Maisy loved having stories read to her and all Maisys friends who came in.  Maisy brought in Maisy ears for her friends to wear along with door prizes of some of her favourite books and balloons and stickers.

$32.99

A letter from the dead summons Vianne to return to the rural French community of Lansquenet. The winds of change have brought a new ‘other’ to embrace and challenge the locals through the settlement of a Muslim community. Initially respectful interactions dissolve as intolerance, prejudice and xenophobia infect the community; creating an intriguing and suspenseful problem. In returning, Vianne also embarks on a personal journey through her confrontations with Inès Bencharki , her alter ego, who is despised by both her own and host community. Vianne’s chocolates have no alchemical power against this ‘Woman in Black’, which shatters Vianne’s sense of identity, and forces her to confront the possibility that she might also be ordinary, or that others are also special. Like Vianne’s chocolates, this work is a luxurious indulgence, and Harris, like Vianne, draws one in through the sensuality of the world she creates.  Anna

$12.95

B.I.G.  which stands for Bravery, Imagination and Generosity is an innovative new publication which encourages kids to be creative and invites their imaginations to go wild.  Whilst the creative directors are Jo Pollitt (Perth based dancer) and Lilly Blue (Sydney based visual artist), the senior editor is 8 year old Luca, Jo’s son.  This collaboration between adults and kids is what underpins the  biannual publication, designed to be written in, cut up and drawn over. The current issue is themed ‘Treasure Maps’ and the next, due out in November, will be titled ‘Game On’.  Do you remember that magic and adventure you experienced when you read a story as a child?  This is like a tangible version of that – it takes that magic and puts it in the hands of a child and says “just go for it, let your imagination run”.  A sincerely wonderful publication for kids, and adults still young at heart.  Jane

$29.99

Debut novelist, Kathleen MacMahon has created a very believable love story.  It is set at the beginning of the global financial crisis when  Bruno, a 50 year ex Lehman Brothers employee, travels to Ireland researching his family tree and meets 38 year old Addie, his second cousin.  As their relationship develops the inevitable history of past relationships is unveiled and with it, the hurt and pain that has moulded the characters before us.  But as with life, having experienced the hurt and pain, it makes the love and laughter so much sweeter.  The palpable characters are unforgettable and leave you believing that love can happen at any age and reminding us to live each day as if it was your last. Jane

$32.99

It’s a little different from his earlier works, but fans of Cleave will be excited to know that his new book, Gold, does not disappoint. On the surface, it’s a crisp read and a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes as two best friends vie for the same Olympic cycling dream. Underneath all this, however, is a rich narrative bustling with all the complexities that being both a woman and an athlete bring. It’s difficult to deny Cleave’s ability to not only get inside a character’s head, but to flesh all that out on the page, as clear and intimate as if they were your own thoughts. Brooke

Lunch with Stephanie Alexander on April 23 was just brilliant. She shared some of her best-kept cooking secrets, inspired us with her stories on The Kitchen Garden Foundation, and – thanks to those at Ryan John Private Chef – was able to enjoy an informal chat with us over some delicious food.

Thanks to those who took time out of their day to join us. We loved having you all!

We invite you to take a look around.