As an avid reader myself as a kid, Matilda bookshop in Stirling is the kind of place I loved as a child and still love as an adult. It’s obvious from the moment you walk into Matilda’s, this is not your standard chain super store and you won’t leave feeling like you bought 3 books for $20 that you’ll probably never read. Nope, this is one of those ‘feel free to take your time browsing’ shops, where the staff are engaging, knowledgable and helpful… but only if you want them to be! If you’re happy browsing, they’re happy too! The owners are Hills people, with an interest and background in publishing (children’s in particular) and kids themselves – and it shows in their whole approach to their store.

They’ve got great ideas on books for toddlers, first readers, boys, girls, teenagers and more. The kids nook is a wonderfully inviting place to sit and read for a while, as mum and dad take the time to browse the array of often unique titles I haven’t seen elsewhere. They have the most delightful range of picture books with gorgeous stories told by illustrations that kids will adore – and everything from trucks, fairies, animals and alphabets. They also have a fantastic range of books for mum, dad, grandma, and your best friend (amongst others!), and I was secretly excited to see a whole table of wonderful adult colouring in and drawing books too!

I have recently picked up a couple of great Australian picture books I hadn’t seen before, for some friends overseas and I know they won’t already have these in their collection. Another happy customer took home a copy of some kids classics – Dear Zoo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar – so Matilda’s has them too! But above the lovely range, the wonderful staff, and the cute kids area, it is really the feel of Matilda Bookshop that I love the most.

Do yourself a favour – take the kids to Matilda Bookshop these school holidays. It’s the perfect place to develop their love of books and a lifelong friendship with literature. While you’re in Stirling, once you’ve picked up a couple of new books, have some lunch next door at our favourite cafe Tranquillo, or grab a takeaway and burn off some youthful energy at the great Steamroller Park on the corner.

What: Matilda Bookshop in Stirling.

Where: 8 Mt Barker Road, Stirling, SA. 5152. First block of shops on the right when you enter Stirling from the freeway. Ph 8339 3931. Or check them out Here online or Facebook.

When: Open 7 days (because their service rocks!), hours vary but mostly 9:30-5:30, 11am Sunday.

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