Wishing Tree Books

Wishing Tree Books fills a pale purple house with a bright red door in the South Perry District, and most of its shelves belong to young readers. Janelle Smith, a former children's book manager at Auntie's Bookstore, opened the shop with her husband, Ivan Smith, in October 2019. The name grew from the couple's love of trees; their first date was at Finch Arboretum.

The store describes its inventory as curated and inclusive, and it handles special orders, school discounts and in store book fairs. A gift section carries puzzles, art supplies and oracle decks. Storytime runs Wednesday mornings at 10:30am, and the New and Noteworthy Book Club meets in the evening. The Tree House, a 15 by 24 foot event room with its own patio and lawn, is available to rent.