Although the mother and daughter have long moved on, pleasingly the shop is still there, now run by its third owner. Apparently its first birthday under the current owners was celebrated last week.
It's a small, but well-stocked bookshop with a great vibe. The man behind the counter when I visited told me that the new owners want it to be a community hub as well as a bookshop. Evidence of this is that they gave free books to children who visited the bookshop last week, as part of Australia's Book Week celebrations.
Through the Looking Glass has a diverse range of books, and the children's section includes traditional favourites like Alan Garner and Enid Blyton as well as novels by more recent popular writers like Philip Reeve and Rick Riordan. There's a nice little nook with cushions where kids can curl up and read, and a Harry Potter uniform was on display when I visited.
Through the Looking Glass is at the roundabout end of Burwood Highway. At the other end of town, next to the Cameo Cinema, is the Book Barn, a modern bookshop that also stocks art supplies. This is well worth a visit if it's contemporary books you're after and their children's section is very strong.
Non-literary things to do locally include a ride on Puffing Billy, just down from Through the Looking Glass. There are lots of eateries along Burwood Highway, and if you want to watch a movie, the cinema is great too.
