Karen Swann
Bookseller
My Story
How long have you been a bookseller?
Wow, it’s been six months at One More Chapter! Time has flown.
What made you want to become a bookseller?
As a writer of children’s picture books and an avid reader, working as a bookseller in such a gorgeous indie bookshop felt like the perfect fit! I popped into One More Chapter to say ‘Hi’ when Charlotte was still decorating and it soon became clear we were both passionate about books and getting the right books into the hands of every reader. I love that I’m able to bring my insider knowledge of the industry and what’s current in children’s books to the role and be able to pass this on to our wonderfully supportive customers.
What do you love about your job?
I love it when you’ve read an incredible book, and you have the opportunity to discuss and share it with others – that’s really special. It’s fab to be able to recommend well written and exciting books to children who come in for something a little different to their normal, and I love it even more when they come back excited to talk about it with me!
What’s your favourite section of the shop/genre and why?
100% the children’s cosy corner! It’s so beautifully designed and welcoming, and that mural by the fabulous Tipperley Hill is GORGEOUS!! It’s wonderful to see children come in, grab a book and snuggle in to read!
What books have you enjoyed reading recently?
My current favourites are Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton – a beautifully written exploration of the human/animal relationship and the impact we have on each other’s world, and in children’s I really enjoyed Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery – a fast paced, high action story of two brothers, a horse and a kingdom to save! And of course there’s always so many fabulous picture books – current favourites are The Busiest Beaver by Lu Fraser and The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please.