The Mad Hatters Bookshop in Manly Hosts 3 Themed Parties for Booklovers/Pop Culture Buffs

Whilst most parties in this merry month of December are about Christmas, The Mad Hatters Bookshop in Manly is hosting three themed parties that are out of this world. Monster trainers, wizards and padawans are invited to these exciting celebrations of some of the biggest pop culture marvels in Australia and around the world. 

To many, The Mad Hatters Bookshop is a place for both children and adults to let their imagination run wild. This store encourages the reading habit, especially in kids, with a nook that’s designed like a wonderland out of the pages of a fairy tale.

Photo Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

December 2019 Events

More than a bookstore, activities to enhance one’s love for books are also happening every month at The Mad Hatters Bookshop. Here are some of its upcoming events for the summer school holiday this December: 

WHATWHEN/DETAIL
Pokemon Party





Tuesday
17 Dec 2019
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Learn to play Pokemon trading cards and participate in the Pokemon Quiz to win prizes. Get your ticket here.
A Moste Magical Christmas Party
(Harry Potter-themed)
Sunday
22 Dec 2019
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Make magical baubles and potions, as well as play the Hunt for Nargles, Harry Potter-themed mad libs and the Harry Potter quiz for some magical prizes. Get your ticket here.
Star Wars Party

Sunday
22 Dec 2019
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Chat and celebrate with like-minded people as the latest Star Wars franchise ends. Get your ticket here


January 2020 Book Launch

The Mad Hatter Bookshop will also host the book launch of  “Around Australia in 30 Places Illustration Challenge.” This event is set for Saturday, the 25th of Jan 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and it will be live-streamed for the rest of Brisbane to see. Publisher Rochelle Manners will be its special guest.

About The Mad Hatters Bookshop

Amidst a downturn in the retail business in Australia, The Mad Hatters Bookshop in Manly remains as a top business for the locals. This small but thriving hive for booklovers, found on Cambridge Parade, was recently picked as one of the best bookstores in Brisbane.

Photo Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

Under new management since 2015, The Mad Hatters Bookshop prides itself on giving attention to detail to make every aspect of the store worthy for customers to keep coming back. Aside from stocking up on books that you won’t likely find anywhere else, customers drift to this bookstore because of its community vibe. 

The Mad Hatter Bookshop is open daily at 9:00 a.m. It is run by a staff of local ladies who are more than happy to chat with customers about book recommendations, cards, games or pop culture. 



A Magical Fantastic Beasts Party Is Happening In Manly This Easter

Since it’s the school holidays, The Mad Hatters Bookshop in Manly is hosting a Fantastic Beasts Party for the kids!

Open for children between the ages of seven to 12 years old, the Fantastic Beasts Party is set on Friday, April 12, and will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the bookstore’s Day Markets location in the corner of Stratton Terrace and Cambridge Parade.

Guests joining the Fantastic Beasts Party can expect a treasure hunt and a trivia contest, so the kids better brush up on their knowledge about the world of Harry Potter.

Prizes will be given away to those who will do their best during the games and contests. The Mad Hatters Bookshop will also be selling discounted Harry Potter merchandise during the event.



The Fantastic Beasts Party will also be celebrating Easter with a crafting and Easter egg-making activity for the children. The Mad Hatters Bookshop encourages parents to let their children wear their most comfortable work clothes because they will be painting and working with glitter and glue.

Photo Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

Tickets to the event are at $25 per participant but this Friday’s event is all booked out. However, if you miss this party, there’s always a Harry Potter-themed activity at The Mad Hatters Bookshop during the school holidays.

Did you know that this Manly bookstore has its own Harry Potter-themed games and reading room? Take a peek of what it looks like inside in this video below.



Keep tabs of The Mad Hatters Bookshop’s Facebook page for the succeeding Harry Potter-themed events.

The Mad Hatters Bookshop Presents Activities for School Holiday Season

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.

Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop Facebook

“Malibu and the Naughty Elf” Book Launch on 9th of December at 10:30 a.m.

Credit: Michell Worthington Facebook

“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.

The Mad Hatters bookshop Facebook

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.

Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop Facebook

“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.

Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop Facebook

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.

Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop Facebook

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:

Credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop Facebook

The Mad Hatters Bookshop is at Shop 3 Manly 7 Day Markets, corner of Stratton Tce and Cambridge Pde Manly, Queensland

Step into the Mini Wonderland of Manly’s The Mad Hatters Bookshop

“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.

 

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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.

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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

Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook

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.

 

Book a Workshop

 

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.”

A Mini Wonderland for Events and Talents @ Manly’s The Mad Hatters Bookshop

Step into the enchanting world of The Mad Hatters Bookshop. They’re conveniently located in Shop 3 of Manly’s 7 Day Markets at 50 Cambridge Parade. Opened in June of 2015, Ann-Marie Finn’s one-of-a-kind bookshop takes bookworms, young and old alike, into a wonderful nook that even Alice in Wonderland won’t be able to resist. An Instagram-worthy interior and irresistibly affordable books are just a couple of the reasons why this hub is a must-explore for any adventurous book shopper.

The Mad Hatters Bookshop, contrary to popular fairy tale belief, cannot be found in any rabbit hole. However, it sure feels like being in one once you get inside the shop. Their well-stocked shelves seem like treasure troves of enthralling tomes for “visitors of all ages.” They’ve got an impressive variety of books, cards, stationeries, gifts, toys, unicorns, games, and even homewares.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply tell the friendly staff and they’ll order it in for you. This way, you can have what you want by the next time you visit.

Events and Games Galore

A Wonderland of a bookshop, Ms Finn’s lovely establishment isn’t just a hub of books for sale. It’s also a spot often filled with laughter and positive vibes. Events and games are constantly held inside. Some of the fun sessions their craft and activity room have seen include storytime on Monday mornings, junior book club sessions (Wednesday afternoons), and writing club sessions (Tuesday afternoons).

Meanwhile, their adult book club session is held at 7:00 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month. This 6th June, the club’s focus will be on Oscar Wilde’s book entitled “A Picture of Dorian Grey”. Don’t worry, if you haven’t read it yet. Everyone is welcome to join the session.

Another great thing about this fantastic book hub is that they deeply support local authors and illustrators through book launches, book signings, and reading sessions. Be prepared to scour through a wide array of books by these local talents. You can even get to meet them, too. Last 3rd June, Emily Larkin and Helene Magisson launched their new book entitled “The Whirlpool” at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  On 10th June, Michelle Worthington and Andrew Plant will be launching theirs entitled “Glitch” at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Children’s Nook

This not-so-ordinary bookshop has its own dedicated children’s nook at the rear. In the nook, there are games, children’s books, and stuffed forest animals that would keep children entertained for hours. There are mini log cushions, cute mushrooms, and some other nifty furniture pieces that would delight the young ones.

A big, captivating wall painting serves as the best attraction for the nook. Ms Finn, an artist and illustrator herself, painted this “trompe-l’oeil” mural. Merely looking at it causes one to believe that a magical mouse or a rabbit might pass by any minute. Who knows? Even the Gruffalo might come out. The realistic artistry is sure to make one’s imagination go to Fantasyland.

The Mad Hatters Bookshop is one spot any bookworm must go and check out. It’s readily accessible in the heart of Manly. They’re open Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and Sundays (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). For inquiries, you may contact them via email (info@madhattersbookshop.com) or phone (07 3393 5130). For a sneak peak about what’s currently on, check their website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Click here for The Mad Hatters Bookshop events and goodies.