Madhatter Chatter

I feel like it has been a fair while since I looped you lovely booklovers in to all the work we have been doing and the plans we have at both The Madhatter Bookshop and Little Madhatter Emporium.

Whilst the first half of 2026 has been economically quiet on the High Street the team and I have been utililising our time to ensure we bring you the very best version of ourselves. We have extended our selection of books to bring you, and your bedside table, the adventures and information we think you will want to know and need to read.

Our current favourites include, Theo of Golden, Albion, Hotel Du Lac, Cooking in the Wrong Century and my current non-fiction favourite of 2026, Careless People in which author Sarah Winn Williams well and truly blows the whistle on Facebook and the whole Mette team. This shocking expose will make you consider many aspects of the tech titan and how they manipulate the political world.

If you are looking for your next read or your next 'bookclub' book. We can help, you can speak to our knowledgeable staff or browse our shelves - look out for our ONE REASON TO READ recommendations. If you are really struggling to decide, our wonderful bookseller, Charlotte, has introduced BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK and BLIND DATE WITH A CLASSIC, the perfect treat for any reader, including yourself.

So much more....

Because we keep being ssked for Art Supplies we have intoduced shelves of sketch pads, pencils, Pastels and watercolours. Please look out for our event with Artist and Illustrator Matthew Rice, who will be opening Burford Lit Fest on 25th September - info and tickets from Burfordlitfest.co.uk

Talking of botany......

While there is no formal, scientific study calculating a precise statistical value for the relationshi between book lovers (bibliophiles) and plant lovers (botanophiles). The crossover is so pronounced that social media tags like plantsandbooks are all over our socials and so we give you The Botanical Tea Party because we are all Mad Planters Here.

Our home crafted and selectfully sourced selection of Tiny Plants in Tiny Teacups - planting a little wonder in every cup! Prices start from £8 so perfect for your pocket too!

It's Festival Time......

Residents of the locality, and beyond, we are very much looking forward to welcoming you to not one, but two festivals held in Burford this year. BURFORD FESTIVAL is two weeks of history, creativity, the arts, gardens, literature (we will be in attendance) and a dragon! There is something for every taste and every age, tickets and information are at www.burfordfestival.co.uk

BUT be quick events commence on 11th June!

And in September it is our babies time to shine! Burford Literary Festival is back for 2026 - our 6th year of inviting you into the conversation with authors including twice Booker Prize nominee Donal Ryan, Costa Prize winner Joanna Cannon, crime oficianado Simon Mason, private detective Alison Marsh, Warrior Walker Paul Harris and many more. Join us for a glorious literary weekend, early bird tickets are available now from burfordlitfesr.co.uk

Small but Mighty.......

The Little Madhatter Emporium is quietly gaining a reputation as a place of magic, not only for children but for adults too! We are told everyday how much people love our warm and welcoming creative space. Have you "walked through the wardrobe" or taken your little ones to leave letters for the bookshop fairies on the enchanted tree? They do reply!

Maybe you have used our build a bear magic to create the perfect gift for your loved one, bears are not just for children and our have heartbeats and of course you can record your own message!

We are in the process of creating more events for children, but would very much welcome your comments, what do you and yours want, story time, bookclubs, please tell us and we will endeavour to make it happen.... with a bit of help from the bookshop fairies of course!

On the drawing board....

On -line book club?

More Literary Soirees?

Journalling? (to go with our new selection of journals and accessories)

What do you think?

It's after five and time for me to sign off, close our little black doors, go home to my family, garden and dogs!

Happy Reading all, and remember a book shop is not only about selling books, it's a little beacon of light where you are all welcome.

Kim and the Madhatter Team

Kim@madhatterbookshop.co.uk