The Reading Bug

Highly recommend the subscription. I love shopping for books for my children but it has been hard to find new themes and books through online retailers. I have also tried local bookstores but mostly end up seeing popular books in stock. This subscription box has opened our world to new writers, stories from
Other countries amd topics that even we didn’t think about. P.S. to make the most out of my experience I make sure I send them notes after each box or if I have new theme in mind. They put in great thought for the next box.

My kid is loving every book sent by them. Thank you!

The Reading Bug is a gem of a store in downtown San Carlos. Family-run, super knowledgeable staff, and a colorful selection of books, toys, games and more. It's a fun store to browse around and they put on free weekly storytime events for your littles. They also have a very popular subscription box. Bezos doesn't need more of your money - support your local bookstore instead!

Great local children’s book store with a fantastic selection and helpful and knowledgeable staff. If you have a young reader in your life, this place offers curated customized reading box subscriptions based on child’s interest and reading level. They make great gifts!

I absolutely love this store. This is our go to place to pick up birthday gifts for young kids. They have got a nice variety of books, puzzles and small activities to keep kids engaged. The staff here are knowledgable and really helpful!

We love the Reading Bug Adventures Podcast and were super excited to find out the family bookstore wasn't too far from us. Our visit wasn't disappointing! We did story time with Lauren and then explored the bookstore. It is a lovely little bookstore with books for each of my kids to be excited about (and me too :)

Great children's book store in downtown San Carlos (their street is pedestrian only at the moment which is nice!). They have a nice selection of books for almost any age, along with various educational kids' toys (like puzzles and science kits). On most Fridays and Saturdays they have an entertaining "story time" that is probably best for 3-6 year olds. Also check out their podcast which features reading-themed adventure stories along with music and art projects.

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!

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!

Wonderful place to shop locally for books, especially children's books. If you have a book in mind that they do not have in stock, they can usually order it for you. Also, don't forget to take advantage of their very affordable gift wrapping service - this is my go-to for kid birthday party presents!

What an amazing bookstore! The decor is so cute and welcoming. They have a few chairs. The store offers many community events from author visits, to educator night, and even yoga classes. They have a great selection of books and welcome customers to leave review or recommendation cards on the shelves. They will order anything they do not have. The staff are all genuinely friendly, positive, and extremely helpful. The store also offers a wide variety of unique gift items.

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 :)

Folks who live in San Carlos are lucky to have this store nearby. The staff is super helpful in recommending age-appropriate books. Other than books, there's a well-edited stock of quality products for babies, kids, expectant parents, and yoga enthusiasts. The Bug offers story times for different ages on different days. The newborn story time teacher has an amazing singing voice. In addition, you can take different exercise classes here, including a prenatal exercise class offered 2x a week (ask about Patty's class -- she is awesome!). Great space / place for the community.

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.

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.

We live in Redmond OR, and have never been to the store, but absolutely LOVE their kids podcast. Seriously have saved us on so many car trips. My 6 year old daughter also loves to listen to The Reading Bug at home while coloring. Great listening for the whole family. Thank you for being so awesome!

Nice store. Arranged their jelly cat toys well with the themed books. The space inside is big enough for my daughter to explore.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.