What?: Magical bookstore stocking a mind-boggling assortment of beautiful books for kids of all ages. Established in 2003 as Tell Tales, this Herne Hill favourite has recently expanded to include Moon Lane Education, an advisory service for teachers and librarians that draws on the literary and trend expertise of the store’s knowledgable staff. Moon Lane also hosts a variety of schools events, including its annual London Schools’ Festival of Books at Dulwich Picture Gallery, and an exciting programme of in-store events such as book signings, story sessions and Jolly Phonics multi-sensory classes. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, last year Moon Lane founder Tamara MacFarlane set up can’tputitdown.co.uk with an aim to highlight and promote books that celebrate diversity, including issues such as cultural diversity, gender, sexuality and disability.
Where?: Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, a couple of minutes’ walk from the national rail station.
Price Range: Pretty average.
Best Bits: There’s an in-store bench where you can sit and peruse the vast range of books with a massive cuddly tiger for company. Also make sure you check out the Meri Meri temporary tattoo and sticker collection by the till.
Worst Bits: You can’t shop through the website but you can buy via Hive for home delivery or in-store collection and opt to support ToML with your order.
Did We Buy?: We bought two more beautiful Chris Haughton board books: Oh No, George!, about a naughty dog, and and Shh! We Have a Plan, about a group of would-be bird-catchers. Bab already has Haughton’s A Bit Lost, about a baby owl who loses its mum, and absolutely loves it.
Would We Come Back?: Yes, it’s heaven.
Bab and mummy have a hug outside Tales on Moon Lane, Herne Hill
bablands.com 