Even though we are still awaiting a time when we can hold events and gatherings of any number, we are making plans and will have exciting news in the next few weeks about a great event at The Milton Rooms with a literary legend in November.

Meantime we have suggested ‘The Miseducation of Evie Epworth’ as not only a good summertime read, set in Yorkshire but also a great one for book clubs. Matson Taylor, the author will be visiting us later in the year to do an event especially for book groups. So, if you have a club or reading group then we are offering a discount on multiple copies of this book for your group plus free entry to the event – get in touch for more information.

So, as we head into the summer and dream of lying back in the sun with a book (or pile of books) with plenty of time to savour them, here are our June choices reviewed by members of our team at Kemps.

The Miseducation of Evie Epworth

by Matson Taylor

This sparkling debut novel is a credit to the wit and humour developed by the author throughout his Yorkshire childhood. Set in East Yorkshire in 1962, ‘Evie’ is a novel full of nostalgia, fun and period details (Babycham, Woman’s Realm, Old Spice – anyone?). Readers witness an array of ‘misadventures’ with Yorkshire lass, sixteen-year-old Evie Epworth, who embarks on the transformation from innocent, fun loving teenager to contemplating the challenges and responsibilities of womanhood.

In the process, Evie looks the future wondering where life will take her. Should she return to school and complete her A-levels (when she really fancies a glamorous job)? Should she take the advice of her stepmother and become a hairdresser or a clippy on the buses? She looks to all around her for reliable advice and guidance – and even chats to her posters of Adam Faith (who isn’t much use).

A funny, charming, uplifting read about emotions, friendship and dreams, Taylor has created a fine cast of strong, well-defined characters that readers will love, and love to hate!

Holidays abroad sat lounging on a sun kissed beach are, for many, a wishful dream this year, but ‘Evie’ is great company for a sun-lounger in a European hotspot or an invigorating break in the Dales. It comes as no surprise that this novel has been named by the Richard and Judy Book Club as one of their top reads for summer 2021.

This hilarious work of fiction - the first of a trilogy, offers the reader that escapism we all crave. You will reminisce and chuckle out loud at the trials and tribulations of once being sweet sixteen!

ISBN 9781471190834 Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd/Scribner UK 2021 Paperback £8.99

When The Sky Falls

by Phil Earle

Based on a true story, When The Sky Falls is the latest book by acclaimed author Phil Earle, for youngsters 9+. The WW2 story is about a troubled boy, Joseph, who is sent by his grandmother to stay with an old friend in war-torn London whilst others are being evacuated away from the city to safer rural locations.

Initially it is unclear why Joseph’s grandmother sends him away to stay with the apparently brisk and unfeeling Mrs F. However, his troubled nature soon shows itself; Joseph does not trust those around him and he struggles at school – both in learning to read and in conflict with bullies who target him as an outsider and an easy target.

After a short while, a very surprised Joseph finds out that Mrs F is the head keeper at the local zoo! Most of the animals have been sent away because of the war and the danger they might present to the locals if they escape because of bomb damage. The exception is a silverback gorilla named Adonis, who initially terrifies Joseph and later befriends him (in his own way).

Joseph tries hard to keep his distance from both Mrs F and Syd, a local girl who tries hard to help and him and become an ally. Their stories are slowly revealed and, over time, they become united in a common cause.

When The Sky Falls is a moving story, full of tension and intrigue, beautifully told. It is emotionally absorbing and, ultimately life-affirming.

ISBN 9781783449651 Published by Andersen Press 2021 Paperback £7.99

The Bolds Go Green

by Julian Clary

Question - What do you call a cow on a trampoline?

Answer - A milkshake!

And so the jokes continue in the sixth and final instalment of Julian Clary’s book series ‘The Bolds’.

Author Clary is a comedian, entertainer and novelist who has toured the world with his one man shows since the 1980s. His latest children’s novel would appeal to all 7-9-year-olds with a particular nod to reluctant readers. Fans of Roald Dahl and Dav Pilkey will find much to appreciate. First released in 2015, the whole series is highly entertaining with a breezy narration, child friendly jokes and is enriched with delightful black and white illustrations by Clary’s husband, award winning illustrator, David Roberts.

Mr and Mrs Bold and their twins are hyenas living in disguise in suburban London. They are domesticated and happily live in the human world. They are heart-warming characters whose only focus is to help others. In this final instalment, we see the family deciding to do their bit to save the planet by reducing, re-using and recycling where they can.

Although Clary plays up the humour, the underlying message is to educate children to be tolerant towards those who are supposedly different from the norm. He tackles the issues of personal choice, freedom and personal identity through imaginative stories, engaging characters and a good old sense of humour!

ISBN 9781839130519 Published by Andersen Press 2021 Hardback £12.99

Mummin’ It

by Harriet Shearsmith

York author Harriet Shearsmith’s wry look at the joys and challenges of motherhood is a must-read for anyone with a young family. In a book packed with hacks to make family life run that little more smoothly, Shearsmith’s book supplies good sense, fun, wit and wisdom, alongside recipes and advice on all aspects of family life.

Shearsmith dedicates her book ‘from one mother to another.’ Her self-effacing style is perfect for showing her understanding of how tough motherhood can be, whilst acknowledging that it is also a joy.

At the outset, the author advises us to just dip in and out of the chapters as needed, acknowledging the challenge of finding time for yourself when you have a young family. In a series of chapters on food, home, travel, body and beauty, and life, she gives lots of tips and pointers which will help young parents, along with some hilarious anecdotes such as ‘how to have a bath alone.’

The book includes tasty, easy recipes that can be made with children, as well as tips on meal planning and maximising your budget. ‘Mum’s Meal Bingo’ is a good laugh for anyone who has a fussy eater in the family, but there is also a wealth of useful ideas on feeding a family.

Balancing your own style needs as well as accommodating all the things your children want and need is dealt with under the heading of ‘keeping your style while keeping it real,’ with tips for décor, tidy routines and how to involve youngsters in chores as they grow.

The chapters on ‘body and beauty’ and ‘life’ are full of great advice on maintaining your identity and celebrating who you are rather than following others’ rules, as well as tips on keeping the relationship with your partner special.

Harriet Shearsmith’s book really is a best friend on your bookshelf!

ISBN 9780857839374 Published by Octopus Publishing Group / Kyle Books 2021 Hardback £14.99.

For more information go to https://www.kempsgeneralstore.co.uk/