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)
by Gudrun Bowers | 23, Dec 2024
We are delighted to present an evening with Caroline Lucas celebrating the paperback release of her wonderful book Another England.
Caroline will be in discussion with a guest chair, Andrew Simms, about her book Another England and there will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
ABOUT ANOTHER ENGLAND
In Another England, Caroline asks why the Right have hijacked the notion of ‘Englishness’ and whether it can be reclaimed. Today, those who speak of ‘Englishness’ seem to be cheerleaders for Brexit, exceptionalism and imperial nostalgia, but there is another England, hiding in plain sight, which is dramatically more inclusive, radical and forward looking … the England of William Blake, the Chartists, the Suffragists, and the Kinder Scout trespassers.
ABOUT CAROLINE LUCAS
Caroline Lucas was, until recently, the MP for Brighton Pavilion, and the UK’s first Green Party MP. Elected to parliament in 2010, she also served as leader of the Green Party of England and Wales from 2008 to 2012 and as co-leader from 2016 to 2018. She was previously a Member of the European Parliament for ten years. She holds a PhD in English literature. It was her passion for the English countryside that first inspired Caroline to think more deeply about the importance of place in our national life, and her love of literature that led her to respond to the rise of the populist Right by examining the more positive, inclusive stories of England and the English explored in this book.
ABOUT OUR GUEST INTERVIEWER ANDREW SIMMS
Andrew Simms is an author, political economist and campaigner.
His books include The New Economics, Ecological Debt: Global Warming & the Wealth of Nations, Tescopoly: How One Shop Came Out on Top and Why it Matters, Do Good Lives Have to Cost the Earth? Most recently he co-authored Badvertising: Polluting Our Minds & Fuelling Climate Chaos. He is a research associate at the Centre for Global Political Economy, University of Sussex and co-founder of the New Weather Institute.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Venue: Steyning Methodist Church
Doors open 7pm
Talk start 7.30pm
Teas and coffees served (with donation to Methodist Church Volunteers)
Book+Ticket holders will receive their paperback copy of Another England on the night.
‘Ticket only’ ticket holders can purchase a book on the night for £10.
by Gudrun Bowers | 11, Nov 2024
WOW! THE STEYNING BOOKSHOP IS 40 YEARS OLD! Sara and Rob opened the shop doors for the very first time on Saturday 8th December 1984! The shop has weathered many storms, from the scrapping of the Net Book Agreement, to the rise of Kindles, online competition, and the pandemic, but has flourished nevertheless! We wouldn’t be here at all if it wasn’t for our WONDERFUL, loyal customers, so we invite you to come and celebrate with us on our birthday weekend!
We are celebrating on FRIDAY 6th DECEMBER by staying open late, from 6pm-9pm there’ll be mulled and bubbly drinks, nibbles, 15% off all night, and the chance to jingle, mingle and tingle (with emotion!) and share your memories of the shop with Sara, Rob and Gudrun.
Then on SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER, the shop’s ACTUAL birthday, we will be open from midday until 6pm for the annual street festival that is Christmas in Steyning (previously Steyning Late Night Shopping) – the high street becomes a festive wonderland of artisan stalls, food trucks and musical entertainment! We have the fab illustrators Sophy Henn, Steven Lenton, Nick Sharratt and Adam Stower doing a Draw-Off oin the kitchen at 1pm (buy a ticket separately for this as space is limited) and also signing books from 2pm -3pm, plus festive mulled drinks and nibbles from 4pm onwards. And BIRTHDAY CAKE!
We hope to raise a glass with you!
by Gudrun Bowers | 11, Nov 2024
Join Gudrun & Alice for a relaxing afternoon of crafting, and learn how to upcycle old books into various charming handmade decorations.
Over the years, many customers have admired the paper tree garlands that hang over our tables in December, and the various paper creations that we craft for our shop windows, so now’s your chance to make some yourself! There will be a chance to try your hand at one, two or even three different upcycled decorations, depending on how speedy you are with the scissors! All materials will be supplied and there will be festive snacks and beverages.
This crafting afternoon is for adults and older teens (13+) only, as the projects are fairly fiddly.
Only 10 spaces, so we can all fit around the table!
Event Details
Doors Open at 2:15PM
From 2:30PM to 4:00PM
Tickets £7 per person, can be purchased online via link below or in person frpm the shop.
by Gudrun Bowers | 9, Nov 2024
Join our relaxed and informal evening workshop and learn to make a simple linocut Christmas card!
The workshop will be led by bookshop part-timers Alice and Sarah, who in their ‘real jobs’ run Patternmakers, a fabric block-printing company -so they know their cutting tools!
This workshop is for adults or older teens (sharp tools!) and is suitable for beginners. All materials are provided and there will be drinks and Christmassy nibbles too!
7pm-9pm on WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER
Online tix here or pop into the shop!
by Gudrun Bowers | 8, Nov 2024
To celebrate the 40th BIRTHDAY of the Steyning Bookshop (with added festive bells on!) please join us for a FESTIVE BIRTHDAY DRAWING DING-DONG!
This will be a zany, fun, arty event for kids, starring our all-star team of fantastic illustrators: Sophy Henn, Steven Lenton, Nick Sharratt and Adam Stower!
It’s going to be a blend of Draw-Along and Draw-Off, with plenty of interactive audience participation! Each illustrator will lead a quick ‘draw-along’ for one of their own book characters, followed by a riotous competitive DRAW-OFF as they battle their wits and pencils to win the DING-DONG crown!
This is an event for kids aged 5+, we ask that you book your child’s ticket in advance, it’s £5 per child ticket, but we won’t charge for accompanying adults. However, as space is tight we request that each child have no more than 1 accompanying adult! Your child’s £5 ticket is fully redeemable against a purchase of a book by any of the star illustrators!
The fun kicks off at 1pm and finishes at 2pm with book-signing afterwards.
This event will take place in the bookshop rear kitchen/diner – it will be a bit of a squash and a squeeze!
All drawing equipment will be provided.
Tix in the shop or online here
by Gudrun Bowers | 17, Oct 2024
DRESS UP in your SPOOKIEST OUTFITS and come along to the bookshop to meet fab illustrator STEVEN LENTON for a WITCHY HALLOWEEN EVENT with stories, a spooky draw-along and crafts based on his cute new book The Green-Fingered Witch!
With PRIZES for best fancy dress, free refreshments and book-signing!
AGE GUIDE: 4-8 years old (need to be able to use scissors and join the draw-along!)
TICKET PRICE: £5 but if you buy one of Steven’s books or any Halloween-themed book you’ll get £5 off the book!
Accompanying adults do not need to purchase a ticket but due to space restrictions, no more than 1 adult per child, please!
Doors Open at 10:45AM
Starts at 11:00AM
ABOUT STEVEN LENTON
Brighton-based illustrator Steven Lenton has illustrated HEAPS of brilliant picture books including The How To Grow A Mermaid / Dragon /Unicorn books (with Rachel Morrisoe), The Shifty McGifty series (with Tracey Corderoy) and Octopus Shocktopus (with Peter Bentley). He has also written AND illustrated his own chapter book series, Teeny and Genie, and draws the pictures in the Dino Dad chapter books (with Andy Day), as well as illustrating David Baddiel and Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s chapter books. Steven has his own Draw-Along-a-Steven You Tube channel and his own children’s books podcast.
ABOUT THE GREEN-FINGERED WITCH
When Cress starts Witch School, she soon finds out she’s not like the other pupils. Her clothes are wrong, and she can’t fly a broom or make potions. In fact, the only witchy thing about Cress is her green fingers. But, when there are no pumpkins for the school Halloween party, it’s Cress’s turn to show off her own magic and be top of the class! A fun rhyming story about finding your strengths, showing that there’s a little bit of magic in everyone!
by Gudrun Bowers | 27, Sep 2024
Sadly, not OUR event, but we are excited to be involved as the official booksellers, so we encourage you to buy a TICKET + BOOK option for the ONLY South East event that Hardest Geezer is doing to celebrate his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’.
The Hardest Geezer aka Russ Cook is a regular guy from WORTHING who set out to be the first person to run the length of Africa. He went VIRAL on socials and millions of people (including me!) tuned in to view the moving scenes of him finishing his epic run with hundreds of supporters running alongside.
10,000 miles. 16 countries. 352 days. From his starting point in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, up to the finishing line in Tunisia on the 7th of April 2024, Russ experienced everything the great continent had to offer. From sandstorms in the Sahara Desert to rainforests in the Republic of Congo, Russ ran the equivalent of 386 consecutive marathons, covering 10,000 miles. His epic journey took 354 days, traveling through 16 countries and saw him raise over £1 million for charity!
Russ will be sharing his remarkable story LIVE at JOY CONCERT’S EVENT at Worthing Assembly Hall on Friday 1st November at 7.30pm.
We are handling the book sales so we’d LOVE to see some of you there!
Head over to JOYCONCERTS.COM for tix or follow the link below:
https://joyconcerts.seetickets.com/event/in-conversation-with-hardest-geezer/assembly-hall/3179138
by Gudrun Bowers | 26, Aug 2024
Something a bit different this time… Due to various circumstances we are not able to have an in-person book-signing at the bookshop for JONTY GENTOO’s launch – instead, we have a very special ‘Reading & Drawing’ book launch with both JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER, which will take place at Tottington Manor Hotel & Restaurant. Attendees WILL receive a book pre-signed by Julia AND Axel but we are sorry, there will not be the chance to get books name-dedicated, or to meet the authors in person.after the event.
Join Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler for a special Reading & Drawing book launch event for their stunning new picture book JONTY GENTOO: THE ADVENTURES OF A PENGUIN. Listen to Julia read the wonderful story and watch Axel draw the cute creature characters. Find out some fascinating penguin facts too!
Suitable for families with children of 4 years and over, no unaccompanied children.
EVENT INFORMATION
Saturday 14th September 11.00 – 11.30am at Tottington Manor
This is an exclusive seated event for a maximum of 90 attendees, lasting around 30 minutes.
The lead £12.99 ticket-holder will receive a goody bag including a copy of JONTY GENTOO pre-signed by both Julia and Axel.
Additional seats (without books) are £5 per seat – maximum of 2 per booking.
Additional pre-signed copies of JONTY GENTOO can be purchased as ‘Sundry Options’ and collected with your main book on the day.
We are sorry but this event does NOT include an in-person book signing.
Book online here:
Or get your tix in person at the bookshop / by phone on 01903 812062
ABOUT JONTY GENTOO
Jonty the little gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the South Pole. One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazing adventure, all the way to Antarctica (with an accidental detour to the North Pole!) Children will be cheering Jonty on as he finally finds his way, in this captivating story of bravery, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
A heartwarming story with lyrical rhyming text and stunning illustrations of the natural world, with lots of details to spot, including seals, polar bears . . . and lots and lots of penguins!
Hardback picture book with foiled dust jacket. RRP: £12.99
by Gudrun Bowers | 23, Jul 2024
Join writer Annabel Abbs for a journey into the night as she discusses her fascinating new book, Sleepless.
In the winter of 2020, Annabel Abbs experienced a series of bereavements. As she grieved, she kept busy by day, but at night sleep eluded her. And yet her sleeplessness led to a profound and unexpected discovery: her Night Self. As the night transformed into a place of creativity and liberation, Annabel found she wasn’t alone. From the radical fifteenth-century philosopher Laura Cereta and subversive artist Louise Bourgeois to Virginia Woolf and the activist Peace Pilgrim, women have long found sanctuary, inspiration and courage in darkness. Drawing on the latest science, which shows we are more imaginative, open-minded, and reflective at night, Annabel set out to discover the potential of her Night Self. Sleepless follows her journey, from midnight hikes to starlit swims, from Singapore, the brightest city on Earth, to the darkest corner of the Arctic Circle, and finally to that most elusive of places – sleep.
A moving, revelatory voyage into the dark, Sleepless invites us to feel less anxious about our sleep, and to embrace the possibilities of the night.
We look forward to hearing Annabel’s stories from her wide-ranging adventures while researching the book!
ABOUT ANNABEL ABBS
Annabel Abbs is an award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction. As Annabel Abbs, she is the author of The Language of Food, a historical novel about Eliza Acton, and Windswept: Why Women Walk, voted a top ten 2021 travel book. As Annabel Streets she wrote 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time and cowrote The Age-Well Project: Easy Ways to a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life. She has written for a wide range of titles, including the Guardian, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Tatler and the Paris Review, and is a Fellow of the Brown Foundation. She lives in London and Sussex with her husband and four children.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Venue: The Methodist Church, Steyning. Doors open 7pm, Talk start 7.30pm. FORMAT: Author talk followed by Q and A. Teas and coffees will be served. Tickets £12 including a paperback copy of SLEEPLESS.
Tickets online via Ticketsource button below or direct from the bookshop.
by Gudrun Bowers | 23, Jul 2024
We are joining forces with Chanctonbury Wines for a ‘Homage to Fromage’ with cheesemonger, author and ‘the UK’s leading expert on cheese’ NED PALMER. This will be a cheese and wine evening with a difference: Ned will discuss his new book A Cheesemonger’s Tour de France, accompanied by a cheese-tasting and fresh French wines to match.
There are just 22 tickets available for this boutique event which will take place at Chanctonbury Wines, and your £35 ticket includes a glass of wine, the cheese tasting, AND a signed hardback copy of Ned’s new book, as well as the fascinating talk and chance to ask your cheese-related questions! Further wine by the glass or bottle can be purchased from the bar on the night.
ABOUT NED PALMER
Ned Palmer is a British cheesemonger and author, and a former jazz pianist. He worked as an affineur for Neal’s Yard Dairy before publishing A Cheesemonger’s History of the British Isles, in 2019, folowed by A Cheesemonger’s Compendium of British and Irish Cheese. Ned lives in London with his wife, the novelist Imogen Robertson, many, many books about cheese, and a piano. He set up the Cheese Tasting Company in 2014, to spread the cheese gospel.
ABOUT A CHEESEMONGER’S TOUR DE FRANCE
The truly fascinating story of some of our favourite French fromages: Ned Palmer wends his way around the country’s regions, meeting the remarkable cheesemongers who carry the torch for France’s oldest and most treasured traditions and exploring the science and history behind cheeses such as Brie, Comte, Epoisses, Munster and Roquefort. As he explains the mysteries of terroir and why each of those different fromages taste as they do, he shows that a French cheeseboard offers genuine insights into la Belle République.
Starts at 7:30PM.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jul 2024
Join Dr Linia Patel for an informative talk on nutrition for perimenopause, menopause and beyond, as she celebrates the release of her book Food For Menopause, published by Murdoch Books in September.
Linia’s book is packed with advice and recipes to help manage and alleviate common menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain and low libido. Linia will evaluate the reserach and medical evidence behind beneficial nutrients and give us healthy recipe tips and inspiration.
Linia Patel will be in conversation with Tammy Gee, a Sussex-based nutritionist specialising in perimenopause and menopause, whose mission is to increase conversation and education around nutrition support for hormone health.
ABOUT DR LINIA PATEL
Linia is a leading Dietician and Performance Nutritionist, who has degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology; Nutrition and Dietetics; and Sports Nutrition. She also gained a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. She is affiliated to the Health Professional Council, British Dietetic Association (BDA), Sports Dietitians UK and the Nutrition Society. Her numerous TV appearances as a presenter and nutrition expert include: BBC2 Food’s Truth or Scare, BBC1’s Tomorrow’s Food and Rip Off Britain, ITV’s Save Money, Lose Weight and Channel 5’s Get a Holiday Body and Diet Secrets.
ABOUT TAMMY GEE
Tammy Gee is a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist (DipION, mBANT, CNHC) specialising in perimenopause and menopause, on a mission to increase conversation and education around nutrition support for hormone health. Tammy works with clients to optimise diet and lifestyle during the perimenopause and menopause transition to support a healthy life beyond just their hormones. She also works with corporate clients to devise policies and strategies relating to menopause and menstrual health in the workplace.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The venue is the historic Tudor Brotherhood Hall, part of the old Steyning Grammar School campus in Church Street, Steyning. There will be a signboard outside the venue. We apologise but Brotherhood Hall is accessed via a flight of stairs so is not wheelchair accessible.
FORMAT: Dr Linia Patel and Tammy Gee will be ‘in conversation’ for around 45 mins followed by audience Q and A and a chance to get your books signed.
‘Book with Ticket’ tix are £20 to include a copy of Linia’s ‘Food for Menopause’ book (book RRP £20 so you are getting the event for freeeeee!)
‘Ticket Only’ Tix are £8 and you can purchase the book on the night for an additional £15 (making your total spend £23)
DOORS OPEN 7pm, Talk Starts 7.30pm.
Tickets online via Ticketsource below or direct from the bookshop.
by Gudrun Bowers | 15, Jul 2024
We are delighted to announce that popular thriller writer Peter James is returning to Steyning to tell us all about One of Us is Dead, the 20th book in his best-selling Roy Grace series.
The Roy Grace series of gritty police thrillers set in Brighton is a a global phenomenon, with 23 million books sold to date, and has also been adapted into an award-winning ITV series starring John Simm, now on its third series.
Peter James is always an immensely entertaining speaker and will be in conversation with an interviewer, TBC.
The venue is the beautiful historic church of St Andrew & St Cuthman, in Steyning.
EVENT FORMAT
Author talk / Interview followed by audience Q and A.
Book signing/ meet & greet
TICKETS: Single ticket with book £22 / Couples ticket: admits 2 people with 1 book £32
Tickets available via button below or at the Steyning Bookshop or by phone on 012903 812062
by Gudrun Bowers | 15, Jul 2024
Join fantastic children’s author / illustrator ADAM STOWER for an hour of fun, games and DRAWING as he celebrates the release of his latest book MURRAY AND BUN: MURRAY THE KNIGHT... a madcap illustrated chapter book bursting with comic-style illustrations and funny jokes!
Travel through the magical cat flap and prepare for an adventure, packed to the brim with fun, creativity and lots and LOTS of drawing. Hear all about Murray & Bun, and have your pencils at the ready to draw-along with Adam too!
ABOUT THE MURRAY AND BUN BOOKS
Meet MURRAY AND BUN! Murray is a cat. Murray loves snoozing, fluffy blankets, and peace and quiet. Bun is a bun. Bun loves… EVERYTHING! And together they are unstoppable…Perfect for newly independent readers and fans of Bunny vs Monkey, Dog Man, Adventure Mice and Claude.
Adam Stower is an award-winning author/ illustrator who has published LOTS of briliant picture books and who is also the illustrator of books by David Walliams including Spaceboy, Robodog and The World’s Worst Pets.
Child Ticket £7 each includes a book.
Accompanying adults do not need to purchase a ticket.
AGE GUIDE: Adam’s books will be enjoyed by children aged 5-9 years.
START TIME 2.30pm END TIME 3.30pm approx
Tix via link below or direct from the bookshop in person or by phone 01903 812062
by Gudrun Bowers | 2, Jul 2024
CHANGE OF DATE! This event has been postponed due to illness, and the new date is TUESDAY 27th AUGUST at 2.30pm!
Join amazing author & illustrator CLARA VULLIAMY for a DOG-TASTIC event to celebrate her adorable Dog Squad books! There will be stories, a doggy draw-along and fun crafting for ages 5-9.
ABOUT THE DOG SQUAD BOOKS
A delightful new series of chapter books with GORGEOUS illustrations. Meet ‘The Newshounds’: Eva, Simone, and Ash – best friends, budding journalists, and dog-lovers. Their adventures begin when Eva finds a stray whippet puppy and the Newshounds spring into action to try to track down the owner.. Lots more doggy adventures follow, from busting a whippet racing racket to putting on a dog show to help their local animal rescue centre… WOOFTASTIC fun for animal lovers aged 5+.
ABOUT CLARA VULLIAMY
Clara Vulliamy was born in London and studied at Chelsea School of Art, The Ruskin and the Royal Academy. She is the daughter of the celebrated author-illustrator Shirley Hughes and began illustrating picture books when she had her own children. She has since written and illustrated many stories, sometimes collaborating with her mother. She lives in Twickenham, with her husband and their daughters, Leah and Martha. Some of her other brilliant books include the Dotty Detective series, the Marshmallow Pie Cat Superstar series, and the Mango and Bangbang series. Her illustrations have the same warmth and charm as those of her illustrious mother!
EVENT FORMAT: Start time 2.30pm. Stories, a draw-along and a dog related craft activity, with free refreshments for kids, followed by author book-signing. Duration: approx 1 hour.
TICKETS: £5 per child, fully redeemable against a purchase of one of Clara’s lovely books! Accompanying parents do not need to purchase a ticket. Tickets via Ticketsource link below or direct from the bookshop.
AGE GUIDE: Clara’s books are suitable for reading aloud to children from 5 years or for 6+ independent readers.
by Gudrun Bowers | 13, Jun 2024
We are excited to welcome CATHERINE GRAY, author of the best-selling book The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober as she introduces her debut novel, Versions of a Girl, a breath-taking, addictive story about the paths taken - and not taken – in life.
This will be a small, boutique style event at the bookshop, with seats for only 30, and will include a welcome drink.
ABOUT CATHERINE GRAY
Catherine Gray is a Sunday Times bestselling author of five books, including The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober. She’s sold over half a million books, her work has been published in Stylist, Marie Claire, The Lancet Psychiatry and the Guardian, and her books have been translated into nine languages. In 2018, Catherine founded charitable campaign Sober Spring, a Three-Month Sabbatical from Alcohol, and she now runs it with Alcohol Change UK, for whom she is an ambassador. She lives in Sussex and when not writing she enjoys falling off a paddleboard, giving her plants names like ‘Cassandra’ and ‘Miguel’, and spamming Instagram with pictures of dogs!
ABOUT VERSIONS OF A GIRL
A truly compulsive read which I tore through in 2 days!
Do we become who we are because of our parents, or in spite of them? Fern’s mother is a social climber and a former ballet dancer who lives a plush life in a London townhouse. Fern’s father only climbs if there’s a bottle at the top, has an IQ of 133 and lives hand-to-mouth in Californian motels. Aged fourteen, Fern has spent equal time with each of her parents. That is, until an unexpected visitor triggers a life-changing dilemma: whether she should get on a plane to London to be with her mother, or stay in California with her father. Here, Fern’s narrative splices in two. Two possible lives, one person. Each Fern will grow in wildly different, but eerily similar directions. Both must determine who they want to be – and how they deal with a thorny problem which threatens to undo them all: a murder. Fern is a marvellous creation, flawed, spontaneous and relatable, and you’ll be rooting for both versions of her every step of the way!
Online Tickets here, Tickets also available from the shop and by phone on 01903 812062
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