Book of the Month: Be Your Best Self by Danielle Brown MBE and Nathan Kai

‘Be Your Best Self: Life Skills For Unstoppable Kids’ by Danielle Brown MBE & Nathan Kai pub. Button Books

​Be Your Best Self provides children with a kit for self-growth, success and happiness, and facilitates the growth of Champion mindsets. It's a recipe that empowers children to thrive, shine and be the very best they can be.

It helps children and young people to practise core skills and provides a survival kit for them to dip into when they need extra help or motivation. It also touches upon themes such as: goal setting, growth mindset, perseverance, getting organised and learning to fail well.

Looking after yourself is an important theme of the book   whether that be eating healthy food and exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, being kind to yourself or knowing how to deal with bullies. With beautiful illustrations alongside the words, Be Your Best Self is a wonderful book to introduce your child too and who learn a great deal in an easy, fun and digestible way.

Book of the Month: 'The Other Side of the Coin' by Angela Kelly

In The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen has personally given Angela her blessing to share their extraordinary bond with the world. Whether it’s preparing for a formal occasion or brightening Her Majesty’s day with a playful joke, Angela’s priority is to serve and support.

Sharing never-before-seen photographs – many from Angela’s own private collection – and charming anecdotes of their time spent together, this revealing book provides memorable insights into what it’s like to work closely with The Queen, to curate her wardrobe and to discover a true and lasting connection along the way.

We gain privileged insight into a successful working relationship, characterised by humour, creativity, hard work, and a mutual commitment to service and duty.

Book of the Month: Let It Snow by Agnes Prus

‘Let It Snow’ by Agnes Prus pub. Hardie Grant

Bring warmth and sweetness into your home during the most festive months of the year with a whole host of delights, including Matcha & Coconut Trees, Apple   Gingerbread, Chocolate & Pecan Snowballs and Pistachio & Raspberry Rings.

The recipes in Let it Snow are simple, fun, and will feed a whole Christmas party; and come accompanied by cute decoration ideas and transporting photographs of   beautiful snowy scenes.

Whether you’d like to gift this to a loved one or use this to spend some quality time in the kitchen with your little ones, Let It Snow is family friendly and the ideal festive recipe book.

Book of the Month: 'A Single Thread' by Tracy Chevalier

Tracy Chevalier, the international author of best selling Girl With The Pearl Earing, is back with her latest book A Single Thread.

We follow Violet Speedwell who is mourning for both her fiancé and her brother following the First World War. Regarded by society as a ‘surplus woman’ unlikely to marry, Violet aims to  escape her suffocating mother and strike out alone.

A new life awaits her in Winchester; a life gleaming with independence and opportunity. Violet falls in with the broderers, a disparate group of women charged with embroidering kneelers for the Cathedral, and is soon entwined in their lives and their secrets. As the almost unthinkable threat of a second Great War appears on the horizon Violet collects a few secrets of her own that could just change everything…

Warm, vivid and beautifully orchestrated, A Single Thread  reveals one of our finest modern writers at the peak of her powers.

Book of the Month: 'Simple' by Yotam Ottolenghi

‘Ottolenghi SIMPLE’ by Yotam Ottolenghi  pub. Ebury Press

The Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller. Winner at The National Book Awards 2018. 

Yotam Ottolenghi’s award-winning recipes are always a   celebration: an unforgettable combination of abundance, taste and surprise. Ottolenghi SIMPLE is no different, with 130 brand-new dishes that contain all the inventive elements and flavour combinations that Ottolenghi is loved for, but with minimal hassle for maximum joy. Just as the name suggests, in SIMPLE, each recipe is focused on only the essential ingredients and cooking techniques required, maximising flavour and respecting your time (& wallet too).

Bursting with colourful photography, Ottolenghi SIMPLE showcases Yotam’s standout dishes that will suit whatever type of cooking you find easy – whether that’s getting  wonderful food on the table in under 30 minutes, using just one pot to make a delicious meal, or a flavoursome dish that can be prepared ahead and then served when you’re ready.

Book of the Month: 'Brief Answers to the Big Qurstions' by Stephan Hawking

‘Brief Answers to the Big Questions’ by Stephan Hawking  pub. John Murray

Throughout his extraordinary career, Stephen Hawking expanded our understanding of the universe and unravelled some of its greatest mysteries. But even as his theoretical work on black holes, imaginary time and multiple histories took his mind to the furthest reaches of space, Hawking always believed that science could also be used to fix the problems on our planet.

And now, as we face potentially catastrophic changes here on Earth - from climate change to dwindling natural resources, Stephen Hawking turns his attention to the most urgent issues for humankind.

Wide-ranging, intellectually stimulating, passionately argued, and infused with his characteristic humour, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, the final book from one of the greatest minds in history, is a personal view on the challenges we face as a human race, and where we, as a planet, are heading next. Hawking takes you on a journey of answers to some of the biggest questions answering them in his usual easy to understand way.

Book Of The Month - Roasting Tin

‘The Roasting Tin: Simple One Dish Dinners’ by Rukmimi Iyer  pub. Square Peg

The Roasting Tin has recipes for 75 delicious one dish dinners ranging from chicken traybakes to super grains. The concept is simple: fresh, easy ingredients, a few minutes prep, and let the oven do the work. Each chapter also  includes a helpful infographic for how to build you own roasting tin dinner using whatever is in your fridge tonight.

These quick, clever and delicious recipes are for anyone who wants to eat nutritious food made from scratch that fits around their busy lives. (And for anyone who doesn't like washing up).

Alongside The Roasting Tin, Rukmini has also gone on to release ‘The Quick Roasting Tin’ and ‘The Green Roasting Tin’; perfect for those who love the concept of this book but have less time and for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Book of The Month - Tallulah Goes To The Festival

‘Tallulah Goes To The Festival’ by Rachel Jane     

pub. Wish Publishing

Following on from her first book and utter Beatons hit ‘Milo Goes to The Seaside’  (previously a Beatons Book of The Month) and her second ‘Lil’s Cupcake Deliver’, Rachel is back with an even more delightful story all about a VW Campervan named Tallulah!

We follow Tallulah as she packs her bags and heads off to her first music festival, but what adventures could it possibly bring?

With great story telling, fantastic illustration and opportunities to sing along with Tallulah, this is a great book for any child to enjoy, as well as adults! Perfect as a gift alongside Rachel’s previous books, or just on it’s own, we couldn't recommend it enough.

 

You will also be able to find Milo on our book shelves in the tearoom too and read more about him here!

Book of the Month: Deepest Wiltshire

‘Deepest Wiltshire’ by Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir pub. Deepest Books

Following a similar format to their first collaborative book ‘Deepest Dorset’, Fanny Charles (former editor of the Blackmore Vale magazine) and Gay Pirrie-Weir  (a journalist who has worked extensively in the region),  focus their sites on Wiltshire. 

With special features on the Church and the Military, both central to life and in the country, they help us look at how the industry, art, farming and technological development have shaped the county, with craftsmen and women, food producers, historians and artists all featured. There are several personal pieces written by personalities, about what the county means to them, including actor Nigel Havers.

All the proceeds from the book are being split between the Wiltshire Community Foundation, SSAFA Wiltshire and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Book of The Month: Eric Lanlard's Afternoon Tea

'Afternoon Tea'

by Eric Lanlard

A gorgeous book by master pâtissier and baker Eric Lanlard. Filled with 90 recipes for sweet and savoury treats, this book contains all the cakes, pastries, tarts and biscuits you could wish for.  From Gruyère Eclairs to Pistachio and Rosewater Scones, Eric provides both traditional and out of the ordinary recipes, perfect for when you’d like to make a little treat for yourself or create some show stopping cakes for your friends.

Stunning food styling and photography, it's a wonderful book to just sit and loose yourself in for a while. Whether you're throwing a lavish tea party or simply looking for that perfect Coffee Cake recipe, this is the must-have afternoon tea cookbook.

Book of The Month: The Book of Tea

'The Book of Tea'

by Kakuzi Okakura

A keepsake enjoyed by tea lovers for over a hundred years, The Book of Tea will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the seemingly simple act of making and drinking tea. In 1906 in turn-of-the century Boston, a small, esoteric book about tea was written with the intention of being read aloud in the famous salon of Isabella Gardner, Boston's most famous socialite. Authored by Kakuzo Okakura , a Japanese philosopher, art expert and curator. Little known at the time, Kakuzo would emerge as one of the great thinkers of the early 20th century, a genius who was insightful, witty and greatly responsible for bridging Western and Eastern cultures. 

Taught at a young age to speak English, he was more than capable of expressing to Westerners the nuances of tea and the Japanese Tea Ceremony. In The Book of Tea he discusses such topics as Zen and Taoism, but also the secular aspects of tea and Japanese life. The book emphasizes how Teaism taught the Japanese many things; most importantly, simplicity. Kakuzo argues that tea-induced simplicity affected the culture, art and architecture of Japan. Nearly a century later, Kakuzo's The Book of Tea is still beloved the world over, making it an essential part of any tea enthusiast's collection. 

This is a most delightful book for anybody who is interested in Japanese esthetics, inherent in their traditional art of living. The text sheds light on many different aspects of Japanese creation, sensitivity towards nature and the culminating sense of the sublime which human beings can achieve. The principles seem to have travelled through centuries of war and catastrophes and remain intact. 

 A gentle yet powerful breath of air, full of awareness for human nature. The essence of the philosophies is still valid in today's Japan and are soothing in the present state of the globe. Interwoven with a rich history of Japanese tea and its place in Japanese society is poignant commentary on Asian culture and our ongoing fascination with it, as well as illuminating essays on art, spirituality, poetry, and more. The Book of Tea is a delightful cup of enlightenment from a man far ahead of his time.

Christmas Book Selection 2018

'Six Books to Make Christmas Giving Easier' 

 titles to amuse, intrigue and captivate!

It’s the run up to Christmas! Looking for the perfect present for a bookworm? Or something a little bit different for the man, woman, aunt or uncle who seem to have everything?  We’ve got some really unusual, classy and yet affordable titles on our bookshelves which may well be exactly what you’re looking for, whichever member of your family you have in mind (not forgetting your cat or dog!)

Here are my top six to which please visit our shelves reserved for ‘Little Bookworms’ where you’ll find some absolutely enchanting children’s story-books to delight both boys, girls and toddlers.

Although ‘Unladylike’ doesn’t sound very ‘Beatons’ this really speaks to our values of treating everyone as an equal and honoured individual. What’s more, it’s got an infectious shot of sparkle too – perfect for young and/or global-conscious women. It’s described on the website of the same name as ‘the guide for women and girls everywhere who are trying to find their way in the world.’ Authors Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin combine the history of feminism and make it zing with relevance, advice – and as an added bonus it’s packed full of infographics and witty illustrations by Tyler Feder.

For the gentleman? Petersfield best-selling author Mike Klidjian has just brought out another naval thriller of a novel – ‘Blue Streak’. I gave this to my father who admitted it kept sleeping as he kept on saying to himself, ‘just one more page’. His verdict: ‘Gripping. Plunges you straight in from the start.’

For all you budding (or aspiring) entrepreneurs? We spotted the extraordinary perspicacious Seth Godin has just published a new book: ‘This is Marketing’. Pulling the best of his advice from his blog, fresh gems when it comes to looking at how to get your products and services to the right audience, this is one we think will appeal to a broad audience (I’ve already devoured my copy and am already thinking of ways to apply his thinking to my out-of-hours Biodanza enterprise!)

Talking of consumption, we’ve picked ‘Tarts’ as our ‘Eat, Drink, Cook Book’ choice, because it’s a true classic at a very affordable price. The author, Frédéric Anton is holder of three Michelin stars and his innovative takes on classic dishes are inspiring, and the layout clear, precise and beautifully illustrated.

For something really fascinating for home, garden, nature AND ‘culture-vultures’ we’d recommend a fabulous book published by Unbound titled ‘Ladders to Heaven’. It’s about the fig tree and is utterly mind-blowing. A beautifully bound book which may hold secrets to saving the world underneath its fig leaves!

Finally, we have two stocking fillers for all our animal-loving customers. Local Beatons Tisbury author Gail Garbutt has a perfect present for all dog lovers: ‘Spot on – Dogs Names’. It’s is a real bit of fun about that peculiarly difficult task of naming a dog.

And for the purrfect (sorry Ed!) present for all cat lovers, we couldn’t resist stocking ‘Cats Paws’, an oddly smile-inducing little book of portraits of… cats’ paws! 

May your Christmas include time in front of the fire snuggled up with one of our very good reads.

  Liz Darcy Jones

Book Ambassador

Book of the Month: Wilding

'Wilding - The return of nature to a British farm' 

by Isabella Tree 

As someone who is not a landowner, hated history as a child and who treats ‘facts’ with healthy suspicion and unhealthy dread, I am an unlikely fan of ‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree. But when a book sparkles with literary flair, passion and insight after insight relevant to ‘the common man or woman’ it is bound to be compelling. It is book to treasure and I shall certainly re-read it in a more leisurely fashion than reviewing permits.

However, this review starts with an odd request: skip the intro and read it as a reminder of the journey accomplished when you’ve reached the end. Head straight for Chapter 1 to meet a remarkable tree man – Ted Green – and a couple facing a mountain of unpalatable facts.  From there you’ll be drawn swiftly into the story of the re-wilding of the Knepp Estate told with searing honesty and humility. Seeded with humour ‘Wilding’ presents a harvest of knowledge from the earth beneath your feet whilst constantly drawing you skywards to feast your eyes on turtle doves, the yaffle (Sussex name for a green woodpecker) nightingale and rare butterflies. Enter the world of Knepp – it enlightened and enchanted me. It also made my heart ache at our arrogance and refusal to learn from nature herself.

This is a nationally important book, not just for those interested in the future of agriculture and the land but for those worried about the ‘extinction of experience’. It is a salutary thought to consider that 40% of children never play outdoors at all. ‘Wilding’ also challenges myths about Britain’s ecological history with logic and evidence dug out of peat and sharp observation, revising my picture of a forested Britain in favour of wooded pasture inhabited by grazing animals.

Isabella Tree | Photo credit Anthony Cullen ©

Like the Knepp project itself this is a book which deserves a slow read with a note-book beside you if you like expanding your vocabulary. The quotes from literary figures and references to little-known customs and ancient lore give it depth but also ensure it feeds the spirit at every turn. Thank you Isabella!

'Wilding' is also beautiful to look at and handle. An exquisite cover, as rich as the hedgerow it depicts, with gloriously thick crisp dark green endpapers make ‘Wilding’ an ideal Christmas present for the country gentleman or woman. Teamed up with tickets to visit Knepp on one of its nature Safaris would surely be the perfect gift for parents, godparents or grandparents.

I admit my right brain raced over a couple of pages in the middle which charted the frustrations and interminable complexities of securing funding from various government agencies. Nevertheless, no doubt for the landowner these pages will no doubt evoke sympathy and context.

Whether or not this ends up on your or your family’s bookshelves, let me leave you with a quote to bury into the soil of your heart, ‘The great concerns of our time – climate change, natural resources, food production, water control and conservation, and human health – all boil down to the condition of the soil.’ (page 289). This book will give you a visceral understanding of how to treat earth’s skin in ways which might restore it and preserve it for thousands of years to come. It has given the ground beneath my feet new meaning.

P.S. Knepp is not far away from Beatons Petersfield. How about booking on one of Knepp’s nature safaris or workshops and either prefacing it or concluding it with Breakfast or Afternoon Tea? I’m earmarking it for a family member’s birthday treat! Further information: www.kneppsafaris.co.uk

Liz Darcy Jones

Book Ambassador

Book of The Month: Milo Goes to The Seaside

'Milo Goes To The Seaside'

by Rachel Jane

This is more than a captivating story in rhyme for the three to seven-year olds. it’s the inspiring story of a young writer nurturing an idea into reality. 

Rachel Jane’s parents love VW Campervans – to the extent they have a business renting them out. Each has its own character and gets and adopted name, which sparked Rachel’s imagination. Stories began to emerge and with encouragement from family and friends a series has been born.  

Rachel took the brave step and decided to self-publish under her own imprint – wishpublishing – and enlisted the help of talented illustrator Jamie Flack. Her debut picture paperback is an absolute triumph and successfully creates all the magic of a first journey to that enigmatic sounding place ‘the sea’.  (The double page spread depicting it comes an equal first with the sunset for me, thanks Jamie). 

It’s true one or two of the rhymes need a wee stretch to scan but small matter. The pace itself is lively, the story simple and yet compelling. What will happen to Milo when he gets to the sea, and will he be able to get home again?   The next two in the series are in production and we can’t wait to share them, too, with our younger ‘Distinguished Guests’ here at Beatons. 

Book of The Month: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay

'The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay'

by Nicola May

The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay is the perfect summer read. It's light hearted and has an engaging plot with lovable characters – but don't be mistaken, this book has substance. We follow twenty five year-old Rosa embarking on a journey of self discovery with the help of her best friend Josh and side kick dog – Hot; when out of nowhere she is left a corner shop in a small village called Cockleberry Bay, Devon.

Nicola has managed to perfectly capture what it's like to be someone in their twenties, making lead character Rosa incredibly easy to relate to, almost to a point where you feel as if you're reading your own story. With ups and downs along the way, Rosa's story is completely captivating, and you can't help but keep turning the page to see what she'll do next.   

Emily Hoskins Jones 

Book of The Month: Lucky Break

'Lucky Break'

by Rob Stevens 

Rob tackles complex subjects in 'Lucky Break'. We follow school boy and lead character, Leon on his journey dealing with the death of his twin brother, an estranged family and a boy called Arnold who doesn't communicate like his peers. In the way that true masters of their craft do with apparent effortlessness, Rob is able to allow the reader to become Leon and travel along his journey with him on the emotional roller-coaster of a weekend when Arnold comes to stay. With unusual experiences and new discovery's, Lucky Break is a touching novel that will appeal to everyone and well worth a read.

'Lucky Break' is 'un-put-downable' and I'm not a pubescent boy with a love of rugby! Rob should anticipate the film rights to be snapped up - it's a cracker. So is Rob himself, who did a signing and talk at Beatons New Milton’s Open House and generously donated £2 from the sale of each book to Helping Older People New Forest (Beatons New Milton’s charity of the year).

Why not come and take a look at Lucky Break in any one of our tearooms whilst enjoying a delicious pot of tea, perhaps our Tea of The Month: White Peony?