A Home for Stories, A Heart for Community
February 2025 marked 15 years since Kinder Books opened its pages to the world. What a journey it has been! What started on a small table at local farmers' markets has grown into a beloved cornerstone of the River Market in New Westminster. At the heart of it all is Anne Uebbing, whose quiet determination and deep belief in the power of stories have shaped Kinder Books into what it is today.
Anne's journey began with a simple but profound idea: that reading and learning are the keys to personal growth and a better world. With a love for children's literature and a background in education, she began curating a thoughtful selection of books that speak directly to the hearts and minds of children. Even in the early days, it was clear that Anne wasn't just selling books—she was planting seeds of inspiration and optimism.
Fifteen years later, Kinder Books has become more than a bookstore. It's a vibrant cultural hub. A place where community and curiosity collide and stories are just the beginning.
From her shop at the River Market, Anne nurtures an ever-growing community through regular workshops, author visits, reading circles, and music-and-craft events. These gatherings unite us, creating space for connection, learning, and joyful discovery. While toddlers sing along during storytime and older kids find their next favourite book, the shop hums with a welcoming, creative energy.
Anne's commitment to community doesn't just begin with books and end with events. She is a proud supporter of Indigenous authors and artists, and her curated shelves reflect an ongoing effort to amplify underrepresented voices. Kinder Books is home to a modest yet powerful gallery section, showcasing the work of local creators—Indigenous, neurodivergent, and neurotypical alike. The only requirement? That they live and create in our shared community. This inclusive approach to art and literature reflects Anne's belief that every voice matters and every perspective belongs. We all deserve to be seen and heard.
Anne's ability to intuitively match readers with meaningful books and to recommend complementary titles that explore similar themes and ideas has made her much more than a bookseller—she's a literacy consultant, trusted by families, educators, and young readers across Canada.
As Kinder Books celebrates this milestone, we honour Anne's vision and the vibrant, inclusive community she continues to build—one story, one child, one connection at a time. Here's to 15 years of fostering a love of reading and supporting local voices—and to many more chapters.
Happy Anniversary, Kinder Books!