About Us

Who are we?

To quote Alice: “I – I hardly know, sir, just as present – at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.”

It’s best to learn about something or someone directly from that person. Below are links to an interview with the owner of Wonderland Books & Toys with Manchester Ink Link as well as an article about the store opening in an industry publication, Shelf Awareness.

But, for a start, we are a newly opened store (April 2024) in Manchester at Maple Valley Plaza on the corner of Maple and Valley Streets. Wonderland Books & Toys is the only independent, local, woman-owed children’s book and toy store in Manchester.

We carry items for infants through teens/young adults as well as for parents/caregivers and teachers/educators. We welcome inquiries and suggestions regarding inventory. It doesn’t always mean we can stock the item as part of regular inventory, but we may be able to place a special order. However, we can’t make any promises – especially if it’s something that’s out of print.

Interview with Manchester Ink Link – 07/05/2024

Shelf Awareness article – 05/22/2024

vintage, book illustration, alice in wonderland-1793185.jpg

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Our Mission

Our goal is to provide the City of Manchester with a welcoming children’s book and toy store.

Customer Reviews:
“Super cute independent store! They were super helpful in helping us find awesome birthday presents for our friends. Awesome board games, great books, fun toys and more! Wish I had more room in our suitcase so I could buy Christmas presents!“
~ Jeanine I. ~ Google Review ~ August 2024

“Visiting Manchester and looking for a quality children’s bookstore – Wonderland is the PERFECT experience! Fabulous selection of unique games, toys and books – what a fun shopping excursion! And the owners? A treasure trove of ideas for whatever age you are shopping for. Bottom line, Wonderland is a MUST if you are anywhere in the area – so worth the stop!“
~ Michelle L. ~ Google Review ~ July 2024

“Such a cute place! Well organized with a great assortment of books and toys. Great place to buy gifts!!“
~ Norma M. ~ Google Review ~ June 2024

“Love this spot and I can’t wait to see it grow! The owners are wonderful and they have such a great selection of books, toys and games that continues to expand every time I visit.“
~ Lyly ~ Google Review ~ May 2024

“It’s super cute and has a really cozy and welcoming vibe. Also great for plushie collectors!! I’d highly recommend checking them out.“
~ Maria H. ~ Google Review ~ May 2024

Why Choose Us?

Variety of options for all ages

One-to-one friendly and personal service

Potential for special orders for books or toys/games

Specialty store for children’s items

Carry brands not found in big box stores

Our Values

Desire to help kids discover a joy of reading

Focus on the customer experience

Spreading happiness through all we do

Keep listening to ideas and not be stuck

Continue educating ourselves with new authors, books, illustrators, games, toys, and trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are located in the Maple Valley Plaza at the corner of Maple and Valley Streets. We are in Suite #12 (between Maple Valley Convenience and Nails to Perfection). We are in the prior location of Double Midnight Comics – which moved in 2022 to their new home at 252 Willow Street in Manchester.

Parking?

Maple Valley Plaza has an entire parking lot available, and…wait for it…
It’s FREE PARKING!
That’s really all that needs to be said.

Oh – I’m wrong. There’s more and it’s important.

There’s one accessible parking space closest to Valley Street in front of Maple Valley Convenience and a ramp to get up to the sidewalk. There’s a second space in the corner where the two sides of the plaza meet with another ramp up to the sidewalk. Those are the closest accessible spaces near the store if you need a ramp over the curb. Otherwise, there is parking usually available in front of the store.

Is your store Accessible?

Please see the Parking FAQ for info about Accessible Parking.

Yes – the store is Accessible. It’s all on one level with no steps in or out of the store or once you are inside. Aisles are AT LEAST the 36″ required by the ADA with there being 40-48″ in some areas.

We also have chairs/seating throughout the store. So even if you are not in a wheelchair or use a walker, you may still need to take a break from time to time. There are places to take a seat.

We do have music that plays (instrumental), but if you have a child that has an auditory sensory disorder or gets very emotionally invested in music – please let us know and we can either turn it down, off, or change the song, depending upon the need.

Please be aware that the store has fluorescent lighting. Unfortunately, there’s not too much to be done about it, but we are looking into ways to tone down the glare from it a bit. It is a work in progress.

The store is also very happy, bright, and there are things to look at everywhere. Such is the dilemma of being a children’s book and toy store. It can be overwhelming and there have been a few parents who have prepped their kiddo(s) that there’s going to be a lot going on (sensory overload).

Our books are predominantly arranged by reading level. However, we also have sections that carry multiple reading levels. For example, the Dinosaur section has board books, picture books, and some reference books for older readers. Additionally, it has sugar squeezy dinosaurs, dinosaurs figurines, sticker books, plush, and even a robot T-Rex to build.

As with suggestions for books, toys, and games, we are always interested in hearing about potential ways to help make the store experience more accessible to those on the spectrum so they can get as much fun/joy from visiting Wonderland Books & Toys as those who are not neurodivergent.

Do you host a storytime?

We do host a storytime.
Currently we host Saturday Storytime at 2:00PM.
We selected that timeslot so as not to conflict with other storytime offerings in Manchester. And, the library doesn’t have storytime on the weekend, so hopefully we are filling a gap with Saturday afternoon.

Storytime can last from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the number of children, age(s), and books selected. Usually at least two books are read, sometimes three.

General age for attending is toddlers through first grade. BUT we know that sometimes older kids like to hear a good story (that goes for adults as well). As long as you can sit to listen – you are welcome to attend.

When did you open?

We opened at the end of April 2024. It’s been a slow start, but everyone who comes in looking has liked the store (even if they came in looking for the comic book store) and we’ve had lots of compliments. As time progresses we hope to have more than just our 2PM Saturday Storytime on a regular basis. But opening a brick and mortar store is a lot of work and we are building one step at a time.

Why should I shop at your location?

Wonderland Books & Toys is the only independent, local, and woman-owned children’s book and toy store in Manchester, NH. As a store owner, I wanted to open a store in the place I lived. I have a vested interest in my community and the children who are growing up here and will be the future of the city of Manchester. I have a stake in that as do all adults in the community. By providing a location that is accessible by car, bus, or walking, it opens up access to numerous people.

The books, toys, and games have been curated. You’ll find classics in all genres as well as new offerings by authors and board game and toy creators. For example, there was a specific hunt for board games for children ages 2-4 that weren’t the standard matching/memory games. Not that those aren’t good, but there is more out there for that age range. Wonderland Books & Toys now has quite the offering for those ages.

We love meeting people who both live in the area and those who are visiting. Helping people find the perfect book or toy/game for either their own child or a friend’s is always fun – especially when they spot the perfect gift.