrooms?? I've seen restroom checklists in various businesses. It's a simple process. More recently I decided to revisit the store and the common chairs and carpets were filthy. I would not take my toddler in there to play. I gave this review two stars because the manager took the time to reach out albeit it be to defend her business and in some way try to turn the blame on me. It's all about accountability. Good luck! read more

The owner of the Reading bug contacted me to apologize and further discuss what happened. I really appreciate it. I am updating my review but don't feel like I should completely remove it. read more