When we visited the Bowers this weekend, we shared a few quick Instagram story photos of an utterly charming children’s bookstore. The response was immediate: people begged for a full post so the store wouldn’t disappear from the internet in a day. So here it is—more photos and a proper write-up for anyone hunting for kids room ideas or inspiration for playful adult spaces. We all fell in love with this place. It’s in Monroe, Georgia and it’s called The Story Shop, one of the sweetest bookstores we’ve ever seen.

From the moment you step inside, the space feels like a modern, whimsical take on a classic library. A grand bookcase with a library ladder, a curated globe collection, and a cheerful aqua accent wall set the tone. If you want a similar color, try a soft teal on a single wall, a door, or a piece of furniture to keep the look balanced. A small vintage TV under a pink side table near the entrance even bore the hand-lettered message “read instead,” which perfectly captures the shop’s playful spirit.

One eye-catching detail was a peel-and-stick animal wallpaper called Wild by Chasing Paper. It’s removable and easy to hang, making it an excellent choice for a kids room accent wall behind a bed or in a reading nook. Brightly painted animal head trophies—complete with hand-painted accessories like crowns, glasses, and mustaches—added cheerful, quirky charm. The store included many subtle literary nods, including a handmade sign listing storybook locales.

One of the most delightful features was a wardrobe that opens into a hidden room—yes, a proper secret passage kids can walk through. It was irresistible to both children and adults, and it makes a fantastic idea for a home: a wardrobe that conceals a secret playroom or closet. Inside, the hidden space leads to the storytelling room, which was full of whimsy and smart design choices, like using two matching rugs to cover a large area instead of a single oversized rug.

The storytelling room itself was playful and practical. A round “hobbit hole” door opened into a tiny play space where kids could gather and imagine. Little touches—like a whale mural or motif—made the transition into the space feel like stepping into an adventure. The room’s decorators used props and furniture thoughtfully, creating an inviting atmosphere for storytime and events.

Elsewhere in the store, a brick wall was dotted with butterflies, and a felt garland hung from a piece of driftwood, giving a handmade, craft-forward feel. Paper and fabric details, like Peter Pan’s shadow and small storybook references tucked into corners, created layers of discovery for curious visitors. The shop was a treasure trove of design cues that would translate beautifully into children’s bedrooms or playful family spaces.

A favorite feature for kids was a swing suspended in a corner of the room. It became a gentle focal point while nearby a peaked bookcase village displayed books from around the world. That “cityscape” of bookcases is an easy DIY or can be recreated with smaller pre-made units to create an imaginative display in any room.

The store also featured books suspended from the ceiling with their pages folded to stay open—an enchanting overhead installation that’s fun to view from below. Carefully curated shelves displayed colorful hardback classics that make a strong visual statement and invite collection building. Themed decor continued throughout, including giant paper flowers painted like the Queen’s roses from Alice in Wonderland.

The shop hosts parties in a dedicated party room that’s richly themed and meticulously styled. When we visited they were preparing a Peter Pan event with clever tabletop details—thimbles labeled as kisses from Wendy, a ticking clock reference, and other story-based elements. The attention to theatrical detail made the space irresistible for both children and adults.

Small retail displays were inventive, too. Instead of traditional clothing racks, colorful chairs were mounted to the wall to display apparel and costumes. There were whimsical chairs and hand-carved pieces that caught the eye and felt like art as much as furniture. Even the employees-only area was blocked off with a witty, on-theme sign that matched the shop’s voice and sense of humor.

The Story Shop is a wonderful source of inspiration for anyone designing a kids room, a family reading corner, or a playful retail environment. If you’re passing through Monroe, Georgia—or planning a road trip—this bookstore is worth a visit. The design is thoughtful, the details are delightful, and the overall message is simple and powerful: reading is fun.

PS: A quick reminder to support your local independent bookstores. They rely on community patronage to continue offering unique, thoughtfully curated spaces like this one.

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