Are you looking for some inspiration on new reading ideas for your little ones?
Little Peeps Big Book Store has over 3000 beautiful children’s books to keep you and your youngster entertained.
Part of Usborne Books at Home, Little Peeps is run by Leicestershire’s Elizabeth Andrew and we caught up with her to find out more about the range of books available.
For anyone who isn’t familiar, can you tell us a little about Little Peeps Big Book Store and what you offer?
I set up Little Peeps Big Book Store in October 2018, I represent Usborne Books at Home and have access to over three thousand beautiful children’s books. It’s my aim to get as many books as I can into the hands of little people and the way I do this is by selling at parties, fêtes, seasonal fayres and storytime sessions. I also work with schools and nurseries, organising sponsored reading events, book fairs and stalls at parents evenings with the aim of raising money for the school or nursery to spend on Usborne books for their libraries and classroom resources. Usborne are so generous and will add on a percentage of free books on top of what is raised e.g. £600 becomes £960 with my magic wand!!
What inspired you to set up the business?
I was a real bookworm when I was young and I have the fondest memories of searching for a little yellow duck on the pages of my favourite Farmyard Tale.
During my first pregnancy, I became addicted to salt and vinegar chipsticks and buying books for my baby to be! I found I subconsciously gravitated to Usborne titles and had a light bulb moment during my maternity leave, although it wouldn’t be until two years later that I finally bit the bullet and set up Little Peeps Big Book Store.
I have a background in Events Management so I found I have a lot of transferable skills which have worked to my advantage and I’m still totally in love with Poppy and Sam in the Farmyard Tales. I get so much enjoyment reading to my sons knowing that these stories, and so many more, will stay with them into adulthood.
What are some of your favourite books that you sell?
Oh my gosh, there’s so many! I love the phonics series for my sons, particularly the ones illustrated by Stephen Cartwright such as Shark in the Park and Goose on the Loose, they are hilarious!
Local author (Market Harborough based), Tamsin Winter, currently has two amazing titles available for pre-teens Being Miss Nobody and Jemima Small vs The Universe which cover body image and self esteem aimed at girls and boys too.
I can highly recommend the 100 facts about… The Human Body, The Planet, Space etc, a nice sized, high quality hard back, dip in and out of reference book. They’re so appealing due to the high picture to word ratio but are packed full of fascinating facts, 100 no less!!
Do you have any main lockdown book recommendations?
For the littlest of peeps, there are some wonderful jigsaws with an accompanying book which covers the jigsaw topic in more detail such as dinosaurs, unicorns or animals of the world for example. There’s interactive books that teach ABCs and 123s as well as first hundred / thousand words in English and other languages too. The wipe clean series are great for children preparing for school.
For those Little Peeps reading for fun, there’s such a huge range of action and adventure, fantasy and ghost stories as well as animal, fairy and historical fiction. Not forgetting the mindfulness and looking after your mental health range, the Unworry / Unhurry books and Never Get Bored series are simply fantastic, a must for anyone struggling during lockdown.
Are there any particular books you recommend for those who are home schooling?
For anyone home schooling, I recommend the internet linked encyclopedias, they’re a great read in themselves but are linked to an abundance of additional activities and materials online. They’re suitable for both primary and secondary children. There are some fantastic STEM texts, history and the classics are all covered too.
What age ranges do the books cover
In short, zero to young adult and the big kids too. The largest hurdle of misconception I thrive on leaping over is that so many of my customers, both domestic and professional, think that Usborne is just about baby books. There are some fantastic titles for young adults, pre-teens and primary children too. So whether your reading for fun, home schooling or just starting out, Little Peeps Big Book Store has something perfect for you.
Where can people find out more and how can they order?
A simple Google search for Little Peeps Big Book Store will take you to my Usborne website where you can order any number of books for just £3.50 p&p. This link takes you straight to my online catalogue.
After browsing the online catalogue you can order by emailing me at [email protected], or feel free to get in touch if you’d like any help or advice on finding the perfect book. P&P charges apply.
You can also get in touch via my Facebook page, like and follow me for competitions and special offers @littlepeepsbigbookstore.
Or if you’re a little old school like me, feel free to drop me a text or call on 07796 362 570.