On a quick trip to Brookside on Saturday, I discovered a magical place, a bookstore for children where I wanted to spend hours.

Reading Reptile is Kansas City’s oldest independent bookseller and (according to the bookmark, anyway) is known across the country for its inventory. While I was there I read a father-son book by Will Smith (you know, the Fresh Prince). I bought a book titled Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith, which features hands-on activities like “Glue Random Items Here” and “Lose This Page” and “Space for Negative Comments: What Is Your Inner Critic Saying?”

But it was the decorations that really wowed me. Papier-mache creatures hung from or sat in every available spot. Reading Reptile lion KC Oct 2009I walked through the doorway, which I think is a crocodile, Reading Reptile doorway KC Oct 2009and immediately wanted to take pictures.

The back of the store was devoted to craft activities for kids.Reading Reptile view toward back saved down

I even got a picture of the book cat, who was a calico rather than a Cheshire cat.Reading Reptile cat KC Oct 2009

Brookside, one of Kansas City’s trendy neighborhoods, is located a few blocks south of the Country Club Plaza. Reading Reptile is between Brookside and Wornall on 63rd.

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  1. Aimee October 19, 2009 at 2:09 pm - Reply

    Reading Reptile is the bomb. A complete Kansas City gem. We have had our oldest in their Book Clubs during the summer and am always impressed with the selection of books.

    Yea! Reading Reptile!

  2. Beth Partin October 19, 2009 at 2:24 pm - Reply

    There were so many intriguing books there.

    Thanks for visiting, Aimee!
    .-= Beth Partin´s last blog ..Kansas City Bookstores: Reading Reptile in Brookside =-.

  3. Mary October 19, 2009 at 9:29 pm - Reply

    That would be a fun place to spend your days! Colorful, sunny, fanciful.
    .-= Mary´s last blog ..Just 0.2 miles left to go! =-.