London For Children: North Bank and South Bank

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Read the submission guidelines to learn how you can apply for representation. Julia accepts unsolicited submissions from authors of children’s literature regardless of experience, so don’t be afraid to apply. A bookshop with a passion for children's books (founder Tamara MacFarlane is author of the Amazing Esme series) you'll find a range of books for kids of all ages - including unusual and unexpected finds - helpful and enthusiastic staff members and even toys and trinkets. There are weekly storytime and Jolly Phonics sessions for younger kids, and it's not only the charmingly curated interior that's inviting - the window displays are inspiring, imaginative and very cleverly themed. They're also impossible to resist - you'll have to enter, and you won't leave empty-handed. Piers on the Thames are depicted explaining that they are used when 'you take a boat up or down the river' [On my first ever day out with Linda her office had arranged a boat trip down the Thames to Southend and, as a new boyfriend, I was invited to go along; it was my only trip to Southend but I remember it vividly!]. Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and later Greenwich are there as sights seen as the boat sails serenely down the Thames. Nicola Barr is one of the two literary agents managing the children’s list of The Bent Agency in Richmond, London. After working for widely respected businesses such as HarperCollins and Greene & Heaton, she continued to excel in her new agency by representing some of the most successful authors in fiction.

Located in Muswell Hill in North London, the independent bookshop, the Children’s Bookshop is family-owned and a fabulous bookstore for kids. The shop has been going since 1974 so they’re obviously doing something right! This is where a literary agent can help you by selling your book to a publisher on your behalf and negotiate a decent contract for you. As for those bookshops listed below that aren’t 100 percent dedicated to children have been included because they have a very good children’s section. Nancy Miles is an industry veteran who worked at HarperCollins and Heinemann Young Books. In 2003, she established the Miles Stott Children’s Literary Agency. And whether you’re working on middle-grade fiction or picture books, this agency in Pembrokeshire, Wales will always be the go-to agency for authors of children’s literature. Join this charming and exciting adventure through London in a chase for the Queen’s hat. Famed author Steve Anthony has created magic yet again with this delightful and silly book. Adventures aside, this book also serves as a guide to the city’s popular landmarks. Grab it HEREApparently a holiday in Paris inspired Miroslave Sasek to write and illustrate children's travel guides to the big cities of the world. He began with 'This is Paris' and followed it up with 'This is London' and the series developed from there. The books with their informative text and distinctive illustrations were hugely successful and brought Sasek, who died in 1980, international fame. It is never too soon to introduce tiny tots to one of the most spectacular cities in the world- London! This collection of interactive, lift-the-flap, boldly illustrated books will provide hours of entertainment along with a nice introduction to the capital of England.

Whizzy Wheels: London Bus, illustrated by Marion Billet, is a book on wheels – the perfect souvenir (even if you are a London Mum or London child)! A gorgeously illustrated and informative story with all the facts you need to know about London. Famed author and illustrator Richard Brassey even promises to share some of the city’s best secrets – shh! Grab it HERE Beatrice and the London Bus Making it to the shortlist of nominees for the prestigious Kim Scott Walwyn Prize—an award for the most impressive women in the publishing industry—isn’t easy, but Hellie Ogden proved her worth and got in. Since then, she’s handled many clients who’ve released best-selling and award-winning books in fiction and nonfiction. London based Italian author Francesca Lombardo brings enjoyment, hope, courage, determination and urban culture to young people with her newly released children’s book series – Beatrice and the London Bus. Her stories resemble a modern London take of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with lots of humorous, inspiring and empowering contemporary fairy tale features and a classic feel for children and parents alike. This beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating, fact-filled journey through London that helps you and your child discover the stories and secrets of one of the largest cities in the world. It’s a great example of a book that CANNOT be replaced by any electronic devices such as iPad, Kindle. You’ve got to have this books in your hands to appreciate the beauty of the illustrations.

The book series has even received an endorsement from the Culture team at the Mayor of London’s office. They said: “We very much enjoyed the Author’s story idea and we really appreciate her enthusiasm and passion for London. We wish the very best of success to this wonderful story.” However, traditional publishers don’t usually accept unsolicited manuscripts unlike these UK publishing houses. A beautifully designed pop-up book based on the popular Paddington movie. The book includes six pop-up images and scenes direct from the movie. Celebrate the history and culture of London with the classic story of Paddington Bear. Grab it HERE Katie in London

In the last gasp of local second-hand bookstores about 10 years ago I happened across this strange volume on display. It immediately caught my eye and stirred my love for 50's and 60's illustration, architecture and cities. It is a battered hardcover from 1959, the first printing, and it has the wonderful old book smell. It looks as if it was loved, and it has managed to find another lover in my partner and myself, and our future children too. For more than 20 years, Veronique Baxter has been one of David Higham’s most reliable agents for their children’s list. Ever since her promotion as a director at the London-based company, she’s expanded her preferences across literature for kids and adults alike — all with a keen eye for one-of-a-kind storytelling If you have a book lover in the family then this list of the best children’s bookshops in London is for you! The Children’s Bookshop also holds regular events and book signings with visiting authors. We’ve met Cressida Cowell here, author of the How to Train Your Dragon series. Past authors have included Liz Pichon. Barton’squirky and comic illustrations bring to life the journey from the comfort of his familiar university surroundings into the hectic bustle of central London. A fun and enlightening read for friends, family, caring professionals and anyone interested in an alternative viewpoint on the world. Sure to strike a chord with other day trippers on the autism spectrum.Dulwich Books is an independent bookshop that caters to all, but we had to include it because their children's section is comprehensive, cosy and inviting, with a nice book nook seating area for kids. Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays at 11am, there's in-house story time and crafts for pre-schoolers. Furthermore, Kate has built an excellent reputation in managing authors of YA and children’s literature over the years. One of her most talented clients is Helen Watts, the author of the acclaimed children’s historical fiction One Day in Oradour.

Clare is a huge fan of immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters, and distinct perspectives. Some of her clients are Martyn Ford ( The Imagination Box: Beyond Infinity), Tom Ellen ( Never Evers), and Lindsay Galvin ( Darwin’s Dragons).

So whether you've got a bookworm on your hands, a child who hasn't quite discovered their reading passion or are looking for a novel way to explore the city (follow the children's bookshops, naturally), we've rounded up the can't-miss bookshops that kids will love in London. And if your little one sneaks under the covers with one of these books and a flashlight, you should be proud of yourlittle bookworm—wait a few minutes before “catching” them.