What’s happening?
The Sweet Plot Bookshop has opened as the Toowoomba region’s only dedicated children’s bookshop. The shop focuses only on books for children and aims to help kids and parents put their screens down and pick up a book instead.
Why it matters?
The owner wants to bring back the joy of reading by stocking engaging, meaningful and thought-provoking stories that help children dream big and build literacy skills. She has almost ten years of experience as a Teacher Aide in Outback Queensland and Toowoomba, and wants to continue supporting children’s reading in her own setting.
Local Impact
There has been no children’s bookshop in Toowoomba. With a growing number of families in the region, the owner saw a clear gap. Opening weekend showed strong interest, with books for toddlers and pre-primary aged children selling the most.
By the numbers
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Books for toddlers and pre-primary-aged children were the biggest sellers on opening weekend, showing strong interest in early reading.
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The owner has almost ten years of experience as a Teacher Aide, shaping her focus on literacy support.
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Toowoomba has a growing population of families, creating demand for a children-focused bookshop.
Zoom In
The Sweet Plot Bookshop aims to support reading habits from a young age. The owner wants children to find stories that matter and to help parents build simple reading routines at home. Her plan includes starting a book club in 2026 for pre primary aged children and inviting authors into the store for story time. She also hopes to run workshops for parents who want practical ways to improve read aloud and questioning skills.
Zoom Out
Reading aloud remains important, yet recent data show these rates are declining. The owner hopes the bookshop can play a small part in lifting reading rates again by giving families access to meaningful children’s books in one dedicated space.
What to look for next?
New programs are planned for 2026, including a book club for pre-primary aged children, author story time sessions and parent workshops focused on reading support at home.