Little Shop of Stories in Decatur: Atlanta’s Neighborhood Bookstore for Kids, Families, and Readers of All Ages

If you love books and you’re in the Atlanta area, Little Shop of Stories in Decatur is one of the most beloved local spots to know. Technically just east of Atlanta in Downtown Decatur, this independent bookstore has become a go-to destination for children’s books, family events, author visits, and thoughtful recommendations.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how to visit, and how Little Shop of Stories fits into Atlanta’s broader book-loving community.

Where Little Shop of Stories Is and How to Get There

Location (Decatur Square)
Little Shop of Stories is located on the historic Decatur Square, which makes it easy to pair a bookstore visit with coffee, dinner, or a stroll around the area.

• Address:
  Little Shop of Stories
  133A East Court Square
  Decatur, GA 30030

Decatur is an intown suburb just east of Atlanta, connected by MARTA and major roads, so it’s convenient whether you live in the city or you’re visiting.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

By MARTA:

• Take the Blue Line (East/West line) to the Decatur Station.
• Exit toward Decatur Square; the bookstore is just a short walk across the square, among the row of street-level shops.

This is often the easiest option if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, or Edgewood.

By car:

From much of Atlanta, you’ll generally:

• Take Ponce de Leon Ave NE or DeKalb Ave NE heading east toward Decatur, or
• Use I-20 or I-285 to connect to surface streets into Decatur.

Parking options around the shop typically include:

• Nearby paid decks and lots around the Decatur Square
• Limited street parking with meters

Because Decatur hosts frequent festivals and events, it’s smart to build in extra time for parking, especially on weekends.

What Kind of Bookstore Is Little Shop of Stories?

Little Shop of Stories is best known as a children’s and young readers–focused bookstore, but it also carries adult fiction, nonfiction, and local-interest titles. Many Atlanta-area families describe it as their go-to stop for:

• Board books and picture books for toddlers
• Early readers and chapter books for elementary kids
• Middle grade and YA for tweens and teens
• Graphic novels and comics for all ages
• A curated adult section that leans toward fiction, literary titles, and staff favorites

The store’s atmosphere is casual, colorful, and kid-friendly, with displays designed to help children explore on their own while adults browse nearby. If you’re used to larger chain bookstores in metro Atlanta, Little Shop of Stories will feel more like a cozy neighborhood hub than a big-box book retailer.

Why Atlanta Families and Educators Like This Shop

Little Shop of Stories is especially popular among:

• Parents and caregivers looking for age-appropriate, engaging books
• Teachers and school librarians from Atlanta and DeKalb schools who want read-alouds, class sets, and award-winners
• Homeschool families across metro Atlanta seeking help building reading lists
• Young readers who enjoy discovering new series, fantasy worlds, and graphic novels

A few big pluses:

• Strong staff recommendations: Staff are used to questions like “My 8-year-old loved X, what’s next?” and can suggest options by age, reading level, and interest.
• Support for school reading programs: They often help parents find titles that match Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and DeKalb County reading lists, or similar alternatives if something is out of stock.
• Inclusive selections: The children’s and YA sections usually highlight books with diverse characters, authors of color, and a range of family experiences, which many Atlanta parents appreciate.

Events, Storytimes, and Author Visits

One of the main reasons this Decatur bookstore stands out in the Atlanta area is its active event calendar, especially for kids and teens.

Common Types of Events

While specifics change over time, visitors typically find:

• Storytime for young children – Regular readings of picture books, often geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.
• Author visits and signings – Especially for middle grade and YA writers, both local and nationally known.
• Book launches and special celebrations – For big new releases, series finales, or seasonal favorites.
• Book clubs or reading groups – Occasionally for kids, teens, and sometimes adults, depending on demand.

If you’re planning a visit from elsewhere in Atlanta and want to catch an event, it’s wise to:

• Check recent event listings or call the store directly.
• Confirm whether pre-registration or tickets are required for popular author events.

What You’ll Find Inside: Sections and Offerings

Here’s a simple overview of what you can expect to browse when you walk in.

Because the shop is independent and not huge, the focus is more on curation than volume. You’re less likely to find every single obscure title, but more likely to discover something staff has chosen thoughtfully.

Tips for Visiting from Around Atlanta

Whether you live in Buckhead, Grant Park, the Westside, or the suburbs, a little planning can make your trip smoother.

Best Times to Go

• Weekday mornings or early afternoons
  Often quieter, especially good if you have toddlers or want more one-on-one recommendation time.

• After school and weekends
  Busier, more energetic, often when you’re more likely to run into events, author visits, and kids’ activities.

If you prefer browsing without crowds, consider avoiding peak times like Saturday afternoons on Decatur Square, especially during festivals.

Combining Your Trip with Other Stops

Because it’s right on the square, you can easily build a day around your visit:

• Visit a nearby playground or walk around the Decatur Square lawns.
• Grab coffee, ice cream, or a snack at one of the surrounding Decatur spots.
• Explore other local shops and galleries within walking distance.

Families coming from farther out in metro Atlanta (for example, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, or Stone Mountain) often make it a half-day outing rather than a quick stop.

Buying for Schools, Classrooms, and Gifts

Many Atlanta-area customers use Little Shop of Stories when they need help choosing books beyond just one child’s reading list.

For Teachers and Schools

If you’re a teacher in APS, DeKalb, Decatur, or another metro-area district, staff may help you:

• Build a selection of diverse classroom read-alouds
• Identify age-appropriate novels for literature circles
• Suggest books for reluctant readers or students reading above/below grade level

For larger orders, consider calling ahead so staff can confirm availability and timing.

For Gifts and Special Occasions

If you’re buying a gift for a child in Atlanta or the suburbs and aren’t sure what they like:

• Staff can make age-based recommendations even if you only know “they’re 6 and love animals.”
• There are usually paperbacks, hardcovers, and small gift items at a variety of price points.
• During holidays and school breaks, seasonal displays can make picking something fast and easy.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

Little Shop of Stories is set up with families and children in mind, which makes it relatively easy to manage with kids in tow.

• Stroller-friendly entrance: The shop is on street level in Decatur Square’s row of storefronts.
• Browse-able layout: Kids can usually explore low shelves and displays without needing constant help reaching.
• Seating nooks: Expect a cozy, “curl up with a book” feel, though seating may vary by layout and crowd level.

If you’re concerned about specific accessibility needs, calling ahead is the most reliable way to get up-to-date information.

How It Fits into Atlanta’s Bookstore Scene

For people in Atlanta, Little Shop of Stories fills a particular niche:

• It’s especially strong in children’s, middle grade, and YA.
• It doubles as a community hub for author events and storytimes.
• It partners frequently with local schools, libraries, and festivals, especially in the Decatur area.

If you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth the drive from another part of Atlanta:

• It’s a standout option if you’re looking for kids’ books, family outings, or events.
• If you want a massive selection of adult titles only, you may prefer pairing a visit here with other Atlanta bookstores or large retailers, but many adult readers still appreciate the carefully chosen fiction section and staff picks.

Practical Contact Information and Next Steps

To confirm hours, events, and current offerings, use direct contact rather than relying on outdated information from third-party sites.

• Store Name: Little Shop of Stories
• Address: 133A East Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
• Area: Downtown Decatur, just east of Atlanta, accessible by MARTA (Decatur Station)

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just exploring intown neighborhoods, Little Shop of Stories is one of the most reliable and enjoyable places to introduce kids to reading, discover new authors, and plug into the area’s literary community—all within a short trip of the city.