La Bouquinette, Strasbourg

La Bouquinette stands as one of the earliest bookstores in France with a focus on literature for young readers. Founded in 1977 by Michèle Babinet and Nathalie Beau, it took a new direction in 1991 under Dominique Siegel and Jean-Luc Burger. They expanded, modernized, and introduced computerization. In March 2019, Stéphanie Louahem, Audrey Rossi, and Elodie Bubendorff, each having more than a decade of experience at the bookstore, assumed leadership, supported by loyal customers.

The store offers over 12,000 options for children spanning from primary to high school levels, alongside an assortment of games, plush toys, postcards, marbles, and various other entertaining items. It's a true treasure trove akin to Ali Baba's cave! The bookstore also hosts book signings and workshops tailored for young audiences on a regular basis.

To ignite children's imagination, the display window is perpetually arranged in captivating scenes. Since the 2000s, La Bouquinette's window displays have caught the attention of passersby, thanks to the creative input from artists like Thierry Chapeau, Vincent Godeau, and Arnaud Finix. These windows each narrate a unique story, depicting scenarios like elves in the woods, an Easter bunny laying eggs, and a peacock executing a cartwheel.

La Bouquinette is affiliated with the the Association of Specialized Youth Booksellers, and is a member of the Librairies Sorcières network. The association publishes the Citrouille magazine, featuring reading recommendations from Sorcières network booksellers, along with themed articles related to children's literature and its challenges. The magazine includes interviews with authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers, offering an array of insights and information.