Step into a world where stories come alive and imaginations soar—Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village is more than just a bookstore; it’s a magical destination for young readers and families alike. For nearly three decades, this beloved shop has been a cornerstone of the community, offering one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto. From enchanting picture books for little ones to captivating novels for teens, Mabel’s Fables curates a collection that nurtures a lifelong love of reading. Its warm, cozy atmosphere, engaging events, and personalized service make it stand out among the best bookstores in Davisville Village. Whether you’re searching for the perfect bedtime story or a thoughtful gift, this charming bookstore offers something for every child’s reading journey. Discover why it’s celebrated as one of Toronto’s best bookstores and a must-visit spot for families looking to make memories through the magic of books.
History of Mabel’s Fables
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village was founded in 1988 by Eleanor LeFave and her sister Susan. Driven by their shared passion for children’s literature, they envisioned a space where families could connect through the joy of reading. Inspired by Eleanor’s own childhood love for books, particularly the beloved English story Pookie, the sisters aimed to create a welcoming bookstore that would inspire young readers and support parents in fostering literacy.
Since its opening, Mabel’s Fables has grown into one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto, known for its carefully curated selection of books for all age groups—from newborns to teenagers. For nearly three decades, it has been a trusted destination in the community, offering not only books but also engaging programs and events that bring families together. Its lasting presence in the area has solidified its reputation as one of the best bookstores in Davisville Village and a cherished part of Toronto’s literary landscape.
Location and Accessibility
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village is conveniently located at 662 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S 2N3. Its central location in the heart of Davisville makes it easily accessible for families and book lovers exploring one of the best bookstores in Davisville Village.
Directions
- By TTC: Take the subway to Eglinton Station. From there, walk south to Soudan Avenue, then head east across Soudan to Mount Pleasant Road. Mabel’s Fables is just one block east of the Mount Pleasant and Soudan intersection.
- By Car: The bookstore is two blocks south of Eglinton Avenue on Mount Pleasant Road.
Parking Options
- Street parking is available on Hillsdale Avenue (1-hour limit).
- There are three designated customer parking spots behind the store.
- Metered parking is available along Mount Pleasant Road.
- A Green P parking lot is located nearby at 650 Mount Pleasant Road (Carpark 178).
Store Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
With its accessible location and convenient parking, Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village stands out as one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto, welcoming families to explore its inviting and story-filled space.
What Makes Mabel’s Fables Unique
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village offers a one-of-a-kind experience that sets it apart from other bookstores. Its warm and cozy atmosphere immediately makes visitors feel welcome. Soft sofas, carpeted floors, and large stuffed animals create a comfortable, family-friendly space where children can relax and immerse themselves in books. This inviting environment has helped establish Mabel’s Fables as one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto.
Personalized customer service is a hallmark of the store. The knowledgeable staff provides expert book recommendations tailored to each child’s age, interests, and reading level. This level of care and attention ensures that every visitor finds the perfect book, making it a standout among the best bookstores in Davisville Village.
Additionally, Mabel’s Fables offers custom gift baskets designed for all ages and occasions. These thoughtfully curated baskets include age-appropriate books and special items, making them the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or new parents. This personal touch further solidifies the store’s reputation as one of Toronto’s best bookstores for families seeking meaningful and memorable gifts.
Extensive Book Selection
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village is celebrated for its impressive and diverse collection of children’s books, making it one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto. The store offers over 10,000 carefully curated titles in stock, catering to readers of all ages and interests.
The selection includes:
- Board books and picture books for newborns and toddlers.
- Beginner reader books for early learners.
- Chapter books and novels for young readers and teens.
Beyond its in-store collection, Mabel’s Fables provides a special ordering service, allowing customers to request specific titles that may not be immediately available. This personalized service ensures families can always find the perfect book, solidifying its place among the best bookstores in Davisville Village.
The store also features thoughtfully curated collections, such as Indigenous Reads, offering books that celebrate Indigenous voices and stories. These curated lists help introduce young readers to diverse cultures and perspectives, reinforcing the store’s reputation as one of Toronto’s best bookstores dedicated to meaningful literature.
Special Events and Programs
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village goes beyond offering books by providing engaging programs and events that foster a love of reading for children and families. These interactive experiences make it one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto for creating lasting memories.
Regular In-Store Events
- Daddy and Me Storytime: A fun and interactive storytelling session that encourages fathers and children to bond over books.
- Teen Book Club: A space for teens to discuss popular books, share ideas, and explore new genres.
Reading Classes for Toddlers
Designed to introduce young children to reading, these classes support early literacy development through stories, songs, and activities tailored to toddlers.
Rainbow Songs Classes
- Held on the second floor in the cozy Storyroom.
Weekly classes led by Léa Beauvais for various age groups:
- 0 to 1 year: Tuesdays at 11:45 AM
- 1 to 2 years: Tuesdays at 10:15 AM
- 2 to 4 years: Tuesdays at 11:00 AM
- Each session runs for 8 weeks at a cost of $199.92.
Seasonal and Themed Events
Throughout the year, Mabel’s Fables hosts special events that celebrate holidays, seasonal themes, and popular book releases. These events offer families unique opportunities to engage with stories in creative ways.
By offering diverse programs for all ages, Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village continues to stand out as one of the best bookstores in Davisville Village and a beloved hub for community engagement in Toronto’s best bookstores scene.
Gift Cards and Custom Gift Options
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village offers a variety of thoughtful gift options, making it one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto for finding meaningful presents for every occasion.
Gift Cards
- Physical Gift Cards: Available for in-store pickup or can be mailed to the recipient with an optional personalized message.
- Digital Gift Cards: Conveniently emailed and can be used both in-store and online. Customers can choose to have the digital card sent to themselves or directly to the recipient by providing the email address at checkout.
- Redemption: Gift cards never expire and can be redeemed during checkout by entering the gift card number in the “Redeem Gift Cards” section. Multiple gift cards can be used for a single purchase.
Custom Gift Baskets
- Mabel’s Fables creates personalized gift baskets designed for specific age groups and special occasions.
- Each basket is thoughtfully curated with age-appropriate books and themed items, making it an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays, or baby showers.
With flexible gift options and personalized touches, Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village makes gift-giving easy and memorable, solidifying its reputation as one of the best bookstores in Davisville Village and a standout among Toronto’s best bookstores.
Community Engagement and Family Focus
Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1988, playing a vital role in fostering a lifelong love of reading. Its warm, welcoming environment and carefully curated book selections make it one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto for families seeking meaningful literary experiences.
As a trusted gathering place in Davisville Village, Mabel’s Fables offers a family-friendly space where parents and children can explore books together, participate in engaging programs, and connect with other families. The bookstore’s cozy atmosphere, paired with interactive storytimes and book clubs, creates a supportive environment that encourages young readers to discover new stories and ideas.
Beyond its walls, Mabel’s Fables actively supports local schools and literacy programs by collaborating with educators and providing curated book selections for classrooms. This community involvement has strengthened its reputation as one of the best bookstores in Davisville Village and a leader among Toronto’s best bookstores dedicated to enriching children’s lives through reading.
How to Stay Connected with Mabel’s Fables
Staying connected with Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village is easy, ensuring you never miss out on exciting events, new book arrivals, or special programs at one of the best children’s bookstores in Toronto.
Contact Information
- Contact: 416-322-0438
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 662 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S 2N3
Online Presence
- Website: Visit the official website for event updates, new book releases, and online shopping.
- Social Media: Follow Mabel’s Fables on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for the latest news on programs, special events, and reading recommendations.
Visit In-Store
For a truly memorable experience, visit the store in person to explore its cozy atmosphere, personalized book recommendations, and family-friendly events. A trip to Mabel’s Fables in Davisville Village offers a firsthand look at why it’s considered one of the best bookstores in Davisville Village and a standout among Toronto’s best bookstores.
FAQs
- Is there parking available near Mabel’s Fables?
Yes, there is street parking on Hillsdale Avenue, three customer spots behind the store, and a Green P lot at 650 Mount Pleasant Road. - Does Mabel’s Fables sell books for all age groups?
Yes, the store offers books for newborns, toddlers, young readers, and teenagers. - Are gift cards available at Mabel’s Fables?
Yes, they offer both physical and digital gift cards, which can be used in-store and online. - Does Mabel’s Fables offer custom gift baskets?
Yes, they create personalized gift baskets for all ages and special occasions. - Is Mabel’s Fables accessible by public transit?
Yes, take the TTC to Eglinton Station, walk south to Soudan Avenue, then east to Mount Pleasant Road. - Can I bring a stroller inside the store?
Strollers should be left outside the store; bringing a lock is recommended to secure them.