Wild Rumpus
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From the moment you enter Wild Rumpus - whether through the main door or the miniature one kids adore - you know you're in for a treat. The selection of new releases and old favorites for all ages is extensive. The staff is knowledgable and friendly.

Top-name authors are scheduled year-round, as are other fun events to promote reading. Some events are open only to Club Manx members, who must pay $20 dues and vow to devise clever tales about what really happened to the tail of the store's Manx cat. Members also get a t-shirt, newsletter, and gift certificate. Sign up in the store.

The Manx is only one member of the Wild Rumpus menagerie, which also includes chickens, cats, rats and birds - all named after characters in children's literature. The animals wander the aisles, live in cages in the floor, lounge in the window, and peck at your shoelaces - all to kids' delight. (Fearful kids and squeamish adults can avoid most such interaction, but allergy sufferers should proceed with caution.)

The store has wide aisles and comfy, welcoming chairs throughout, a thought-provoking 3-D mural on the ceiling, and clean, well-lit restrooms.

A selection of inexpensive used books is available at the back, so kids can treat themselves with pocket change. There are gift cards and free gift wrap too.

Bring in books to trade in (in good condition) for a token cash payment, or double that value in store credit.

If you have a large quantities of hardcover books to resell, you'll probably do much better at Half-Price Books or Once Upon a Child.

In Linden Hills, just east of Upton Avenue South. On-street parking is usually available within a couple of blocks.