Kenilworth Books

Book Launch for Fletcher and the Bee with Julia Rawlinson
2025-05-24 13:30 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Julia Rawlinson, who will be signing copies of her book, Fletcher and the Bee.
Join us for colouring and crafting to celebrate the publication of Julia Rawlinson’s new book and World Bee Day!
The meadow is blooming with sweet summer flowers, but Bee is sad. She can’t dance like the other bees! Fletcher and Bee journey through the wood learning new dances from Fletcher’s friends.
Will they find Bee’s perfect dance?
No need to book for this event, please just pop in and meet Julia, pick up a signed copy of her new book, and enjoy some crafting to celebrate too!
PRE-ORDER FLETCHER AND THE BEE HERE!

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Author Penny Batchelor
2025-05-24 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Penny Batchelor, who will be signing copies of her new thriller.
She knows all your darkest secrets . . . Now she’s the woman next door.
It’s been twenty-five years, but I’d know that laugh anywhere. I freeze. Don’t let her in. Now she’s standing in my kitchen, smiling and shaking my husband’s hand with her perfectly manicured nails. Stacy. She’s our new next-door neighbour. What is she doing here? What does she want this time? I worked so hard to put the past behind me, to build this life for myself.
Penny is the author of psychological thrillers – My Perfect Sister, Her New Best Friend and The Reunion Party published by Elma Books. Penny is a co-founder and judge of the ADCI Literary Prize for adult fiction by a disabled/ chronically ill novelist, is a Bookseller colmunist and speaks regularly at festivals.
CHECK OUT PENNY’S BOOKS HERE AND PRE-ORDER THE LATEST BOOK!

Mark Steel: The Leopard in My House
2025-05-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
“The consultant had told me he was confident I had throat cancer that had spread into the lymph glands. Joyfully, I held his hand, and looked up to the heavens like a South American footballer after scoring a goal. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.”
Join multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour ‘The Leopard in My House’. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of.
Cancer has done nothing to dull Mark’s acute political observations or quash his “frankly bonkers” energy: you will laugh, you will cry, but you’ll laugh again, and again, and again.
The Leopard in My House is proof that this leftie, working-class, Radio 4 favourite truly deserves his place in the UK comedy pantheon.
Mark Steel is best known for his critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s in Town (now in its 13th series), as well as his hit podcast What The F*** Is Going On…?.
He has presented the BAFTA-nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News for You and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz.
Book your tickets at Warwick Arts Centre here

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Author Roger Whitmore
2025-05-10 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Roger Whitmore, who will be signing copies of his book, The Broken Rune Staff.
Now retired, Roger has dabbled in many trades but these days enjoys playing golf and gardening which has led to the opening of his small garden for the National Garden Scheme. The Broken Rune Staff is Roger’s first fantasy novel with lots of twists and turns to take the reader on an epic adventure!

KENFEST STORYCORNER
2025-05-03 14:00 - 2025-05-04 17:00 | Private: KENFEST, Kenilworth Rugby Football Club, Glasshouse Lane,, Kenilworth, CV8 2AJ, United Kingdom
KENFEST, Kenilworth’s beer and music festival, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Kenilworth BooksNew for 2025, visitors to the afternoon sessions at KENFEST will be able to meet some of the best and local children’s authors and illustrators, for children of all ages. The Story Corner will be an exciting celebration of books and reading filled with authors, activities and storytelling!
KENFEST STORYCORNER LINEUP
SATURDAY

2.00-4.00pm

Fletcher the Fox – meet author Julia Rawlinson
Story Walks, colouring and crafts for younger children
Julia is originally from London but now lives in Kenilworth and is the author of the popular Fletcher the Fox picture book series. Fletcher the kind-hearted fox and his friends have fun exploring nature in these beautifully illustrated picture books.

2.00-3.00pm
&
3.30-4.30pm

Kitty Quest – meet storyteller, author and illustrator Phil Corbett
Graphic Novel design workshop for children aged 7+
Phil is a professional storyteller who grew up locally and now lives above a comic shop in France. Kitty Quest is a hilarious, magical and downright silly story about some paws-itively delightful heroes.

2.30-3.30pm
&
4.00-5.00pm

The Raccoon from Rangoon – meet author and singer-songwriter Robert Alexander
Storytelling and singing for under 9s
Robert is a local writer of children’s books and songs. “The Raccoon from Rangoon” is a big band, jazz/swing, musically themed Children’s rhyming picture book that’s getting feet tapping, tails wagging and wings flapping

3.00-4.00pm

Crafty Bees
Find out more about why bees are so important while enjoying some fun bee crafting!
Craft activities for children of all ages.

SUNDAY

2.00-4.00pm

Fletcher the Fox – meet author Julia Rawlinson
Story Walks, colouring and crafts for younger children
Julia is originally from London but now lives in Kenilworth and is the author of the popular Fletcher the Fox picture book series. Fletcher the kind-hearted fox and his friends have fun exploring nature in these beautifully illustrated picture books.

2.00-3.00pm
&
3.30-4.30pm

Knight Sir Louis – meet the Brothers McLeod
Storytelling and illustration workshop for children aged 6+
Based in Stratford, BAFTA award winning creative duo Greg & Myles are the Brothers McLeod. The Knight Sir Louis series are hilarious tales told with wonderfully bonkers illustrations.

2.30-3.30pm
&
4.00-5.00pm

The Raccoon from Rangoon – meet author and singer-songwriter Rob Alexander
Storytelling and singing for under 9s
Robert is a local writer of children’s books and songs. “The Raccoon from Rangoon” is a big band, jazz/swing, musically themed Children’s rhyming picture book that’s getting feet tapping, tails wagging and wings flapping!

3.00-4.00pm

Magician Lee Joseph Mystery Entertainer – a modern day magician who will amuse and amaze you with his magic, mystery and twistery!
Lee will be performing in the Story Corner but also popping up around the festival all afternoon – so keep an eye out!!
Magic tricks and illusions for children (and grown-ups) of all ages.

On this new partnership, Jai Purewal, KENFEST curator said, ‘Kenilworth Books is one of the jewels in the crown of the Kenilworth high street and the bookshop has been part of the community for almost 57 years. We are delighted to be working with Judy and the team in bringing even more family entertainment to KENFEST.’Judy Brook, owner, Kenilworth Books, added, ‘We are really looking forward to bringing some of our favourite children’s authors to KENFEST. Putting on events in the shop and in venues around town, and taking authors into schools, is very much part of what we do. It’s not only about what happens in the bookshop – it’s about taking our love of reading out into the community too and this is the perfect opportunity.’KENFEST tickets are selling fast, and are available at kenfest.co.uk

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Paul Aldridge
2025-05-03 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Paul Aldridge, who will be signing copies of his book, The Tightrope Club.
How far would you go for something you crave?
Welcome to ‘The Tightrope Club’. Michael makes a grave error. Beaten down by his addiction, an untimely confession sees his world come crashing down. With nowhere left to turn, he forms a secretive brotherhood and rallies himself to help others wrestle with their own addictions. Mysterious souls, disrupt his good intentions and force him to take matters into his own righteous hands. Now in too deep, his relentless pursuit of the truth takes him to places he may never escape from. Left with difficult choices, he may have to sacrifice himself to save others, and hopefully still find a path back towards redemption.
Although previously an author of children’s books, this is Paul’s first foray into fiction. A unique storyteller, whether that is writing rhythming picture books or now tales of redemption, he delivers a descriptive, inspiring and thought-provoking form of writing to entertain the reader.

April Book Club - Celebrating Jane Austen's 250th Anniversary
2025-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our April Book Club to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th Anniversary! We will be chatting about all Jane Austen’s works and focusing on Pride & Prejudice after being chosen by the book club members!
Reserve your space for £5 on our website or pop in to see us at the shop.
Order the book here!

Young Adult April Book Club with Sophie Jo
2025-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 | Kenilworth Books
Join us in person for our Young Adult Book Club with novelist Sophie Jo. We will be chatting about her new book Red Flags – an adorably hilarious love story exploring the difference between what makes a legitimate red flag and what is simply being flawed and human.
Reserve your space for our book club on Tuesday 29th April, 5:30pm at the bookshop with a £5 Book Token in the shop or on our website.
Pick up your copy of the book in the shop or online – (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Children's Easter Holiday Fun
2025-04-15 08:00 - 2025-04-25 17:00 | Kenilworth Books

E L Norry Bookshop Visit
2025-04-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Kenilworth Books
The wonderful E L Norry will be coming to join us in the bookshop 3pm – 4.30pm on Friday 11th April to sign lots of her wonderful books! 📚
We can’t wait to chat all about the Fablehouse series, the Murder Club books and her new novel Runaways due out in July!
Pop in and meet E L Norry afterschool at the bookshop ✨

Book Launch - celebrate the publication of Abigail Johnson's The Secret Collector
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us to celebrate the publication of Abigail Johnson’s debut The Secret Collector. This uplifting story set in Birmingham is centred around friendship across generations, the power of community and finding hope where it had been lost.
No need to book for this event please just pop in and meet Abigail, pick up a signed copy of her new book and enjoy some fizz and cake with other book lovers!
Pre-order a Signed Copy of The Secret Collector here!
Abigail Johnson is an author from Birmingham whose stories have been longlisted for the Bath Novel Award and Exeter Novel Award. She didn’t take writing seriously until she turned 40 when voluntary redundancy led her to enrol on a part-time writing course with the Faber Academy. However, she has always enjoyed writing thanks to winning Kit Kats as prizes at school for her creative writing efforts! She now has a two-book deal with publisher Pan Macmillan.

Haunted Kenilworth Book Launch Walking Tour and Talk
2025-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
To celebrate the launch of Haunted Kenilworth, join us on a walking tour and talk by local historian Adam Wood, whose book Bloody Kenilworth led readers on a self-guided walking tour of some of the most notorious locations where dark deeds took place in the town’s past.
This follow-up volume, Haunted Kenilworth, reveals more than twenty spooky stories reported from around the town, from a witch in the Castle moat to the ghost in the music shop.
The walking tour is now SOLD OUT but do please join us for the talk at Abbey Hill United Reform Church.
The talk at the URC will start at 7.00pm. A ticket for the talk is £5.00 and can be purchased online or by popping into the bookshop, phoning on 01926 855784 or emailing info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk
The evening will conclude with a book signing of Haunted Kenilworth.
Book Your Tickets Here!

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Local Author Anthony Etherington
2025-03-29 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local author Anthony Etherington, who will be signing copies of his new book, Some Other Eden.
Anthony has written several teleplays and screen dramas. One of these, Yellow Dragon and the Red Fox, won Best Screenplay awards at the European Independent Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Wales in 2014. His debut novel, Europia, was published in 2022 with great success.
After Geoff Ward is kidnapped in Cairo, the lives of three families change forever.
Cairo, 2010. As the vast city swelters in the summer heatwave, anti-government protesters take to the streets. When visiting businessman Geoff Ward is kidnapped, his client Khaled and Khaled’s sister, Layla, a prominent activist, set out to find the Englishman. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Geoff’s wife, Angie, frustrated by her feelings of helplessness and the government’s apparent ineffectiveness, contacts an old family friend, Shimon, to ask for help. Who has taken Geoff and why? Can his would-be rescuers work together to find him? And how will Angie and her two teenage children cope with his disappearance?
Told from multiple perspectives, Some Other Eden – part kidnap thriller, part family drama – is a gripping tale of resilience and courage in an increasingly turbulent and fragmented world.
Anthony explains: “Soon after leaving school, I worked on two farms in Israel and, ever since, have remained in touch with one of the families that employed me. More than three decades later I returned regularly to the Middle East, working as a self-employed contractor on various recruitment and people development projects in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Dubai. While abroad I observed that most of the people I met shared the same hopes and wants: good health for themselves and their families; a decent education and employment prospects for their children; and work that pays. Some Other Eden is, at heart, my attempt to give voice to the belief that we have far more in common than divides us.”
Pre-order a copy of Some Other Eden by Anthony Etherington here.

March Book Club with author Leo Vardiashvili
2025-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our March Book Club with novelist Leo Vardiashvili. We will be chatting about his debut Hard by a Great Forest – a rare, searching tale of home, memory and sacrifice – of one family’s mission to rescue one another, and put the past to rest.
Reserve your space for £5 on our website here or pop in to see us at the shop.
Order the book here!

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Poet Frank McMahon
2025-03-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Frank McMahon, who will be signing copies of his new poetry book, The Canticles of Spring.
Frank was born and raised in Birkenhead, Merseyside. After graduating he began his career in Social Work/ Welfare as a practitioner and manager, working for three Local Authorities, British Red Cross and ActionforChildren. Since moving to Cirencester, writing poetry has become an important part of his life. Frank has won many awards for his books – At the Storm’s Edge, A Different Land and his third collection The Light will Always Return.
“These multi-layered poems are a deeply satisfying read – fusing musicality, lyricism with fascinating themes and motifs. McMahon’s poems have a rare and precious power, they inspire and inform in equal measure.” – Anna Saunders – Poet and Founding Director Cheltenham Poetry Festival

Join us for WBD with Jamie Hammond, author of Grumpfort!
2025-03-06 16:00 - 17:15 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet Author of Illustrator of Grumpfort, Jamie Hammond and join in with our World Book Day Celebrations on Thursday 6th March afterschool!
This event is free and there is no need to book so please do come along and pick up a signed copy of Jamie’s new book!
Grumpfort
(perfect for readers 7+)
Meet Mo, the worst monster hunter ever, in this hilarious and highly illustrated adventure. Mo never wanted to be a Warden – protecting the village of Bogfoss from the terrifying monsters in the woods is way too scary. But when he’s beaten up by a goblin on his first patrol, he knows he has to prove himself.
So he sets out into the forbidden woods to catch himself a monster and make himself a hero. Instead he stumbles into GRUMPFORT, a secret monster fortress with a very big problem. The fearsome Grumpsnatcher is kidnapping the other monsters – and suddenly Mo’s on a monster-hunt with a troll, a gnome and a fire-breathing snotwoggle to stop it!

Philippa Gregory celebrating Normal Women
2025-03-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Private: Kenilworth School and Sixth Form, Glasshouse Ln, Kenilworth, CV8 2AL, United Kingdom
Join the international blockbuster author Philippa Gregory as she redefines the story of normal English women and asks why they are missing from 900 years of history. Hear the fascinating stories of highwaywomen, pirates, soldiers, inventors and rioters in this lively, interactive event based on her bestselling novel Normal Women, available in an adult and a teen edition.
Book your ticket here!
Kenilworth Books in Collaboration with Kenilworth School and Sixth Form and Harper Collins.

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Author Robert Messenger
2025-03-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Robert Messenger, who will be signing copies of his book, Ninety-Six.
Robert Messenger was born in County Durham and spent 6 years on active service in the British Army before joining the British Police for 28 years. His roles included tactical firearms, response policing, covert operations, and detective investigations.
Crime & Thriller novel Ninety-Six is inspired by the Roberts own experiences in the army and the police, and has been described by critics as a “cracking”, “outstanding”, and a “ground-breaking” story.

February Book Club Q & A with Lottie Hazell
2025-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our February Book Club with debut novelist Lottie Hazell. We will be chatting about her novel PIGLET – a deliciously dark and piercing novel of food and secrets!
Her life is so full, so why is she hungry? For Piglet – an unshakable childhood nickname – getting married is her opportunity to reinvent. Together, Kit and Piglet are the picture of domestic bliss – effortless hosts, planning a covetable wedding… But if a life looks too good to be true, it probably is. Thirteen days before they are due to be married, Kit reveals an awful truth, cracking the façade Piglet has created. It has the power to strip her of the life she has so carefully built, so smugly shared. To do something about it would be to self-destruct. But what will it cost her to do nothing? As the hours count down to their wedding, Piglet is torn between a growing appetite and the desire to follow the recipe, follow the rules. Surely, with her husband, she could be herself again. Wouldn’t it be a waste for everything to curdle now?
Reserve your space for book club with a £5 Book Token available on our website here or from the bookshop.
Pick up your copy in the shop or online – (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Author Paul Taylor
2025-02-22 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Paul Taylor, who will be signing copies of his children’s book, The Adventures of Snuffle Truffle.
Paul’s love for educating people and his affinity with wildlife shine through in this collection of rhyming stories. Through them, he seeks to educate others as to the behaviours and characteristics of some of our furry/feathered friends.
Paul Taylor was born and raised a ‘Shropshire Lad’, although he has spent the last twenty-six years in and around Coventry and Rugby. Paul is passing on any proceeds for this book to the Brain Tumour Charity.

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Poet Vivien Nichols
2025-02-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Vivien Nichols, who will be signing copies of her poetry book, Meema’s All Age Poetry.
Vivien Nichols (Meema to the Grandchildren) has been married to her husband John – forever, and has lived in Kenilworth just as long! She has always enjoyed the written word and her poetry has been published in a variety of outlets over the years.
Meema’s All Age Poetry is her first stand-alone poetry collection filled with heart warming poems such as The Enchanted Lavender Farm, The Magic of Caring and Imagine! With fun, colourful illustrations throughout.

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Poet Phil Hill
2025-02-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local poet Phil Hill, who will be showcasing his new book, The Heroine 1958 – 2011.
Phil Hill is a poet from Warwickshire. His work focuses on mental health and lifting the spirits of his readers. His book The Heroine 1958 – 2011 focuses on the life of his wife, Geraldine, and her bravery whilst struggling with mental illness.
Hill’s powerful new collection does not flinch from exploring some of the key dilemmas that ultimately confront us all. What might it mean to acknowledge and recognise our pasts and ourselves; to forgive and to seek forgiveness; and to discover – and speak boldly from – that place of integrity which is to be found in the deepest recesses of our being?

January Book Club
2025-01-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our first book club of 2025 where we will be talking about James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store and discussing what we would like to read this year.
Our book club is super relaxed and open to everyone so if you have ever wanted to join or wondered what it was like to join a book club, please do reserve your spot!
Reserve your space for book club with a £5 Book Token available on our website here or from the bookshop.
Pick up your copy in the shop or online – (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Christmas Opening Times
2024-12-23 - 2025-01-02 | Kenilworth Books
Christmas Opening Times at Kenilworth Books
Open Sundays up until Christmas 11am – 3pm
OPEN: Mon 23rd & Tues 24 Dec, 9am – 5.30pm
CLOSED: Wed 25th & Thurs 26th Dec
OPEN: Fri 27th & Sat 28th Dec 9am – 5.30pm
CLOSED: Sun 29th Dec
OPEN: Mon 30th & Tues 31st Dec, 9am – 5.30pm
Closed: Wed 1st Jan
OPEN: Thurs 2nd Jan, 9am – 5.30pm open as normal the rest of the week

November Book Club + Late Night Shopping
2024-11-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our November book club from 6.30pm – 7.30pm to chat about this fiery and dark debut – Remember, Remember and share your favourite reads of the year!
After 7.30pm we will open the shop up for late night shopping. We will have mulled wine, mince pies, freebies and 10% off everything on the night!
Reserve your space for book club with a £5 Book Token available on our website here.
Everyone welcome to drop-in for our late night shopping after 7.30pm.

Saturday Signing – Come and meet poet Charlotte Faulconbridge
2024-11-16 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Charlotte Faulconbridge, who will be signing copies of her debut poetry collection, The Warring Twenties.
The 1920’s called… they want their depression back.
Charlotte has been an emerging voice on the poetry scene, having headlined numerous in person and online events. Her first book Too High to Function sold incredibly well after its release last year. Charlotte’s love of poetry and a passion to convey a strong message surrounding mental health and neurodivergence, creates a wonderful cocktail of witty, poignant, and thought-provoking verse.
What happens when you force a geek girl to choose between Nuclear Fission and the colour Pink? In this collection Charlotte lays her arsenal of weapons at the feet of her enemies and eggs them on. Brave or stupid? Let’s find out…. Come with us as we take a tour of her not-so-roaring ‘Warring Twenties’ – The Jawbone Collective.

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Local Author Julia Rawlinson
2024-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local children’s author Julia Rawlinson, who will be at the bookshop to celebrate the publication of Fletcher’s Numbers!
Join us for an afternoon of colouring with colouring sheets from lots of Julia’s books and snowflake making to celebrate the paperback release of Fletcher and the Christmas Snowflake.
Julia will be signing copies of all her books from the Fletcher series so please do pop in!

Saturday Signing – Come and meet children's author Nicola Wood
2024-11-09 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Nicola Wood, who will be signing copies of her children’s book, Sophia the Swallow
Follow Sophia the Swallow as she leaves her nest to explore the island of her birth for the very first time! Share in her discoveries and adventures as she visits crystal clear seas, spots turtles and discovers beauty beyond her wildest dreams!
Born in Guernsey, Nicola’s first memories are of island life. As a child, she moved to Warwickshire where she developed a love of animals and Geography. Nicola trained as a Primary School teacher and after teaching in Coventry for a number of years, she taught in Cyprus.

Saturday Signing – Come and meet author Johnny Salmons
2024-11-02 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Johnny Salmons, who will be signing copies of his book, Even the Sparrows.
Bremen, Germany, September 1943. A chance meeting sets into motion a chain of events that is destined to align the lives of four young Germans. On the run, they must face dangers far from the battlefield as they make their perilous journey across Germany and beyond. A coming-of-age tale of the forgotten, the blamed, the condemned, the brave.
Johnny Salmons, a teacher of English, History & Media Studies, who now teaches part-time whilst pursuing his love of travel, historical research, and writing.

Pokemon Trading Session
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Kenilworth Books
Bring your doubles and swap them for ones you are yet to collect. Talk Pokemon with new friends!
