Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in silicon valley, CA

We're lucky to have a well-stocked children's library less than a mile away from home.  There's no way we could afford to buy enough books to satisfy my family-of-five's literary appetite, so we always have a dozen or so books checked out at any point in time.
 
That said, I think every child benefits from having a library of his or her very own, whether it be a shelf or a bookcase or a roomful of books.  Besides, many of my kids' favorite books have literally been loved to pieces -- read night after night, chewed up when they were infants, ripped apart by warring siblings, you get the picture -- so in some cases it's really better to buy your own.

The easiest, most convenient way to stock up your home library is to log on to Amazon.com.  But nothing beats browsing through a bookstore, looking at all the glossy covers, leafing through crisp, new pages in your quest for the perfect book.  Here are some places that make the searching and finding a pleasure for you and your child: 

1) Linden Tree Childrens Recordings and Books
Linden Tree started out in 1981 offering children's recordings, but expanded to include books when they relocated to Los Altos in 1984.  Their expert staff will happily offer suggestions for any age level and interest.  We also love their selection of unique toys and gifts from around the world. 

2) Hicklebees Children's Books
This San Jose institution is 30 years old and still going strong. Specializing in kids and young adults literature, it's a top choice for local bookworms.  The store regularly features book signings and readings by children's authors (Tomi di Paulo, author of the popular Strega Nona, is making an appearance there in November).

3) Storybook Lane
A small independent bookstore in San Carlos, Storybook Lane provides a great selection range of children's books and toys. Their friendly, helpful staff are always ready with recommendations.  If you've got little ones in tow, check out their back corner -- kids can stay and play while you browse around.

4) Barnes & Noble
I know many people like to shop at local, mom-and-pop bookstores, but I can't help loving big chain bookstores.  The service is not as personal, but their prices (and mailing list coupons) mean more books for the buck.  Barnes and Noble's children's section gets my gold medal for their great selection, cozy reading nooks, and regular storytimes.  Best of all, they have a great clearance section, with many children's books selling for les than $5. 

5) Used booksellers
Don't (pardon the pun) discount the option of buying at second-hand bookstores like Know Knew Books orBell's Books in Palo Alto.  I prefer to browse in these kinds of stores alone, as they tend to be small and cramped, with hardly room for rambunctious toddlers, let alone clunky strollers. But with a little patience, you can find children's books in nearly-new condition at a mere fraction of the retail price.