The Little Bookshop

Happy October! This week we’re slowly changing our shop into a spookish (but fun!) bookshop with a window display and table dedicated to Halloween (our project of this week!). But first, let’s have a look at the new books coming out this month. Is there something you'd like to add to your October reading list?
SCRAP: The Good, the Bad and the Rusty by Guy Bass (3 October)
The Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew by Kalynn Bayron (8 October)
Magical Mountain Rescue (last in the series!) by Liz Flanagan (3 October)
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin (10 October)

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter (1 October, sorry, this one is not available yet!)
The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow (1 October, sorry, this one is not available yet!)
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner (10 October)
The Hollow and the Haunted by Camilla Raines (22 October)
The Night House by Jo Nesbo (10 October)
Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire (17 October)
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan (10 October)
Exhalation by Ted Chiang (3 October)

Hello fellow Book Dragons, Halloween season is getting closer! And we have PLENTY of events waiting for you! Let's have a look, shall we?
- 2nd of Oct: Reading with Kids Halloween edition - with our lovely volunteer!
Three different sessions: The Little Elves (age 1-3) at 10.00-10.20, The Griffins (age 3-5) at 14.00-14.20, and The Dragons (age 5-8) at 14.40-15.00. All three of the sessions are English only :)
- 3rd + 17th of Oct: session Role-Playing Game
Jon (teacher) will help you to improve your English by playing Role-Playing Games
- 5th of Oct: Book Club - Intermediate (SORRY, FULL)
We're reading 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell
- 11th +15th + 31st of Oct: Tarot Reading Sessions with Laurel (registration on her website)
- 21st of Oct: Activities for Kids/learn English while having fun - with Georgia (teacher)
Two different groups: The Griffins (age 3-5) at 08.30-10.30 and The Dragons (age 5-8) at 10.45-12.45
- 26th of Oct: Book Club - Expert (SORRY, FULL)
We have a Halloween theme (what else, hahaha!)
- 28th of Oct: Board Games for kids (8-12) from 09.30-11.30
Jon (teacher) will help your kid to improve his/her English by playing Board Games
To register for the sessions Role-Playing Games, Activities for Kids, and Board Games (kids), you can send a message on Facebook :) Hope to see you at our events!

Firstly, I'd like to thank the book dragons who were there this morning! For all their enthusiasm, insights, stories, and the "gezelligheid". That's Dutch for saying 'spending a good time'. This book got us hooked and made us reflect on life/womanhood/humanity/solitude/the impact of one event that shapes our life. It makes you question a lot of things like what is it to be human/a woman? We talked about the characters we'd like to meet from Lord of the Rings, If We Were Villains, The Women of Troy, The Seven Sisters, Circe, Madame Fourcade's Secret War, and The Travelling Cat Chronicles. And we talked about so much more but especially the impact of this powerful book!
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

And we have another wonderful interview for you: Clare Helen Welsh with her latest picture book 'Moon Bear'. She's amazing because all her books have important messages AND she's a big supporter of other author's/illustrator's work. She wants to help parents to find the right books for their children, and I love this! Thank you for answering all my questions and I hope I can help you with your initiative Books That Help! You can find our interview here: https://www.thelittlebookshop.fr/post/the-little-interview-with-clare-helen-welsh-moon-bear

I think by now, you know I love reading a good thriller. And I have found another one in our YA section!! I always have a difficult time writing book crushes for thrillers because I don't want to spoil the book. So let us check our list:
Sisterly bond? Check.
Retrograde amnesia? Check.
Thriller twists? Check.
To read? Check! Check! And check!
Grace can't remember what caused her sister Maddy's disappearance from an exclusive senior trip at their expensive private school, and even the police think she's lying. But it’s hard to look innocent with a missing girl’s blood on your clothes… Now, without her memories of the trip, Grace must piece together notebook entries and classmates’ revelations to discover how her sister disappeared. And unless Grace can find out what happened to Maddy, she'll never clear her conscience — or her name.
Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

This is a book that was on my list to read before Halloween because it has the perfect theme: vampires! Then I saw an important message from . Here, at The Little Bookshop we try to have a diverse selection of books (and authors!) because we believe this is how it should be. And we believe everyone should be able to read the books they want. Sorry, I didn't mean to get too political but I just want you to know that these topics are oh so important in our society.
Going back to 'The Vanquishers': this is a great middle grade series! The first volume sets the scene. We're 20 years after the Reaping (vampires are now extinct) and Boog's and her friends' parents are still VERY protective and following the old rules. We get a good image of Boog's life and I have to say: this is amazing! She has such a great relationship with her friends - who are also her neighbors. It's nice to see this in a series. This first part is a bit slower but it's all to set up for the action later in the book. At the end, we still don't have all the answers (I mean, it's a trilogy!) but you are coming up with lots of theories yourself. A great series about vampires, family, and friendship. And… the message that not everything is as it seems (this also counts for people… and vampires??). We already have Book 2 'Secret of the Reaping' in stock & Book 3 'Rise of the Wrecking Crew' will be out on the 8th of October.
Who you gonna call? The Vanquishers (by Kalynn Bayron)! (age 8-12)

This is actually the first webtoon I read! I enjoyed this story about standing up for yourself, bullying, and friendship. We follow the characters in this story on their journey (like a scavenger hunt but also an inner journey) filled with letters. Every time there's a new letter, the color scheme gets adapted to this. This is nicely done - like the characters!
Sori Lee is hoping for a fresh start at her new school - which is easier said than done when every single thing reminds her of why she transferred. As luck would have it, an anonymous letter taped to the bottom of her desk provides a perfect distraction. Little does Sori know that she's about to embark on the scavenger hunt of a lifetime! What starts off as simple curiosity becomes a healing journey as Sori discovers just how far a small act of kindness can go.
Your Letter by Hyeon A. Cho

Out today! This is the second one in the Blackwater series by Michael McDowell (with the same beautiful cover as the French version!). Written in the '80s, this Southern Gothic classic takes you to the '50s in Perdido, Alabama and some weird things are happening here. Did you already start this series?
(Don't read this part if you haven't read the first one yet!) Perdido, Alabama, has scarcely recovered from the floods that devastated the community. Now a scheme to build a levee is dogged by a series of mysterious events: unpredictable currents in the river, a troubled workforce and worrying disappearances. Meanwhile in the Caskey family, Marie-Love, the matriarch, continues her machinations against Elinor, her strange daughter in law. Plots, unholy alliances, sacrifices - in the struggle between them, nothing is off limits. In Perdido, the changes will be profound; the consequences irreversible.
The Levee (Blackwater 2) by Michael McDowell

The Fan Brothers did it again! Discover this touching story about finding your place in the world. And just look at their beautiful drawings. Even though it looks all cute, there's a lot of messages in this story. As we like to say it: The Fan Brothers quality! (age: 5-9)

Aaaanndd we have another wonderful interview on our website ♥️ I loved this first instalment and can’t wait for the other two! 🥰 Thank you so much for your book and answering all my questions!

So when one of your favorite illustrators has been asked to be the one to create the first 'Lord of the Flies' graphic novel adaptation, you have to read it ASAP! And I did! And I LOVED it! This classic story about survival, rules, society, and much more has been perfectly adapted. The colors throughout the story are adding another layer: in the beginning it's all an adventure (colorful island) until it isn't anymore (here we see darker colors, darker state of mind). The drawings stay classic (still playful with different sizes of drawings) which is perfect for an adaptation of a true classic novel. Seriously, as we say in Dutch; "Petje af" for Aimée's talent. This adaptation is not only for the fans of graphic novels, it's also for the fans of the novel (Aimée stays true to the original text), and it's for the ones who think classics are a bit too complex. If you don't know the story, there are some shocking drawings (but these are done with care). SORRY, very long story just to tell you: PLEASE READ this one.
A plane crashes on a desert island. The only survivors, a group of schoolboys. By day, they explore the dazzling beaches. By night, they are haunted by nightmares of a primitive beast and of what they've lost. Orphaned by society, they must forge their own; but it isn't long before the group is split, and their innocent games take a dangerous turn.
Lord of the Flies - William Golding & illustrated by Aimée de Jongh

Drop in temperature -> autumn is almost around the corner🍂 Which means… Time for thrillers!🔎 What do you think of this one?
When the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society invites six authors to a festival aboard the Ghan – the famous Darwin to Adelaide train – it’s a who’s who of crime writing royalty. And me! (The lowly debut author.) But when one of us is murdered, six authors must become five detectives. We're all experts in whodunnits. Together, we should know how to solve a crime. Or to commit one…
Everyone On This Train is a Suspect - Benjamin Stevenson

I mean… there's a dog and there's Van Gogh…. this means I am not really objective, but well! I love how this story and these colorful drawings explain in a fun way the paintings Van Gogh did. It's a fun way to show you: inspiration is really everywhere (sometimes all it takes is a cute dog to show you the way). I actually wish it was a bit longer! (Age: 3+) ps sorry, couldn't get the title or names fully on it.
Vincent van Gogh is an artist with nothing to paint… until a mischievous dog comes along to show him that inspiration is all around. Join Vincent and Sunny on a fun-filled chase through the settings of some of Vincent van Gogh's most awe-inspiring paintings. In this multi-coloured adventure, young readers will learn to look at the world through an artist's eyes.
Van Gogh's Dog by Georgia Larson & illustrated by Grace Helmer

After the success of 'The Midnight Library' (remember two fellow book dragons showed this one for our first book club "Crushes"?!), there's now the latest book by Matt Haig at the bookshop!
When retired Maths teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan. Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the Balearics Grace searches for answers about her friend's life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past. Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.
The Life Impossible - Matt Haig

Sorry everyone, today the bookshop is closed! But no worries, we’ll be back tomorrow! Have a wonderful Tuesday.

School starts again! We hope you enjoyed your Summer holidays (obviously filled with plenty of books). To give you some courage for this new school year, we offer a bag filled with some nice stationery that will brighten up your schooldays/workdays. So how can you win?
->
1. Follow us
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend who loves to/would love to read in English (your friend can win a second-hand book!)
We’ll then put your Instagram in a Name Picker and to keep it in book language: ¨May the odds be ever in your favor.” (a bit too dramatic?!) The winner will be announced on the 9th of September at 20.00.
In the bag, you find:
- A Robin Hood notebook by Kartos
- Stickers by My Sweet Paper Card
- Bookmark by ZigZag Island
- Washi tape by My Sweet Paper Card
- Milk chocolate with hazelnuts by Tony Chocolonely
- Book: a second-hand of your choosing (in this picture, you see ‘Caraval’ by Stephanie Garber)

School starts again! We hope you enjoyed your Summer holidays (obviously filled with plenty of books). To give you some courage for this new school year, we offer a bag filled with some nice stationery that will brighten up your schooldays/workdays. So how can you win?
->
1. Follow us
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend who loves to/would love to read in English (your friend can win a second-hand book!)
We’ll then put your Instagram in a Name Picker and to keep it in book language: ¨May the odds be ever in your favor.” (a bit too dramatic?!) The winner will be announced on the 9th of September at 20.00.
In the bag, you find:
- A Robin Hood notebook by Kartos
- Stickers by My Sweet Paper Card
- Bookmark by ZigZag Island
- Washi tape by My Sweet Paper Card
- Milk chocolate with hazelnuts by Tony Chocolonely
- Book: a second-hand of your choosing (in this picture, you see ‘Caraval’ by Stephanie Garber)

Happy September! Great books are coming out this month. Can’t wait for ‘Barnaby Unboxed’ because I’m a huge fan of The Fan Brothers (we have all their picture books in the shop)! Also, Aimée de Jongh has illustrated ‘Lord of the Flies’, luckily we don’t have to wait too long (12th of Sept)! How about you, which titles are on your September list?
Night Lunch by Eric Fan & Illustrated by Dena Seiferling (5 September)
Barnaby Unboxed by The Fan Brothers (5 September)
What Are They Feeling by The School of Life (12 September)
The Colour of the Sky by Layn Marlow (5 September)
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas (5 September)
Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim (3 September)
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (12 September)
In These Hallowed Halls - Anthology (10 September)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding & illustrated by Aimée de Jongh (12 September)
Intermezzo Sally Rooney (24 September)
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett (5 September)
We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida (5 September)

And we're back with another interview! I think you already know how much I love this thriller (YA)! I was sooo happy when Megan said yes to our Little Interview! Thank you again and can't wait for your next book!!

En français : Sur notre comptoir, à la caisse, tu as peut-être remarqué les cartes de visite de Wall Street English. Il s'agit d'un centre de formation en anglais situé à Rennes. Nous avons donc eu l'occasion de discuter avec Morgane et Nico de Wall Street lors d'une session de questions-réponses afin qu'il partagent avec nous leur expérience et précieux conseils.

Almost the first sentence of the book. Can you guess which one?

A touching story about robot Roz trying to understand life and making friends. Which is not always easy, especially when the animals are afraid of this “monster”. Yet she makes her way and even learns what it is to have a family. The chapters are short, perfect for a few chapters before going to sleep. There are quite some life lessons in it and many animals (always good)! This is for every child who loves robots, the wilderness, and books about family. (Age: 8-12) AND important information: soon you can watch the film adaptation (9th of October)!
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is - but she knows she needs to survive. But as Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home - until, one day, her mysterious past comes back to haunt her.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Randy Ribay’s new book ‘Everything We Never Had’ will be out soon (27/08). So I thought… I’m going to read his previous book! I think it’s important to read books about subjects you’re not really familiar with. Because it’s important to know. This story is about the war on drugs in the Philippines, it’s about family, it’s about grief, it’s about regrets, it’s about doing something more. There’s a lot of reflection from the main character while he’s trying to understand everything better. We see him grow as a person. I truly believe this is an important read. (sorry for the huge sticker on the cover, the one in the shop is without!)
“I have to do something that matters. Something real.” Jay Reguero plans to spend the summer playing video games before heading to university. But then he discovers that his Filipino cousin Jun was murdered as part of President Duterte’s war on drugs. No one in the family wants to talk about what happened, so Jay travels to the Philippines to find out the real story. As he uncovers more about Jun, he is forced to face some uncomfortable truths about his cousin’s death - and the part he played in it.
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Hello fellow Book Dragons, September is getting closer! We know this means going back to school/work BUT it also means GREAT EVENTS (well, we hope so!). To give you an overview of what’s to come:

- 4th of September: Reading with Kids - with our lovely volunteer!
Three different sessions: The Little Elves (age 1-3) at 10.00-10.20, The Griffins (age 3-5) at 14.00-14.20, and The Dragons (age 5-8) at 14.40-15.00
- 5th of September: first session Role-Playing Game
Jon (teacher) will help you to improve your English by playing Role-Playing Games
- 7th of September: Book Club - Beginners (STILL PLACES AVAILABLE)
We’re reading in English ‘Treasure Island’ and we’ll discuss the book in French
- 19th of September: second session Role-Playing Game with Jon
- 28th of September: Book Club - Expert (SORRY, FULL)
We’re reading ‘I Who Have Never Known Men’ by Jacqueline Harpman

To register for any of the events, you can send a message on Instagram :) Hope to see you for our events! ❤️

I’m in my ‘speculative’ novel mood these days. And “The Marriage Act” is a great example of it! Enjoyed this one. It gives some Black Mirror vibes and I couldn’t stop reading. I have to admit, there was one character super disturbing, one character super annoying, one character super sad, maybe I should stop here or I’ll give away too many spoilers! This is for everyone who is looking for: speculative thriller, quite realistic dystopian near-future, and multiple POV.
Britain. The near future. A right-wing government believes it has the answer to society’s ills – the Sanctity of Marriage Act, which actively encourages marriage as the norm, punishing those who choose to remain single. But four couples are about to discover just how impossible relationships can be when the government is supervising every aspect of our personal lives, monitoring every word, every minor disagreement – and will use every tool in its arsenal to ensure everyone will love, honour and obey . . .
The Marriage Act by John Marrs