For many children reading does not seem as appealing as television and video games, which is why places like Books and Cookies are so fantastic and necessary.

Books and Cookies is a new children’s bookstore, bakery and enrichment center located on 2230 Main St. in Santa Monica. It is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm everyday except Monday and they are available for parties. The founder Chudney Ross is “excited to bring the fun and excitement back to reading while prompting literacy to children of all ages”. The staff is very kid-friendly and includes professional chefs, librarians, and enrichment teachers.

The large open space is divided into three areas:

• The Bookstore/Interactive Reading Room has a vast array of children’s books, old and new, as well as iPads loaded with educational apps and games.
• The Kids Cafe offers freshly baked cookies, drinks and healthy snacks.
• The Events and Activities Space host a daily schedule of activities and classes including arts and crafts, story time, baby sign language and cookie decorating.

When I walked into Books and Cookies I knew I was in for a treat, both literally and figuratively. The sunny space was warm and inviting with little nooks and a teepee for exploring! The menu at the Kids Cafe promotes healthy eating at a young age, which is fantastic. The staff was great at interacting with the children and on the day I went in there was a visiting fairy doing face painting for all of the children. Books and Cookies is a fun environment for kids that encourages reading with the introduction of treats and fun activities and I will definitely be taking my boys there again soon.

Have you been to Books and Cookies? Do you know of any other educational activities with a fun twist? Please leave your comments below and help get the conversation started.