By Lucy Catchpole

I’ve been sent lots of photos of my book in bookshops, but being the sort of disabled I am, I can’t go out much. So two months after it came out, this was the first time I’ve seen Mama Car in a bookshop myself. My 5 year old dressed me and her to look as much like the characters on the cover as possible (still working on that ideal burnt orange cardigan).

This was an event at a new bookshop, Caper Oxford – a talk, reading and Q&A. James gave his talk about What Happened to You? and You’re So Amazing – and then read both. I only decided to join at the last minute, which is a really handy thing about being a married couple who’ve written a series of books together. My stamina is very poor, but the pressure was off. So I read Mama Car at the end – my first public reading.

We were a bit of a family team. The girls gave out stickers and colouring sheets to everyone at the end, and helped James demonstrate one-legged standing positions. (You can see a short clip of James’s reading on Instagram, if you like.) It was lovely.

In the bookshop

Honestly, I think the girls most enjoyed browsing in the bookshop afterwards. Caper is a fabulously eccentric new shop in East Oxford – I fervently recommend a visit. Find out more about Caper Oxford on their website.

The shop is filled with truly original details – a bed that appears to have exploded through the wall, wardrobes and doors that lead to unexpected places, even a fridge of books. Mainie is 9, and she was captivated. Viola managed to be consistently astonished every time she spotted one of our authors’ and illustrators’ books – like a treasure hunt.

Actually, she thinks it’s the first time I’ve been to a bookshop with her – and may be right. I genuinely enjoyed the novelty of being pestered to buy stuff, and was a very easy mark indeed.

On the off-chance you were actually there and have stumbled across this, do say hi! (We spotted a disabled adult in the audience, and were rather hoping she’d come and chat.)

I’ve been sent so many photos of Mama Car in bookshops, and can now confirm – bookshops are lovely. (Uncontroversial opinion number 4095.)

I’d never have predicted I’d consider an Instagram reel series around Mainie and doors – but after this trip, here I am. (More compelling than it sounds – I hope – think Narnia.) Big thanks to Xander at Caper, and to Tiny Ideas Oxford for arranging the event.

~ Lucy Catchpole

If you’re interested in finding out more about our books, we have a one-stop page just below. Including colouring sheets and lesson plans for Mama Car.

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Instagram: Mainie and doors

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[Image descriptions:

1. Lucy Catchpole with Mama Car in a bookshop.
   I’m in Caper Oxford next to a display of my picture book Mama Car, sitting in my wheelchair, smiling at the camera. I’m wearing my green linen skirt, burnt orange cardigan, embroidered scarf & black beret. Mama Car cover art: a white background, a wheelchair-using mother on the front with a child on her lap, who looks slightly like me – illustrated by Karen George.
   Text over the top reads “My book in a bookshop!” on paper. It’s a bright, cosy bookshop.
2. Mainie (9) looking at Mama Car on a projector screen. She’s wearing a light brown button-up muslin shirt, and stands close to the projected image, touching the screen. The image is an illustration from Mama Car, the last page. Words read “It has Mummy.” 
3. Viola, with a display of our picture books.
   White display shelves in the event room of Caper, with copies of You’re So Amazing! What Happened to You? and Mama Car. The first two books have a one-legged child on the cover. (Illustrated by Karen George.) Viola (5) is white with long brown hair, a yellow bow on the side. She is wearing a green linen pinafore with a brownish-orangey top underneath. She’s smiling at the camera.
4. Viola in the bookshop of Caper Oxford
   Viola’s standing at the shop counter looking very happy indeed. Above, the word ‘Caper’ is in large, colourful letters on the wall – there’s a playful and vibrant vibe.
5. Viola and Mainie, on a part-bed in the shop
   Viola’s sitting comfortably on a half-sized bed – striped wallpaper behind her has been torn, so it looks like the bed burst through the wall. Viola’s legs are propped against a black, metal bed frame. In the background, Mainie looks at books in a display.
6. Mainie, reading in the bookshop
   Mainie sits cross-legged on the floor, laughing and reading a book. She has a name tag on – which she made. James and his crutches are blurred in the background.
7. Who Ate Steve?
   Viola is holding the picture book ‘Who Ate Steve?’ and grinning at the camera. It’s written by Susannah Lloyd and illustrated by Kate Hindley.
8. Mainie and Viola browsing
   Viola sits on the floor reading a book, Mainie is browsing the shelves. A white cloud-,like decoration hangs from the ceiling, and there’s a large window with lovely natural light.
9. Viola with The Book With No Pictures
   Viola holds a book with half the title visible ‘…With No Pictures’. She’s mid word, asking me to buy the book (which I did!).
10. Badgers Are Go
    A pile of copies of Badgers Are Go! in the bookshop table display – a middle grade novel by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Nici Gregory, with a yellow cover.
11. The bookshop open and closed sign
    Mainie’s holding a wooden mechanical puzzle shaped like gears – the word it makes changes from ‘closed’, to ‘open’.
12. Tyger
    A stack of hardbacks of Tyger by SF Said, prominently displayed on a wooden table. The cover art is a striking image of an eye and part of a face.
13. Viola with a display of our books – What Happened to You? You’re So Amazing! and Mama Car in the shop
    Viola’s standing next to a display of picture books by us. Overhead is a string of decorative blue and white triangular bunting. The walls and tables are covered with books.
14. Neon Leon
    A bookshelf filled with colourful picture books, including ‘Neon Leon’ by Jane Clarke, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup, and ‘Who Ate Steve’. The books have vibrant covers, and a globe is visible.
15. Patience
    Viola, out of focus, walks behind table piled high with picture books – standing up in the middle is Patience, by Rachel Williams and Leonie Lord. The table is made of dark wood with elegant legs.
16. A mirror selfie of Lucy and James Catchpole, back at home. Lucy’s in her wheelchair, holding a book and taking a selfie with my phone. Viola’s sitting on my lap, while Mainie and James stand behind. The mirror is ancient and worn, with a white painted frame. The room behind is warm and light.]