Monarch Books in Arroyo Grande, Calif., has opened a sister store dedicated to children's toys and books called Little Oaks Toys & Books, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reported.
Located at 127 E. Branch St., Little Oaks is on the same street as Monarch Books and occupies a storefront that previously belonged to a store selling children's clothing and toys. Originally, owner Taneesha Regez and her husband, Aaron, had planned to use the space to expand Monarch's children's offerings before deciding to make toys a major focus.
The store's toy offerings range from science kits to jump ropes to building blocks. There is an emphasis on "open-ended play and exploration," and the owners source the toys from companies with sustainable and ethical practices.
"Things that get them out and navigating the world, exploring it, using all their senses to play and engage was a big part of what we're looking at when we look at what we're bringing in," Taneesha Regez told the Tribune.
For now, Little Oaks is open Friday through Sunday. Regez plans to start expanding hours in 2025.