It’s no secret that I love going to the library, but a truly amazing children’s bookstore is impossible for me to resist. The Wild Rumpus Bookstore is one such place. It is a not to be missed children’s bookshop if you live in or are visiting Minneapolis. It is unique, whimsical, and worth the trip for the experience alone.
I have been there a few times, but it has been years since we lived in Minnesota so I’m so grateful that Rebecca Nutter from the Minneapolis Toy Library offered to share this detailed peek inside.
A Visit to the Wild Rumpus Bookstore
From the start of your visit, the Wild Rumpus is tailored to its youngest customers. Children have their own door, just their size to enter the store, making even entering the store something special for kids.
After you enter the store you may be greeted by one of the many animals that live in the store. We met two chickens and a couple cats. All very friendly! If you missed them in the store, the animals pictures are on their website.
The bookstore itself is a magical place. If the animals wandering around or in their cages (chinchilla, birds, and ferret to name a few) aren’t enough, the way the store is decorated makes you feel like you’re entering a storybook.
The Wild Rumpus has a great selection of books for children young and old, parents, and adults. If you need any help finding titles, their friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to help.
On Mondays, they host a story time called “Tail Time” at 10:30. It’s interactive with songs and books told by a young spirited storyteller. These times do get busy and it’s a rather small space, so be prepared to squeeze in.
There aren’t many places to sit and read the books with your kids. There’s a bench and a rug where you can plop down for a bit, but for the most part just browse and then read your selections at home. You won’t have trouble finding more than a few to bring home!
Local libraries are not like they were before. Most are not much into books anymore. Video disks, computers, magazines and so on. The regular book publishing business puts out so little in the way of hardcover original stuff anymore the libraries across the land have to change or die. Like bookstores. In your lifetime you will more than likely see the last bookstore in the nation close (those that have sold new books). Semper fi, and thanks for helping me out. Jim
That’s heartbreaking. There are definitely fewer and fewer bookstores. I have found that to be sadly true. Our local libraries however are wonderful. Well stocked, always getting in new books. Often busy with people. I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing different.