Parents need not worry about keeping their kids busy this school holiday season because The Mad Hatters Bookshop has the whole of December planned out. All you have to do is to bring the kiddos around. This charming local bookstore at the corner of Stratton Tce and Cambridge Pde, Manly is hosting two book launches, several Christmas craft workshops, a party, and their regular story-time sessions.
“Malibu and the Naughty Elf” Book Launch on 9th of December at 10:30 a.m.
“Malibu and the Naughty Elf” is the next installation in the series of books titled “Three Legged Kangaroo from Uluru” published by the Big Sky Publishing. Children are advised to come dressed in their favourite Christmas clothes. Cupcakes and other sweet treats will be served and Santa might come for a visit.
Australian author and advocate of children’s literacy Michelle Worthington will be coming by for a storytime session, with book-signing afterwards. Her many accolades include winning the 2014 International Book Awards for hardcover Fiction Picture Book for “Each the Same”. You can read more about her here.
Sock Snowman on 11th of December at 10:30 a.m.
For $5, kids can attend a workshop where they can learn to make Snowman from their old socks. Parents can do their Christmas gift shopping at the bookstore while the kids are busy working.
“Esme’s Wish” Book Launch on 16th December at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
“Esme’s Wish” is a teen fantasy and mystery fiction which tackles the themes of loss and friendship. Cupcakes will be served and author Elizabeth Foster will be coming by to sign her books for the crowd.
Reviews for “Esme’s Wish”
“I found the story very unique… this book overtook my expectations… A beautiful, fantastical mystery. I would love to read multiple books following this one.”
– Tamsyn, 15
“This colorful, well-constructed tale is as much detective story as fantasy and deftly blends both elements into a page-turning plot… I was fascinated by the creative water world of Aeolia, described in Elizabeth Foster’s limpid, seductive prose.”
– Sarah Scheele for Readers’ Favorite 5 STARS
Credit: Esme’s Wish YouTube
Stars Wars Party on 17th of December at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
For $35, children will learn how to play the Star Wars Destiny Trading Game. Party goers who will buy Star Wars products on the day will be entitled to $5 voucher for all of their purchased.
Christmas House Workshop on 19th of December at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For $20, kids six years old and above will learn to build and design their own Christmas house. Booking is recommended as slots are limited for this workshop.
Check this out for the complete timetable of events at The Mad Hatters Bookshop, including their regular story time sessions:
The Mad Hatters Bookshop is at Shop 3 Manly 7 Day Markets, corner of Stratton Tce and Cambridge Pde Manly, Queensland