by Gudrun Bowers | 24, Oct 2025
Ring the bells and round up the reindeer… It’s the return of our FESTIVE DRAW-OFF DING DONG, a fun family event which sees our star cast of authors & illustrators SOPHY HENN, STEVEN LENTON, NICK SHARRATT and ADAM STOWER pitting their wits and their pencils against the fiendish drawing challenges dished up by our M.C, children’s author JIM BECKETT (and YOU, the audience!)
This is a HILARIOUS illustration show for kids age 5-11 and their parents, watch as our 4 celebrated children’s book illustrators sharpen their pencils and their wits to sketch a succession of festive-themed CRAZY drawing challenges, with LOTS of audience participation! WHO will our our DING DONG winner?
We have a bit more space this year as the event venue is THE PENFOLD HALL in Church Street, Steyning. All of the authors books will be on sale and you’ll have the chance to buy books and get them signed at the end.
Child ticket £5, Accompanying Adult ticket £3, Extra sibling Tickets £3.
This event is aimed at families with children aged 5-11. If you have little babies and toddlers it’s fine to bring them, they don’t need a ticket if they are sitting on an adult’s lap, but please take them outside if they are disrupting things!
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS
SOPHY HENN is the incredibly talented author AND illustrator behind the new HAPPY HILLS series of graphic novels, the PIZAZZ series, the BAD NANA series, and also has heaps of gorgeous picture books to her name.
STEVEN LENTON is the wonderful illustrator behind the festive new picture book HOW TO GROW A REINDEER, and illustrated the other lovely books in this lovely series by Rachel Morrisoe. Steven also illustrates the Dino-Dad series, by Andy Day, the Shifty McGifty serie, by Tracey Corderoy, and has also written his own cute chapter book series.
NICK SHARRATT is the beloved illustrator of Jacqueline Wilson’s Tracy Beaker series, and has written / illustrated countless bright, colourful, jolly picture books, including the best-selling YOU CHOOSE series. His latest book MULLETS is a hilarious celebration of the iconic MULLET hairstyle!
ADAM STOWER is best known for creating the vibrant, lively illustrations for David Walliams’ recent books, including SANTA AND SON, a funny festive chapter book, just out in hardback. Adam has also written and illustrated his own adorable chapter book series MURRAY AND BUN – the latest book is Murray the Ghosthunter, and KING COO – the latest book is King Coo: The Secret in the Woods.
Our M.C JIM BECKETT is the author of the hilarious BUZZ SAUSAGE WOLF, a cute illustrated chapter book, as well as the fast-p[aced middle-grade novels THE CARAVAN AT THE EDGE OF DOOM, and FOUL PROPHECY.
TICKETS ONLINE VIA LINK BELOW OR DIRECT FROM THE BOOKSHOP ON 01903 812062
by Gudrun Bowers | 6, Oct 2025
We are super-stoked to be teaming up with the good folk at Chanctonbury Wines for an evening with cheese expert & food writer PATRICK MCGUIGAN. Patrick will be sharing highlights from his epic hunt to identify the World’s Best Cheeses, celebrating the launch of his new book ‘One Cheese to Rule Them All’, and giving us a guided tasting of a few of the (more accessible!) cheeses he encountered. This boutique evening will take place at Chanctonbury Wines in Steyning, and will include a fascinating talk, cheese and wine tasting, and a copy of this splendid new book!
ABOUT THE BOOK
100 cheeses from around the world. Decades of prize-winners. Two World Cheese Awards judges to guide you. Which is the ONE CHEESE TO RULE THEM ALL? You decide…. Are you a Comté connoisseur or does your heart belong to Rogue River Blue? Can you tell your Brie from your Camembert? Can you name an award-winning Indian cheese and would you recognise a cheese iron? Expect fascinating stories and stats, and an odyssey through the delicious world of cheese to discover the ONE cheese to rule them all. A wonderful gift for the turophiles (cheese lovers!) in your life!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
World Cheese Awards judges Patrick McGuigan and Carlos Yescas have a wealth of knowledge garnered from years of travelling and tasting. Patrick McGuigan is a UK-based cheese writer and teacher, who has travelled from the Swiss Alps to the pastures of Vermont to interview the world’s best cheesemakers, maturers and cheesemongers. He writes extensively on the subject for national newspapers and magazines, such as The Telegraph and delicious, and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme. Carlos Yescas is a cheese scholar and author. For the past 10 years, he has worked promoting artisanal and raw milk cheeses and protecting traditional cheesemaking practices. He is a judge in various international cheese competitions, including the World Cheese Awards.
ABOUT THE EVENT
This boutique event will take place at Chanctonbury Wines. Your ticket includes a tasting plate of 4/5 cheeses and a wine to match each – carefully selected by Rob at Chanctonbury Wines, AND a copy of ‘One Cheese To Rule Them All’ (hardback, RRP £20) as well as the fascinating talk -all for the amazing price of £30!
Additional drinks & books can of course be purchased on the night.
Doors Open at 6:40PM, Starts at 7:00PM, Finish time…. 9pm ish??
by Gudrun Bowers | 29, Sep 2025
Join author / illustrator STUART DOUCH for a fun history event celebrating the launch of his graphic novel 1066 The Battle of Hastings.
This is a 2 hour interactive event packed with interesting activities, perfect for kids aged 9+, teenagers, families and history / comic book fans!
ABOUT THE EVENT
Learn about the history behind the Battle of Hastings with Stuart Douch, writer and artist of 1066 The Battle of Hastings- the Graphic Novel
Discover the armour and weapons used in the Battle of Hastings, including an amazing interactive demo from fully qualified re-enactor Mike Everest from Portals to the Past
Join a comic drawing workshop with Stuart
‘TASTE-OFF’ Sample some authentic Norman and Anglo-Saxon recipes!
Audience Q and A
Book-signing – get your copy of 1066 signed by Stuart!
VENUE: THE PENFOLD HALL, CHURCH STREET, STEYNING
DATE/TIME: 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Saturday 8th November
TICKETS: £4 child / £5 adult £16 Family: 2 adults 2 child or 1 adult 3 children – Purchase via button below (small booking fee applies) or in person at the Steyning Bookshop
ABOUT 1066 The Graphic Novel
1066 is one of the most famous dates in the history of the nation: the year of the Battle of Hastings. It was a key turning point in the nation’s history, marking the end of the Anglo-Saxon era and the start of the Norman period. This graphic novel tells the story of what happened before, during and after this iconic battle.
Discover all the details surrounding the story, from the mistakes and decisions that meant William of Normandy became the first Norman king of England to how Harold was killed – was it REALLY by an arrow in the eye? See the action as it unfolds, in exciting comic-strip panels, and learn not only about the events and the key participants on both sides, but also the tactics and weapons the armies employed, and some of the different languages of the time.
ABOUT STUART DOUCH
Stuart Douch is a well-known and well-loved local educator, teacher and historian who also happens to be an artist, cartoonist, caricaturist, and illustrator of historical graphic novels! His graphic novel, 1066: The Battle of Hastings, is published by GMC Publications in October 2025. Stuart served as Headmaster of Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School from 2013 to 2023. He is also a private tutor of English and History for students from Year 5 to Year 13. 1066 is his first published book and we are delighted to help launch it!
Stuart Douch
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Sep 2025
Don your cloaks and sharpen your fangs as we welcome talented author /illustrator HOLLY SWAIN to the bookshop for a fun Hallowe’eny kids event!
Holly Swain will be introducing her 2 hilarious picture books COLIN’S CASTLE and COLIN’S GRANDMA, starring Colin the Vegetarian Vampire (and his friend Duck) There will be stories, drawing and a ‘Colin the Vampire’ – themed craft activity.
Also we’ll be giving out sweet treat rewards for anyone who dresses up – think CLOAKS, vampires, ghosts, monsters, witches and more!
Tickets
Child tickets are £4 – fully redeemable against the purchase of one of Holly’s books. Extra siblings are just £2. Accompanying adults do not need to pay!
Age guide: This event is suitable for children aged 3-8.
WEDNESDAY 29th OCTOBER at 11am at the STEYNING BOOKSHOP
Tickets Available via link below or direct from the bookshop
ABOUT HOLLY SWAIN
Holly Swain is a children’s book illustrator, living in Hove with her husband Matt and their two daughters. As a kid she always loved to draw, making up characters and their worlds. She used to have a huge roll of paper under her bed that she constantly drew on which gradually got smaller and smaller, by which time she was big enough to go to college. She studied Illustration at UWE Bristol and then did an MA in Brighton. She is the author of Colin’s Castle and Colin’s Grandma, both published by Harper Farshore.
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Jul 2025
Teetering on the outer reaches of late capitalism, we have a tendency to look at the past with a romantic lens. But could some of the structures that organised society have useful lessons for us? This is Annette Kehnel’s premise, and her book delves into medieval social structures such as Beguinages – almost monastic, women only communities; the principles of make do and mend (which occur in all cultures in all times except the last few decades in industrialised society); the poverty of Franciscan monks; the organisation of Alpine pastures and Alsatian forests, focussing on their long term conservancy of natural resources and community living.
While it would be impossible to return to medieval living in many ways, there are certainly lessons we can learn in long term planning and careful husbandry of resources that we would do well to learn. A fascinating read.
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Jul 2025
Join best-selling thriller writer PETER JAMES as he introduces THE HAWK IS DEAD: A KILLER IN THE PALACE, which sees Roy Grace gain access to the heart of Buckingham Palace, when he is called upon to solve a murder and what looks to be a royal assassination attempt.
Roy Grace is Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective and now she plays a leading role in his latest thriller The Hawk is Dead! Combining Peter’s classic fast-paced action with extensive behind-the-scenes research at Buckingham Palace, The Hawk is Dead is the not-to-be-missed publishing event of the autumn and the perfect entry point into the world of Roy Grace for anyone yet to meet him.
We are delighted to welcome Peter back to Steyning on Wednesday 22nd October – the day after publication – for what is sure to be a highly entertaining evening! Peter will discuss how Queen Camilla and King Charles came to feature in the book and share his fascinating research into the inner workings of the Royal Household and Buckingham Palace.
Peter will be in conversation with fellow thriller writer GRAHAM BARTLETT
Graham is a former detective and now a crime fiction and police advisor to authors and TV writers as well as being the best selling author of the Brighton-set crime novels Bad for Good, Force of Hate and City of Fire. Graham’s excellent novels will be available to purchase at the event.
EVENT FORMAT
Doors open 7pm, Author interview starts at 7.30pm followed by audience Q and A and then book-signing / meet and greet.
There will be a licensed bar selling alcoholic and soft drinks.
Tickets: Single ticket: £22 INCLUDING a copy of The Hawk is Dead / Couples Ticket: £32 Admits 2 people with just 1 copy of the book included
Tickets available online via button below (small booking fee applies) or in person from the shop / by phone on 01903 812062
ABOUT PETER JAMES
Peter James is a New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author best known for his crime thrillers featuring Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, who Queen Camilla recently named as her favourite fictional
detective. Praised by critics and much-loved by crime and thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists, sinister characters, and accurate portrayal of modern-day policing, he has won more than 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and the Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger. His books have sold over 23 million copies worldwide, achieved
21 Sunday Times No.1s, and have been translated into 38 languages.
His Roy Grace novels are currently filming their 6th season for the hit ITV drama, Grace, starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper and available to view on ITVX and on Britbox. Seven of his novels have been adapted into phenomenally successful stage plays, with his most recent, Picture You Dead, now on national tour in the UK. His plays have been named as the most successful stage franchise since Agatha Christie.
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Jul 2025
Discover the Secrets of the Seasons with Tristan Gooley
Explore the seasons through the prism of nature’s clues and signs with the help of natural navigator and ‘Sherlock Holmes of Nature’, Tristan Gooley. The bestselling author of How to Read a Tree and The Walker’s Guide will reveal the little-known gems to look for each month in this richly illustrated talk.
The Hidden Seasons shows us how to read the clues most miss and inspires us to explore nature’s signs for ourselves, giving fascinating insights into our turning year.
🌸 Spring unveils a vibrant world of wildflower signs, unique cloud formations, and quirky animal behaviour.
🌞 Summer offers coastal secrets, astronomical marvels, and mysterious patterns in the grass.
🍂 Autumn invites us to interpret leaf changes, scent trails, and the fascinating language of fungi.
❄️ Winter deepens our understanding of snow, starlore, and unveils surprising clues – even indoors. The seasons will never look, sound or smell the same again!
The Hidden Seasons is published by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback on 18th September, so our event is extra special, marking publication day!
About Tristan Gooley
TRISTAN GOOLEY is the award-winning author of many best-selling books on natural navigation and the natural world, including The Natural Navigator, How to Read Water and How to Read a Tree. Through his journeys, teaching and writing, he has pioneered a renaissance in the art of natural navigation. Tristan is the only living person to have both flown solo and sailed singlehanded across the Atlantic.
Event Format:
Illustrated author talk followed by audience Q&A and book signing /meet and greet
Doors open 7pm, Talk begins 7.30pm, Unreserved seating. Teas & Coffees served by church volunteers
Tickets:
£6 Ticket Only (without book – entitles bearer to £5 off a purchase of The Hidden Seasons on the night – while stocks last!)
£20 (includes signed copy of The Hidden Seasons RRP £22)
Tickets available online via link below (small booking fee applies) or in person from the bookshop (no booking fee)
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Jul 2025
Meet Helen Goh, who for 10 years developed the recipes at Ottolenghi, as she explores the ways baking brings meaning and joy to our lives. This will be a new format for us, taking place in the bookshop kitchen – with a cookery demo and a chance to sample some baked goodies!
When you roll up your sleeves and get out the mixing bowl, you do it for reasons far beyond the mere production of a piece of food. Few know this better than Helen Goh, who – alongside being a recipe developer with Ottolenghi for more than a decade, is, uniquely, a practising psychologist.
Helen will be discussing her first solo cookbook, Baking & the Meaning of Life, which draws on her upbringing in Malaysia and Australia, her acclaimed work with Ottolenghi and her psychology training to share her distinctive approach to baking with 100 delicious sweet and savoury bakes.
Helen has been a recipe developer with Yotam Ottolenghi for more than a decade, and is a food columnist for the Good Weekend, The Guardian and The Observer. A trained psychologist, she combines psychology practice with a cooking career. She was head pastry chef at a landmark restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, before moving to London to work with Ottolenghi.
EVENT FORMAT:
Author talk with cookery demo, nibbles & a complimentary drink upon entry, plus book signing.
£25 Ticket price includes a SIGNED copy of Baking & The Meaning of Life. Book tickets via the link below or in person from the bookshop, or by phone on 01903 812062.
Event starts at 7pm.
by Gudrun Bowers | 24, Jul 2025
The Steyning Bookshop is joining Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy’s paper chase around independent bookshops to celebrate the launch of her new book PAPER CHASE. An amazing chance to meet the nation’s favourite children’s author JULIA DONALDSON along with the book’s illustrator, Victoria Sandoy, and be the first to get a collectable, double-signed first edition of PAPER CHASE, 3 days before its official publication date!
This tour will also feature twenty of Julia Donaldson’s favourite titles from across her career.
Julia and Victoria will be signing PAPER CHASE (with any of her other Top Twenty books) between 3.30 and 5.30pm on Monday 8th September, at the Steyning Bookshop.
We will provide free activities and refreshments to keep children occupied while you wait, and if the weather is fine we will hold the signing in the beautiful bookshop back garden.
To reduce queue times, the signing will be ticketed with four available time slots at 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm or 5pm, with 20 families in each slot. Your ‘ticket’ for the signing costs £12.99 which pays for your copy of Paper Chase, and entitles the ticket bearer, plus up to 5 additional family members, entry to the signing.
Julia will be happy to sign any number of books that are bought from The Steyning Bookshop on the day only. We request that each family party be limited to 6 family members. The person booking the ticket is required to attend for the book signing. If you require multiple copies of Paper Chase please do NOT book multiple tickets – we will have PLENTY of extra copies for you to purchase on the day!
ABOUT PAPER CHASE
A captivating paper chase, and an unforgettable adventure . . .Two children meet under a tall tree. James has a book. Ginger has a paper plane. They become friends . . .but then they are parted. Will they ever meet again? But this isn’t just James and Ginger’s story: it’s a paper chase, in which Julia Donaldson cleverly weaves the children’s tale of friendship into the amazing story of how paper is made. Children will be fascinated to see the remarkable journey of one tall tree, as it’s turned into paper, and becomes all sorts of things that we use, from bags and boxes to letters, cards and books.
Julia Donaldson’s perfect, read-aloud rhymes are brought gorgeously to life with warm, richly atmospheric illustrations by acclaimed illustrator, Victoria Sandøy.
Paper Chase is published by Scholastic in hardback at £12.99. Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy’s previous books together are The Christmas Pine and The Oak Tree.
Purchase your Family Entry Ticket via the link below which leads to ALL available ime slots (small booking fee applies) alternatively call the bookshop on 01903 812062 or purchase in store.
by Gudrun Bowers | 4, Jul 2025
Join author / Illustrator Vicky Woodgate for fun animal facts, crafts, and a curious creatures draw-along.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Crafty, creative fun for children aged 5+ based on Vicky’s lovely new ‘search and find’ activity book The Big Around The World Animal Adventure. Try your hand at drawing a Quokka, craft a snake decoration and learn how to draw the perfect penguin!
All materials will be provided. Child tickets £5 or £2 for extra siblings. Your £5 child ticket gives you £5 off your purchase of Vicky’s book. Accompanying adults do not need a ticket. Approx duration: 1 hour, starting at 2.30pm.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Join Leopold the fairy penguin on an awesome animal adventure to far-flung corners of the world. From ‘Cat Island’ in Japan to a cuteness overload of quokkas in Australia, readers will be amazed at the incredible animal kingdoms they’ve never seen before. It’s full of quirky facts and fun search-and-find activities, and is a paperback priced at £8.99.
ABOUT VICKY WOODGATE
Vicky Woodgate studied design and illustration at Chelsea Art School, and then worked in the TV, film and theme-park industry as a scenic artist before moving into book & magazine illustration.Vicky has always had a passion for wildlife, and loves travelling, writing and drawing maps. She is based in Brighton, UK
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Jun 2025
Take a Trip to Happy Hills – drawing, doodling and fun with SOPHY HENN!
Join multi-talented author /illustrator SOPHY HENN as she celebrates the release of her latest graphic novel Happy Hills Book 3: Mr Big Fluff Rules with a madcap event for kids aged 5+. Learn to draw Mr Big Fluff the hamster and the rest of the Happy Hills crew, design your own comic character, and lots more fun – LOLS guaranteed!
About the HAPPY HILLS series
Hilariously funny full-colour graphic novels, filled with CUTE and NOT SO CUTE characters, perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey, Dogman and Donut Squad!
‘Delicious genius from Sophy Henn. If eating a load of fizzy sweets and then sticking your head into a bag of kittens could be turned into a book, it would be THIS BOOK’ Nadia Shireen
Child ticket £5 (gives £5 off a purchase of a Sophy Henn book!) Sibling ticket £2. Accompanying adults don’t need a ticket. Tix available via the link below or direct from the shop in person or by phone on 01903 812062.
EVENT STARTS 11am, approx duration 1 hour. If weather is fine we will be under a tent shelter in the bookshop back garden. If chilly / windy / rainy, we will be in the bookshop back kitchen room.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jun 2025
Join the Blue Peter Book Award winning author of the Podkin One-Ear series, Kieran Larwood, for a fun, creative world-building workshop, as he introduces his extraordinary new adventure, Jed Greenleaf.
Create your own magical maps in a fantastic world-building interactive activity, test yourself with a fun history quiz, and explore the incredible fantasy world of Jed Greenleaf – think 1700’s London, an evil Oliver Cromwell, magical guilds and epic amphitheatre battles!
A fun, imaginative workshop for children aged 8+.
ABOUT KIERAN LARWOOD
Kieran was born in Kenya and moved to the UK when he was two and lived in various places before settling on the Isle of Wight, where he can still be found: exploring rockpools, climbing trees and writing. He taught reception class in a primary school for 15 years before finally escaping to become a full-time author.
ABOUT JED GREENLEAF
Skin of bark, soul of a hero . . .An astonishing standalone adventure. Albion city is governed by a puppet queen, secretly controlled by Lord Cromwell, and strange magic is afoot as six Guilds all compete to rule it. Although the Leaf Guild is the weakest, no one has reckoned with newcomer Jed Greenleaf’s extraordinary ability to transform into a half-tree, covered over with bark .. . he just needs to learn how to harness that power. Could he be the hero that the Guild needs to win at the Punchbowl tournament? It just might be that this year Jed can turn over a new leaf in the history books, and bring glory to the decaying Guild and peace to Albion.
EVENT DETAILS: START TIME: 2.30pm, Duration: 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Tickets £3 per child includes all materials & refreshments. Suitable for ages 8+. Tickets available from the shop or online via link below:
by Gudrun Bowers | 13, May 2025
To celebrate the release of their fascinating new book The Long Man & Friends: Sacred Sussex, authors David Bramwell and Philip Carr-Gomm invite you on a mystical pilgrimage to uncover the myths and magick behind our most ancient, sacred Sussex landmarks. Also joining us is Henri Brocklebank, Head of Conservation at Sussex Wildlife Trust, who’ll explore her thoughts on how we can protect and conserve our county’s sacred natural spaces. This slide-illustrated talk will be held in the beautiful ambience of the Church of St Andrew & St Cuthman, a 12th Century Norman Church in Steyning. There will be a bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks.
ABOUT THE LONG MAN & FRIENDS: SACRED SUSSEX
Wild, pagan, sacred Sussex. From the glorious goblin-haunted landscape of Devil’s Dyke to the magic circle of Chanctonbury Ring, from holy springs and revered yew trees to ancient burial mounds and iconic chalk figures, this book reveals a county criss-crossed with mysterious ‘lines of power’ linking one sacred place to another. Walk the old tracks with us, uncover the ancient mysteries and let them speak to you.
This petite hardback book contains a Gazetteer of sacred sites and nine magical walks, which will take you on an inspirational journey of magic, mystery and enlightenment.
About David Bramwell
David Bramwell is a British writer, musician, performer and broadcaster. For BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4, he has made programmes on diverse subjects, including Ivor Cutler, clapping, time travel, and the murmurations of starlings. He is the founder and host of Brighton’s spoken word night, the Catalyst Club.
About Philip Carr-Gomm
Philip Carr-Gomm is an English writer in the fields of psychology and Druidry, a psychologist, and one of the leaders and former Chosen Chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.
About Henri Brocklebank
Henri is the Director of Conservation at the Sussex Wildlife Trust. She has dedicated her career to restoring and protecting Sussex’s natural landscapes. She leads the Trust’s marine conservation work, chairs the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project and is Deputy Chair of the Sussex Local Nature Partnership.
EVENT DETAILS:
Slide illustrated talk, Q and A and book-signing.
Doors & bar open 7pm
Talk starts 7.30pm
Disabled access available.
Tickets – Online Tix via link below or in person from the bookshop, by phone on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 7, May 2025
To celebrate the beautiful new edition of Julia Donaldson’s picture book Follow the Swallow, with vibrant new illustrations by Thomas Docherty, we are thrilled to be hosting an after-school book-signing on WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE with both Julia Donaldson AND Thomas Docherty. Grab your chance to meet Julia Donaldson and Thomas Docherty and get a copy of Follow the Swallow signed by both author AND illustrator! Follow the Swallow is a delightfully funny story about friendship, seasonal change, and the wonders of bird migration.
ABOUT THE BOOK-SIGNING
- PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE – 1 ticket per family group
- Your £7.99 ticket = a paperback copy of Follow the Swallow, and allows entry of one family group (of up to 5 people) to the book-signing.
- You’ll be able to purchase more copies of the new book and all Julia’s previous books on the day, from the Steyning Bookshop, and we will have copies of Thomas Docherty’s other books, too.
- Julia (and Thomas) will sign AND name-dedicate all books either pre-ordered or purchased at The Steyning Bookshop that day.
- We regret that we will not accept books from home or books purchased elsewhere for signing.
- The book-signing begins at 4pm and is split into 3 x 30-minute time-slots to reduce queue times, with 20 family groups in each time slot.
- The signing will take place mainly outdoors, under cover in the beautiful back garden of the Steyning Bookshop, Julia’s local bookshop.
- There will be activities & refreshments for children while you wait to meet Julia and Thomas.
Book online via our TICKETSOURCE page via the button below, or by phone on 01903 812062.
ABOUT FOLLOW THE SWALLOW
Chack the blackbird and Apollo the swallow are friends. But when Apollo tells Chack that he will soon be flying to Africa – Chack doesn’t believe him. And when Chack tells Apollo that the blossom on his favourite tree will one day turn into orange berries – Apollo doesn’t believe him either! But as the seasons change, Chack and Apollo are both in for a big surprise …
This gorgeous story of seasonal change was previously available as a slim chapter book and as a picture book illustrated by Pam Smy (now out of print). This new picture book edition features vibrant, lively illustrations by the wonderful illustrator THOMAS DOCHERTY, whose previous books include The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight, The Bear-Shaped Hole, and Superwolf. Thomas also illustrated Julia’s two plays: Bombs and Blackberries and Chariots & Champions.
by Gudrun Bowers | 27, Mar 2025
Join veteran nature writer ROGER MORGAN-GRENVILLE for a fascinating illustrated talk on the discoveries he made about British nature and biodiversity while he embarked upon two epic walks, encompassing the length and breadth of our nation and its coastlines.
For the last four years, Roger Morgan-Grenville has walked 10,000 miles across, around and up and down Britain, searching for both truth and hope in the state of nature. In a unique talk, which brings together these walks, Roger will explain the story behind the two books that resulted, Across a Waking Land and The Restless Coast, and give his insights into the state of nature in Britain, and what we can all do to improve it.
About Across a Waking Land
Fed up with bleak headlines of biodiversity loss, acclaimed nature writer Roger Morgan-Grenville sets out on a 1,000-mile walk through a British spring to see whether there are reasons to be hopeful about the natural world. His aim is to match the pace at which the oak leaves emerge, roughly 20 miles north each day. Fighting illness, blizzards and his own ageing body, he visits every main habitat between Lymington and Cape Wrath in an epic eight-week adventure, encountering, over and over again, the kindness of strangers and the inspiring efforts of those fighting heroically for nature.
About The Restless Coast
Britain has over 10,000 miles of coastline, and in The Restless Coast the author travels its length to discover its challenges and opportunities, and to talk to the people trying to protect it. From the extraordinary natural history of the coastline, to the story of how man has imprinted himself on its geology for centuries, weaving in the modern challenges that the shoreline faces, and the people who are trying to protect it. At once informative, angry and funny, The Restless Coast is a very personal love letter to our island edge.
About Roger Morgan-Grenville
Roger Morgan-Grenville is a writer, speaker and campaigner on conservation, with a particular interest in biodiversity loss and recovery. From 1978-86 he was in the armed forces, and in 2007, he helped to set up the charity Help for Heroes. He is a founding member of the conservation charity, Curlew Action. He is the author of Liquid Gold, Shearwater, and Taking Stock, all published by Icon Books. He lives in West Sussex.
About the Event
Teas & Coffees will be served and Roger’s latest books will be on sale.
Venue: Steyning Methodist Church
Format: Illustrated talk, with slides, followed by audience Q and A and book-signing
Doors open 7pm, Starts at 7:30PM
by Gudrun Bowers | 27, Mar 2025
Start your day out at Steyning Country Fair on Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday with a yap, a bark and a snuffle!
Join Steyning’s second most famous author JIM BECKETT for an hour of hilariously silly sausage dog fun as he launches his adorable new book BUZZ SAUSAGE WOLF.
About BUZZ SAUSAGE WOLF
Meet Buzz: a scruffy little wire-haired sausage dog, as he settles in with his new family and works out the family hierarchy… Who is Pack Leader? Should he be Silly Sausage or Brave Wolf to win the family’s love, devotion and snacks? Buzz Sausage Wolf is a short chapter book with vibrant illustrations on every page, perfect for readers of 5+ just beginning to enjoy chapter books.
ABOUT JIM BECKETT
Jim Beckett is the author of the fast-paced middle-grade novels The Caravan at the Edge of Doom, and The Caravan at the Edge of Doom 2: Foul Prophecy, and has worked variously as an English teacher, a creative writing mentor, a stand up comedian, a Santa’s Elf and a dad, in between writing funny books and sketches and practicing his ukelele!
ABOUT THE EVENT
An hour of interactive, creative fun, with added sausage dogs and a sprinkle of silliness! This event will take place in the bookshop back garden marquee and is suitable for children aged 5-8. Each £7 ticket includes a copy of BUZZ SAUSAGE WOLF (RRP £7.99!!) and for families of more than one child, sibling tickets are just £2 extra.
Doors Open at 11:15AM, event runs from 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Tix online via link below (small booking fee applies) or in person from the shop.
by Gudrun Bowers | 26, Mar 2025
Join novelist ANNA HOPE as she discusses her wonderful new novel ALBION.
This evening is an ‘open book group’ event, where we invite you to buy and read Anna’s book before the event, then join members of our 3 bookshop bookgroups to hear Anna discuss her inspirations and research, and hopefully contribute to an interesting discussion about the book!
About ALBION
This compelling, beautiful novel weaves some of the most pressing issues of our time into a complex, absorbing family drama.
The Brooke family are gathering at their ancestral pile, deep in the Sussex countryside, to bid a final farewell to Philip; husband, father, 1960’s trailblazer, festival-organiser, womaniser, re-wilding pioneer …. Each of his 3 children bears scars from childhood trauma, each has their own agenda for the memorial weekend, and the arrival of mysterious Clara from America, bearing a shocking truth, turns the already simmering tension up to boiling point…. A story of family, political and global legacy which is deeply rooted in the natural world.
About ANNA HOPE
ANNA HOPE is the internationally prizewinning and bestselling author of Wake, The Ballroom, Expectation and The White Rock. She studied at Oxford University and RADA and her novels have been translated into over 20 languages. Expectation is currently being adapted for the screen by Clemence Poesy and Haut et Court films in Paris. She lives in Sussex with her family.
About the Event
Venue: upstairs at AWEN FURNITURE
Format: Author interview followed by audience Q and A and book-signing.
Welcome drinks will be served upon entry.
Anna’s previous novels in paperback and extra copies of Albion in hardback will be on sale on the night.
Doors Open at 7:00PM Starts at 7:30PM
TICKETS:£6 ticket only / £16 ‘book with ticket’ includes a hardback copy of Albion (RRP £16.99) / £12.75 Steyning Bookshop book group members (can only be purchased at bookshop) ‘Book with Ticket’ ticketholders are encouraged to collect their book from the shop from 25th April onwards and read it prior to the event.
Purchase tix from the shop, by phone or via link below
by Gudrun Bowers | 13, Mar 2025
Join comedian, broadcaster and writer Robin Ince for an evening of entertaining and insightful discussion about neurodiversity, as he celebrates the release of his new book Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal: My Adventures in Neurodiversity.
What if being a bit weird is actually entirely normal? What if sharing our internal struggles wasn’t a sign of weakness, but strength? Is there even any such thing as ‘neurotypical’?
For over thirty years, award-winning broadcaster and comedian Robin Ince has entertained thousands in person and on air. But underneath the surface, a whirlwind was at play – a struggle with sadness, concentration, self-doubt and near-constant anxiety. But then he discovered he had all the hallmarks of ADHD and his stumbling blocks became stepping stones.
In Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal, Robin uses his own experiences to explore the neurodivergent experience and to ask what the point of “being normal” really is. Packed with personal insights, intimate anecdotes and interviews with psychologists, neuroscientists and many neurodivergent people he has met along the way, this is a quirky and witty dive into the world of human behaviour., which reminds us all that it’s OK to be a little different!
About Robin Ince
Robin Ince is a comedian, actor, broadcaster, and writer.
The Guardian once declared him a ‘becardiganed polymath’ which seems about right. He is the author of many hilarious books, including The Importance of Being Interested and I’m a Joke and So Are You. With Professor Brian Cox, he created and presents the award-winning BBC Radio 4 show The Infinite Monkey Cage, which ranks among the most popular science podcasts worldwide. He co-hosts the podcast Book Shambles with Josie Long, An Uncanny Hour and Science Shambles with Dr Helen Czerski, all three of which are a part of The Cosmic Shambles Network, which he also co-created. He also won Celebrity Mastermind but forgot that calcium was the dominant element of chalk. After being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 52, he finally has an excuse.
Event Details
Robin will be ‘in conversation’ with local poet and general town MC, Simon Zec.
There will be a licensed bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks run by Keith’s Bar, card & cash payment accepted.
*A Book and Ticket option is available for this event which includes a hardback copy of the book (which Robin will sign!) and entry to the event. The cost is the RRP of the book. Bargain!
There is also a ‘ticket only’ option for £7 and additional books will be on sale on the night – while stocks last (however purchasing the book+ticket option gives a £4 saving AND ensures you get a book)
The Venue is St Andrew & St Cuthman’s Church, Steyning. Disabled access can be arranged, please contact us.
Doors Open at 7:00PM
Starts at 7:30PM
TICKETS: Book with ticket £20 / Ticket only £7
Purchase online via button below (small booking fee applies) or direct from the bookshop in person or by phone on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 11, Mar 2025
Join amazing illustrator SHARON KING-CHAI for a fun Easter-themed crafting workshop for children aged 4-8! The children will create their own mirror magic Easter Cards, plus there will be colouring, stories and snacks.
Child ticket £5 – gives £5 off purchase of one of Sharon’s beautiful picture books or board books.
Accompanying adults don’t need a ticket.
Event Details: TUESDAY 8th APRIL, 3pm-4pm Suitable for ages 4-8.
About Sharon King-Chai
Sharon King-Chai is an award-winning designer and illustrator. Born in Australia to Chinese-Malaysian parents, she moved to London in 2003. She fell in love with storytelling and design through music and books, creating album artwork and book covers before eventually writing and illustrating her own books and establishing her range of cards and prints. She has also collaborated with the bestselling Julia Donaldson on the intricately beautiful Animalphabet, Counting Creatures and Colours, Colours Everywhere. Her self-authored book Starbird won the Kate Greenaway Shadower’s Choice Award, and her books have gone on to win a range of international accolades including the Chen Bochui Award for Best Picture Book. Her unique board book series Mirror Magic plays with reflective pages to create a beautifully shiny and colourful new world for the youngest readers.
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Jan 2025
Meet best-selling author JULIA DONALDSON for a very special BOOK-SIGNING event on WORLD BOOK DAY® at the Steyning Bookshop.
Swap your World Book Day token for one of this year’s World Book Day books, including Julia’s special ‘Who’s in Acorn Wood?’. Or use your voucher to get £1 off any books at the Steyning Bookshop, including any of Julia’s titles. Julia will happily sign and dedicate any of her books purchased in store on the day.
ABOUT THIS BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
There is no charge to attend this book-signing and meet Julia, but to reduce queuing and prevent overcrowding, you must book a ticket in advance. We are offering three 30-minute time-slots from 3.30pm. Each ‘ticket’ allows entry for 1 FAMILY GROUP (of up to 5 people) so please DO NOT book a ticket for each member of your party! There will be around 20 families in each time slot. There will be free refreshments and activities for children to enjoy while you wait to meet Julia!
We will have plenty of Julia’s special £1 World Book Day books which you can swap for your WBD token, plus a wide selection of ALL Julia’s books on sale, so come a little earlier than your slot to allow time to choose and purchase the books that you would like Julia to sign.
Click on the link below to book via our Ticketsource page – all time slots are listed there: 3.30-4pm, 4-4.30pm, 4.30-5pm
by Gudrun Bowers | 27, Jan 2025
A wonderful opportunity to meet best-selling author ELLY GRIFFITHS as she launches the first book in a new series! Elly will be in conversation with fellow thriller writer WILLIAM SHAW.
Elly will be discussing her new novel THE FROZEN PEOPLE, an exciting historical crime thriller – with a dash of time travel!
About The Frozen People
Ali Dawson and her cold case team investigate crimes so old, they’re frozen – or so their inside joke goes. Most people don’t know that they travel back in time to complete their research. The latest assignment sees Ali venture back farther than they have dared before: to 1850s London in order to clear the name of Cain Templeton, the eccentric great-grandfather of MP Isaac Templeton. Rumour has it that Cain was part of a sinister group called The Collectors; to become a member, you had to kill a woman… Fearing for her safety in the middle of a freezing Victorian winter, Ali finds herself stuck in time, unable to make her way back to her life, her beloved colleagues, and her son, Finn, who suddenly finds himself in legal trouble in the present day. Could the two cases be connected? Fresh, gripping and original!
About Elly Griffiths
Elly Griffiths is the bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries and the Brighton Mysteries. She has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, has been shortlisted five times for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for The Lantern Men. Her most recent series featuring Detective Harbinder Kaur began with The Stranger Diaries, which was a Richard and Judy book club pick and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in the USA. It was followed by The Postscript Murders and Bleeding Heart Yard. Elly has two grown-up children and lives near Brighton with her archaeologist husband.
About our guest chair William Shaw
William Shaw has been shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger, longlisted for the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year and nominated for a Barry Award. A regular at festivals, he organises panel talks and CWA events across the south east. His books include the acclaimed Breen & Tozer crime series set in sixties London, the brilliant DS Alexandra Cupidi series, the latest of which, The Wild Swimmers, is just out in paperback, and two adventure-thrillers under the pen-name G.W Shaw.
About the event
Elly Griffiths in Conversation with William Shaw followed by Audience Q and A
Venue: The Steyning Methodist Church.
Doors Open: 7pm, Talk starts: 7.30pm
Price: Ticket only £7 / Ticket AND book £20 – includes hardback copy of The Frozen People (RRP £22) which Elly will sign & dedicate
Additional books by both authors will be on sale on the night.
Unreserved seating. Teas & coffees served upon entry (with donation to church)
ONLINE TIX VIA THIS LINK OR IN PERSON FROM THE BOOKSHOP
by Gudrun Bowers | 20, Jan 2025
Join fantastic author / illustrator JOHN BOND as he celebrates the release of his adorable new picture book ‘HOW LONG IS THAT DOG?’
There will be stories, a draw-along, and other fun sausage-dog related activities / crafts. Plus free refreshments for kids and £5 off the book for ticket-holders!
Suitable for ages 4-7.
Child Ticket £5 – accompanying adults go free.
ABOUT JOHN BOND
John Bond is an illustrator, author and artist who lives and works in Worthing. He’s the author of Mini Rabbit Not Lost, Mini Rabbit Come Home, Mini Rabbit Must Help and Much too Busy, and has also illustrated several books by Peter Bentley.
ABOUT ‘HOW LONG IS THAT DOG’
A delightfully funny tale of one little girl who is desperate for the dog in the pet shop window to come home with her – if only she can guess his correct size. But can she reach the right answer before it’s too late? Full of John’s classic wit and warmth, and with funny, colourful illustrations throughout, this story of one little girl’s single-minded determination will bring a smile to the face of every little reader.
Event Timings
Start time: Saturday 1st March at 11am Doors Open at 10:45AM
by Gudrun Bowers | 10, Jan 2025
Meet debut novelist LISA CARTER as she introduces her heartfelt novel SIX POPPIES, an achingly poignant portrait of love, regret, and healing.
Afghanistan, 2007. Carl meets Sarah, a nurse, at Camp Bastion and they feel an instant connection. But she’s the girlfriend of his fellow soldier, Danny, so he pledges to keep his distance.
Finally back in England, Carl vows to never forget those who didn’t make it home, honouring each of them with a tattoo of a poppy. While, many miles away, Sarah tries to forget the man she swore to leave behind. But when Carl and Sarah are thrown back together, it’s clear that both of them are broken.
But do the scars of what they went through run too deep, or is there a chance they can find happiness again, together…?
A heartbreaking and authentic military romance, perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah and Jojo Moyes.
ABOUT LISA CARTER
Lisa Carter is a journalist who has worked at The Sun, The Mirror and the Daily Mail, where she edited the Femail pages for over ten years. She lives in London with her husband and three sons. Lisa has a Steyning connection, her brother lives here, so we expect a friendly welcome for her!
ABOUT THE EVENT
Lisa will be ‘in conversation’ with our guest interviewer, Tilly, who’s a well-known Bookstagrammer, part-time bookseller and avid reader. We are trying out a new, comfortable (one might even say, SUMPTUOUS!) venue, the upstairs showroom at Awen Furniture in Steyning, which will be transformed for the evening into a literary salon! Your £5 ticket includes a complimentary drink upon entry, and ticket-holders can purchase their signed copies of SIX POPPIES on the night for £6.99 (£3 off RRP) Big thanks to Justin and Sarah at Awen for their friendly offer!
DOORS OPEN 7pm EVENT BEGINS 7.30pm BOOK ONLINE VIA LINK BELOW OR IN PERSON AT THE SHOP (avoids online booking fee)
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