This a an absolutely gorgeous poetry anthology for children. There is a nature poem for every day of the year, laid out on each double page spread with a linking theme and beautiful illustrations. The poems range from simple nursery rhymes to longer ones, from poets such as WB Yeats, Carol Ann Duffy and Benjamin Zephaniah. A book that will be treasured for many years
Snow in the Garden
by Shirley Hughes
Walker £12.99
Collected here is a charming collection of stories, poems, crafts and recipes, all with a Christmas theme, from one of our best children’s authors, Shirley Hughes. With her trademark illustrations and gentle wit and empathetic understanding of a small child’s viewpoint, this is the perfect way for 3-6 year olds to get excited about Christmas.
On Thursday 15th November join Steyning’s very own block printer and textile designer – and cheerful bookshop assistant – Sarah Burns, at the launch of her debut publication!
Sarah became fascinated by the lives and work of textile designers Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher when she was involved in a project to bring their beautiful block-print designs back into production.
Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher were pioneering English textile designers of the 20th Century – collaborating with the likes of Coco Chanel and running their own very successful block printing workshop during the 1920’s and 30’s. As designer-makers they formed a unique partnership producing innovative textiles & pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with natural dyes and hand-cut wooden blocks.Their beautiful block-printed fabrics are reproduced here in this very first monograph of their work.
The book is produced with colour illustrations throughout, by ACC Art Books, and is a fascinating and inspirational insight into two remarkable, talented women.
This is a free evening event, with wine and canapes, open to all, but we do ask that you get in touch and add your name to the guest list if you’d like to come!
On Thursday 15th November join Steyning’s very own block printer and textile designer – and cheerful bookshop assistant – Sarah Burns, at the launch of her debut publication!
Sarah became fascinated by the lives and work of textile designers Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher when she was involved in a project to bring their beautiful block-print designs back into production.
Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher were pioneering English textile designers of the 20th Century – collaborating with the likes of Coco Chanel and running their own very successful block printing workshop during the 1920’s and 30’s. As designer-makers they formed a unique partnership producing innovative textiles & pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with natural dyes and hand-cut wooden blocks.Their beautiful block-printed fabrics are reproduced here in this very first monograph of their work.
The book is produced with colour illustrations throughout, by ACC Art Books, and is a fascinating and inspirational insight into two remarkable, talented women.
This is a free evening event, with wine and canapes, open to all, but we do ask that you get in touch and add your name to the guest list if you’d like to come!
Monday 29th October, 7.30pm at the Gluck Studio.
A fitting literary celebration for the week of All Hallow’s Eve – it’s time to dive into the dark side with Elly Griffiths!
We are delighted to welcome Elly Griffiths (aka Domenica de Rosa) back to Steyning, to introduce her bewitching, terrifying new standalone novel. ‘The Stranger Diaries’ is a contemporary Gothic thriller, described by Louise Penny as “Goose-bump spooky, smart, and haunting. At once a re-imagining of, and a homage to, the great Gothic thrillers of the past.” Elly will tell us more about the book, her inspiration, and her fascination with the great Victorian Gothic novels.
Clare Cassidy is no stranger to tales of murder, as a literature teacher specialising in the Gothic writer R.M. Holland. Then Clare’s life and work collide tragically when one of her colleagues is found dead, a line from an R.M. Holland story by her body.
The investigating police detective is convinced the writer’s works somehow hold the key to the case. Not knowing who to trust, and afraid that the killer is someone she knows, Clare confides her darkest suspicions and fears about the case to her journal. Then one day she notices some other writing in the diary. Writing that isn’t hers…
Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist, are set in Norfolk. The series has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Her other popular series, the Stephens and Mephisto stories, is based in 1950s Brighton. She also writes romantic fiction under her real name of Domenica de Rosa.
Ticket price is £15 to include a copy of ‘The Stranger Diaries’ (£12 for Steyning Bookshop book group members), wine, and nibbles.
Our October event will delight armchair travellers and intrepid explorers alike! As part of our celebrations for ‘Books Are My Bag’ week, we are delighted to welcome writer Travis Elborough to Steyning, for a fascinating illustrated talk on the joy of maps, and the extraordinary and bizarre destinations to which they can lead us.
Travis will share some of the obscure and unlikely discoveries included in his two beautiful books Atlas of the Unexpected (White Lion Books, 2018) and Atlas of Improbable Places (Aurum books, 2016), spinning tales of human ingenuity and nature’s own masterpieces, and will muse on the power of unknown places, maps, and atlases to enchant and inspire us.
Travis Elborough is a writer and cultural commentator, who has written books on subjects as diverse as the London Routemaster bus, the British Seaside, the history of the L.P record, and the sale of London Bridge to America! Most recently, in addition to the stunningly-produced and utterly fascinating Atlases, he has compiled and edited Letters to Change the World : From Pankhurst to Orwell; a collection of politically-inspiring letters from history, and Our History of the 20th Century : As Told in Diaries, Journals and Letters; a candid and insightful collection of diary entries charting the twentieth century from the perspective of those who lived through it – not only the headline-grabbing events but also domestic and personal moments.
Travis is a regular contributor to the Observer and the Guardian but has also written for the Times, Sunday Times, New Statesman, the Oldie, BBC History magazine and Kinfolk among others and frequently appears on BBC Radio 4 and Five Live.
He lectures on many subjects and is currently a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Westminster, teaching M.A. creative writing students. He has appeared at various literary and music festivals, including Latitude and Green Man.
We look forward to giving Travis a warm Steyning welcome – he grew up near Steyning and has fond memories of teenage drinking in the Chequers Inn!
Critical praise for Travis Elborough:
‘One of Britain’s finest pop culture historians‘ The Guardian
‘Elborough is an English nostalgist in the mode of John Betjeman …as a cultural commentator he is a terrific companion‘ Sunday Times
Come down to the bookshop on the evening of Thursday 4th October, and celebrate National Poetry Day with local poets Simon Zec, Marilyn Martin, and Judy Krolick.
Sit amongst the book-lined shelves, sip a glass or two of wine, and enjoy verses read by Simon, Marilyn and Judy, interspersed with musical accompaniment.
Simon Zec recently published his debut volume of poetry ‘Death of the Suburb’, which will be on sale on the night, alongside our special Poetry Day offer of 15% off all poetry books.
We would love audience members to bring along a favourite poem to share, too.
Tickets are £4, to include wine /soft drink and nibbles. Start time is 7.30pm.
On Saturday 20th October at 2.30pm fans of Julia Donaldson will get another chance to meet her as she celebrates the release of not one, not two, but THREE new books – a delightful alphabet of animals: Animalphabet, a new story with the fabulous illustrator Lydia Monks: The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes, and a beautiful new illustrated hardback edition of Julia’s play about the second World War: Bombs and Blackberries. The book-signing is an amazing chance to buy one of these wonderful new books in first-edition hardback, and get it personally signed and dedicated by Julia.
In order to make the signing an enjoyable experience for everyone
JULIA’S NEW BOOKS
Animalphabet is Julia’s delightful alphabet of animals with stunning illustrations by Sharon King-Chai.
Julia’s cleverly written, rhythmic text invites children to compare one animal to another, and ingenious hints and peep-through holes within the artwork make the book a hugely entertaining guessing game as well! Each intricately cut page draws you further into a beautifully vibrant world of huge elephants, slithery snakes and growling tigers, and the book will make a gorgeous gift. £14.99 in hardback.
The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes is an exciting new story illustrated with glittery magic by Lydia Monks. When Josephine leaves the shoe shop after buying some new running shoes, she hears an unusual sound – Click-click! Click-click! A bear with a backpack is following her! Luckily for Josephine, her new shoes are anything but ordinary – these are magic shoes. But can they help her escape the bear when there’s a mountain, a bog and even a lake in her way? £12.99 in hardback.
Bombs and Blackberries is a dramatic and touching play which brings Manchester during the Second World War and its people to life.
World War Two has been declared and the Chivers children are sent to the safety of the countryside. They are delighted to be brought back home when it looks like the Germans aren’t going to invade after all. But the air-raid siren goes off and this time it’s frighteningly real. It is perfect for class reading as well as performance, also includes helpful tips on staging and costume. Beautifully illustrated by Thomas Docherty. £12.99 in hardback.
Join the Gin Revolution!
Wednesday 19th September, 7 for 7.30pm at the Sussex Produce Cafe.
In association with Steyning Food and Drink Festival, and The Sussex Produce Cafe, we are excited to welcome Dave Broom, Glaswegian drinks writer and spirits expert extraordinaire, who will join us at the Sussex Produce Cafe for a dinner and gin-tasting evening. Dave has written over a dozen award-winning books on whisky, gin, rum, and the art of bartending, is a contributor to numerous whisky journals, and lectures widely on wine, spirits and distillery. Over a delicious 2 course dinner, Dave will lead us through tastings of a range of artisan gins, and will also share insights into the history and manufacture of gin, and how best to enjoy its subtle flavours.
Tickets £35 to include superb 2 course dinner, gin-tasting, and a copy of Dave’s new book ‘Gin:The Manual’.
On Wednesday 22nd August at 2.30pm we are delighted to welcome back Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet! Sue and Paul are the dynamic duo behind a string of best-selling picture books – from Barry the Fish with Fingers, via Dave the Farting Cat, to the hit Supertato series, their books are full of colourful craziness and are guaranteed to raise a chuckle!
Sue and Paul will entertain children in the bookshop garden marquee with silly stories, awesome activities and maybe a song or two for good measure….suitable for ages 3 – 8, although this is just a guideline.
Advance booking recommended. Tickets £4 per child. Free refreshments included.
