Anyone who has met up with me in the past few months will be more than aware of the fact that I am a very proud Auntie. I am taking my responsibilities extremely seriously and understand that this involves me badgering complete strangers to look at cute pictures and, most important of all, assembling a library of epic proportions for my niece. As part of that on-going quest, I headed to Just Imagine on Saturday, a beautiful children’s bookshop with a buzzing atmosphere. I didn’t join the collage masterclass that was in progress though, finding more than enough entertainment on the shelves.

One book I shall enjoy showing her is a cute board and mirror book as, modesty aside, I’ll get stuck into the face pulling required, encouraging frog-faces and the like. Hopefully she won’t be too scarred by that experience.  And also among my purchases was a gorgeous book that called to me from the shelf: I am the King written and illustrated by Leo Timmers and published by the, new to me, Gecko Press of New Zealand. Excellent discoveries all in all I’m sure you’ll agree.

I rounded off my shopping spree with a visit to another local independent emporium: sweet shop Bah Humbug to stock up on lemon bonbons. With the sun shining and a bag full of book booty I think it’s safe to say that it doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

Lesley-Crooks, Sales and Digital Manager