Need a good book to read over half term, or looking ahead to World Book Day?
At the Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, we can't get enough of our Indie Book of the Month, Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King. A funny, chaotic mystery with an entertaining host of characters, all of whom are expertly investigated by the gentleman detective Montgomery Bonbon. Just don't look too closely at his fake moustache... or ask why he looks a little like a ten year old girl called Bonnie. Playful illustrations make this a perfect read for confident readers to enjoy alone, or together as a read aloud for whole family.
For something a little more magical, we love local author Eve Wersocki Morris's spinetingling story The Wildstorm Curse. Eve's first book The Bird Singers has been nominated for this year's The Alexandra Palace Biblio-Buzz Awards. She's recently visited her old schools Coldfall and Fortismere to talk to pupils about her journey towards becoming an author, particularly as a dyslexic student with a love of stories - something she also explores sensitively in her new book. When a dark and ancient creature awakens in the woods, theatre, witchcraft, and friendship come together in a powerful and richly-told story.
From one local author to another, we were very lucky to have beloved children's author Michael Rosen pop by and sign copies of his new picture book I am Happy! Dancing the waltz, doing somersaults, it's bursting with energy and exuberance, and is one to read with little ones over and over again. We still have a few signed copies left, and can arrange to get books dedicated to loved ones if you get in touch with us at the shop.
For children who need a book that can keep them busy and entertained, we love The Story Orchestra: I Can Play by Jessica Courtney-Tickle. No need for a piano! This book comes with a keyboard inside, and each beautifully-illustrated page shows how to play a popular piece (Four Seasons; Carnival of the Animals). Coded with colours and shapes for toddlers who aren’t quite reading, this gentle guide is a perfect introduction to the piano, helps develop musical thinking, and invites older children to experiment and finetune.
With World Book Day just around the corner on March 2, there's also plenty of events we have planned. This year, with many schools closed for the teacher's strike, we're celebrating all things bookish with a spectacular daytime event! World Book Day authors Katie and Kevin Tsang will be leading the festivities, taking us into their explosive World Book Day Story: The Dragon Realm Adventure, and sharing top storytellling tips for any budding writers. So come along on March 2 to St James Church in Muswell Hill, and don't forget your World Book Day Voucher. Dressing up most welcome!
Finally: calling all Isadora Moon fans! We can't wait to welcome author and illustrator Harriet Muncaster for a signing. She'll be celebrating the publication of three new books, including Isadora Moon and the New Girl and Emerald and the Ocean Parade, the start of a brand new series featuring Emerald the mermaid and her underwater adventures. Save the date! She'll be here on March 18 at 3.30pm.
The Children's Bookshop, 29, Fortis Green Road, N10. Find out more about events and reserve tickets at https://www.childrensbookshoplondon.com/
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