A landmark North Oxford building is to be transformed into a ‘children’s paradise’ by a publishing company.

Barefoot Books was founded by two mothers opposed to the commercialisation of childhood to encourage children to explore their imaginations and creative potential.

It publishes illustrated books from diverse cultures.

The Twinings Building, pictured, in Summertown is being transformed for its venture on to the UK high street.

The building will house the British HQ of Barefoot Books, a shop and cafe.

Spokesman Truda Spruyt said: “It will be more of an experience than a shop. It will stock all the Barefoot Books in a very colourful setting.”

The cafe will employ Vladimir Niza, a chef who has worked at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons at Great Milton, to prepare gourmet purées for babies, as well as food for adults and older children.

The owners will run yoga, art and cookery sessions, breast-feeding and drumming workshops and storytelling sessions. The company has already moved its 12-strong UK publishing workforce from Bath. Another 10 will work in the studio, with visiting artisans and educators.

Co-founder Nancy Traversy said: “Step inside and go barefoot with your children into a world that is colourful, welcoming and full of fun.”

The company, founded by Ms Traversy and fellow mother Tessa Strickland, runs a similar venture in Concord, Massachussets.

They hope to open next week, with an official launch the first weekend of October.

The Twinings Building has been empty since July 2010, when the occupier, Ripples Bathrooms, closed suddenly.