The Best Bookstore Storytime Hour in New York
by Raymond Murray
(Manhattan)
Your young kids want a real New York experience while they’re on vacation, but they’re sick of museums and they saw Central Park Zoo on their last visit.
Visit the East Village and stop by McNally Jackson at 52 Prince Street any Saturday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. to enjoy the children’s story hour. Hosted by children’s book author and resident storyteller, Yvonne Brooks, this is a low-key, relaxing, opportunity to chat with other Moms and Dads while your children (ages 4-8 recommended) listen to some great books and enjoy a craft activity. Yvonne is a freelance art photographer, in addition to knowing everything about New York through her own three kids, and can give you some great suggestions about local activities or the New Museum just down the street.
For their craft activity the kids may make origami cubes, or balloon animals or paper kites, but it’s always free and always fun. The bookstore is really cute, there’s a little café where you can get herbal tea and fresh scones; it’s stocked to the rafters with the latest bestsellers as well as the really esoteric culture-vulture material favored by the locals. This is a chance to get inside the head of the locals a little and enjoy an inside view of New York. It’s also a great chance to ask the New York parents where their kid’s favorite spots are. You’ll find out about all the great parks and events that are available to New Yorkers and travelers who are willing to dig a little deeper than the tourist brochures for their fun!
