Books Are Magic is a beloved neighborhood indie bookstore founded in 2017 by NYT-bestselling author Emma Straub and her husband Michael Fusco-Straub. The original location at 225 Smith Street in Cobble Hill features a dedicated sunken back room filled with children's books, making it a go-to destination for families in Brooklyn. A second location opened in 2022 at 122 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights.
Both stores carry a strong selection of children's, young adult, and adult books, and host regular author events for kids and families. Free Tiny Storytime sessions — featuring songs, rhymes, and stories — are offered weekly for babies and toddlers ages 6–36 months: Tuesdays at 11am at the Smith Street location and Thursdays at 11am at the Montague Street location. Space is limited, so arrive on time. Strollers must be left outside during storytime. Check the official website for the current events calendar before visiting.
