Hicklebee’s Children’s Book Store

My family and I LOVE this adorable, magical, treasure of a children’s bookstore. Hicklebee’s is such a gem, especially in today’s screen obsessed world, where so many bookstores are closing.

My mom brought me here as a child. I have great memories of the bathtub filled with pillows as well as all the author readings and signings. I am now 34 and a mother myself, I love bringing my daughter here. Yes you can find books for cheap on Amazon but internet shopping doesn’t give your child the experience that this bookstore can. Explore the books with your hands and eyes, I have stumbled onto so many titles that a search engine can not and would not know to recommend. The excitement to read washes over you as you open the door to hear the bell announcing you. Titles, artwork and just the smell and look of books entices children to pick up a book and delve into an world built of their imagination. This shop is inspiring!

This place has been the go to book store for children since I was a kid. Recently, I realized they have an adult section, as well as a spot for teachers– so again it’s a go to. I love how they have staff picks next to books!

Hicklebee’s is heaven to me. Walking into the front door is like walking into a wonderland of new and different ideas, creative images and little quiet nooks to read and dream. As a voyager, you’ll first be greeted by beautiful children’s illustrated books in the center. To the left are more children’s books and toys. The lovely bookshelf area to the right is for middle school kids and adults. Many of the books have «favorite» tags with a summary, so you’ll pick a good one.
This is truly a unique and magical place. My children & I have wonderful memories of the afternoons we’d carefully pick out a treasured book to buy. We attended special book-​author events (check their web site), admired the illustrators wall and read to each other in the big pillow tub. I hope you can come here in person and help support this mom and pop store before they disappear like so many other independent book stores. Happy Reading to you.

Such a wonderful bookstore ! Love it even more for being a local store with so many choices for my kids. They LOVE coming here and isn’t that Edgar it’s all about? Staff is always helpful and knowledgable. I enjoy giving them my business and helping local businesses. Parking isn’t great but there are two parking nearby.

So, I did end up returning with my child’s other grandmother and had an acceptable experience. No one asked us if we needed help but no one outright ignored us either.
The store was practically empty at the time so maybe that helped. I’m raising my review one star for that and bc my child is drawn to this place.
I hope that maybe after a while I’ll experience five star visits like others. Especially since I am a total bookworm and want to support businesses like this!!!
*****
Amazing, magical store. Surprisingly bad customer service experience! :(
We just moved to the area and my in laws were visiting. Grandma wanted to spoil her grandson with lots of books and toys, but was ignored at checkout for several minutes while others were served ahead of her before she walked away and didn’t purchase a thing in her pile. My husband experienced some of the same but made his purchases anyway. I doubt both of them made up separate yet identical experiences… (We were all in willow glen but shopping somewhat separately) apparently they were nice to my son though, so at least there is that?
I want to give them another chance simply because I love books, but they certainly are living up to their word of mouth reputation of being snooty. I guess we aren’t their «type»…I don’t know how I can excuse or justify two bad experiences in the same day. Too bad. Doesn’t look like they’re hurting for business so I doubt this review will mean much to them.

Since moving back to the South Bay, this is where I’ve been getting books/​gifts for the kids in my life. I like the selection of kids’ books available, & trying to pick out books transports me back to my childhood, as I was a voracious reader. So, I do tend to pick out books that I enjoyed as a kid to give as gifts. I still like reading books, but it doesn’t happen quite as frequently. It is predominantly kids books & items, but there is a section of books for adults. A few times that I’ve checked, they tend to carry a few copies of local restaurants’/chefs’ cookbooks when they first come out, but I usually get those online or at an event/​talk.
They offer free gift wrapping, which I take advantage of, because I am lazy when it comes to that, so left to my own devices, the gifts would be placed in a gift bag.
Parking: there is a lot behind the building, otherwise street parking, or other lots along Lincoln Ave.
Located on the east side of Lincoln, a few storefronts north of Minnesota.

Loved, loved, loved this adorable little shop!!! Only down side — which left a bitter taste — was the customer service. Very grouchy older woman snapping at more than just a few customers.

I love this bookstore!
I recently attended a TAB event and had a great time! Loved seeing Pam Munoz Ryan.

Closed for inventory on a Sunday. We made a special trip to Willow Glen. Needless to say we were disappointed. We weren’t the only ones. As I stood there eyeballing the sign, three different families unsuccessfully tried the door.
I’ve worked jobs where we inventoried at midnight. Now Hicklebees will be out of rotation for a while.

We went to Hicklebees right before Christmas. The store was open late to accommodate us working shoppers.
Honestly, I had not been in this store since my son was v e r y little – at least 15 years. But the place is still magical.
We were looking for gifts for an almost 2 year old and an about-​to-​be newborn. The staff was super helpful and knowledgeable, pointing out different ideas and offering their thoughts on what kids these days are into.
Not only do they have books for all ages – even a few for adults – but they have puzzles, art projects, stuffed animals, and other toys.
Bonus: free gift wrap
Extra bonus: supporting an award winning local business in Willow Glen

This cozy store has books, cards, and toys (mostly educational). Also there is a small play area for little kids. The store helps local schools and host interesting writers. The only store I was able to find books about Willow Glen, including history, maps…

I absolutely love this children’s bookstore. They have special & unique children’s books & gifts that you won’t necessarily see at regular bookstores. They also carry books for adults. Their customer service is always warm & helpful. An added bonus is their free gift wrap with purchase which makes me love them even more!

Don’t let the name fool you –the name says Children’s, but there are also books for adults at the front of the store. This section isn’t huge, but there are a lot of interesting books there. I love the local, hometown feel to this store. There are often themes about the store, and one of the themes today is Early Americans – books about the American Revolution, historic women, and the presidents. The back section of the store has the books on sale and used books – lots of great books that would make a good gift. Adding to the local flavor is the autographed hallway, bathroom door and bathrooms in back! The big cartoon of George H. W. Bush reminds you to wash your hands –clever!

Great local bookstore. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many of these left. We love visiting Hicklebee’s after dining in downtown Willow Glen.
Good selection of kid’s books. They have a sale section in the back and an autographed book section in the front.
The employees are helpful and knowledgable. We were looking for a children’s book about coins and the gentleman working found a great book.
Located a few shops left of Pizza My Heart.

Love privately owned bookstores. Especially this little neighborhood gem. Employees are genuinely interested in ensuring you go home with the right books. Lovely place to take the kids for a beautiful fun filled afternoon.

Noelle’s Unilocal Notebook 2014
Hicklebee’s Children’s Book Store is a throwback to my childhood. It’s been around since the 70s. When I was a kid, I remember coming here with my parents. There used to be a big bathtub in the front window area display. I would grab a book and jump into the tub filled with pillows and read to my heart’s content. The sad thing is that tub has been repainted and it’s tucked away into the back corner of the book shop– like a forgotten memory.
Came here recently, with my mom and son on a weekday. The store is clean. The staff greeted us, but gave us space to do our shopping and such. My mom has bought my nine month son Ian a ton of books here. I also picked up some books here for Ian on our most recent shopping trip. Surprisingly enough they have a section of books for adults– I picked up «The Art of French Pastry» by French Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer and «My Beloved World» by Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Hicklebee’s Children’s Book Store is an independent bookshop. They carry children’s classics, greeting cards, toys for kids, and books for the older set (for the parents). The prices are higher than your average book shop but they have a great selection and I’m always in favor of supporting our small and local businesses.

I wanted SO BADLY to like this store. I am all about supporting local businesses and I constantly purchase books for my son.
Pros:
I loved their book selection.
Cons:
Omg the staff is soooooooo rude, like undeniably R U D E. They act like they can’t be bothered with questions or requests for info on upcoming books. I felt so uncomfortable in there, as did my friend. The staff were scoffing at us and giving us dirty looks and we thought it was maybe because we had our kids in strollers.
So, during the WG Halloween Trick or Treat walk during the day we stopped by again (and I’m thinking, «Ok, last time was probably just a bad day, I mean, people who run a privately owned children’s book store are too smart to have consistently bad customer service.»). Nope! We go by and there was a teenage girl handing out candy and she was sulking like she had just been grounded for a year, we all said hi, happy halloween, yada yada ya, and she never made eye contact, never even said hello back just thrust out the lollipops and kept a really sour look on her face. She acted like she was being punished. We won’t be back. Barnes and Noble has much better customer service.

I grew up living and breathing the stories I read in books. Hicklebee’s brings back all the memories and magic for me. Every town’s «Main Street» should have this type of store — not just books, but helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a warm place every child should have in their lives to enjoy while starting out in the world and to remember when they have children of their own!
[I’m dedicating this review to the precious lives lost today; with respect and prayers on this day, RIP Newtown.]

I love bookstores. giant corporations or a quaint store like Hicklebee’s. It was a Friday night and I remember dragging the kids here because I thought there was a book exchange. I called to verify and it was in fact true however, I failed to ask about the criteria (age group, etc.) so when we got there (parking was hell, BTW), but alas, we found out that the book exchange were for teens.
I encouraged my daughter to look around and to give me a handful of what she likes so I can buy it for her. The shop was small, it was a challenge to roam around w/​a stroller. It was more difficult because the stroller had a baby w/​wandering arms and hands. I think I enjoyed the visit more than my daughter. I love reading and can spend hours reading — I like reading more than working out (I know, what a shocker).
My daughter finally picked out a book and I managed to pick a million but I have 3 – 4 books that needs to be read so I resisted the urge to add more to my collection. Customer service was super personable… these people enjoy what they do and it clearly shows.
After our purchase, we walked to get frozen custard; perfect evening w/​the kiddos.
I might be back this weekend because I am craving a chocolate tart from Top Nosh. Not to mention I have a few bookmarks in the area that I would like knocked off as well.