Kids love a vibrant story book! Even with kindles and technology, you can’t beat the feeling of a lift-the-flap or pop-up book. Many of the best book shops for kids in Perth have brilliant selections of children’s books for all ages. While you may like to purchase your books online from large retailers, it’s also a great time to support local, independent bookstores and comic shops.
Here’s a roundup of Perth’s best book shops for kids.
Best Book Shops for Kids Perth – South
Paper Bird Children’s Books and Arts, Fremantle
The gorgeous Paper Bird specialist children’s bookstore in Fremantle continues to be a must-visit for families. They stock quality children’s books with a strong focus on Australian authors and illustrators, and the shelves are packed with picture books, junior fiction and YA that you won’t always find in the big chains.
Paper Bird is much more than just a bookshop. They offer a rich program of workshops, clubs and events that support kids’ creativity and literacy. Their children’s book club and “story lab” help children aged around 6–16 develop their creative writing skills, while exhibitions showcase original children’s book illustrations and artwork from local artists. Story times and other events add to the community feel, and they also run school programs and other initiatives linked to children’s literature.
Buggybuddys review: Paper Bird Children’s Books and Arts
Website: Paper Bird Children’s Books & Arts
New Edition Bookshop, Fremantle
Found in an old heritage building on Fremantle’s High Street, New Edition Bookshop is a Fremantle institution where both big and little bookworms can spend hours browsing the shelves. Their children’s section includes board books, picture books, chapter books and YA, with plenty of carefully chosen, high-quality titles.
The staff at New Edition really know their stock and are excellent at helping families find something just right – whether it’s a first chapter book, a special gift, or a new series for an avid reader. They regularly highlight new and notable releases and staff picks, so there is always something fresh to discover. It’s an inviting space that encourages browsing and lingering, and their online presence makes it easy to check out what’s new if you’re planning a visit.
Website: New Edition Bookshop
The Pickled Fairy, Fremantle
While The Pickled Fairy isn’t strictly a book shop, it remains a magical destination for little fairy fans. This long-loved Fremantle store is filled with fairy-themed books, story time sessions and all things sparkly – fairy wings, wands, fairy houses, costumes and gorgeous little trinkets. There are even some pirate-themed goodies, so there’s something for everyone.
A visit to The Pickled Fairy feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s a wonderful place to encourage imaginative play and a love of storytelling, and it’s easy to combine a stop here with a day out in Fremantle. They also offer parties and special events, making the shop a favourite for birthdays and celebrations.
Website: The Pickled Fairy & Other Myths
Best Book Shops Perth – North
Boffins Books, Perth CBD
Boffins Books, found underground on William Street in the CBD, is a long-standing independent bookshop with a strong reputation across many genres. Their children’s section is well stocked, with everything from sturdy board books and beautifully illustrated picture books to chapter books for primary-aged kids and plenty of young adult fiction.
Knowledgeable staff can help with recommendations, school reading lists or finding something new for reluctant readers. With a convenient city location and extended trading on some days, Boffins is ideal for picking up books for the kids on the way home from work or while you’re in town. Their website also offers online ordering and home delivery options.
Website: Boffins Books
Planet Books, Mount Lawley
Planet Books in Mount Lawley is a treasure trove for all book-lovers, with a quirky, creative atmosphere and shelves full of interesting finds. Adults can browse everything from literary fiction to art and design, while the children’s area offers plenty of books for kids of all ages – from picture books and early readers to junior fiction and YA.
Alongside the books you’ll find a selection of games, puzzles and gift items, making Planet an excellent spot for birthday present hunting. Planet also has other locations (including Northbridge and Cottesloe), but the Mount Lawley store remains especially popular with families thanks to its fun selection and central Beaufort Street location.
Website: Planet Books
Child Education Services, East Perth
Child Education Services in East Perth is a specialist children’s bookshop that’s been supporting families, teachers and librarians for decades. As the name suggests, the focus here is firmly on children’s books and educational materials, making it an excellent destination if you’re looking for titles that support learning as well as leisure reading.
The shelves are stocked with picture books, early readers, chapter books, non-fiction and a wide range of teacher resources and curriculum-linked titles. This makes Child Education Services especially handy if you want books that tie into school topics, help with specific skills, or support kids who need a little extra practice or extension. Staff are very familiar with what’s currently being used in classrooms and can guide you toward age-appropriate, level-appropriate choices.
Located on Royal Street in East Perth, it’s a convenient option for inner-city and eastern-suburbs families and a real gem for anyone who wants a more education-focused children’s bookshop experience.
Website: Child Education Services
Diabolik Books & Records, Mount Hawthorn
If your kids love comics and graphic novels, head to Diabolik Books & Records in Mount Hawthorn. The shop’s shelves are heaving with comic books, graphic novels, kids’ games and gifts, as well as popular children’s and YA titles.
Diabolik has a cool, indie feel that’s great for older kids, tweens and teens who are starting to shape their own tastes in reading and music. They often engage with the local community through colouring competitions and fun displays, making the shop welcoming for families. It’s a brilliant place to explore illustrated storytelling and find something a little different.
Website: Diabolik Books & Records
Rabble Books & Games, Maylands
Rabble Books & Games in Maylands is a fantastic family-run community book and board game shop. They stock an excellent range of books for children and adults, often showcasing authors and stories that might otherwise be overlooked. The children’s section includes picture books, early readers, middle grade and YA, with a strong emphasis on diverse and inclusive titles.
Rabble is particularly well known for championing books by First Nations authors, LGBTQIA+ stories and titles that explore a wide range of identities and experiences, helping kids see themselves reflected in what they read. Alongside the books is a brilliant selection of board games, card games and puzzles, making it a go-to spot for family game nights as well as reading.
Website: Rabble Books & Games
The Lane Bookshop, Claremont
Tucked down a little lane in Claremont, The Lane Bookshop is a charming, traditional indie that’s definitely worth seeking out. Their children’s section is packed with a big collection of kids’ books, from classic picture books and junior fiction to more advanced reads for tweens and teens.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for on the shelves, the friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to help with suggestions or orders. The Lane also hosts events, offers staff picks and provides home delivery options to local suburbs, which is handy for busy families or those with young children. It’s a cosy, bookish haven in the western suburbs.
Website: The Lane Bookshop
Quality Comics, Perth CBD
If your child loves comic books and graphic novels, Quality Comics in the city is a great place to explore. Located on Hay Street, this specialist store is lined with popular and rare comics, graphic novels and plenty of merch – including posters, clothing, toys and collectables.
There’s something thrilling about browsing long boxes and display racks packed with superheroes and fantastical worlds, and comic shops can be a fantastic gateway into reading for kids who prefer visual storytelling. As always with comic stores, parents may want to keep an eye on age-appropriateness, but there’s no shortage of options for older kids and teens.
Facebook: Quality Comics
Whether you are searching for a beautifully illustrated picture book to share at bedtime, the latest graphic novel for a budding collector, or a diverse story that reflects your child’s own world, Perth’s independent bookshops offer a wealth of treasures. These local gems provide more than just shelves of stories; they are vibrant community spaces where children can attend workshops, join book clubs, and receive expert recommendations from staff who truly love literature. By choosing to shop at these independent stores, you are not only finding the perfect read for your family but also supporting the passionate booksellers who help keep Perth’s literary culture thriving for the next generation of readers.
Have we missed the best book shop for kids in Perth? Let us know in the comments below!
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
There is a fantastic children’s bookstore in East Perth. It’s called Child Education Services. It’s jam packed with children’s books, toys and games!