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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