The Reading Bug, San Carlos CA

Visiting the reading bug was the highlight of our kids trip to CA. Our kids listen have listened to every single reading bug podcast and were so excited to meet Lauren in person and shop the store. We drove down from Portland, OR and it was worth the trip. The store is a book worm's dream and the employees are extremely helpful and friendly.

Very bad experience working with the owner Lauren Savage. She is rude, condescending, and unhelpful. I ask nicely a simple question and I get a hostile response. I will not be coming back here and cannot recommend it to others.

What a beautiful bookstore! They do a great story hour and have been know to offer classes onsite. I love to support local businesses and this one works hard at keeping a unique spot that is family friendly.

I wasn't sure what to get for a birthday gift and stumbled upon a service at the Reading Bug that allowed me to provide some details about the recipient and the experts chose a gift within my price range. It was a nice service. I noticed the shopping experience is a little different than normal due to Coronavirus but since I ordered through this service it was an easy pickup.

Besides being a beautiful store with a tremendous selection of kids' books and toys, they also carry some adult books, and you can order selections that they don't have in stock. Staff communications are extremely responsive and helpful. They really go the extra mile. Yes their prices are higher than Amazon, but I think it's well worth a few extra dollars to keep a store like this in business. Their COVID protocols are great as well.

I love love love shopping here. Every member of the staff is extremely knowledgable about their offerings. I shop here for books, of course, but also for unique toys, artistic gifts, etc. Rather than guessing at what the children of friends and family are reading, I almost always defer to The Reading Bug staff for guidance. They always have multiple suggestions for me to consider. I am particularly impressed at how well they're handling shopping during the pandemic. While you can't really browse today, they are open and they bring their positive energy and knowledge of their inventory to the front door and enthusiastically bring the store to you! What a neighborhood gem!

We LOVE the Reading Bug. Long time lovers of the in-person story time and beautiful book store, we recently starting listening to Reading Bug Adventures podcast and both my kids (4 and 6) can't get enough of the interesting stories and songs. I also started subscribing to the Reading Box for both my kids and these books are incredibly well chosen, fun, insightful, and encourage my kids to cuddle up with books and READ! Couldn't be happier with this place. Thank you Reading Bug!

Nice store, but the variety of books could be better. Enquired about birthday parties on site and I got a half hearted reply saying they do allow them occasionally.not sure what that meant.

Curated collection of books and toys that are always fresh, interesting, and suitable for gifts (gift wrapping on-site!)

It's a quiet, happy place for kids of all ages. We headed there on a cold morning and were greeted by cheerful voices of little kids waiting for the story time to begin. The book collection is also very impressive. There is a small play area at the back of the store. The story hour was so much fun. Not only did the kids enjoy, we the parents loved it as well. They have these cute stools to sit on. Overall a lovely outing place for a weekend morning with your whole family.

Wonderful children's book store and community gathering space. Everytime we decide we need something new for bedtime, or need a gift, we come here!

This store is a true local gem. Such great selection of kids' books and games, friendly staff, kids' play area, and best of all, daily storytime. We come most Sundays to the storytime and craft with our daughter and then stop by the farmers' market - perfect weekend activity.

Best independent book store around. More than just baby & kids books. If they don't have what you're looking for they'll order and get you set in a few days max. Love the Reading Bug!

My favorite bookstore! The staff is so helpful and friendly; locally owned; they have a little Spanish books section where there's always at least a few that were published originally I'm Spanish which is great! Kid friendly bathrooms, awesome gift wrapping available, oh and a rewards program! $10 gift card every time you spend $200! Love the Reading Bug:)

Great bookstore for babies, toddlers and kids. There are many great books for children and they have a small collection of books for adults. We love their toys collection too. There is a play area for toddlers where they have a doll house and a play table with trains.

Love this place! Great selection of books, lot of space, employees are very prepared and dedicated. There is a story time every day. This place is a gem!

It is a BEAUTIFUL place! And they have all kinds of books for all ages, for parents and grandparents, for every taste Your little one will appreciate a cute play corner for kids

Posssibly the best children’s bookstore I’ve ever seen. Amazing, curated collection of book, gifts, and fun for kids (and a small adult section, too). Definitely worth a visit for a dose of book-endused joy!

This store is wonderful. There are story times Tuesday - Sunday, play area for kids, book events, etc, and the store itself is so fun to peruse. We try to buy all our kid gifts here - they have the most well-curated books, toys, and activities.

We hit up this bookstore almost every weekend. There is a lovely play space in the back. My older son loves to peruse the books and toys while the toddler plays. They have a huge collection of kids books from toddler to young adult and small selection for parents too. The staff is always super helpful and knowledgeable. We also had a birthday party here a few years ago that was great! Thanks, Reading Bug! We love you!