new independent children’s bookstore online

There’s a new children’s independent bookstore online: Through the Magic Door. When so many small independent children’s bookstores are disappearing, it’s nice to see one emerging, even if it only exists online. (If you have a local independent bookstore, it’s a good thing to support them when you can. But for those times when you need the convenience of online shopping, or can’t get to a bookstore, this is a nice alternative.)

Through the Magic Door focuses on bringing backlist titles and overseas titles–good news for readers who like reading all the books their favorite authors write, and discovering great new books that they might not otherwise have access to. It’s good news for authors, too. The bookstore also sells prints and posters from children’s books, which I just love. I even love the bookstore’s name–it’s perfect for a children’s bookstore, and the magic that books can bring.

Through the Magic Door has a forum on their site to help create a feeling of community and begin discussions about books, geared toward readers, librarians, kids, parents, and teachers. There’s also a resources section, with links to book-related articles, blogs, sites, booklists, awards, author/illustrator sites, and more, which is a wonderful idea, and a valuable resource for readers. Readers can create wishlists, and share them. An added bonus for many buyers is that the bookstore ships worldwide. Of course, there’s the added cost of shipping that you wouldn’t have if you bought a book in person, but that can be weighed with the convenience of buying online. This looks like a great new children’s bookstore in a modern age.

You can visit Through the Magic Door here.

I found this great new site through Publisher’s Weekly e-newsletter.

August 17th, 2007