Shweta Subbiah and Adhruth
When Shweta Subbiah and her son, Adhruth, returned from London in 2018, there was something they badly missed in the city: a cosy little space where they could discover their own books and then buy the book.
They visited several bookstores and loved the experience, but found themselves wishing for something more — a space where children could linger for hours, browse freely, curl up with a book and develop a genuine love for reading.
And so, The Reading Elf was born. A mother’s dream of creating a magical reading space for children has grown into The Reading Elf, an independent bookstore in Thoraipakkam.
Founded by Shweta, with Adhruth as its inspiration, the bookstore carries a personal story. Shweta affectionately calls her son her “little elf” — her cheerful companion and helper. Three years before opening the physical store, she had started an Instagram page dedicated to reviewing and recommending children’s books. The name The Reading Elf seemed a natural fit: it reflected the way she saw her own little elf and the world of stories they were creating together, says a note.
The Reading Elf also conducts storytelling sessions, workshops and special events
The Reading Elf stocks books for everyone from babies to young teens, including picture books, early readers, chapter books, graphic novels and reference titles. Shweta personally curates the collection, with particular attention to age-appropriateness, quality and books that offer children something meaningful beyond entertainment.
“We encourage children to select their own book,” says Shweta. “Your child is not going to like the same book that you did. Parents tend to push the child towards what they think the child should read, which I don’t confirm to,” says Shweta, who has grown up visiting Landmark bookstore.
Children visiting the store can interact with fellow young readers. Like there’s nine-year-old Adhruth, the “chief book explorer”, sharing his favourites, and 15-year-old Sanu, who offers her recommendation.
The logo was conceived by Adhruth and brought to life by a designer, it features a little elf sitting inside a mushroom house, completely absorbed in a book.
The Reading Elf hosts storytelling sessions, book clubs, workshops and other experiences designed to help children engage with books. Shweta says they will soon be starting a reading space on the floor above the book store. “Read a little before you buy a book,” she adds.
The Reading Elf is at Marigold, Old No. 3/58, New No. 3/76, Kumaran Kudil Main Road, Thoraipakkam. Phone: 95000 56482 | Website: www.thereadingelf.in/ Instagram: @the_reading_elf
Published – October 10, 2026 11:39 pm IST
