By Pia Fredebeul
Books are boring? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Are you still watching or are you already reading? BZ presents five Berlin bookstores where children can immerse themselves in fascinating worlds. In addition: the best book tips from the experts.
► BookSailors
Buchsgler children’s bookshop in Pankow Photo: Charles Yunck
The selection of books here is really huge. In addition to children’s books and youth literature as well as a small department of novels, workshops and readings are occasionally held in the BuchSegler. In the back of the shop there is also a large wooden ship for the kids to play with.
Wiebke Schleier (52), owner of BuchSegler: “A different book tip is ‘Rattensommer’ by Juliane Pickel. It’s about the crucial time of puberty, when friendships are tested and solidarity is needed.” Photo: Charles Yunck
Florastraße 88-89, Pankow, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
► BOOK BOX! Helmikiez
Buchbox on Lettestrasse Photo: Sven Meissner
There are four Buchbox stores in Berlin. The Helmikiez branch has been located on lively Helmholtzplatz since 2012 and catches the eye with its green facade. In addition to great children’s and youth books, there is also a large selection for adults as well as many readings, workshops and concerts for the kids.
David Menschen (41), head of BUCHBOX!: “I recommend the book ‘Time Travel with Hamster’ by Ross Welford. It convinces with a dry English humor, which is absolutely suitable for children. An exciting and whimsical time travel novel for kids aged ten and over.” Photo: Sven Meissner
Lettestraße 5, Prenzlauer Berg, Mon.-Sat. 10am-7pm.
► Liesi reads
Children’s book shop on Pastor-Niemöller-Platz Photo: Sven Meissner
The cozy bookstore for children’s and young adult literature with more than 1200 books is located in the middle of Niederschönhausen.
Whether adventure stories, picture books or classics – big and small bookworms will find what they are looking for here. Every Friday at 5 p.m., Head Elisabeth “Liesi” Woldt reads the children a book of their choice.
Elisabeth Woldt (41), the boss of Liesi, reads: “My book recommendation is the children’s book ‘Three Heroes for Mathilda’ by Oliver Scherz. A heartwarming story about friendship, a great gift for starting school” Photo: Sven Meissner
Pastor-Niemöller-Platz 12, Pankow, Mon.-Fri. 2-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
► crumbulus: The bookstore for children’s and youth literature (was voted the best in Germany in 2018) has specialized in picture books and illustration art.
In addition to a gallery, there is also a printing workshop to try out. Various courses for kids and exhibitions with illustration artists are also offered. There are also regular readings, puppet shows and concerts.
Südstern 4, Kreuzberg, Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Rat Summer” by Juliane Pickel: an exciting novel for young people aged 15 and over Photo: Charles Yunck
► Picture Book Store: He belongs to the Berlin City Mission. Children’s books, classics and picture books have been sold here since 1985. Adults can browse here too.
A special eye-catcher: the department for Christian books, in which there are over 50 different children’s Bibles to admire.
Zossener Str. 6, Kreuzberg, Mon.-Fri. 10am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm.