There’s something powerful about a good children’s bookstore. It’s not just a place to buy books — it shapes how a child first experiences stories, language, and imagination.
In Singapore, the landscape has expanded far beyond generic bookstores. Today, you’ll find curated indie bookshops, specialist children’s stores, bilingual collections, and large-format retailers with dedicated kids’ sections. Some focus on early literacy, others on storytelling and culture, and a few feel almost like community spaces.
What matters isn’t just selection. It’s how books are presented, recommended, and discovered — especially for younger readers who are still forming their relationship with reading.
Below is a carefully curated guide to the best shops to buy children’s books in Singapore, with detailed insights into what each store does particularly well.
| Bookstore | Best For | Type | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woods in the Books | Picture books | Independent | Curated selection |
| Best overall children’s bookstore experience. | |||
| Littered with Books | Browsing | Independent | Cosy atmosphere |
| Kinokuniya | Variety | Chain | Huge selection |
| POPULAR | Education | Chain | Affordable & practical |
| Times | Convenience | Chain | Balanced selection |
| Closetful of Books | Diversity | Independent | Inclusive titles |
| Epigram Books | Local stories | Publisher store | Singapore-focused |
Woods in the Books
Woods in the Books is often the first place parents mention when talking about children’s bookstores in Singapore, and for good reason.
This is not a mass-market bookstore. It’s a carefully curated space dedicated almost entirely to picture books and illustrated titles, with a strong focus on storytelling quality and artistic merit. The selection leans international, with many titles you won’t easily find elsewhere.
What stands out is the way the books are displayed. Covers face outward, encouraging browsing rather than searching. It’s a subtle shift, but it makes a difference — especially for children who are drawn to visuals before words.
There’s also a quiet intentionality to the space. It feels calm, almost contemplative, which makes it easier for children to engage with books without feeling rushed.
Best for: Beautifully curated picture books and unique titles
Opening hours: Typically Wed–Sun (check before visiting)
Littered with Books
Littered with Books is a general bookstore, but its children’s section deserves its own mention.
Tucked into a cosy second-floor space, the kids’ corner feels like a mini reading sanctuary. The selection spans picture books, early readers, and middle-grade titles, with a mix of classics and newer releases.
What makes this store particularly strong is its balance. You’ll find familiar titles that children recognise, alongside lesser-known books that feel like discoveries.
It’s also one of the few places where browsing feels unhurried. You can sit, flip through books, and take your time — which, for children, matters more than we often realise.
Best for: A cosy browsing experience with a well-rounded selection
Kinokuniya Singapore
Kinokuniya is where you go when you want range — and lots of it.
The children’s section at its flagship Orchard store is extensive, covering everything from board books to young adult fiction. It also includes Japanese imports, educational materials, and activity books, making it one of the most comprehensive options in Singapore.
What’s useful here is the organisation. Books are clearly categorised by age and type, which helps if you’re buying for a specific stage of development.
It may not have the charm of smaller indie bookstores, but it makes up for it in sheer breadth.
Best for: Variety and one-stop shopping for all age groups
Opening hours: Daily 10am–10pm
POPULAR Bookstore
POPULAR is the practical choice — and often the most convenient.
Its children’s book section focuses heavily on educational titles, assessment books, and early learning materials, alongside storybooks. This makes it particularly useful for parents who want to balance reading with school readiness.
While the curation isn’t as niche or literary as indie stores, the accessibility matters. With outlets across Singapore, it’s often the easiest place to pick up books quickly.
It’s also a good option for bilingual materials and curriculum-aligned content.
Best for: Affordable, educational, and easily accessible books
Closetful of Books
Closetful of Books offers something different — and increasingly important.
It specialises in diverse and inclusive children’s literature, with books that reflect a wide range of identities, cultures, and experiences. The selection feels intentional and meaningful, rather than purely commercial.
This is a store where storytelling is taken seriously. The books aren’t just entertaining — they’re chosen for the perspectives they offer.
It’s also a smaller, more personal space, which makes browsing feel more focused.
Best for: Inclusive, meaningful children’s literature
Epigram Books
Epigram Books is the place to go if you want children’s books that feel distinctly Singaporean.
As a local publisher, it carries a strong range of homegrown titles, including stories that reflect Singapore’s culture, history, and everyday life.
For children growing up here, that representation matters. It’s a chance to see familiar places and experiences reflected in stories.
The selection isn’t massive, but it’s focused — and that’s the point.
Best for: Singapore-themed children’s books
Final Thoughts
If you want the most thoughtfully curated experience, Woods in the Books is still the standout.
For a cosy, relaxed browsing session, Littered with Books is hard to beat.
If convenience and variety matter most, Kinokuniya Singapore and POPULAR Bookstore remain the easiest options.
And for something more intentional, Closetful of Books and Epigram Books offer perspectives that go beyond mainstream selections.
