Books For Curious Cubs

11/09/2026

♠️ Emily Recommends | Ace of Spades 📚

Some books entertain you.
Some books make you think.
And then there are books like Ace of Spades that do both brilliantly.

On the surface, it’s a gripping YA thriller packed with secrets, twists and anonymous messages that keep you turning the pages…
But underneath, it’s asking some much bigger questions.
It explores how systemic racism isn’t always loud or obvious, how privilege can shape people’s experiences in ways they don’t always recognise, and why simply being “not against it” isn’t necessarily enough.

It also explores the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ identities, and the different pressures and prejudices that can come with navigating both.

One of the things I found particularly powerful was Belle’s journey - and the uncomfortable question of whether being a passive supporter is enough. Sometimes, if we aren’t actively part of the solution, we’re allowing the problem to continue.

This is a thriller that doesn’t just ask “Who did it?”
It asks:
Who gets believed?
Who holds the power?
And what responsibility do we have to challenge what we see?

And somehow, it manages to do all of that while still being a seriously addictive read. 👀

📚 My verdict: gripping, uncomfortable, thought-provoking - and absolutely one I’d recommend to YA readers who enjoy a book with something bigger to say.

👇 Tell me…
What’s a book that has genuinely changed the way you think about something?

I’m always looking for my next “I hadn’t thought about it like that before” read. 🤍📚

18/08/2026

🚨 IT’S BEEN OUT OF STOCK FOREVER… 👀

And now it’s BACK.

20 Poppy & Sam stories for just £24.99. 🤯📚

That’s £79.80 worth of books for £24.99.

I’m honestly obsessed with this set - and Lola has hers, so I can vouch for how lovely it is. 🤍

🚜 20 classic stories
🐑 Perfect for little Poppy & Sam fans
📚 A whole little library in one box
🤍 And I LOVE that I grew up with these stories too!

£24.99. That’s it.

If you’ve been waiting for this one, NOW is the time. 👀

👇 Comment POPPY or message me to order yours!

And tag the person who needs to know this is back! 😂📚

14/08/2026

📚 20 books can make a bigger difference than you might think…
We all know that reading with our children is important - but research into the home book environment suggests that simply growing up surrounded by books is linked with better educational outcomes too. ✨

A major study across 27 countries found that children growing up in homes with more books had higher educational attainment, independent of their parents’ education, occupation and class.
And more recent research continues to find a relationship between the number of children’s books at home and academic achievement.

The bit I LOVE? 🤍
You don’t need a huge library.

Even around 20 books can make a meaningful difference. 📚
So those books piled beside the bed…
The ones stuffed into the bookshelf…
The stories you’ve read approximately 847 times… 😂
They’re doing more than taking up space.

👇 Now I’m curious…
How many children’s books do you think you have at home?
20? 50? 100? 500?! 😂
No judgement — I’m a bookseller, so my answer is obviously ridiculous. 🫣📚
Drop your estimate below! 👇

And if you’re thinking “we could definitely do with some more books around here…” 📚
Send me a message with your child’s age and what they love, and I’ll happily help you find some they’ll actually want to read. 🤍

08/08/2026

Apparently we’re all kinda chic now… so here’s mine. 😂📚

I started my little book business while I was on maternity leave.

At the time, I definitely didn’t have some huge master plan. I just knew I wanted to build something that was mine, that I genuinely enjoyed, and that could fit around being Lola’s mum.

And somehow… look what happened. 🥹

It became a livelihood.

It meant Lola could grow up surrounded by books and come along to some of the things I do.

It has taken me into schools, nurseries, hospitals and communities I probably never would have crossed paths with otherwise.

I’ve helped put thousands of pounds worth of books into schools.

I’ve met some of the loveliest people.

And, rather ridiculously, it even took me to Vietnam for six nights, all expenses paid. 🇻🇳✈️

All from something I started with a slightly nervous:

“I’ll give it a go…” 😂

I think that’s the bit I wish more people knew.

You don’t necessarily have to know exactly what you want your business to become before you start.

You can start small.

You can build it around your family.

You can figure it out as you go.

And you can make it your own.

So yes…

kinda chic of me. 🤷🏼‍♀️📚

What would your dream business need to give you more of?
✨ Time?
💷 Extra income?
🤍 Flexibility?
📚 Something you genuinely love?

Tell me - I’m nosy. 😂👇🏼

07/08/2026

❤️🫶🏻
Help keep me on track for the target of £1000 raised this year!

📚 A good book can do wonderful things... 💜

For young patients spending time in hospital, books can educate, entertain, inspire and provide a welcome escape during difficult days.

Twice a month, Independent Usborne Partner Emily James brings her Books For Curious Cubs pop-up bookshop to the entrance foyer at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, helping families discover fantastic books for children of all ages.

Even better, every purchase helps give back. Emily donates 10% of her profits to Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, supporting projects that enhance NHS care and make a real difference for local patients.

So next time you see Emily's book stand, why not pick up a story? You'll be helping young imaginations flourish while supporting your local NHS 📖✨

05/08/2026

✨📖 Emily Recommends: The Merciless Ones

“There are four of them. Corpses. Each one female and young - around my age, if that.”

Now that’s how you open a book.

It took me a little while to settle back into Deka’s world after reading The Gilded Ones. There are lots of characters, politics and history to remember… but by around page 50 I was completely immersed again.

Namina Forna has created a fantasy world that feels incredibly rich, where every answer seems to uncover another layer of truth.

At its heart, though, this trilogy is about so much more than fantasy.

It’s about questioning what you’ve always been taught to believe.

It’s about recognising that equality isn’t about one group becoming more powerful than another - it’s about creating a fairer world for everyone.

It’s about understanding how fear, prejudice and violence shape people, and how difficult - but possible - it is to break those cycles.

One thing I particularly loved was that the story doesn’t present easy answers. Just like in real life, you’re constantly asking yourself:

Can two seemingly opposite things both be true?

That uncertainty runs through the whole novel and kept me turning the pages because I simply had to know what happened next.

✨ Why older cubs will love it
⚔️ Action, secrets and constant twists.
⚔️ A brilliant heroine who keeps growing.
⚔️ A world that’s impossible not to get lost in.

🤍 Why parents and teachers will love it
📖 Powerful themes around equality, identity and resilience.
📖 Opportunities for meaningful conversations about prejudice, conditioning and recovery after trauma.
📖 A story that trusts young readers to think deeply and ask difficult questions.

This is definitely a series I’d recommend for confident readers aged 14+, particularly those who love fantasy with real substance behind it.

Have you read The Gilded Ones or The Merciless Ones? I’d love to hear your thoughts… and if you’re looking for your next YA fantasy series, pop me a message. 🤍📚

03/08/2026

Update*

💙 Torbay Hospital friends… here are my remaining pop-up dates for the year! 📚
If you work at Torbay Hospital (or know someone who does), I’d love to see you.

I’ll have children’s books for every age, activity books, gifts and plenty of ideas for birthdays and Christmas 🎄✨

One thing I’ve realised is that lots of staff simply don’t know when I’m there... so I’d really appreciate your help 🤍
📌 Save this post so you’ve got the dates handy.
👩‍⚕️ Tag a colleague who works at the hospital.
📲 And if there’s something specific you’d like, just send me a message beforehand and I’ll bring it along for you to collect on the day.

Every hospital pop-up also raises money for Torbay Hospital Charity, supporting either the Children’s Ward or Special Care Baby Unit 💙

Thank you for helping me spread the word - I can’t wait to see lots of familiar (and new!) faces over the coming months 📚🤍
Torbay+South Devon NHS Charity

02/08/2026

📚 A year apart… some things never change. 💃🤍

Same little sidekick, same happy moments between helping customers.

One of my favourite parts of running Books For Curious Cubs is that Lola gets to grow up surrounded by stories and come along to some of my favourite events. 📚✨

These little moments in between are the ones I’ll remember most.

👇 Tell me… what’s your child’s favourite song to dance to at the minute? 🎶💛

30/07/2026

✨📚 Fresh off the bookshelf… August’s new titles have arrived!

There are some brilliant new releases this month, but here are a couple I’m especially excited about…

🎨 Foil Art
If you’ve not tried these before, they’re so satisfying! Simply place the foil over the designs and watch colourful, shiny pictures appear. They’re perfect for quiet afternoons, rainy days or taking on holiday.

🏴‍☠️ How Not to Be a Pirate by Jenny Pearson
If you’ve read Jenny Pearson before, you’ll know you’re in for laughs, adventure and plenty of heart. This one already sounds like it’s going to be another fantastic middle-grade read, and I can’t wait to dive in.

📚 There are lots more new titles too, browse my website and see if something grabs you! (Message me for the link if it’s in my page bio)

👇 Can I ask you something…?

I used to run a little ‘New Titles Day’ giveaway each month, but I stopped because hardly anyone entered.

Would you like me to bring it back?

💜 👍 = Yes, I’d enter!
💬 Or tell me what kind of giveaway would actually tempt you to join in.

I’d genuinely love your thoughts because I’d much rather create things you’ll enjoy than guess!

29/07/2026

🎒✨ Lola’s Go Bag | Screen-free favourites

These are a few things that are always packed when we’re heading out... whether it’s a café, a hospital pop-up, a long journey or waiting for food to arrive. 🤍

🐮 A Moo Slider Sound Book – brilliant for little hands and helping develop fine motor skills.

🚜 The Runaway Tractor – I grew up reading Poppy and Sam, so sharing these stories with Lola feels really special. They’re perfect for a calm moment together.

🎨 Magic Painting – with easy tear-out pages, I always carry a couple of sheets in her bag ready for whenever we need them.

🦄 A Unicorn Sticker Book – her absolute favourite at the minute! We’re nearly at the end of this one already. 🥹

I love having a few simple activities ready to go. They don’t take up much room, but they’ve saved me from many a meltdown!

👇 Now I need your help...
What’s the one thing that’s ALWAYS in your child’s go bag? 🎒
Is it crayons? Snacks? A favourite teddy? Books? Stickers?
I’d love to steal... I mean borrow... some ideas! 😂👇

🤍 Save this post for your next day out, and tag another parent who’s always looking for easy, screen-free entertainment.