Combining cookies and books is a delightful way to create cozy, fun experiences for children and families. Here are some ideas and places in Southern California where you can enjoy both:
1. Children’s Bookstores with Treats
Once Upon a Time Bookstore (Montrose): The oldest children’s bookstore in the U.S., offering a cozy reading environment with occasional treats and events for kids.
Vroman’s Bookstore (Pasadena): A large, independent bookstore with a wide selection of children’s books and an in-store café that serves cookies and other snacks.
The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles): A unique bookstore with a whimsical vibe, perfect for exploring and finding new reads. Nearby cafes offer cookies and sweet treats.
2. Bakeries and Cafés with Reading Nooks
Milk Jar Cookies (Los Angeles): A bakery known for its delicious, thick cookies, perfect for enjoying while reading a book in one of their cozy spots.
Porto’s Bakery & Café (Multiple Locations): A popular spot with delicious cookies and pastries. Grab a book and relax in their spacious seating areas.
Urth Caffé (Multiple Locations): A family-friendly café with a range of baked goods, including cookies, and comfortable spots to sit and read.
3. Libraries with Cafés or Cookie Events
Los Angeles Central Library: A beautiful library with an attached café. They often host children’s storytime and book-related events where snacks like cookies are provided.
San Diego Central Library: Features a rooftop café and frequent children’s events, including book readings and craft sessions where kids can enjoy snacks.
4. Storytime and Baking Activities
Storybook-Themed Baking Classes: Some cooking schools offer themed baking classes where kids can bake cookies inspired by their favorite storybooks.
Home Activity: Book & Cookie Pairing: Create a special at-home experience by pairing classic children’s books with themed cookie recipes. For example:
"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff: Read this classic book and then bake chocolate chip cookies together.
"The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter: Pair with bunny-shaped sugar cookies decorated with colorful icing.
5. Book and Cookie Subscription Boxes
OwlCrate Jr. (Kids Book Subscription): Each box includes a newly released middle-grade book and themed items, often including snacks like cookies.
Literati (Kids Book Club): Offers book subscriptions that sometimes feature fun treats and surprises to enjoy during reading time.
6. Themed Events and Parties
Cookie Decorating and Storytime Parties: Host a themed party where kids can decorate cookies and listen to storytime. This can be done at home or at venues that offer party packages.
7. Book-Themed Cafés
Literary-Themed Cafés: Some cafés embrace bookish themes and provide cozy reading corners where families can enjoy books and cookies together. Look out for local pop-ups or special events in the area.
These options blend the love of reading with the joy of enjoying cookies, making it a perfect combination for family bonding and creating memorable moments!