Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Gemma and I live in a small village in County Durham with my Husband and two children. I have a 2-year-old son and an 8-month-old daughter. I’m a full-time mum and also run a handmade party decoration business from home, so life is crazy busy!
What is your son’s favourite book?
Pirates in the Supermarket by Timothy Knapman. My son loves this book! It’s a story about rogue pirates who run amok in a supermarket causing chaos and mess. It has definitely made shopping more fun as he now thinks that’s where pirates live and insists on looking for them when we go shopping together.
Which book do you most like reading to them and why?
My favourite book to read to my son is The Snail And The Whale by Julia Donaldson. Whales have always been my favourite animals so that probably has a lot to do with it but I also love the snail’s adventurous spirit and his need to travel the world. I think it teaches empathy and the importance of team work to help others.
What was your favourite book when you were a child?
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – A firm classic in children’s literature. This book was a favourite from my childhood. The characters Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad and their adventures on the riverbank still conjure up the feeling of summer and the perfect English countryside. Mr Toad was my favourite character with his wit and love of fast cars. I can’t wait to read the series to my children.
Do you have a favourite children’s book shop?
I love independent second-hand bookshops that have nooks and crannies and books that are piled high. You can find so many gems and I like the fact that the books are worn and have been so loved by children. My favourite bookstore is a little shop on Rochester High Street in Kent called Baggins Book Bazaar. I don’t get to go much now as I live hundreds of miles away, but it really is a magical place and I have spent hours and hours in there.
About LittleGemGem
I run a handmade party decoration business called LittleGemGem, created in 2015 while on maternity leave with my first child. I now employ 2 people from a small converted studio. We sell personalised eco-friendly bunting.
Find us at www.littlegemgem.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlegemgems
Instagram: @littlegemgem15