Barnes & Noble

A few days ago, I took the kids to Barnes & Noble. I figured we could read a couple books together, use the remainder of a gift card, and I could get a coffee. I laugh because I plan my trips around places that are child friendly that offer more than 1 service. Barnes & Noble exceeded all my expectations as an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon.

Our Barnes & Noble is totally redone. I know most BN have a beautiful children's section filled with books, a stage, and comfortable chairs for kids. Our Barnes & Noble also has an educational toys section, and in this section they had several toys set up for kids to try out. There was a train table, lego table, and doll table. Patrick had a great time playing with the trains, and Shannon tested out some overpriced really cool developmental toys.
Then we sauntered over to the books. My intention was to buy Market Day by Lois Ehlert, but I couldn't find it. I have to get this book because Patrick asks for it every night, and its a library book. Sidenote - the library is a great place to try out books before spending money on them! Then we talked about other books Patrick might want. He chose several - a construction truck book with wheels, a Dinosaur train book, and a train book that made sounds. Once he had all these books picked out I explained he had to pick just 1 book. He ended up choosing the Train book. While we were searching for books Patrick pointed out books he already read, and kept giving them to Shannon. Usually saying something like, "Here Shannon read this. I already read this book." Look Shannon it's the Elmo book." Then he came out with, "Drew has that bunny book." I couldn't believe the amount of books Patrick recognized in the book store, and how much fun we could have on a trip to Barnes & Noble.

Your challenge - Take a trip to a bookstore with your child. Plan to stay for about an hour. Let him/her play with the toys, search the shelves, and cuddle on your lap as you read some books together. If you haven't visited the library yet because you aren't a library person this may be a good compromise.