“Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?” — Mad Hatter
Go down the rabbit hole and enter the mini Wonderland of The Mad Hatters Bookshop. This is a wonderland of books and toys for kids (and adults, too!). Their shelves are full of books written and illustrated by local authors and illustrators. If you can’t find the book you want in their shelves, they can even order it for you.
Ann-Marie, an artist and illustrator, created a “children’s reading nook” with a rolling hill, forest, and a fairy castle background. This area is even decorated with log cushions, mushrooms, and some forest friends like White Rabbit. This section entices a lot of kids to read and play.
Aside from books, The Mad Hatters Bookshop is also a haven full of handmade cards, toys, puzzles, puppets, and other gift ideas. The books, gift items, and the wonderland ambiance invite not only the kids, but also the adults to have a “wonder-full” shopping experience.
Of course, one of the exciting features of the little bookshop are the activities for the kids that they have lined up. Following the activity-packed first week of the Spring Holiday, here are the other activities and workshops you don’t want your kids to miss.
Fairy House Workshop
| Date: Tuesday, 26 September
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Age: 6 years+
Price: $25 |
This Fairy House Workshop is an extra holiday class, because the first class was fully-booked. Kids can create and design their very own fairy house using twigs, barks, glitters, and some sprinkle of fairy dust. This can boost their creativity and imagination.
Monopoly Party
| Date: Wednesday, 27 September
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Price: $50 |
The Mad Hatters Bookshop will also host a special monopoly class this Spring Holiday. You can leave the big kids and they’ll be entertained in playing the monopoly. They’ll learn the real rules of the game. Also,the children will take home their own copy of Monopoly and these are special editions.
If you don’t want a copy of the Monopoly game, you can just book a class for $20. Little kids can also join a dedicated workshop for younger kids.
Aleesah Darlison Junior Writing Class
| Date: Thursday, 28 September
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
Age: 6-9 years
Price: $30 |
Guest author Aleesah Darlison will host a mini workshop for little kids to explore the world of storytelling and basic writing. They will learn some fundamental skills on how to develop a good story. Kids will surely have fun, because they’ll also get a $10 Voucher for one of Aleesah’s books.
Book Launch: Fox and Moonbeam by Aleesah Darlison
| Date: Thursday, 28 September
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Age: ALL
Price: FREE |
After the Junior Writing Workshop, Aleesah will launch her book “Fox and Moonbeam”, a story about a fox and a rabbit who don’t fit in. It’s an enchanting tale of friendship and courage. Aleesah will also read the book and sign everyone’s copy. There are activities and prizes that includes a “Prize Book Pack” of Aleesah’s titles.
Aleesah Darlison Picture Book Writing Class
| Date: Thursday, 28 September
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Age: 9 years+
Price: $45 |
This is a more comprehensive writing class for the bigger kids. They will learn how to write a picture book from beginning to end. This is a great opportunity for the kids to channel their inner writer and craft an amazing story. They’ll also get a $10 Voucher for one of Aleesah’s books.
Pokemon Party
| Date: Friday, 29 September
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Price: $35 |
This is the second and the LAST Pokemon Party for the kids this Spring Holiday. Children will learn how to play Pokemon games and Pokemon monopoly. They’ll also be able to participate in the Pokemon Quiz. Kids will be able to take home a Pokemon full card pack and they’ll receive a $5 Gift Voucher for all the Pokemon products on the day.
Visit The Mad Hatters Bookshop website and Facebook page to stay updated. Better yet, visit them at Shop 3, 7 Days Markets, 50 Cambridge Parade, Manly. They’re open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Sunday.
So, why is the raven like a writing desk?
“I haven’t the slightest idea.” — Mad Hatter
Lewis Carroll said, “Because it can produce a few notes, though they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front.”