In Barcelona, a bookshop visit can start with a question: would you like a story to read together, a comic for the journey or a picture book with a hidden secret? Choosing a format before you enter gives children room to explain what they want.
This guide to children's bookshops in Barcelona covers Casa Anita, Sendak, Al·lots, La Petita and Abracadabra. They are five stops in different parts of the city, with suggestions for families with children aged 6 to 9. We consulted the shops' websites and the municipal guide on 14 October 2026; each entry links to its source.
Pick an area, not a bookshop marathon
- Gràcia: Casa Anita, for exploring picture books.
- Carrer de Còrsega: Sendak, for books and a cultural programme to browse.
- Eixample: Al·lots, for advice based on your child's interests.
- Poblenou: La Petita, for picture books and first readers.
- Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera: Abracadabra, for a book stop in the Santa Caterina market area.
One shop and a walk around its neighbourhood can be a complete outing. Before choosing two, consider travel and breaks: these shops are spread across Barcelona.
Casa Anita: look at the story in the pictures
Address: Carrer de Vic, 14, in Gràcia.
Casa Anita specialises in children's and young adult literature and picture books for both children and adults. It pays attention to text, pictures and the edition itself. It may suit a family looking for a story that gives the adult reading aloud something to enjoy too.
Try this: ask for a picture book where something happens without being described in words. Look at one spread and share what everyone spotted.
See Casa Anita's introduction and contact page before visiting.
Sendak: books and an activity programme
Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 461.
Sendak is a cooperative bookshop specialising in children's and young adult literature. It also offers games and toys and publishes a cultural programme with workshops, storytelling and reading clubs.
Bring a particular wish: something to read in turns, or a story for a child who usually prefers drawing. If you want an activity, choose the session first; attending an event is a different plan from browsing.
Sendak's website has its selection, hours and programme. Check the age range, availability and conditions for your chosen session.
Al·lots: explain what your child enjoys
Address: Carrer del Consell de Cent, 266, in Eixample.
Al·lots focuses on children's and young adult literature and helping readers find their way into books. Its catalogue includes Catalan and Spanish titles. Bring the name of a book your child has wanted to reread as a starting point.
A useful question: “They enjoy funny stories and want to read independently. Could you show us two options with short chapters?”
See its introduction and official contact page. Confirm the language and availability if you need a particular edition.
La Petita: picture books and first readers in Poblenou
Address: Carrer de Llull, 173, as published on the shop's own website.
La Petita specialises in picture books, first readers and children's and young adult literature. It is an option when one child already reads independently while another prefers listening or pictures.
A browsing idea: compare two ways of telling a similar story, perhaps a comic adventure and a picture book. You do not need to buy both: comparing them is part of choosing.
Check La Petita's introduction and contact page. For activities, consult the particular event announcement.
Abracadabra: a stop in the old town
Address: Carrer del General Álvarez de Castro, 5.
Abracadabra is listed in the City Council's Barcelona guide, which confirms its address and provides contact details. It is an option for children's literature in this part of the old town.
Contact the shop before travelling for a particular title, language or workshop. We could not check its website while preparing this guide, so have not treated current hours or activities as confirmed.
On the way out: choose three colours from a book cover and look for them on the buildings along your walk.
Catalan, Spanish or English?
Decide which language you want to enjoy the book in. Reading together may mean a different language from the one your child reads independently; for a gift, ask the family first.
A children's bookshop does not necessarily carry a title in every language. Al·lots' catalogue shows Catalan and Spanish books. For English or another language, confirm stock before making a special journey. This English guide is not a promise of English stock at every shop. The local search phrase “llibreries infantils Barcelona” can also help you find shop information in Catalan.
A small story mission around the neighbourhood
On your walk, everyone chooses a doorway. Invent the first line of a story about someone who lives behind it: “Every Tuesday, someone came out of this house carrying…”. The next person adds a sentence. Stop whenever you like, or save the ending for the journey home.
To add another outing, see our Barcelona guide for families with children aged 6 to 9. Choose somewhere near your bookshop rather than trying to cross the city in one afternoon.
Questions before visiting
Do we need to book?
Browsing and attending an organised activity are different plans. For storytelling, clubs or workshops, check bookings, prices, ages and adult accompaniment in the event listing.
Can we visit with a pushchair?
Ask the shop about steps, entrance width and space inside if you need those details. This guide does not assume accessibility conditions we have not checked.
Which shop could help with a first reader?
Explain what your child already enjoys and how they want to read. La Petita lists first readers as a speciality; the other shops can advise according to their stock. Let your child open the book and try a short passage.
Are there activities for Sant Jordi?
Check each shop's programme for the relevant year. Do not use an earlier edition's times to plan your visit; sessions, locations and bookings can change.
More stops for families who enjoy stories
For another city, see our Madrid and Valencia guides. You can also explore Barcelona's places and stories through the Paseo y Pista collection and choose what you would like to discover together.