Multi-award winning Independent Children's Bookshop and Art Gallery
The Book Nook will be open, as usual, up to — and including — Saturday 23rd December.
So,
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 5pm
And until Christmas we’re also open on Sundays: 10:30am – 3pm
We will shut our doors for the Xmas break at 5pm on Saturday 23rd, reopening on Tuesday 2nd January at 9am.
Orders can still be placed in our online shop over the Xmas break, and they will be posted out on Jan 2nd.
Finding Wonder is a brilliant book and it should definitely be on your to-read list!
The story is about a girl called Roo. After the unexpected death of her father, she moves into a wee caravan with her Aunt Joni. Then something extraordinary happens, she discovers that before his death, her father bought a winning lottery ticket.
“My favourite character has to be Aunt Joni as she gives a warm, calming feel to the book.”
Aysha (12)
Deciding to spend the money on something she loves, when Roo sees that her favorite horse, Wonder Boy has gone on the market, she decides to buy the horse. However, before she can collect Wonder, the horse goes missing and within weeks, more famous horses go missing.
Roo and her Aunt Joni decide to investigate. Will they find Wonder Boy and the other horses?
I think this book is for ages 9+. I adored reading this mystery. My favourite character has to be Aunt Joni as she gives a warm, calming feel to the book.
On the afternoon that Cass’ older sister is due to be married, her life is changed forever. Caught up in a chase for a thief, she is introduced to a world of knights. What she doesn’t initially realise, however, is that the knight who helps her rescue her stolen item is not the man she presumes it to be. Instead, her rescuer is a woman.
This discovery welcomes her into a sisterhood of knights, as she is brought back to a grand manor, where women are living together, training in the arts of knighthood. Her choice to stay with these knights and learn their trade, rather than return to her family, and soon be betrothed to a stranger, alters the trajectory of her life immeasurably. Cass learns more about herself and her capabilities, revelling in her newfound strength and freedom, and enjoying liberties that would not be afforded to her in the world outside of the sanctity of the manor. However, old tensions are rising, and Cass and the sisterhood must fight to maintain the fragile peace they have secured.
“I would undoubtedly recommend this book, especially if you are a lover of fantasy, retellings, female friendships, glorious battles, and historical feuds.”
Farrah (17)
Laura Bates has crafted a fabulous tale of female friendships and strength, incorporating elements of Arthurian legend alongside this unique story. The reader is afforded the privilege of watching Cass unlearn the lies she has been fed by society, about herself and women’s roles, and we see her grow into a brave, independent woman, with a strong sense of justice. Sisters of Sword and Shadow explores the medieval society of King Arthur, but focuses instead on the ‘Sisterhood of the Silk Knights’. It is laced with social and political commentary, with discussions and depictions of grief, and there is particular emphasis placed on female autonomy, and the treatment of women within this deeply patriarchal society. Many of the conversations Bates skilfully interweaves remain relevant today.
I would undoubtedly recommend this book, especially if you are a lover of fantasy, retellings, female friendships, glorious battles, and historical feuds. I loved the depictions of the characters, and how they felt like real, nuanced, fleshed-out people, rather than just archetypes. It is an absorbing, fast-paced story, that you should definitely add to your bookshelves.
Believe it or not, our lovely little bookshop has weathered 15 whole years — and what a 15 years it’s been!
Voted Children’s Bookseller of the Year in 2012, 2015 and 2018 at The Bookseller Industry Awards and being named a finalist again in 2023, winning Best Independent Retailer at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards numerous times, hosting events from countless magnificent authors and illustrators, persevering through lockdowns and adapting our own Little Nook Café to incorporate an Art Gallery.
To celebrate our 15th Birthday we are holding a day of events and would LOVE for you to join in our birthday celebrations with us!
It will be held at All Saints Church, Hove on Saturday February 17th featuring some of our favourite local authors and illustrators.
Events will be:
Each event will be £4 per person, just follow the ticket links listed above.
*We would also love to encourage supporters to buy a ‘Pay It Forward’ ticket. If you can’t make the events personally, but would like to donate a ticket or two to a family on a lower income, just let us know in the order notes.*
Set in a beautiful summer in the 1930s, Bea, who has grown up rallying against patriarchal conventions of the time, has been sent to stay with her uncle in Italy, in an attempt from her parents to make her more ‘respectable’ and ‘ladylike’, and thus prepared for marriage. Little do they know that they have instead sent Bea into the heart of a bohemian household, where she will be exposed to, and encouraged to interact with art, romance and self-expression.
“A Much Ado About Nothing retelling, this book will have you glued to your seat as you read it in one sitting. . .I hope you read this book and fall in love with it too.”
Farrah (17)
However, Bea’s idyllic bubble is not immune from the influences of fascism and patriotism that were especially prevalent, and gaining traction in the social and political climate of the 1930s.
Bea’s epic summer allows her to further explore her love for science, and provides her with a forum to exist with autonomy, outside of the confines of the patriarchal society she is normally subjected to. She is afforded breathing space, and as the reader, we watch Bea come into her own, and affirm who she is as an individual, rather than what society, and her parents, wish her to be. She experiences a joyful and lively summer romance, which only adds to plot of this wonderful novel, but above all, this book centres around Beatrice’s growth as the hero of her own story, as she learns more about herself and the world she lives in.
A Much Ado About Nothing retelling, this book will have you glued to your seat as you read it in one sitting. Impossible to put down, Under a Dancing Star contained all of my favourite ingredients, from the marvellous character development and strong friendships, to the delicious feasts, vibrant setting, adventurous escapades and even more. Wood vividly describes all of the places Beatrice encounters, making the experience feel tangible, as though you were there alongside her. Having read several of Laura Wood’s novels, this one certainly affirms her place as one of my favourite authors. I hope you read this book and fall in love with it too.
Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine is a thrilling adventure through space by Claire Fayers, who’s best known for the Accidental Pirates book series. It is illustrated by the brilliant Becka Moor who has drawn some of my favourite books like the Mickey and the Animal Spies trilogy and the Libby series.
The story features Tapper, a boy from the planet Eris who has been sent to space by his uncle. He is accompanied by Argo and Belladonna who are there to look after him. On an unplanned trip to Earth, they meet Fern Shakespeare, her dad and a talking plant called Morse.
“It’s so imaginative and funny. I absolutely adored how Claire Fayers created so many planets in this book, and who wouldn’t love a book with lobster mobsters and talking plants?!”
Niamh (11)
When Mr Shakespeare loses his memory, Tapper and the others must travel to outer space on an adventure to find the mysterious Nemo Machine to restore his memory, but it isn’t easy doing so when you’re being chased by two lobster mobsters armed with ray guns that turn you into stone!
Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine is a brilliant, unique story full of twists and non-stop excitement. I love this book because it’s so imaginative and funny. I absolutely adored how Claire Fayers created so many planets in this book, and who wouldn’t love a book with lobster mobsters and talking plants?!
I particularly enjoyed the exciting chase scenes through space, my heart was pounding I was so excited reading it! I also liked the Greek Mythology names (e.g Scylla) and references.
This book is ideal for people who love space adventures, imaginative characters and thrilling twists!
Perfect for fans of: The Peanut Jones series by Rob Biddulph.
I think everyone should get to read this Fantabulous book (that is not a word I use often).
“I absolutely loved this book. It taught me so much about World War II and stuff you don’t get taught at school.”
Aysha (12)
Nancy suddenly finds herself working for a girl’s school in Stanbrook where she encounters a girl named Sidney about her age who has just moved here. They are positive that something is going on in the stables with Mr Armitage, the owner of the house and Miss Taylor, a sports car driver. As Nancy and Sidney explore the house, they discover even more secrets and shocking news. Can they figure out what they are planning before it is too late?
I absolutely loved this book. It taught me so much about World War II and stuff you don’t get taught at school.
This book includes World War II, Mystery + Detective.
I think this book is suitable for ages 11 upwards.
The shortlists are out for the #BAMBReadersAwards 2023 — the only book awards curated by bookshops and chosen by readers like you!
Pick up the shortlisted Children’s and YA titles below and then vote on your favourite for the chance to win a £100 National Book Token!
Vote on your favourites and you could win a £100 National Book Token. Vote here.
Books Are My Bag is a year-round campaign to celebrate bookshops across the UK and Ireland.
And don’t forget it’s Bookshop Day this Saturday, 14th October! Pop into the shop and celebrate with us!
Big news at The Book Nook this month: we’re excited to announce that we’re finally opening 7 days a week!
Due to customer demand we’ll be available for all your book buying and browsing needs every Sunday, from October 1st.
Opening hours will be 10:30 am til 3pm.
There will be a story session every Sunday at 11am, and crafts at 1pm!
Our Little Nook Café will also be open on Sundays, until 2:30pm.
This book is Katie Kirby’s fourth book in the Lottie Brooks series and doesn’t disappoint. Filled with her usual humour and catastrophic storyline, it was a book which entertained me throughout.
“Lottie Brooks never fails to help me see that my life is far more stable than hers.”
Emily (13)
Lottie Brooks is a twelve-year old girl who stumbles through her teenage years with the help of her friends and hamsters. This time the novel is based around Lottie going on a residential trip to Camp Firefly with her class. Separated from her best friend, Lottie attempts to challenge herself by abseiling, raft building and walking along a sensory trail blindfolded. This story is full of friendship dramas with hilarious consequences. Lottie has to also navigate around the mean girls from a private school who are also staying at Camp Firefly as well as suffer the outcome from having her diary read out loud.
Lottie Brooks never fails to help me see that my life is far more stable than hers. A great book for 11 years and up if you like laugh out loud storylines. A must read for anyone about to embark on a school residential trip with their classmates.
