Simon;
It's time to think about ordering the stock for the shop. I wonder if there's an easy way of doing this. I hope not, 'cos this is where the fun really starts for me. One of the big things about a successful independent Bookshop is getting the stock right. I say 'one of the things', because if stock were the only issue then personality, inspiration, drive, customer service, organisation and individuality (we're talking cowboy hats here) would be a waste of time and we might as well give up now. But it is massively important.
The stock we need for the shop in Wood Green is very different from, say Isla in the Barnes Bookshop or Nic Bottomley's Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights in Bath. It's the differences that are going to make the, er, difference.....however....
All you lovely readers out there, I could do with a little help. It's clear that there should be a core stock in each section in the shop (theis is the last time i'm ever going to use the phrase 'core Stock'). That's to say, we would be embarrassed if we didn't stock 1984, or Nigel Slater, and not having the Worst Witch would be unforgivable. Our knowledge of books is pretty good, after all I started bookselling in 1984 and Tim wasn't far behind that. But we're fallible. So, if you happen to work in a bookshop and have the facility to run bestseller reports, or if you work for a publisher, and have a good list of key backlist titles i'd love to hear from you.
To all you booksellers out there
Could you send us a bestseller over the last year/18 months for the following subjects. In no particular order...
paperback fiction *
childrens 5-8 *
childrens 9-12 *
teenage fiction *
sub sections of Kids *
black interest *
crime
science fiction *
food and drink
popular psychology
general business
travel
health
mbs
biography
travel writing
graphic novels
* these are the subjects that are big for us, so if you can only send these, then great!!
To all you publishers out there.
If you feel you have a strong backlist of any of the above sections and would like to send lists/catalogues/free books then we are possibly very bribeable (who knows).
Please don't worry about us 'outing' you, as all lists will be received in total anonymity (unless you want the advertising).
Here's the address to send 'em to
Simon Key
Bookshop Bestsellers
59a, Salisbury Road
Wood Green
London
N22 6NU
These will be great for making sure we don't have too many glaring omissions, so thanks in advance.
I have bars of Cadbury's Dairy Milk Double Choc to send to any of you who send a list, so make sure I know where to send them to!
Yes, this is very very cheeky!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Many Happy Returns
Simon;
Well i'm back. Did Tim mention that i've been on holiday?
This is me and Tom (Katie's cousin)outside an amazing toy museum in Bude. I was more excited than him.
We also went a Halloween Fancy Dress Party on Saturday.
This is me with an axe in my head.
Anyway, Tim's been keeping up the pressure to keep things going, (Ben and Adam, thanks for the advice, we've arranged to see my accountant this week, who has been great in the past).
We went to see our solicitor, Norman, today. Tim had George and Harry (his kids) with him, and Norman managed to keep them amused at the same time as sorting out the paperwork for us. We do however have to get Tim's cat to sign the papers as well now, as George insisted he was part of the family.
Afterwards we parted company, with Tim and co. heading to KFC, and me heading home to catch up on e-mails, paperwork etc. I feel completely out of the loop at the moment, but there's loads to do.
We have the naming of the shop to sort out. We're all meeting up on Thursday evening to make the decision, and have invited Stephen Moore from the local paper to be part of the panel that makes the decision. Stephen's been a great support to us so far, and since he put the 'Name the Bookshop' competition in the paper, the number of entries has exceeded 450.
We're going to start work on the opening stock this week as well, which is as close to working in a bookshop as we've been since redundancy. Hurrah!
I'm also going to try and persuade the guys who are moving out of the shop to let us have the keys early. They're really keen to move out, and we obviously want to get the keys off them as soon as possible so we can tear it apart and make it a bookshop, so if their solicitor is OK with it we might be in the building sooner than we'd hoped.
Well i'm back. Did Tim mention that i've been on holiday?
This is me and Tom (Katie's cousin)outside an amazing toy museum in Bude. I was more excited than him.
We also went a Halloween Fancy Dress Party on Saturday.
This is me with an axe in my head.
Anyway, Tim's been keeping up the pressure to keep things going, (Ben and Adam, thanks for the advice, we've arranged to see my accountant this week, who has been great in the past).
We went to see our solicitor, Norman, today. Tim had George and Harry (his kids) with him, and Norman managed to keep them amused at the same time as sorting out the paperwork for us. We do however have to get Tim's cat to sign the papers as well now, as George insisted he was part of the family.
Afterwards we parted company, with Tim and co. heading to KFC, and me heading home to catch up on e-mails, paperwork etc. I feel completely out of the loop at the moment, but there's loads to do.
We have the naming of the shop to sort out. We're all meeting up on Thursday evening to make the decision, and have invited Stephen Moore from the local paper to be part of the panel that makes the decision. Stephen's been a great support to us so far, and since he put the 'Name the Bookshop' competition in the paper, the number of entries has exceeded 450.
We're going to start work on the opening stock this week as well, which is as close to working in a bookshop as we've been since redundancy. Hurrah!
I'm also going to try and persuade the guys who are moving out of the shop to let us have the keys early. They're really keen to move out, and we obviously want to get the keys off them as soon as possible so we can tear it apart and make it a bookshop, so if their solicitor is OK with it we might be in the building sooner than we'd hoped.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!
Tim;
Now that there's nothing to do but wait for the solicitors to do what they do. I have gone back to thinking about all the things I should be thinking about. IT systems, the taxman, shelves, floors, paint, counter, bags, the taxman, safe, desk, accounting forms, paying suppliers, setting up accounts, the taxman, security, the taxman........ and books.
I've just had a couple of chaps come round to value my house as security against the bank loan. Harry (My youngest son (7) who I am not allowed to write about) told them we had just tidied up. "It's okay," said the nice man. "We don't base valuation on mess." Cheek. Alright, My house is generally not the tidest house in the world, but it only looked as if one bomb had hit it today. And not a very big bomb at that. Maybe only one or two megatonne.... But I digress. They left quite happy - not sure if they were laughing at me or with me. One of them was sporting a lovely new animal sticker on his laser measuring device, courtesy of Harry, who knows how to bribe.
Anyway their visit spurred me on to do a bit more research into the things to think about, and I chose - can you guess? - the Taxman. More specifically, how do we do Paye? There's lots of useful sounding websites, including HMs very own, but the one I found that I quite like, is Listen to taxman Now I'm not suggesting that anybody should check up on their payroll departments, and I have to say that when I tested this site on a couple of my old payslips they seemed pretty accurate (and where they weren't it was in my favour, so the less said about that the better) But it is a quite interesting and easy to use site - just in case anyone is interested. I also like the fact that when you open the site there is a default annual salary of £35929.60 sitting in the appropriate box. This proves that this site was not designed by booksellers! Where did they get that figure from? I hope it's not an average of any kind.
In other news, the lovely Jayde (ex-Wood Green part-timer, now Walthamstow) has landed the job she really wanted with a certain large publishing house. Beating off over fifty other applicants. Not surprising, she had the best support in the world (and I ain't talking about her bra) There will be much celebrating in North London. Massive well done to her and, let's face it, she's more use to us in her new job, than she would be as a part-time bookseller and spy in Waterst.... (did I say spy?.... Goodness, what could I possibly mean by that?)
Speaking of spies - (not that we have any) "The Wind Is Whistling Around Grannies Nightie." and "There's a Shortage of Sprouts in The Greenwoods."
I think you know what I mean....
Now that there's nothing to do but wait for the solicitors to do what they do. I have gone back to thinking about all the things I should be thinking about. IT systems, the taxman, shelves, floors, paint, counter, bags, the taxman, safe, desk, accounting forms, paying suppliers, setting up accounts, the taxman, security, the taxman........ and books.
I've just had a couple of chaps come round to value my house as security against the bank loan. Harry (My youngest son (7) who I am not allowed to write about) told them we had just tidied up. "It's okay," said the nice man. "We don't base valuation on mess." Cheek. Alright, My house is generally not the tidest house in the world, but it only looked as if one bomb had hit it today. And not a very big bomb at that. Maybe only one or two megatonne.... But I digress. They left quite happy - not sure if they were laughing at me or with me. One of them was sporting a lovely new animal sticker on his laser measuring device, courtesy of Harry, who knows how to bribe.
Anyway their visit spurred me on to do a bit more research into the things to think about, and I chose - can you guess? - the Taxman. More specifically, how do we do Paye? There's lots of useful sounding websites, including HMs very own, but the one I found that I quite like, is Listen to taxman Now I'm not suggesting that anybody should check up on their payroll departments, and I have to say that when I tested this site on a couple of my old payslips they seemed pretty accurate (and where they weren't it was in my favour, so the less said about that the better) But it is a quite interesting and easy to use site - just in case anyone is interested. I also like the fact that when you open the site there is a default annual salary of £35929.60 sitting in the appropriate box. This proves that this site was not designed by booksellers! Where did they get that figure from? I hope it's not an average of any kind.
In other news, the lovely Jayde (ex-Wood Green part-timer, now Walthamstow) has landed the job she really wanted with a certain large publishing house. Beating off over fifty other applicants. Not surprising, she had the best support in the world (and I ain't talking about her bra) There will be much celebrating in North London. Massive well done to her and, let's face it, she's more use to us in her new job, than she would be as a part-time bookseller and spy in Waterst.... (did I say spy?.... Goodness, what could I possibly mean by that?)
Speaking of spies - (not that we have any) "The Wind Is Whistling Around Grannies Nightie." and "There's a Shortage of Sprouts in The Greenwoods."
I think you know what I mean....
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Mostly Books
Tim;
Just like a lot of books, there's no new plots in life. Our blog has just been linked to from an older new-bookshop-blog. Which itself refers to an even older new-bookshop-blog. Now, Simon is the smarter blogger of the two of us, and he could probably do some clever linky type things right back at them, but he's on hol... (I forgot I said I wouldn't mention that again.)
Now, as I am sure you're all aware, I am new to this blogging type thing so I will be reading these two bookshop blogs and stealing outrageously from them. (A bit like most of my marketing ideas - nuff said)
So anyway, this (Mostly Books) is the lovely and, for me, uplifting blog from Mark and Nicki.
And this is the older new-bookshop-blog, to which they refer. (If the links don't work. I wouldn't be at all surprised)
Both started as "Let's start a bookshop right here in the barn" style blogs - a bit like ours. And both are now "We've got a bookshop and we're gonna use it" type blogs. Just like ours will be very shortly with luck..... (All things crossed, all dead trees groped. Black felines, ladders and single magpies avoided. And no mention of Macbeth.... bugger)
Seriously these guys deserve praise. They made it work, and are continuing to make it work. Long live Independence!!!
Just like a lot of books, there's no new plots in life. Our blog has just been linked to from an older new-bookshop-blog. Which itself refers to an even older new-bookshop-blog. Now, Simon is the smarter blogger of the two of us, and he could probably do some clever linky type things right back at them, but he's on hol... (I forgot I said I wouldn't mention that again.)
Now, as I am sure you're all aware, I am new to this blogging type thing so I will be reading these two bookshop blogs and stealing outrageously from them. (A bit like most of my marketing ideas - nuff said)
So anyway, this (Mostly Books) is the lovely and, for me, uplifting blog from Mark and Nicki.
And this is the older new-bookshop-blog, to which they refer. (If the links don't work. I wouldn't be at all surprised)
Both started as "Let's start a bookshop right here in the barn" style blogs - a bit like ours. And both are now "We've got a bookshop and we're gonna use it" type blogs. Just like ours will be very shortly with luck..... (All things crossed, all dead trees groped. Black felines, ladders and single magpies avoided. And no mention of Macbeth.... bugger)
Seriously these guys deserve praise. They made it work, and are continuing to make it work. Long live Independence!!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Site for Soar I's
Tim;
Simon should go on holiday more often. Site 1 - which was off - is now on again, and site 2 - which was on - is now pretty much off. But we are not totting up poultry just yet.
I spoke to the estate agent this morning, and he told me he had had six missed calls from site one's leaseholder's solicitor on Friday. He said he would call me back as soon as he had any news, and - surprise, surprise - HE DID! So, their solicitors are talking to our solicitors. Probably over a lovely round of golf.
The bank's security representative wrote me a lovely letter telling us we had to pop along to our solicitors to sign away another part of our souls, so things are moving on apace. The firm that handles the bank's security is called Glasgow Securities. Hmmm, I am wondering if my old boss, Chris Glasgow is branching out? (That's old as in ex. Not as in aged, he is a mere slip of a lad. The young whippersnapper)
I rang Simon to tell him the glad news, but he already knew. He's spoken to the estate agent himself this morning. He really knows how to kick-back and unwind, that boy.
I'm not used to writing the newsy posts. I should probably stick to the silly bugger ones, and leave the sensible ones to Simon, but he's on holiday, did I mention that? (end of running not-so-gag)
(Explanation of title; "Site" location of shop, "Soar" as in fly, or moving quickly, "I's" as in "I is on my own". I thought it was quite clever. I won't do it again, I promise)
Simon should go on holiday more often. Site 1 - which was off - is now on again, and site 2 - which was on - is now pretty much off. But we are not totting up poultry just yet.
I spoke to the estate agent this morning, and he told me he had had six missed calls from site one's leaseholder's solicitor on Friday. He said he would call me back as soon as he had any news, and - surprise, surprise - HE DID! So, their solicitors are talking to our solicitors. Probably over a lovely round of golf.
The bank's security representative wrote me a lovely letter telling us we had to pop along to our solicitors to sign away another part of our souls, so things are moving on apace. The firm that handles the bank's security is called Glasgow Securities. Hmmm, I am wondering if my old boss, Chris Glasgow is branching out? (That's old as in ex. Not as in aged, he is a mere slip of a lad. The young whippersnapper)
I rang Simon to tell him the glad news, but he already knew. He's spoken to the estate agent himself this morning. He really knows how to kick-back and unwind, that boy.
I'm not used to writing the newsy posts. I should probably stick to the silly bugger ones, and leave the sensible ones to Simon, but he's on holiday, did I mention that? (end of running not-so-gag)
(Explanation of title; "Site" location of shop, "Soar" as in fly, or moving quickly, "I's" as in "I is on my own". I thought it was quite clever. I won't do it again, I promise)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Alone Again, Naturally
Tim;
It's Sunday, and Simon is still on holiday. There's nothing that needs doing I can't cope with. Nothing. Still, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Did I mention that Simon is on holiday? Nevermind, I shall just sit here and think deep thoughts........
It's sad when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son.
But I couldn't allow them to believe that I would commit murder. They'll put him away now as I should have years ago. He was always bad, and in the end he intended to tell them I killed those girls and that man.
As if I could do anything except just sit and stare--like one of his stuffed birds. Well, they know I can't move a finger. And I won't. I'll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do suspect me.
They're probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of person I am.
I'm not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching. They'll see. They'll see, and they'll know, and they'll say...'Why, she wouldn't even harm a fly!'
I am worried that when I first thought of writing this post that the title of a Gilbert O'Sulivan song popped into my head......
It's Sunday, and Simon is on holiday. Have I already said that?
It's Sunday, and Simon is still on holiday. There's nothing that needs doing I can't cope with. Nothing. Still, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Did I mention that Simon is on holiday? Nevermind, I shall just sit here and think deep thoughts........
It's sad when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son.
But I couldn't allow them to believe that I would commit murder. They'll put him away now as I should have years ago. He was always bad, and in the end he intended to tell them I killed those girls and that man.
As if I could do anything except just sit and stare--like one of his stuffed birds. Well, they know I can't move a finger. And I won't. I'll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do suspect me.
They're probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of person I am.
I'm not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching. They'll see. They'll see, and they'll know, and they'll say...'Why, she wouldn't even harm a fly!'
I am worried that when I first thought of writing this post that the title of a Gilbert O'Sulivan song popped into my head......
It's Sunday, and Simon is on holiday. Have I already said that?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday Night.
Simon;
I'm off on holiday tomorrow. Me and Katie are off to Bideford for a few days. We're taking our bikes (we're not cycling from London to Devon, we'll let the train take the strain), and spending a few days in a cottage with family. I've got my mobile and hopefully Katie's brother has taken his laptop, but it'll be quite nice to take a break from it all. Tim's going to be flying solo in the meantime, and with 2 possible shops anything could happen, so hopefully I won't have to come back early!
Me and Tim are off to the pub this evening to meet a couple of old Wood Green colleagues, so i'd better pack now.
I thought i'd stick a few tunes on here to get me in the mood for some beer.
They stole my moves.
This isn't the Strokes, in case you were wondering
Terry Hall is, as the young people say 'well nang'.
I'm off on holiday tomorrow. Me and Katie are off to Bideford for a few days. We're taking our bikes (we're not cycling from London to Devon, we'll let the train take the strain), and spending a few days in a cottage with family. I've got my mobile and hopefully Katie's brother has taken his laptop, but it'll be quite nice to take a break from it all. Tim's going to be flying solo in the meantime, and with 2 possible shops anything could happen, so hopefully I won't have to come back early!
Me and Tim are off to the pub this evening to meet a couple of old Wood Green colleagues, so i'd better pack now.
I thought i'd stick a few tunes on here to get me in the mood for some beer.
They stole my moves.
This isn't the Strokes, in case you were wondering
Terry Hall is, as the young people say 'well nang'.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
So Many Names
Tim;
And none of them rude.
After a slow start the entries for the 'Name Our Bookshop' competition have started pouring in. They are - it has to be said - a mixed bunch. Some people have obviously put more thought in than others, and some people have put in way too much thought. The Suggestion 'Mind the Gap' has confused the hell out of me - It's not a bad idea (There are NO bad ideas). I just don't understand the connection.
So, how to choose? Well, I've typed all the suggestions into a spreadsheet, with columns for 'Yes', 'No' and 'Maybe' and we will filter through them until we end up with the one. (Anyone who knows me will know that I solve all of my problems by writing spreadsheets. 'What's for dinner...?' 'Where shall we go on holiday...?' 'Do these shoes match this outfit...?' - 'Hang on. I'll just fire up excel and check.')
The other test I am using is the 'phone test. ('Good Morning XXX Bookshop how can I help?' (Obviously we won't be calling ourselves XXX, we're not that kind of Bookshop... although...)) This produces some interesting sentences... 'Good Morning 'We Sell Books'....' - Well what did you expect? 'Good Morning 'The Word is Out'...' What word, why haven't I heard?
Anyhoo, I'm off to collect some more entries, as we can't trust the post at the moment So I'll just say a quick thanks to everybody who has entered and remind you that there's still time to get those last minute entries in.
And none of them rude.
After a slow start the entries for the 'Name Our Bookshop' competition have started pouring in. They are - it has to be said - a mixed bunch. Some people have obviously put more thought in than others, and some people have put in way too much thought. The Suggestion 'Mind the Gap' has confused the hell out of me - It's not a bad idea (There are NO bad ideas). I just don't understand the connection.
So, how to choose? Well, I've typed all the suggestions into a spreadsheet, with columns for 'Yes', 'No' and 'Maybe' and we will filter through them until we end up with the one. (Anyone who knows me will know that I solve all of my problems by writing spreadsheets. 'What's for dinner...?' 'Where shall we go on holiday...?' 'Do these shoes match this outfit...?' - 'Hang on. I'll just fire up excel and check.')
The other test I am using is the 'phone test. ('Good Morning XXX Bookshop how can I help?' (Obviously we won't be calling ourselves XXX, we're not that kind of Bookshop... although...)) This produces some interesting sentences... 'Good Morning 'We Sell Books'....' - Well what did you expect? 'Good Morning 'The Word is Out'...' What word, why haven't I heard?
Anyhoo, I'm off to collect some more entries, as we can't trust the post at the moment So I'll just say a quick thanks to everybody who has entered and remind you that there's still time to get those last minute entries in.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
You can tell i'm at home 'cos here's another post...
As our Lets Open a Bookshop quest is going through a quiet time at the moment, I thought I might draw your attention to a few people that keep me inspired.
Firstly there's the Fidra Blog which is a remarkable blog by a wonderfully passionate lady called Vanessa who is just weeks away from opening her own Bookshop (I usually write Bookshop with a capital because I hold them in such high esteem). I am so excited for her and slightly jealous of her. Not only that, but she's a publisher as well and remarkably upbeat ALL THE TIME. Please lend your support to her.
Then there's Hereward Corbett, who if you've worked in Waterstone's for a time will know as ex-regional manager, ex manager of Ottakars in Cheltenham, who has also jumped ship and is starting his own bookshop in Tetbury, Gloucester. You can go to his (very) new blog HERE , which should frighten the life out of him, as he's only done 2 entries (write him a message of support and encourage him to write more on the blog!)
There's also Jaffe and Neale an Independent in Chipping Norton. Both Polly Jaffe and Patrick Neale worked at Waterstone's and I was lucky enough to have worked with Polly back in the early 90's. I can remember how amazingly bubbly and positive she was, and it seems that their fantastic attitude and emphasis on customer service has served them well, as they won Independent Bookshop of the Year.
It probably doesn't need a mention, but Crockatt and Powell, somewhere between Waterloo and Lambeth is another relatively new Independent Bookshop, which has found it's market and works fantastically well. They were ex-Waterstone's employees as well...
I've seen success in the Barnes Bookshop and the Kew Bookshop, both run by Isla Dawes and Mark Brighton. Isla's given me lots of great advice, and having visited her Bookshop in Barnes, I was really impressed how she had set up the shop to meet the exact needs of her customers.
These Independent Bookshops deserve support and praise, and as I said, are a real inspiration to me. They're the kind of places that help define an area (or will do in time), and I hope that one day very soon we can follow in their footsteps.
As Mark Farley would probably say 'I salute you'
Firstly there's the Fidra Blog which is a remarkable blog by a wonderfully passionate lady called Vanessa who is just weeks away from opening her own Bookshop (I usually write Bookshop with a capital because I hold them in such high esteem). I am so excited for her and slightly jealous of her. Not only that, but she's a publisher as well and remarkably upbeat ALL THE TIME. Please lend your support to her.
Then there's Hereward Corbett, who if you've worked in Waterstone's for a time will know as ex-regional manager, ex manager of Ottakars in Cheltenham, who has also jumped ship and is starting his own bookshop in Tetbury, Gloucester. You can go to his (very) new blog HERE , which should frighten the life out of him, as he's only done 2 entries (write him a message of support and encourage him to write more on the blog!)
There's also Jaffe and Neale an Independent in Chipping Norton. Both Polly Jaffe and Patrick Neale worked at Waterstone's and I was lucky enough to have worked with Polly back in the early 90's. I can remember how amazingly bubbly and positive she was, and it seems that their fantastic attitude and emphasis on customer service has served them well, as they won Independent Bookshop of the Year.
It probably doesn't need a mention, but Crockatt and Powell, somewhere between Waterloo and Lambeth is another relatively new Independent Bookshop, which has found it's market and works fantastically well. They were ex-Waterstone's employees as well...
I've seen success in the Barnes Bookshop and the Kew Bookshop, both run by Isla Dawes and Mark Brighton. Isla's given me lots of great advice, and having visited her Bookshop in Barnes, I was really impressed how she had set up the shop to meet the exact needs of her customers.
These Independent Bookshops deserve support and praise, and as I said, are a real inspiration to me. They're the kind of places that help define an area (or will do in time), and I hope that one day very soon we can follow in their footsteps.
As Mark Farley would probably say 'I salute you'
Name That Bookshop!
Simon
right, back to reality.
We've had a load of entries for this. Just to remind you we wanted the local residents to choose the name of our shop,so we ran a competition and sent out entry forms to all the schools in the area, and also the local paper ran an article. Anyway, the closing date was last Monday, but because of the postal strike we're extending the closing date to 27th. Tim and I have been phoning the 70 schools in haringey to arrange to pick up entries/see if they have any entry forms/remind them.
I've just spoken to Tim and he has just had 3 large envelopes with loads of entries in, so that's rather good.
Haringey is a large borough so I hope not too many schools want us to pick 'em up, or else my 30 mile bike ride recently might be usurped!
right, back to reality.
We've had a load of entries for this. Just to remind you we wanted the local residents to choose the name of our shop,so we ran a competition and sent out entry forms to all the schools in the area, and also the local paper ran an article. Anyway, the closing date was last Monday, but because of the postal strike we're extending the closing date to 27th. Tim and I have been phoning the 70 schools in haringey to arrange to pick up entries/see if they have any entry forms/remind them.
I've just spoken to Tim and he has just had 3 large envelopes with loads of entries in, so that's rather good.
Haringey is a large borough so I hope not too many schools want us to pick 'em up, or else my 30 mile bike ride recently might be usurped!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Happy Happy, Joy Joy
Simon
It's about time we had some better news, so here it is.
We've possibly (he says cautiously) found another site for the shop. We had a look at the beauty parlour, and although it was OK, neither of us were convinced by it. We strolled back up the High Road and past the site of the old Waterstone's, which still lies empty. En route we popped in to the internet cafe (this was the shop we'd originally had down as the new bookshop site) and had a chat with the geezer running the place. He's still relly keen to sell up but as he's not the majority shareholder he can't do anything. We said we'd still be interested so he said positive things which we took with a pinch of salt.
We then visited our friend/contact at the Shopping Centre, who mentioned a site that was coming up very soon. It's cheap, the location is ideal and it's a great size. We both loved it, and will now spend the next fortnight hassling him to let us have it as soon as possible.
I don't want to get too excited, because we've been in this situation before, but after last week, a bit of positive news doesn't go amiss.
We're spending the next couple of days collecting all the entries for the 'Name the Bookshop' competition from all the local schools, and then it's decision time.
It's about time we had some better news, so here it is.
We've possibly (he says cautiously) found another site for the shop. We had a look at the beauty parlour, and although it was OK, neither of us were convinced by it. We strolled back up the High Road and past the site of the old Waterstone's, which still lies empty. En route we popped in to the internet cafe (this was the shop we'd originally had down as the new bookshop site) and had a chat with the geezer running the place. He's still relly keen to sell up but as he's not the majority shareholder he can't do anything. We said we'd still be interested so he said positive things which we took with a pinch of salt.
We then visited our friend/contact at the Shopping Centre, who mentioned a site that was coming up very soon. It's cheap, the location is ideal and it's a great size. We both loved it, and will now spend the next fortnight hassling him to let us have it as soon as possible.
I don't want to get too excited, because we've been in this situation before, but after last week, a bit of positive news doesn't go amiss.
We're spending the next couple of days collecting all the entries for the 'Name the Bookshop' competition from all the local schools, and then it's decision time.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Simon;
Sorry for the delay...
The shop we saw on Wednesday was a definite no. I spoke to the chief geezer in the Estate Agents who gave me a bit more information about it (i wish we'd been told this earlier).The important bits were
1. They'd already had lots of offers on the property from large chains and therefore the landlord wasn't interested in any other offers
2. It's an A2 type property, which means it can be used as a bookies or a bank, or interestingly enough an Estate Agents. I understand these types of property are harder to find.
So maybe Wood Green will be getting another bookies, which would be just what it needs.
We have one more place to look at tomorrow. It's a beauty salon at the moment, and it's less than a minutes walk from the tube station, so you never know.....well, we certainly don't!
Sorry for the delay...
The shop we saw on Wednesday was a definite no. I spoke to the chief geezer in the Estate Agents who gave me a bit more information about it (i wish we'd been told this earlier).The important bits were
1. They'd already had lots of offers on the property from large chains and therefore the landlord wasn't interested in any other offers
2. It's an A2 type property, which means it can be used as a bookies or a bank, or interestingly enough an Estate Agents. I understand these types of property are harder to find.
So maybe Wood Green will be getting another bookies, which would be just what it needs.
We have one more place to look at tomorrow. It's a beauty salon at the moment, and it's less than a minutes walk from the tube station, so you never know.....well, we certainly don't!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Landlords
Simon;
Here's the latest news from the quest.
We saw a shop on the High Road yesterday which looked great. Now the rentals of shops on th High Road are huge, as i've mentioned on more than one occasion before, but this property was vacant, and so there was no premium to pay, which could save anywhere between £15000, and £150000. So we checked it out and the rent was, indeed, huge (£45k a year). The thing is, the site was so spot on that that rental value was well below what we thought, and it was within our budget. So, Tim made a call to the estate agents. What follows is a precised version of the conversation
Tim 'Hello, we're interested in the property xxx on the High Road'
Estate Agent 'What do you intend to use the property for?'
Tim 'A bookshop'
Estate Agent 'Is this an established business'
Tim 'No. It's a new business'
Estate Agent. ' The Landlord won't talk to you, 'cos you'll probably go out of business'
Tim 'what?!'
Estate Agent 'there's no point even talking to him'
Tim '.....right... that's a bit short sighted..does he even'
Estate Agent 'that's all there is to it'
Once Tim had recovered from this, he contacted me to let me know what had just happened. We aren't giving up there. There's a couple of MPs and a newspaper that might be able to help the influencing process.
As well as the marvellous Bob Dylan
Dear landlord,Please don't dismiss my case.
I'm not about to argue,I'm not about to move to no other place.
Now, each of us has his own special gift, and you know this was meant to be true,
And if you don't underestimate me, I won't underestimate you.
I understand that landlords can make the rules, but it does seem a little strange as the property isn't making any money at the moment, and he doesn't even know who we are.
the case continues...
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
God Save the Green
Simon
Bollocks, bollocks, bollocks. And not the ones preceeded by 'never mind'.
The leaseholder has let us down. He's been stringing us along for over 3 weeks now, and despite many reminders from our Estate Agent and many hollow promises, he failed once again to turn up for his meeting today. I don't get it really. Either the shop was up for offer or not. Why waste the Estate Agents time and our time by doing this. The offer was accepted and we'd sorted out our solicitor and built our business plan around this property. He's obviously a big arse head.
Anyway, now that's out of my system.....
We have a couple of options now;
1. We can wait for another shop to come up in a great location and risk not getting in before xmas, and so miss the busiest shopping month of the year.
2. We can move into another shop that's 5 minutes away from the shop we'd wanted, and therefore not in the ideal location. However we could sort it all out before xmas.
we have to take into consideration that we're both unemployed at the moment and have mortgages to pay etc.
The advantage of option 2 is that if another place turned up in a better location next year we'd already have a shop and it would be easier to relocate.
The danger of option 2 is that the customers would be thinner on the ground.
I guess it's one of those 'believe in yourself' moments.
Bollocks, bollocks, bollocks. And not the ones preceeded by 'never mind'.
The leaseholder has let us down. He's been stringing us along for over 3 weeks now, and despite many reminders from our Estate Agent and many hollow promises, he failed once again to turn up for his meeting today. I don't get it really. Either the shop was up for offer or not. Why waste the Estate Agents time and our time by doing this. The offer was accepted and we'd sorted out our solicitor and built our business plan around this property. He's obviously a big arse head.
Anyway, now that's out of my system.....
We have a couple of options now;
1. We can wait for another shop to come up in a great location and risk not getting in before xmas, and so miss the busiest shopping month of the year.
2. We can move into another shop that's 5 minutes away from the shop we'd wanted, and therefore not in the ideal location. However we could sort it all out before xmas.
we have to take into consideration that we're both unemployed at the moment and have mortgages to pay etc.
The advantage of option 2 is that if another place turned up in a better location next year we'd already have a shop and it would be easier to relocate.
The danger of option 2 is that the customers would be thinner on the ground.
I guess it's one of those 'believe in yourself' moments.
Hardback!!! (To the tune of Rawhide)
Tim:
Waiting, waiting, waiting (echo waiting, waiting, waiting)
Waiting, waiting, waiting - Hardback!!!
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Pausing hes-i-tat-ing
Waiting for that agent to ring
All the things I'm planning
Buying, selling, scanning
Are waiting at the end of this thing
Book 'em in - Put 'em out
Put 'em out - Book 'em in
Book 'em in - Put 'em out - Hardback!!!
Stack 'em up - Sell 'em off
Sell 'em off - Organise a signing event with a local author
Stack 'em up - Sell 'em off - Hardback!!!
Waiting, waiting, waiting (echo waiting, waiting, waiting) repeat and fade
Yee Haa
Simon
I think what Tim's trying to say here is, we're still waiting for the leaseholder to get back to the estate agents. He has promised (!) to do so today, so it's his last chance. If he fails to turn up we're going to have to look for another shop site.
Either that or he's had one too many sasperilla on his cornflakes this morning.
Waiting, waiting, waiting (echo waiting, waiting, waiting)
Waiting, waiting, waiting - Hardback!!!
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Pausing hes-i-tat-ing
Waiting for that agent to ring
All the things I'm planning
Buying, selling, scanning
Are waiting at the end of this thing
Book 'em in - Put 'em out
Put 'em out - Book 'em in
Book 'em in - Put 'em out - Hardback!!!
Stack 'em up - Sell 'em off
Sell 'em off - Organise a signing event with a local author
Stack 'em up - Sell 'em off - Hardback!!!
Waiting, waiting, waiting (echo waiting, waiting, waiting) repeat and fade
Yee Haa
Simon
I think what Tim's trying to say here is, we're still waiting for the leaseholder to get back to the estate agents. He has promised (!) to do so today, so it's his last chance. If he fails to turn up we're going to have to look for another shop site.
Either that or he's had one too many sasperilla on his cornflakes this morning.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
It's National Children's Book Week- The list
I asked a load of people to let me now what their favourite children's book was and why as a way to celebrate National Children's Book Week. I've been printing a few during the week, and the local paper put some of the list in an article which came out on Thursday. Never has the whole list been seen....until now.
ENJOY
Tim West (local resident, and co-creator of the Wood Green Bookshop)
Little Rabbit Foo Foo
A Bunny, A motorbike, a mallet and loads of mindless violence, brilliant.
Tim’s Family;
Julie West (his wife) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
George West (10) A Series of Unfortunate Events- Limony Snickett
Harry West (7) the Gruffallo's Child... no.. Peter and the Wolf (ladybird)... no.. the Gruffallo's Child. Or Pokemon.
Simon Key (Local resident, and co-creator of the Wood Green Bookshop)
Danny, Champion of the World - Roald Dahl
I wanted to be Danny, live in a Gypsy caravan, never go to school, and have the most amazing adventures that we’re just a little bit dodgy.
Simon’s Nearest and Dearest;
Katie Chuck (his girlfriend) Then - The Magic Faraway Tree. Magical. Much better than Harry Potter and where JK got her ideas from I imagineNow - How I Live Now, genius book at any age.
Aylsa Key (Mum) When I was a child, some good few years ago, my favourite book was "Milly,Molly,Mandy" probably now too dated for present day youngsters. My Father had moved to the Cotswolds to a post as lecturer in a College there. My Mother and I were still in a city in the north, unable to join him as it was war time and he was in a closed Air Ministry area. He used to send or bring me the books whenever he was able to visit us and I couldn't wait until the time that we were able to live, as we subsequently did, in a village in that part of the country and meet up with the likes of Milly Molly Mandy, Billy Blunt and Little friend Susan.
In later years, as teacher in a kindergarten class, the favourite books amongst the little people were "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and any of the Bramley Hedge books with their beautiful illustrations.
Justin Key (brother) I have very fond memories of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'; there's just something about the book that stays with you when others from such a young age fade away.
Lynne Feathersone (MP Hornsey and Wood Green. Lib Dem)
My favourite book for reading to my daughter when whe was little was 'Jenna and The Dream Catcher'. I am afraid I cannot remember who it was by - but it told the story of the Dream Catcher who went into childrens' bedrooms at night and caught their dreams. It had the right amount of scariness - a traditional ingredient of very good childrens' tales and wonder and magic. The illustrations were excellent - and I am a sucker for good childrens' illustrations (I used to be a designer / illstrator myself) - and of course - my daughter's name is Jenna!
Cllr. Matt Davies (Liberal Democrat, Fortis Green)
Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
one of the earliest books I remember being read to me as a child - and which I have bought for all my nieces since. It's a great escape from the real world into something fantastic, a good children's book shouldn't be too 'real' or too 'educational'!
Cllr Catherine Harris (Liberal Democrat, Noel Park)
Chose 3 books
My favourite - though its very hard to choose, was and is The Lion theWitch and The Wardrobe, followed by Tales of Anansi Spider, and WhatKaty Did.The idea that Narnia is not accessible through a wardrobe, I found saddening as a child, as I wanted to be part of fighting the Evil White Queen.Anansi Spider is a Caribbean tale of excitement and daring, and What Katy Did enthralled me with survival over the odds.
Judy Dyble (Singer with Legendary Band Fairport Convention)
Hounds of the Morrigan- Pat O’Shea
How delightful to be asked to do something like this, particularly as I used to work as a library assistant at Wood Green Library. The Hounds of the Morrigan works on so many levels, as a sweet adventure with little bits of myth and magic, a little bit scary but everything usually rights itself by the end of the chapter and with wonderfully barmy characters, my favourite being the duck whose name escapes me (and I can't look it up because my children (aged 27 and 30) keep borrowing the book and not giving it back....)
Zizou Corder (author of Lion Boy)
Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson-Burnett
because three people get redeemed, in a row like dominoes. Also, bieng a city girl, was deeply in love with Dickon
Jean Gibson (local resident)
Diana Wynne Jones.- A Charmed Life
ah there is a tale! Cat with nine lives- the wonderful oozing giant insects that are released by the naughty Gwendoline on the guests at a house party- Chrestomanci books are great fun- perhaps tamer than the more unusual books because as a series one knows the main characters from others in the series- but this is great fun and exciting as a read.
Anthony Goldstein (local resident and ex-Ottakars/Waterstone’s)
The Limony Snickett series
How can you not love a vain and stupid villain like Count Olaf. And it's a great Potter antidote. Genuinely witty and sly with lots of puns and references that only a reasonably well-read adult would spot. Possibly a bit formulaic. But hey, if the formula works, why complain?
Michaela Carlowe (local resident)
Carrie’s War – Nina Bawden
it was very atmospheric.
Gillian Lazarus (ex-employee at Waterstone’s in Wood Green)
Oscar Wilde – Collected Short Stories
especially The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant. Why? The language is poetic and the imagery beautiful and the sadness of the stories is particularly poignant because they resonate in the story of Wilde himself and the way he was victimised.
George Beale ( ex-employee at Waterstone’s Wood Green)
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – Mo Willems
Good advice for anyone
Jayde Lynch (ex-employee at Waterstone’s in Wood Green)
Chose 2 Books
Ohhh its sooooo hard just to pick one - I think it would have to be "Each Peach Pear Plum" for just its sheer rhyming genius!! I also loved "The Rainbow Fish" what with the shiny scales on the page and beautiful watercolour illustrations.
Kimberley Pitsillides (yes, another ex-employer)
Michael Morpurgo- Kensuke’s Kingdom
because it is a beautiful story, full of adventure and hope
Cally Gibson ( and another)
Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak
There's nothing like an oldie, and Sendak's classic picure book about Max, and his fabulously naughty behaviour will always be a favourite with Wild Things of all ages. Sendak hid the first draft of wtwta in his ktichen drawer for 4 years as he was never entirely happy with it, but thankfully, on a spur of the moment, dug it out, re-drew it in a day, and the rest is history...Beautiful engaging illustrations that will making you roll your terrible eyes with delight. Lovely stuff.
Ben Gutcher (another ex-employee)
When We Were Very Young
This is the most outstanding tome of poetry I have ever read and brings back lots of happy childhood memories - I used to think that there were bears in London that would eat you if stepped on the lines.
San (bookseller from Putney)
I hope I’m not too late to send you my list of kid’s books. My all time favourite children’s book when I was growing up in the south of the Netherlands was ‘Winter in Wartime’ by Jan Terlouw, but sadly the English edition is out of print. So I’ll choose ‘Miffy at the Seaside’, or indeed, any Miffy book. So cute and fluffy and simple and educational (though I didn’t know that at the time, of course). The librarian had a hard time convincing me to read other books back then:
Me, whispering: Can I have this one, please?
Librarian: But you’ve already read this one. Twice.
Me, still whispering: I want to read it again.
Librarian: Don’t you want to try something else?
Me, a little louder: No, I want to read it again.
Librarian: How about Boris Bear?
Me, getting impatient: I want this one!
Librarian: Or this one?
Me, on the verge of tears: I want THIS ONE!
I love Miffy…
Nicola Robertson (well, Lucy Robertson 6, and Sam Robertson 3)
Lucy's (6) favourite books are Horrid Henry ones Horrid Henry's Evil Enemies being the best. The look of pure joy on her face as she hears about Henry's naughty exploits - doing all the things she would secretly love to have the courage to do, says why she loves this so much.Sam (3) on the other hand has a favourite book which believe me I am all for putting in the bin as it now drives me mad is the Little Hotchpotch by Brian Patten and Michael Terry. Sam adores the repetitveness of the book and the fact that he knows it by heart so can now join in also the fantastic eye-catching illustration.
Sophia Acheampong (author of Growing Yams in London)
Chose 2 Books
The first is 'Avocado Baby' by John Burningham. The idea of a baby gaining strength and successfully outwitting bullies definitely appeals to me. I loved reading it as a child. My second book is 'The Witches' by Roald Dahl. I had a fantastic teacher who read it to the class, then asked us to close our eyes as she offered us what we believed were real worms (they were sweets). A great read with the right mix to keep any child entertained!
Amanda Lees (author)
Kumari Goddess of Gotham
because I wrote it. OK - it's a blatant author plug but I actually, genuinely love it because it's exactly the sort of book that enthralled me as a child. Goddess of Gotham is my first book for kids and the first in a trilogy (I'm currently editing the second book, Goddess of Secrets, and am about to whizz off to the Bath Lit Festival to run a goddess workshop!). It's about a goddess in training from a hidden kingdom who suddenly finds herself in New York, running for her life through the Macy's Parade...her only friend in the world her pet baby vulture, Badmash...
Jane Ciabattari (author of Stealing the Fire, and magazine editior)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J K Rowling
because it opened a new world, with all aspects thoroughly thought through, from the methods of transport and message carrying through the types of candies kids would love. The other Harry Potter books are also among my favorites, but the first was a revelation.
Melissa Flashman (literary agent)
Poison Apples – Lily Archer
The writing is poignant and funny. It has been compared to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants perhaps because of its heartfelt take on friendship and family. To be sure, that is true, but I simply couldn't put it down.
Anji Pratap (Author and Publishing Contracts Manager)
Chose 2 books
THE BLUE BANANA. I think it was in a reading series but it was fantastic. It was basically this quest for the rare 'blue banana'. I just remember really liking the pictures, the idea of it and the fact that I could read it myself but that it wasn't dull like the dreaded Peter and Janes. I've tried to find this on E-bay and Amazon since but to no avail. If it's not possible to use this lost gem my next choice would be The Very Hungry Caterpillar because of the innovative use of holes in pages.
Mark Farley (writer of blog ‘bookseller to the stars’)
Kestrel for a Knave
When I was growing up, I couldn't undertand or relate to the likes of The Hardy Boys and the Secret Seven. Priviledged little brats bounding around the dale with their yappy pedigree in tow, solving mysteries like who stole the vicar's jam etc. But A Kestrel for a Knave, and its tale of struggle, poverty and family drama set in the harsh north in the eighties was something I could definately get to grips with and also understand. Billy Casper was my Richard Campion.
Will Williams (bookshop Manager)
Dark is Rising Sequence – Susan Cooper
Re-read them only last year and they remain an amazing sequence of books, pitching the age old fight of light against dark within the famework of celtic mythology in both the present day and Britain's deep mythic past. Deeply evocative and full of rich images and satisfying set pieces, I'm convinced Philip Pullman drew on their inspiration when writing His Dark Materials.
Maxine Hastings (Cambridge University Press)
Alice in Wonderland,
because I wanted to be Alice.
Kate Ladell (student)
Chose 2 books
1) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - the first book I remember reading, and read to my little sister when she was a few hours old.. love the pictures and the way some of the pages have holes in :o)2) The Jolly Postman - love the rhyme, the details, the way you can open the post on each page, and the connections to numerous fairy tales!
Philip Allen (musician with London band Honeygene)
Asterix
Asterix ....pretty much the whole series, but Asterix the Gaul and Astrix in Switzerland stand out in my memory. They were colourful, had magic potions and fantasticastical names.
I'd like to add that I did ask representatives of all the major political parties to send me their choice but only the Liberal Democrats replied. So don't think there's any political bias in the list. Please feel free to add to the list, as we hope to use the list to compile one of the shop's first promotions.
Thanks to everyone who helped us with this.
ENJOY
Tim West (local resident, and co-creator of the Wood Green Bookshop)
Little Rabbit Foo Foo
A Bunny, A motorbike, a mallet and loads of mindless violence, brilliant.
Tim’s Family;
Julie West (his wife) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
George West (10) A Series of Unfortunate Events- Limony Snickett
Harry West (7) the Gruffallo's Child... no.. Peter and the Wolf (ladybird)... no.. the Gruffallo's Child. Or Pokemon.
Simon Key (Local resident, and co-creator of the Wood Green Bookshop)
Danny, Champion of the World - Roald Dahl
I wanted to be Danny, live in a Gypsy caravan, never go to school, and have the most amazing adventures that we’re just a little bit dodgy.
Simon’s Nearest and Dearest;
Katie Chuck (his girlfriend) Then - The Magic Faraway Tree. Magical. Much better than Harry Potter and where JK got her ideas from I imagineNow - How I Live Now, genius book at any age.
Aylsa Key (Mum) When I was a child, some good few years ago, my favourite book was "Milly,Molly,Mandy" probably now too dated for present day youngsters. My Father had moved to the Cotswolds to a post as lecturer in a College there. My Mother and I were still in a city in the north, unable to join him as it was war time and he was in a closed Air Ministry area. He used to send or bring me the books whenever he was able to visit us and I couldn't wait until the time that we were able to live, as we subsequently did, in a village in that part of the country and meet up with the likes of Milly Molly Mandy, Billy Blunt and Little friend Susan.
In later years, as teacher in a kindergarten class, the favourite books amongst the little people were "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and any of the Bramley Hedge books with their beautiful illustrations.
Justin Key (brother) I have very fond memories of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'; there's just something about the book that stays with you when others from such a young age fade away.
Lynne Feathersone (MP Hornsey and Wood Green. Lib Dem)
My favourite book for reading to my daughter when whe was little was 'Jenna and The Dream Catcher'. I am afraid I cannot remember who it was by - but it told the story of the Dream Catcher who went into childrens' bedrooms at night and caught their dreams. It had the right amount of scariness - a traditional ingredient of very good childrens' tales and wonder and magic. The illustrations were excellent - and I am a sucker for good childrens' illustrations (I used to be a designer / illstrator myself) - and of course - my daughter's name is Jenna!
Cllr. Matt Davies (Liberal Democrat, Fortis Green)
Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
one of the earliest books I remember being read to me as a child - and which I have bought for all my nieces since. It's a great escape from the real world into something fantastic, a good children's book shouldn't be too 'real' or too 'educational'!
Cllr Catherine Harris (Liberal Democrat, Noel Park)
Chose 3 books
My favourite - though its very hard to choose, was and is The Lion theWitch and The Wardrobe, followed by Tales of Anansi Spider, and WhatKaty Did.The idea that Narnia is not accessible through a wardrobe, I found saddening as a child, as I wanted to be part of fighting the Evil White Queen.Anansi Spider is a Caribbean tale of excitement and daring, and What Katy Did enthralled me with survival over the odds.
Judy Dyble (Singer with Legendary Band Fairport Convention)
Hounds of the Morrigan- Pat O’Shea
How delightful to be asked to do something like this, particularly as I used to work as a library assistant at Wood Green Library. The Hounds of the Morrigan works on so many levels, as a sweet adventure with little bits of myth and magic, a little bit scary but everything usually rights itself by the end of the chapter and with wonderfully barmy characters, my favourite being the duck whose name escapes me (and I can't look it up because my children (aged 27 and 30) keep borrowing the book and not giving it back....)
Zizou Corder (author of Lion Boy)
Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson-Burnett
because three people get redeemed, in a row like dominoes. Also, bieng a city girl, was deeply in love with Dickon
Jean Gibson (local resident)
Diana Wynne Jones.- A Charmed Life
ah there is a tale! Cat with nine lives- the wonderful oozing giant insects that are released by the naughty Gwendoline on the guests at a house party- Chrestomanci books are great fun- perhaps tamer than the more unusual books because as a series one knows the main characters from others in the series- but this is great fun and exciting as a read.
Anthony Goldstein (local resident and ex-Ottakars/Waterstone’s)
The Limony Snickett series
How can you not love a vain and stupid villain like Count Olaf. And it's a great Potter antidote. Genuinely witty and sly with lots of puns and references that only a reasonably well-read adult would spot. Possibly a bit formulaic. But hey, if the formula works, why complain?
Michaela Carlowe (local resident)
Carrie’s War – Nina Bawden
it was very atmospheric.
Gillian Lazarus (ex-employee at Waterstone’s in Wood Green)
Oscar Wilde – Collected Short Stories
especially The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant. Why? The language is poetic and the imagery beautiful and the sadness of the stories is particularly poignant because they resonate in the story of Wilde himself and the way he was victimised.
George Beale ( ex-employee at Waterstone’s Wood Green)
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – Mo Willems
Good advice for anyone
Jayde Lynch (ex-employee at Waterstone’s in Wood Green)
Chose 2 Books
Ohhh its sooooo hard just to pick one - I think it would have to be "Each Peach Pear Plum" for just its sheer rhyming genius!! I also loved "The Rainbow Fish" what with the shiny scales on the page and beautiful watercolour illustrations.
Kimberley Pitsillides (yes, another ex-employer)
Michael Morpurgo- Kensuke’s Kingdom
because it is a beautiful story, full of adventure and hope
Cally Gibson ( and another)
Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak
There's nothing like an oldie, and Sendak's classic picure book about Max, and his fabulously naughty behaviour will always be a favourite with Wild Things of all ages. Sendak hid the first draft of wtwta in his ktichen drawer for 4 years as he was never entirely happy with it, but thankfully, on a spur of the moment, dug it out, re-drew it in a day, and the rest is history...Beautiful engaging illustrations that will making you roll your terrible eyes with delight. Lovely stuff.
Ben Gutcher (another ex-employee)
When We Were Very Young
This is the most outstanding tome of poetry I have ever read and brings back lots of happy childhood memories - I used to think that there were bears in London that would eat you if stepped on the lines.
San (bookseller from Putney)
I hope I’m not too late to send you my list of kid’s books. My all time favourite children’s book when I was growing up in the south of the Netherlands was ‘Winter in Wartime’ by Jan Terlouw, but sadly the English edition is out of print. So I’ll choose ‘Miffy at the Seaside’, or indeed, any Miffy book. So cute and fluffy and simple and educational (though I didn’t know that at the time, of course). The librarian had a hard time convincing me to read other books back then:
Me, whispering: Can I have this one, please?
Librarian: But you’ve already read this one. Twice.
Me, still whispering: I want to read it again.
Librarian: Don’t you want to try something else?
Me, a little louder: No, I want to read it again.
Librarian: How about Boris Bear?
Me, getting impatient: I want this one!
Librarian: Or this one?
Me, on the verge of tears: I want THIS ONE!
I love Miffy…
Nicola Robertson (well, Lucy Robertson 6, and Sam Robertson 3)
Lucy's (6) favourite books are Horrid Henry ones Horrid Henry's Evil Enemies being the best. The look of pure joy on her face as she hears about Henry's naughty exploits - doing all the things she would secretly love to have the courage to do, says why she loves this so much.Sam (3) on the other hand has a favourite book which believe me I am all for putting in the bin as it now drives me mad is the Little Hotchpotch by Brian Patten and Michael Terry. Sam adores the repetitveness of the book and the fact that he knows it by heart so can now join in also the fantastic eye-catching illustration.
Sophia Acheampong (author of Growing Yams in London)
Chose 2 Books
The first is 'Avocado Baby' by John Burningham. The idea of a baby gaining strength and successfully outwitting bullies definitely appeals to me. I loved reading it as a child. My second book is 'The Witches' by Roald Dahl. I had a fantastic teacher who read it to the class, then asked us to close our eyes as she offered us what we believed were real worms (they were sweets). A great read with the right mix to keep any child entertained!
Amanda Lees (author)
Kumari Goddess of Gotham
because I wrote it. OK - it's a blatant author plug but I actually, genuinely love it because it's exactly the sort of book that enthralled me as a child. Goddess of Gotham is my first book for kids and the first in a trilogy (I'm currently editing the second book, Goddess of Secrets, and am about to whizz off to the Bath Lit Festival to run a goddess workshop!). It's about a goddess in training from a hidden kingdom who suddenly finds herself in New York, running for her life through the Macy's Parade...her only friend in the world her pet baby vulture, Badmash...
Jane Ciabattari (author of Stealing the Fire, and magazine editior)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J K Rowling
because it opened a new world, with all aspects thoroughly thought through, from the methods of transport and message carrying through the types of candies kids would love. The other Harry Potter books are also among my favorites, but the first was a revelation.
Melissa Flashman (literary agent)
Poison Apples – Lily Archer
The writing is poignant and funny. It has been compared to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants perhaps because of its heartfelt take on friendship and family. To be sure, that is true, but I simply couldn't put it down.
Anji Pratap (Author and Publishing Contracts Manager)
Chose 2 books
THE BLUE BANANA. I think it was in a reading series but it was fantastic. It was basically this quest for the rare 'blue banana'. I just remember really liking the pictures, the idea of it and the fact that I could read it myself but that it wasn't dull like the dreaded Peter and Janes. I've tried to find this on E-bay and Amazon since but to no avail. If it's not possible to use this lost gem my next choice would be The Very Hungry Caterpillar because of the innovative use of holes in pages.
Mark Farley (writer of blog ‘bookseller to the stars’)
Kestrel for a Knave
When I was growing up, I couldn't undertand or relate to the likes of The Hardy Boys and the Secret Seven. Priviledged little brats bounding around the dale with their yappy pedigree in tow, solving mysteries like who stole the vicar's jam etc. But A Kestrel for a Knave, and its tale of struggle, poverty and family drama set in the harsh north in the eighties was something I could definately get to grips with and also understand. Billy Casper was my Richard Campion.
Will Williams (bookshop Manager)
Dark is Rising Sequence – Susan Cooper
Re-read them only last year and they remain an amazing sequence of books, pitching the age old fight of light against dark within the famework of celtic mythology in both the present day and Britain's deep mythic past. Deeply evocative and full of rich images and satisfying set pieces, I'm convinced Philip Pullman drew on their inspiration when writing His Dark Materials.
Maxine Hastings (Cambridge University Press)
Alice in Wonderland,
because I wanted to be Alice.
Kate Ladell (student)
Chose 2 books
1) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - the first book I remember reading, and read to my little sister when she was a few hours old.. love the pictures and the way some of the pages have holes in :o)2) The Jolly Postman - love the rhyme, the details, the way you can open the post on each page, and the connections to numerous fairy tales!
Philip Allen (musician with London band Honeygene)
Asterix
Asterix ....pretty much the whole series, but Asterix the Gaul and Astrix in Switzerland stand out in my memory. They were colourful, had magic potions and fantasticastical names.
I'd like to add that I did ask representatives of all the major political parties to send me their choice but only the Liberal Democrats replied. So don't think there's any political bias in the list. Please feel free to add to the list, as we hope to use the list to compile one of the shop's first promotions.
Thanks to everyone who helped us with this.
Friday, October 05, 2007
The Price of Loyalty
Well, they took all their books out of 'Window 1', and filled it with a poster and some leaflets inviting you to join the gang. They had a competition to see which branch/region persuaded the most people to join the gang (perhaps you got some Waterstone's points if you won). I've even joined the gang myself. They're offering double points if you buy Pam Ayres best poems on CD, amongst other things, and i'm sure it's all marvellous. I'm sure that if there was a Waterstone's in which to be loyal to in Wood Green it would be very popular. But alas, there isn't....
I've been thinking about these loyalty schemes recently, and considering ways in which we could reward our customers for shopping in the new shop. I'm not naive enough to assume that customers will just flock through our doors the moment we open. We certainly want to create a mailing list, to invite customers to our fabulous events, and evenings, and also to let them know what offers we're having, but I think that we need to be able to thank our customers for shopping with us with some sort of reward.
So i've got an idea that I wonder if anyone else has considered. It's not just little bookshops that are being affected by big aggressive businesses. There are Supermarkets, and foul fast-food joints that are squeezing a lot of the local small businesses as well. Perhaps introducing a community reward system in which a customer was rewarded for shopping at their local shops, like fishmongers, restaurants, greengrocers or bookshops etc, then it would benefit the whole community. Now please understand, i've not thought this through completely, but if you could persuade say five or six other shops in your locality to join, then you could cushion the cost and also increase your marketing power. You would be an kind of unofficial chain! The hardest thing would be to decide how the reward system would work. Points per pound spent, vouchers if more than a certain amount is spent. Or maybe something else, i don't know.
There are plenty of questions about how you would split the costs, and who counts as local, but i'm going to think about it a bit more now.
Just to let you know about two books i've read this year. Tescopoly by Andrew Simms (amazingly, available on tesco online), and How to be Free by Tom Hodgkinson (idle god)....... which probably explains a lot.
Shiny Happy People
Tim:
I Have had a really sociable week this week, and people have been soooo nice to me. If we could build this bookshop on love we'd be open by now, seriously. Oh, and a couple of people are fond of Simon too.
1) Meet me in the crowd.
I have been stopped by people in the street. "Are you the guy who's opening the bookshop?" they ask. "We think what you're doing is fantastic!" How do they know it's me? Could it be the hat? The picture in the paper? The large sandwich board, emblazoned with the words 'I AM THE GUY WHO IS OPENING THE BOOKSHOP' on it? We will never know..... Unless we ask.
2) Take it into town
I went for lunch with my old boss, Sabine Bassler (possibly my best friend in bookselling) on Tuesday. Took the train out to Beckenham with ex-colleague Clare Chamberlain (possibly my best friend in bookselling). Drank far too much wine for a lunchtime, whilst wallowing in their adoration (that last bit may only have happened in my head) Was only two hours late to pick my boys up from school..... I had phoned a friend (the lovely Caroline, but a little more about her later) to get them for me, I'm not that bad a dad. All in all it was a lovely day. Good food, good company. Lovely.
3) Gold and Silver Shine
Took some forms to the bank on Thursday. The Branch where our small business advisor, Meena, has her office is based is in Walthamstow, which gave me the opportunity to visit my old boss, Sabine Bassler (possibly my best friend in bookselling) who is the lovely manager of Walthamstow's Waterstone's and have a fast food lunch with ex-colleague Clare Chamberlain (possibly my best friend in bookselling) Who is a lovely senior bookseller. I also had brief chats with some of my old colleagues, and checked up on the lovely John Chafer, who worked with Simon and me at Wood Green and transfered to Walthamstow after the closure. He has settled in pretty well. Not surprising really, he had the best trainers in the business (and I ain't talking 'bout his shoes)
4)Where the Flowers Grow
Whilst in the Waterstone's branch I met the absolutely gorgeous Amanda Lees (who blatently plugged her own book on this very blog) She was doing an event for the branch, and - I discovered - telling all my old chums how brilliant Simon and I were (particularly Simon, but I soon put paid to that) Amanda is funny, intelligent and - to be frank - a bit of a smasher. From the little I heard of her talk, and from the chat we had afterwards, I get the idea that she is the ideal London author. She covers all the age groups from teenage up, and has the kind of affection for booksellers that is quite rare among authors. Yes, all authors love bookshops, but Amanda genuinely likes the people in the bookshops. She will definately be invited to our shop when it's up and sprinting. Another lovely day... Only five minutes late to pick up the boys.
5) Shiny Happy People Laughing
Through out the week Simon and I have come into contact with plenty of miscellaneous lovely people, and here are some of them: Stephen Moore, lovely journalist for the Hornsey Journal, who always makes me sound a lot more intelligent than I am. Karen Cooper, lovely old Hammicks chum of mine, who is a bit of an IT expert. She gave me a list of questions to ask that will make me look more intelligent than I am. A lovely researcher for a TV production company, who may be responsible for undoing all the good work that Stephen and Karen have done. The lovely ladies in the Campsbourne School office, who have just handed me over thirty entries into the 'Bookshop Name' Competition. The lovely Mrs Soopramanian, Teacher of class 6S of Campsbourne, who has obviously encouraged all her class to enter the 'Name' comp, and has entered herself. The ever-so-lovely Debbie Goodwin, of Wood Green library who let us take photos of ourselves in the teen library, and is just all round great. And last but not least.....
6) Put it in Your Hands
....The lovely Caroline, for providing me with the best moment of the week. I was chatting with a couple of parents in the school playground one morning. When Caroline walks up, hits me with a cheeky grin, hands me a rolled up piece of material and says "You left your pants at my house last night!" and she's gone, leaving me speechless, laughter ringing in my ears.
For anyone who's interested, the material turned out to be my oldest son's football shorts. Honest. Oh, and my witty come back "I wonder who she was?" came too late.... Two days too late.
Throw Your Love Around...... Oh yes.
I Have had a really sociable week this week, and people have been soooo nice to me. If we could build this bookshop on love we'd be open by now, seriously. Oh, and a couple of people are fond of Simon too.
1) Meet me in the crowd.
I have been stopped by people in the street. "Are you the guy who's opening the bookshop?" they ask. "We think what you're doing is fantastic!" How do they know it's me? Could it be the hat? The picture in the paper? The large sandwich board, emblazoned with the words 'I AM THE GUY WHO IS OPENING THE BOOKSHOP' on it? We will never know..... Unless we ask.
2) Take it into town
I went for lunch with my old boss, Sabine Bassler (possibly my best friend in bookselling) on Tuesday. Took the train out to Beckenham with ex-colleague Clare Chamberlain (possibly my best friend in bookselling). Drank far too much wine for a lunchtime, whilst wallowing in their adoration (that last bit may only have happened in my head) Was only two hours late to pick my boys up from school..... I had phoned a friend (the lovely Caroline, but a little more about her later) to get them for me, I'm not that bad a dad. All in all it was a lovely day. Good food, good company. Lovely.
3) Gold and Silver Shine
Took some forms to the bank on Thursday. The Branch where our small business advisor, Meena, has her office is based is in Walthamstow, which gave me the opportunity to visit my old boss, Sabine Bassler (possibly my best friend in bookselling) who is the lovely manager of Walthamstow's Waterstone's and have a fast food lunch with ex-colleague Clare Chamberlain (possibly my best friend in bookselling) Who is a lovely senior bookseller. I also had brief chats with some of my old colleagues, and checked up on the lovely John Chafer, who worked with Simon and me at Wood Green and transfered to Walthamstow after the closure. He has settled in pretty well. Not surprising really, he had the best trainers in the business (and I ain't talking 'bout his shoes)
4)Where the Flowers Grow
Whilst in the Waterstone's branch I met the absolutely gorgeous Amanda Lees (who blatently plugged her own book on this very blog) She was doing an event for the branch, and - I discovered - telling all my old chums how brilliant Simon and I were (particularly Simon, but I soon put paid to that) Amanda is funny, intelligent and - to be frank - a bit of a smasher. From the little I heard of her talk, and from the chat we had afterwards, I get the idea that she is the ideal London author. She covers all the age groups from teenage up, and has the kind of affection for booksellers that is quite rare among authors. Yes, all authors love bookshops, but Amanda genuinely likes the people in the bookshops. She will definately be invited to our shop when it's up and sprinting. Another lovely day... Only five minutes late to pick up the boys.
5) Shiny Happy People Laughing
Through out the week Simon and I have come into contact with plenty of miscellaneous lovely people, and here are some of them: Stephen Moore, lovely journalist for the Hornsey Journal, who always makes me sound a lot more intelligent than I am. Karen Cooper, lovely old Hammicks chum of mine, who is a bit of an IT expert. She gave me a list of questions to ask that will make me look more intelligent than I am. A lovely researcher for a TV production company, who may be responsible for undoing all the good work that Stephen and Karen have done. The lovely ladies in the Campsbourne School office, who have just handed me over thirty entries into the 'Bookshop Name' Competition. The lovely Mrs Soopramanian, Teacher of class 6S of Campsbourne, who has obviously encouraged all her class to enter the 'Name' comp, and has entered herself. The ever-so-lovely Debbie Goodwin, of Wood Green library who let us take photos of ourselves in the teen library, and is just all round great. And last but not least.....
6) Put it in Your Hands
....The lovely Caroline, for providing me with the best moment of the week. I was chatting with a couple of parents in the school playground one morning. When Caroline walks up, hits me with a cheeky grin, hands me a rolled up piece of material and says "You left your pants at my house last night!" and she's gone, leaving me speechless, laughter ringing in my ears.
For anyone who's interested, the material turned out to be my oldest son's football shorts. Honest. Oh, and my witty come back "I wonder who she was?" came too late.... Two days too late.
Throw Your Love Around...... Oh yes.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
E-Mails, Phonecalls and General Communication Skills
Simon
I've worked in the retail world for blinkin' ages now, and if there's one thing i've learned (learnt?), it's that customer service is the most important thing. I also think that this translates to day to day life. What I mean is that if someone asks me to do something or asks me a question, then I will do my best to respond to that, in a fairly prompt way.
Example a. I get an email from someone i've never met and who lives in another country, but has read the blog and wants to offer me some encouragement.
what do I do? I read the e-mail, and reply saying thanks very much for taking the time out to offer your support. And I genuinely mean it.
Example b. I get an e-mail from someone asking if we will stock their book when we open. It is about Llama Farming in Stockport
what do I do? I reply saying thanks for the e-mail, but to be honest it probably isn't our market. I may suggest they get in touch with Llama farms or a bookshop in Stockport.
OK, so I've been sending a few e-mails recently to various people letting them know about our bold and exciting venture (opening a bookshop in Wood Green), and wondering if they could help in anyway or if they knew someone who could. I've done my best to send these to people who I genuinely think are appropriate. I'm sure they're all much busier than me, but the response i'm getting is a little thin on the ground. Thanks to all those people who have replied, even if it was a 'no, but good luck' type of thing.
Am I deluded in thinking that I should get a reply from more than 10% of the people I e-mailed, or is the 'delete, delete, delete' function one that is to be expected, and i'm just an annoying little twat, who should just shut up, and stop sending e-mails.
I realise that when my Mum reads this she'll be on the phone straight away telling me that I never return her text messages, and that I still haven't sent my Auntie a thankyou letter for my birthday, but I really mean to do it soon.
I've worked in the retail world for blinkin' ages now, and if there's one thing i've learned (learnt?), it's that customer service is the most important thing. I also think that this translates to day to day life. What I mean is that if someone asks me to do something or asks me a question, then I will do my best to respond to that, in a fairly prompt way.
Example a. I get an email from someone i've never met and who lives in another country, but has read the blog and wants to offer me some encouragement.
what do I do? I read the e-mail, and reply saying thanks very much for taking the time out to offer your support. And I genuinely mean it.
Example b. I get an e-mail from someone asking if we will stock their book when we open. It is about Llama Farming in Stockport
what do I do? I reply saying thanks for the e-mail, but to be honest it probably isn't our market. I may suggest they get in touch with Llama farms or a bookshop in Stockport.
OK, so I've been sending a few e-mails recently to various people letting them know about our bold and exciting venture (opening a bookshop in Wood Green), and wondering if they could help in anyway or if they knew someone who could. I've done my best to send these to people who I genuinely think are appropriate. I'm sure they're all much busier than me, but the response i'm getting is a little thin on the ground. Thanks to all those people who have replied, even if it was a 'no, but good luck' type of thing.
Am I deluded in thinking that I should get a reply from more than 10% of the people I e-mailed, or is the 'delete, delete, delete' function one that is to be expected, and i'm just an annoying little twat, who should just shut up, and stop sending e-mails.
I realise that when my Mum reads this she'll be on the phone straight away telling me that I never return her text messages, and that I still haven't sent my Auntie a thankyou letter for my birthday, but I really mean to do it soon.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
It's National Children's Book Week
Today we have 4 choices
1. Amanda Lees (author)
Kumari Goddess of Gotham
because I wrote it. OK - it's a blatant author plug but I actually, genuinely love it because it's exactly the sort of book that enthralled me as a child. Goddess of Gotham is my first book for kids and the first in a trilogy (I'm currently editing the second book, Goddess of Secrets, and am about to whizz off to the Bath Lit Festival to run a goddess workshop!). It's about a goddess in training from a hidden kingdom who suddenly finds herself in New York, running for her life through the Macy's Parade...her only friend in the world her pet baby vulture, Badmash...
Kumari Goddess of Gotham
because I wrote it. OK - it's a blatant author plug but I actually, genuinely love it because it's exactly the sort of book that enthralled me as a child. Goddess of Gotham is my first book for kids and the first in a trilogy (I'm currently editing the second book, Goddess of Secrets, and am about to whizz off to the Bath Lit Festival to run a goddess workshop!). It's about a goddess in training from a hidden kingdom who suddenly finds herself in New York, running for her life through the Macy's Parade...her only friend in the world her pet baby vulture, Badmash...
2. Nicola Robertson (well, Lucy Robertson 6)Lucy's (6) favourite books are Horrid Henry ones Horrid Henry's Evil Enemies being the best. The look of pure joy on her face as she hears about Henry's naughty exploits - doing all the things she would secretly love to have the courage to do, says why she loves this so much.
3. Simon Key (Local resident, and co-creator of the Wood Green Bookshop)
Danny, Champion of the World - Roald Dahl
I wanted to be Danny, live in a Gypsy caravan, never go to school, and have the most amazing adventures that were just a little bit dodgy.
Danny, Champion of the World - Roald Dahl
I wanted to be Danny, live in a Gypsy caravan, never go to school, and have the most amazing adventures that were just a little bit dodgy.
4. Justin Key (brother) I have very fond memories of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'; there's just something about the book that stays with you when others from such a young age fade away.
&
Kate Ladell (student)
the first book I remember reading, and read to my little sister when she was a few hours old.. love the pictures and the way some of the pages have holes in :o)
the first book I remember reading, and read to my little sister when she was a few hours old.. love the pictures and the way some of the pages have holes in :o)
Check us out in the newspaper!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
It's Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
Simon
++Bookshop Update++
Although it's all been relatively straightforward so far, and we've not hit any major obstacles, there has been a bit of a sticking point recently. The leaseholder of the shop-to-be is being very elusive. The offer was accepted 2 weeks ago, and the geezer needed to take a copy of his passport to the estate agent and sign a few bits and pieces. Thing is, he keeps putting it off, and we're getting a bit worried that it's dragging on a bit too long. We've given him until Friday to come up with the 'goods', or we'll be looking for another place. There are a couple of other options. They are bigger but not in the ideal location, but we'll wait and see.
In better news though, i'm doing a column in Retail Week this week. I e-mailed the editor a couple of days ago to see if he'd be interested in a feature, and blow me down, he was. There's a regular column called 'Under the Counter', and i've put together a piece for this.
Also, I had a lovely interview with Victoria Hunt from Publishing News this afternoon, and I think there's going to be a piece about us next week.
And Lynne Featherstone (our local MP) has labelled us 'my favourite bookish duo' in her blog. High praise indeed.
It's National Children's Book Week
Three Books today.
1.Mark Farley (writer of blog ‘bookseller to the stars’)
Kestrel for a Knave
When I was growing up, I couldn't undertand or relate to the likes of The Hardy Boys and the Secret Seven. Priviledged little brats bounding around the dale with their yappy pedigree in tow, solving mysteries like who stole the vicar's jam etc. But A Kestrel for a Knave, and its tale of struggle, poverty and family drama set in the harsh north in the eighties was something I could definately get to grips with and also understand. Billy Casper was my Richard Campion.
2.Zizou Corder (author of Lion Boy)
Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson-Burnett
because three people get redeemed, in a row like dominoes. Also, bieng a city girl, was deeply in love with Dickon
3.Anthony Goldstein (local resident and ex-Ottakars/Waterstone’s)
The Limony Snickett series
How can you not love a vain and stupid villain like Count Olaf. And it's a great Potter antidote. Genuinely witty and sly with lots of puns and references that only a reasonably well-read adult would spot. Possibly a bit formulaic. But hey, if the formula works, why complain.
More about the shop a little later on.
Monday, October 01, 2007
It's National Children's Book Week!
every day this week we'll be celebrating this event by highlighting some of the residents of Wood Green and supporters of our bookshop's choices of favourite kid's book.
Day 1.
My Favourite Picture book, by Tim West (age 45 1/4)
The best children's book of all time is 'Little Rabbit Foo Foo' retold by Michael Rosen. The main character - Little Rabbit Foo Foo - is a happy smiling bunny in possession of a shiny red motorcyle, a patched yellow net and a lovely red mallet. His only pleasure is to whizz around the forest scooping up various critters in his net. He then parks somewhere quiet and releases the various critters, giving them a friendly bop on the head with the aforementioned mallet. The only fly in Foo Foo's ointment is the Good Fairy, who is something like a woodland police officer. She always appears after Foo Foo has handed out one of his trademark boppings and issues him with increasingly stronger warnings. Does this deter our erstwhile anti-hero? Well, no, otherwise it would be a very short book. Does Foo Foo get his comeuppance? Well, you'll just have to read it to find out
The best children's book of all time is 'Little Rabbit Foo Foo' retold by Michael Rosen. The main character - Little Rabbit Foo Foo - is a happy smiling bunny in possession of a shiny red motorcyle, a patched yellow net and a lovely red mallet. His only pleasure is to whizz around the forest scooping up various critters in his net. He then parks somewhere quiet and releases the various critters, giving them a friendly bop on the head with the aforementioned mallet. The only fly in Foo Foo's ointment is the Good Fairy, who is something like a woodland police officer. She always appears after Foo Foo has handed out one of his trademark boppings and issues him with increasingly stronger warnings. Does this deter our erstwhile anti-hero? Well, no, otherwise it would be a very short book. Does Foo Foo get his comeuppance? Well, you'll just have to read it to find out
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