Ladel’s Books

I bookmarked Ladel’s books in search of some interesting pop-​up books for my son. He has been fascinated with them this entire year!
As the previous reviews say– this store is very quaint and charming inside. They had a moderate selection of books, all with a specific reason for being on that very shelf. They had the first 100 Tagalog words books to Everyboday Poops to My Family is All Kinds of Brown. Each one was picked by the owners and chosen with care.
I didn’t find the exact thing I was looking for. They had an artistic pop-​up book from the Wizard of Oz that was too elaborate and expensive for Kolten to end up ripping the tornado out of the scene. However, I did find the cutest book for my expecting friend that I plan on shipping to her.
I will deifnitely keep this bookstore in mind and return when Kolten is a little bit older and can sit through more than just a picture book. I can’t wait to share with him what the book world has to offer, and Ladel’s will definitely get my patronage.

I used to work in children’s publishing, often organizing events in stores and schools for authors and illustrators. So besides my general love of books, I had a professional excuse to visit a ridiculous amount of bookstores. Out of all of those stores, I have to say that Ladel’s is one of my very favorites.
Right when you walk in, you get a sort of calm settles over you — I felt so at-​home and cozy. The store is just so charming, and it’s obvious that every book has been selected with great care. The variety of children’s lit spans from a small board book section (and it’s hard to find quality board books, but they have some!) to early readers to young adult lit. There’s a multicultural focus to the selection, which is really refreshing.
The owner Lauren Thomas, will greet you and ask if you need any help, and then, if you want, let you go about your enthralled browsing. I was looking for presents for a soon-​to-​be-​born baby, so I was mostly in board-​book and stuffed animal territory, so she guided me to that section and we chatted a bit. However, I was soon looking all over for other books I could add to my own personal collection or give to the lil’ babe as she grows up.
In an imaginary world, I would love to live here. If I had a child, Ladel’s would be a regular spot to visit. It’s just a space so obviously filled with care, and a love of both reading and community. When I was checking out, I chatted with Lauren for a long time about all sorts of things including the world of book-​selling overall, and she so super smart and wonderful to talk with. This is book-​selling done right!

Ladel’s is a cozy children’s bookstore located in Corktown, Detroit — right next to Eph McNally’s. Word is they took over a well-​loved tea room, but are a wonderful addition to this beautiful neighborhood. Walking up the stairs, you are greeted with a friendly grandma’s home feeling, bright and playful colors, an old school lived-​in house, and a huge rocking horse.
It’s a very inviting place. I went there when my son was a few months old and had a hearty conversation with the mother of the owner, who is an investor. They are women of color, and have books in their collection geared towards children of color, which is awesome. They enjoy going to book fairs, meeting authors, and carefully selecting books for their store.
Aside from books, they also have stuffed animals and small picnic tables for little ones to sit at. The books line the walls — they have everything from baby board books to classics, to young adult favorites. In the center there’s lots of room for… oh, let’s say… an open mic!
They hold an open mic for kids — it helps build confidence and gets rid of stage fright. They are also very involved in the community and host story hours and Halloween parades.
I wish this place much success. I don’t know who had more fun, me or my son!