Chicken And Frog is an exciting Bookshop for children in Brentwood, they are in the process of setting up their second book clubs, one for kids and the other for adults, so we have a 2-4-1 Questionaire this month. I love how the Chicken and Frog Bookclub choose their titles each month, and that one member joins in from Scotland via Skype, how fabulous is that?!

What is your book club called, when did it launch and how did that come about?

Chicken and Frog Book Club launched in 2013, just a few months after the shop opened. We had some ‘regulars’ coming along to writing club who wanted more!

Children’s Book Club will launch in November. It was inspired by the brilliant author, Chitra Soundar, who tweeted the idea about a children’s book club for adults. It spiralled very quickly and we have 15 people booked in for our first meeting. 

Tell us how it’s developed over the years.

CFBC: The club has evolved greatly. We now have two titles to choose from each month, which cover a wider age range. One child a month pitches three titles, which the group then vote on. We also have a member who has moved to Scotland, so she joins us via Skype, which is great!

CBC: It’s too early to be evolved yet. We’ll keep you posted.

Describe your book club in three words:

CFBC: Child-centred fun

CBC: Grown-up children

How do you choose your books?

CFBC: Democratically! One child a month pitches three titles and the group vote.

CBC: Natasha has chosen the first title and then we'll vote from a selected three titles.

How often do you meet?

CFBC: Monthly.

CBC: Monthly.

Where do you meet?

CFBC: At Chicken and Frog Bookshop in Brentwood. 

CBC: Chicken and Frog Bookshop

What is the format of your meetings?

CFBC: It's 45 minutes of chat about the book, plus a creative activity based around the book. If we're lucky, we Skype or Tweet the author too.

CBC: There are wine, nibbles and plenty of chat on offer. It's a very relaxed event.

What are you reading right now?

CFBC: Snowglobe, Amy Wilson.

CBC: Our first title is A.F.Harrold's The Song from Somewhere Else. 

Do you have a favourite format of book? (hardback, paperback, ebook, audiobook)?

CFBC: Paperback

CBC: Not yet!

What is your favourite book of 2018 so far?

CFBC: Ooh, too hard to choose! 

Do you collectively have a favourite author?

CFBC: Not really, but Abi Elphinstone has proven very popular.

Has there been a particular highlight of your time together?

CFBC: Visits from authors, either in person or via Skype. Lisa Thompson and Juliette Forrest are the most recent.

CBC: I expect it may be the wine. But also, a chance for adults to celebrate the beauty of children's books.

If you were to give anyone out there some advice on setting up a Book Club what would it be?

CFBC: Listen to the group. The books have to peek their interest.

CBC: Be passionate, offer something unique.

Keep up with Chicken and Frog on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@chickenandfrog).

https://chickenandfrog.com

If you enjoyed this article why not check out our other Book Club Features?