An enthusiastic commitment to early childhood learning is everywhere apparent. You’ll find popular toys like Barbie, Playmobil construction kits, and almost everything emblazoned with the whimsical, pop-eyed image of Caillou: floor puzzles, bath mitts, 10-inch dolls and even an igloo tent ($37.95). But the store’s signature stock consists of hard-to-find brands like Haba and Baufix, and traditional toys that stimulate a child’s imagination and creativity the old-fashioned way, through hands-on play. Kids on a construction binge will enjoy all-wood railway sets from Tumbletree Woods that are compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine toys and are considerably cheaper than the better-known stuff from Brio (110 pieces for $139, versus 50 pieces of Brio for $255). There’s a small book section that stocks lots of durable board books (Dr. Seuss), the classic Little Golden Books series ($5) and hard-to-find nursery rhymes. The store hosts kid-friendly classes in music, drama, sewing and even robotics (ages three and a half and up; approximately $125 for 10 weeks), and there is free storytelling in both French and English.

Where: 2391 Bloor St. W. (at Jane), 416-766-8578.

When: M–Sa 10–6 (later in summer).