The Children's Bookshop

Me and my sister were discussing childhood favourites, and we remembered a very specific book. All we remembered was a blue cover, a somewhat creepy storyline, and the fact it was an 80s book (we're 90s kids and thought at the time that was very old!). Typed all of that into Google, and we found it - 'Following the Mystery Man' by Mary Downing Hahn. Looked on amazon, and they didn't have the cover that we remembered, so we went back to Google and could only find it on The Children's Bookshop website. I live in Stirling, Scotland, so ordering from a completely unknown store in Wales seemed a little sketchy 😂 But it was worth the risk for the nostalgia! Reasonably priced and arrived SUPER quick and hit me right in the feels! I'm so happy I found this place. For the same price and time frame, I've supported a small business over Amazon. Looking at their website again, I see they stock Beanos, so I'll definitely purchase from them again online. As a traveller (mainly international but love finding little gems across the UK) and book lover, I loved the fact they included a booksellers map of Hay on Wye - a place I have never heard of before. The extra touch was much appreciated, and perhaps next time I am on my travels, I will try and squeeze it into my itinerary. How charming! ❤

Excellent little shop, just sorry I can't visit all that regularly due to the distance. Wonderful stock, exceptionally tidy and fantastic location - it genuinely feels like a little cottage from a fairy tale. Parking is limited but being away from the main town means it's usually fairly quiet.

Took our 3 kids here this afternoon (aged 8, 6, 6). Full of fantastic classics and 100 year old books too! Browsed for ages. Our eldest sat himself in the reading chair and leafed through lots of books. Walked away with a box full of books:) Recommend driving here as it's about 20 minutes walk from the main town (in fact, it's back in England!). Space for parking out the front.

Love this shop. Have visited on and off for over 30 years!

Quaint little shop just outside of town, far too hidden away for the great range of second hand childrens books it has to offer. Our little girl would happily have spent all day in there sat on the chair but sadly we had to leave. Will definitely look to order from their website for future books for her to try and keep such a valuable business going!

Huge range of used children's books, with prices ranging from £1 bargains to really quite expensive. We were the only customers and came away with a stack of books for our daughter, and a sense of wistful nostalgia. If visiting Hay, be aware that it's a fair trek from the town! (We drove.)

An amazing collection of rare and not-so-rare children's books. Managed to find a few specific books I wanted from the 1950's for my daughter.

Wonderful emporium with all the books from your youth...and your mum's. Just beat a path to the door and enjoy. A wonderful book shop in a pretty place.

Just a lovely for children's books, both new but especially old.

Extremely helpful lady...brought back good memories of books I haven seen for years!!

Real memory boost to see books I have read when a child. Brilliant

Brilliant bookshop, great service

So many books! Just go for the sheer volume or go for the gigantic choice.

Great selection! Very helpful!

Excellent bookshop

Great book shop

I love this shop - great range of children's stuff and charming location