- Attraction: Little Shop of Stories
- Location: 133A East Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://littleshopofstories.com/
Book lovers, prepare to discover your new favorite hideaway right in the heart of historic Decatur Square.
Little Shop of Stories opened its doors on July 1st, 2005, and has since blossomed into what they playfully claim to be “the best independent bookstore for kids & the grownups they become in the observable universe”.
This isn’t just another bookstore – it’s a literary playground where childhood imagination comes alive through expertly curated books, magical storytimes, and unforgettable themed camps that transform young readers into lifelong book enthusiasts.
What started as one woman’s dream to create a dedicated children’s bookstore has evolved into a beloved community cornerstone. Co-founder Diane Capriola had dreamed of opening a children’s bookstore in Decatur for years, and partnered with Dave Shallenberger to make it reality.
After moving from their original location below Eddie’s Attic to their current prime spot at 133 East Court Square in 2008, they’ve created a magical space that feels more like a literary wonderland than a traditional bookstore.
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Keep Exploring →Literary Adventures Await
Book Selection Beyond Compare: You’ll find an incredible range spanning from board books for tiny tots to young adult novels for teenagers, plus a thoughtfully selected adult section. The collection includes everything from classic Dr. Seuss titles to contemporary graphic novels, ensuring every age group discovers their next favorite read.
The invested staff can point you to authors who haven’t cashed Hollywood checks, like Jeanne Birdsall and Grace Lin, making this the perfect place to discover hidden literary gems.
Interactive Story Experiences: Tuesday storytimes at 11 AM are traditional and perfect for children between ages 2 and 6, lasting 30-40 minutes. But it gets even better – Circle Time brings the youngest customers together every Thursday morning with songs and interactive play, best suited for children 3 and under.
These aren’t just reading sessions; they’re immersive experiences that bring books to life through engaging activities and creative storytelling.
Themed Reading Nooks: Toward the back of the shop, you’ll discover a replica of the green room from the classic children’s book “Goodnight Moon”, where families can settle in for cozy reading sessions. Reading couches throughout the store create perfect spots for browsing and discovering new favorites in comfort.
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Discover MoreCelebrity Author Visits: The bookstore regularly hosts renowned authors and illustrators, creating opportunities for young readers to meet their literary heroes. They even hosted artist James Dean, creator of Pete the Cat, and author Eric Litwin for what they believe was their first book presentation of “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” – before it was picked up by major publishers.
Summer Camp Magic
Camp Hogwarts Experience: The Ministry of Magic announces that lucky young Witches and Wizards will be accepted to the Hogwarts Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where students receive training in Potions, Divination, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Children learn to make potions and fly on broomsticks in this wildly popular summer program that requires advance registration.
Book-Themed Adventures: All camps are book-themed, centering around games, activities, and crafts that stimulate kids’ imaginations and love of books. Summer day camps in the store’s loft revolve around themes like comics or heroes and villains, creating unforgettable experiences that blend learning with pure fun.
Community Building: For 23-year-old Gildea Katz, who has been coming to the shop since age 3, attending Harry Potter summer camp as a child and later becoming a camp counselor as a teenager, these programs create lasting connections that span generations.
Atmosphere & Community Spirit
Whimsical Details: You’ll find a Harry Potter 9¾ platform built with the help of Tiny Doors ATL that delights visitors of all ages. The walls feature drawings from cartoonists, creating an artistic gallery atmosphere that celebrates creativity in all its forms.
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Keep Exploring →Historic Square Location: Positioned right on Decatur’s East Court Square, you’re surrounded by the charming historic downtown atmosphere with tree-lined streets and local cafes nearby. They share a building with Starbucks, so you can bring your highly-caffeinated beverages into the shop for the perfect reading fuel.
Pet-Friendly Welcome: Leashed dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly book store, where you and Fido can browse the excellent selection of great books and good vibes. Even your furry family members can enjoy storytime!
Cozy Reading Environment: The space feels cozy rather than overwhelming, creating an intimate atmosphere where browsing feels relaxed and personal rather than rushed or commercial.
Other Considerations
Affordable Family Fun: The books are competitively priced for an independent bookstore, making this an excellent value for families looking for quality children’s literature and engaging activities. The free storytimes provide exceptional entertainment value for parents seeking enriching activities for their children.
Convenient Transportation: You’re just a very short walk from the Decatur MARTA station on the Blue Line, making this easily accessible without driving. Downtown Decatur parking is available at the parking structure next to the courthouse, with a $6 fee that’s free after 5:45 PM weekdays and free all weekend.
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Discover MoreSpecial Events Galore: The calendar stays packed with author readings, book clubs for various age groups, seasonal celebrations, and community partnerships. They even host the Little Shop of Stories Children’s Book Festival, bringing together renowned children’s and young adult authors for a weekend celebration.
Educational Partnerships: Little Shop partners with City Schools of Decatur and works with organizations like Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, Room to Read, and Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta, demonstrating their commitment to promoting literacy throughout the community.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful browsing experience, while weekend storytimes create a lively community atmosphere. Summer camp sessions fill the space with delightful energy, though they may make casual browsing more challenging during those peak times.
Little Shop of Stories
📍 133A East Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
