TipTapTales

Bookstores for kids are rare enough in the city. TipTapTales keeps the tradition alive on the Upper West Side, where parents and young readers gather to browse.

This children’s bookstore stocks picture books, early readers, middle-grade novels, and a selection of activity kits—all chosen to spark curiosity rather than screen time. Story hours and author signings occasionally pop up, giving the neighborhood another reason to stop by. The shop sits at 240 W 98th St New York, NY 10025, a block that still feels like a village within Manhattan.

Independent bookshops often become community hubs; this one is no exception. You’ll find titles you won’t see in big-box chains, plus a quiet corner where kids can flip through pages before deciding. Call (917) 860-2684 if you’re curious about upcoming events or want to confirm they have a specific title in stock.

A quick map check will show you the storefront between Broadway and West End Avenue. Directions are here: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c2f71fb3838f11:0x4f59a76821994624. The neighborhood’s mix of families and students makes it a natural fit for a shop like this.