But no: it turned out that the large red dot was hiding a large green island called the Isle of Man. But Kevin was still a Trifle Confused because the island had not one but TWO Bridge Bookshops, one in Port Erin and one in Ramsey. Luckily the Port Erin branch had a mermaid taking a bath in one of the planters outside, so Kevin decided to visit that one.
“Good choice!” said the mermaid. “All the mermaids come here for books and baths, and bath-books.”
Kevin went inside, where he met bookseller Angela Pickard.
Kevin: What is the best thing about being a bookseller?
Angela: Talking about books to all our lovely customers and hearing a happy review when a recommended book is loved.
Kevin: What’s one way you’ve tackled a problem that your bookshop has faced during the pandemic?
Angela: We have been offering free delivery to Isle of Man addresses (over £20).
Kevin: What are three books you absolutely love hand-selling to customers?
Angela: Cakes in Space by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve…
Kevin: Who? I’ve never heard of them.
Angela: …and errm, Brian Bilston's Diary of a Somebody.
Kevin: Who is your favourite children’s book illustrator? (Other than Reeve & McIntyre…)
Angela: Emily Sutton
Kevin: What is your favourite biscuit?
Angela: Chocolate Digestives
Kevin: Mmmmmmm, chocolate digestives.... What is the best way for people to buy books from you if they can’t visit the shop in person?
Angela: Visit our website, uk.bookshop.org/shop/bridgebookshop
You can follow the Bridge Bookshop on Twitter - @BookshopIOM - Instagram - bridgebookshop_isleofman - and Facebook - BridgeBookshop. Click here to visit the Bridge Bookshop's designated Reeve & McIntyre tour page!
#ReeveAndMcIntyreBigUpBookshops