by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Apr 2020
The eagerly awaited sequel to the Costa Award winning Days Without End by one of Ireland’s greatest writers and current Irish Laureate.
A Thousand Moons extends the sequence of Barry’s eight novels, which touch each time on the worlds of two families – the Dunnes and the McNultys. In this novel, as in Days Without End, we meet with Thomas McNulty and John Cole, American Civil War soldiers, now a couple, living on a tobacco farm in Tennessee. Their adopted Sioux daughter Winona is the narrator this time, and we follow her journey as she deals with the consequences of a violent act against her. Full of memorable characters and written in Barry’s gorgeous lyrical prose, dreamy yet unflinching when confronted by the darker side of humanity, this is a wonderful book.
by Gudrun Bowers | 12, Nov 2018
Lucia Berlin’s collection of short stories, A Manual for Cleaning Women was published posthumously to great acclaim, and Evening in Paradise is a follow-up selection from Berlin’s remaining stories.
The stories are loosely autobiographical, arranged chronologically to follow the arc of Berlin’s life, and take us from a pair of seven year olds running a scam in El Paso, through the beauty and disillusionment of a young girl’s first romantic liaison, to young wives coping with kids, their husband’s addiction, abandonment, to a furious old woman on the roof of her own house while her family try to celebrate Christmas. Savage, funny, shocking and beautiful, they present some unforgettable images – the iridescent, sulphurous smoke of the smelter in a mining town, the yellow aromo blossom sticking to a couple’s skin – in concise writing that brings the reader up short with its power. The dark thread of alcoholism runs through many of the stories as well as the brighter threads of love, romantic and maternal, and of beauty found in the most unlikely places. Outstanding.
by Gudrun Bowers | 21, Aug 2017
We are thrilled to present a fantastic science event with science writer Dr Michael Brooks and TV presenter/writer Rick Edwards. This entertaining and informative show, based on their hit podcast and upcoming book Science(ish) examines the science behind the movies. Illustrating their theories with film clips from iconic movies, Michael and Rick will ponder whether it’s really possible to bring back an extinct species (Jurassic Park), whether we will ever be able to travel back in time and meet our parents (Back to the Future) and if it is possible that we are, in fact, already living in a computer simulation (The Matrix).
Dr Michael Brooks is an author, journalist and broadcaster, holds a PHD in Quantum Physics and is editor-at-large of the New Scientist, as well as writing a weekly column for the New Statesman. He is the author of At The Edge of Uncertainty, The Secret Anarchy of Science and the bestselling 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense.
Rick Edwards is a TV presenter and writer with a particular interest in mathematics and the natural sciences. As a broadcaster Rick has most recently made a foray in to the world of quizzing as the host of BBC1’s daytime show !mpossible which aired in January 2017 and will return for an extended second run in May this year. Amongst his other numerous presenting credits are: ITV2’s comedy roast Safeword, BBC Three’s live current affairs debate show Free Speech and Channel 4’s Paralympic Breakfast Show. He also writes a monthly fashion column for The Observer, and has made forays into stand-up comedy.
Advance booking highly recommended for this event, as it promises to be fantastic fun and very popular!
Start time is 7.30pm, wine and soft drinks will be on sale, and a reduced price of £7 is available for under 18’s.
Booking is available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/FDFIGM
or by phoning us on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 26, May 2017
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.
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