Shop Talk is written by OM senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.

It’s March Break, the kids are at home, and they’re either bored to tears or making mischief. If you’re a parent looking for affordable ways to make it through the rest of the week, may we suggest Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books.

As the only shop in the city catering solely to children, it’s a fun place to spend the day — plus it’s in the Glebe, so there’s no shortage of cute cafes nearby from which to grab a bite. And with the weather forecast offering warm but wet, an independent book store is a pretty safe bet. It’s also a great way to entertain a wide range of kids — they carry titles suitable for rocking baby to sleep and more mature books that might just give adults the creeps.

Speaking of titles, get the little ones pumped by checking out this trailer for I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. For fantasy lovers who like a strong female lead, the shop has Cinder, the first in a new series by Marissa Myers.

The Look: Bright and inviting.

Perfect for: Whiling away March Break!

USP: Great location on Bank Street means you can combine a visit with a fun lunch — or continue the book bliss and head over the bridge to Ottawa Public Library Sunnyside branch.

Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books. 1018 Bank St., 613-232-7406, http://kaleidoscopekidsbooks.ca

Get the scoop on over 435 local stores in the Ottawa Magazine Shopping Guide 2011/2012. Access the Shopping Guide online or get your copy at Britton’s and other newsstand locations.