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Nearly there!

Posted on by chickenandfrog

It feels like a very long time since I last wrote a blog post. Sorry about
that, but it’s been rather hectic here. Good hectic though.

This post is a quick one to say a very heartfelt thank-you to customers old
and new, for their amazing support. The year has been tough for many, and small
businesses have had to be creative to survive. Thanks to your wonderful
support, we have not only survived, but thrived and grown.

Our new room for teens and adults has been a hit. Maybe it’s the comfy chairs…hopefully, it’s the books!

We will be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve, for last-minute panic buying and then we are closing for the holidays. If we don’t see you before, have a wondeful Christmas and peaceful, healthy and happy New Year.

 

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Christmas Catalogue

Posted on by chickenandfrog

I know it’s only October, but some people (not me!) are super organised, so here’s a link to our Christmas catalogue.

If we don’t have a specific title in store, you can order via info@chickenandfrog.co.uk, over the phone 01277 230068 or via Bookshop.org.

Click on the image to be taken to the digital version
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Another Chapter

Posted on by chickenandfrog

We have very exciting news to share…we are expanding. And I don’t just mean the waistband situation post lockdown. That’s a whole different blog.

When we moved to Crown Street, we decided not to take on the whole building, because it felt huge compared to Ongar Road. Fast forward 19 months and we’re going to be knocking through the wall that was lovingly put in place by our friend Phil, so that we can indeed take over the rest of the building. Sorry Phil.

What will we do with all that extra space? I’ll tell you. The plan is to move the older end of our book range (from age 12 to adult) over to the ‘annexe’. We have wanted to stock Manga for years – now we will have the space to do so. In addition, we will be stocking a range of literary-themed goodies, from The Literary Gift Company and Retro from Scratch. It will have a different aesthetic from the rest of the shop – dark furniture, comfy armchairs and an absence of Lego. One thing will remain the same and that’s our passion for bringing an eclectic mix of hand-picked books to Brentwood.

Expect to see mugs, posters, cushions and more
Beuatiful, local, hand-made notebooks made from rescued books
Learn Spanish with Amaya

There are two rooms upstairs, one of which will be available for hire once it’s had a lick of paint. Our wonderful Spanish tutor plans to run after school sessions for children and adults, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but apart from that, it’s empty.

That’s our news! We are aiming to welcome you to the annexe within the month. Now, where are those paintbrsuhes…

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New News

Posted on by chickenandfrog

Good morning lovely readers. I hope that everyone is safe and well during these strange times.

As I am sure you are aware, things are about to change once again this week. This is a quick post to let you know that we are still here for you.

As of Thursday, the bookshop will be closed for browsing, but open for collection. A member of the team will be in every day, to answer the phone and emails, package up books and smile at you through the window! Seriously though, you can order books over the phone, via email or click on the ‘store’ button on our homepage.

For now, book and writing clubs will be via Zoom. Please message us for the codes.

Tuition will remain as is – the groups remain constant and so we can continue as we are. However, we do have the option to Zoom in if you wish to do so.

If you hop over to our events page, you will see full details of events coming up and how to join in. Mrs Claus has kindly agreed to visit us in December, instead of this month. Phew!

One last thing. All of your independents need you, now more than ever. If you can, we urge you to support us, rather than clicking through to the online giant.

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Book Book Book

Posted on by chickenandfrog

We’re excited to be launching a book subscription service.

3-month book subscription service. Receive a gift-wrapped book every month for a season (3 books). Any age from 0-18. £35.00.

6-month book subscription service. Receive a gift-wrapped book every month for 6 months (6 books). Any age from 0-18. £70.00.

Annual book subscription service. Receive a gift-wrapped book every month for a year (12 books). Any age from 0-18. £135.00.

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Book Club – Adults Only!

Posted on by chickenandfrog

Last Friday our book club for adults met up to discuss A.F.Harrold’s The Song from Somewhere Else.

SPOILERS, SWEETIE!

What follows is a very brief summary of our bookish chat, minus the tea and biscuits.

The poetic language certainly struck a chord with some members of the group. It’s very clear from this book that Ashley knows how to craft and manipulate language. Levi Pinfold’s illustrations are reminiscent of Jim Kay’s in A Monster Calls. The scratchy lines, blurred edges and dark depths brought Ashley’s words to life, adding a rich layer to the narrative.

The group were split with regards to Frank’s behaviour towards Nick, but all agreed that she and Nick were believable representations of children. Some wanted to know more about how Nick came into the world, and also find out more of Frank’s home life. Why was her mum absent so often?

All in all, we agreed that this novel tackles issues of friendship, bullying and other-worldliness in its own unique style.

On the 18th January we will be discussing this beauty:

And our February title is the latest novel from Karen McCombie:

Until next time, happy reading!