DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF WORDS & WONDER BOOKS

Words and Wonder bookshop celebrates its second birthday

Hurray! It is our second birthday on Saturday August 1st. We would like to thank all our family, friends and lovely customers for all your support over the past two years. We could not have done it without you!

To celebrate on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August there will be 10% off all books in the shop, competitions to win books and activities for children so please come along and celebrate with us.

Events

Two years ago Sarah and I were madly dashing about trying to decorate and fill this little shop to give Downham Market a new bookshop.

Now we are overjoyed to be finding ourselves celebrating our 2nd birthday!! A huge thank you to our family, friends and of course our wonderful customers for supporting us along the way- here’s to many more years of us bringing you lots of great books.

To celebrate our birthday on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August we will be giving away 10% off all books & cards.

We will also have some activities in store for children as well as competitions and a little sale of old stock.

Come and join us to celebrate and get a few more books in your life! 😉 Yes, we know your to-be-read-pile is getting bigger but hey that’s what’s loving books is all about - isn’t it? ❤️📚📚

#indibookshop #norfolk #downhammarket #books #shoplocal

It’s #independentbookshopweek! 🥳🥳 Time to celebrate your local bookshop. And we would like to thank all of our wonderful customers for their support.

We’ve got some new extra shelving up in our children’s section which only means space for more gorgeous books! ( Huge thanks to our brother Richard for wielding the screwdriver and getting it on the wall! 👍)

And it’s not just books! We also showcase local artists and makers too! Featuring @louisestebbingprintmaker ( who created the fab bookshop image on our Bookshop tote bag) cards and prints
@saskiakeeling prints
@nicolahartsart cards & prints
@fawnandflame bookshop themed candles
@tin_can_pottery ceramic gifts
@ashandaxe wooden bookmarks, & keyrings

Plus lots of fabulous cards from @green_pebble_cards @theporchfairies @artangelspublishing

Don’t forget it’s Father’s Day this Sunday 21st June, we have some great books for your good ol’ Dad to enjoy.

Also as a little treat and to say thank you for your support we have £5 National Book Tokens to give away for future use if you spend over £10 on books. Now how lovely is all that? See you soon!

We are so chuffed to be a recipient of the @penguinukbooks Children’s Bookshop Grant. We have always firmly believed in the importance of books and reading in a child’s life hence why we created a space especially for them in our little bookshop.

We will be using this grant to work creatively with three local primary schools to encourage children and their parents to read together and make reading a regular habit.
Watch this space for updates. But in the meantime a huge thank you to @penguinukbooks for supporting us in this way and to spread the joy that is reading and books in the National Year of Reading.

#nationalyearofreading2026 #indiebookseller #norfolk #childrensbooks

We’ve got bundles of new paperbacks just arrived in the shop. Just in time for the sunny Bank Holiday weekend. Check out those amazing sprayed edges! ❤️Only available on the special independent bookshop editions.

We are open as usual 9.30-4pm on Saturday and on Sunday we will be open 10-3pm for the Mabel’s Makers Market when the market place here in Downham will be transformed into a vibrant market full of wonderful food, gifts and more. Plus lots of the lovely shops in town will be open too. And to top it off the sun is forecast to be shining down on us all.🌞
Hooray for Bank Holiday weekends!!
Come & have browse or just pop in to say hello, we look forward to seeing you! 👋👋📚

#downhammarket #norfolk #independentbookshop #sprayededgesbooks books

We have really enjoyed Cam Killick series so far. So we are really pleased to be welcoming the lovely Rob Parker to the bookshop on Thursday 21st May to talk about his crime series set on the Norfolk Broads.

Join us to hear all about Cam Killick, ex special boat services, who now works on the Broads as a salvage diver.
It starts with the knife. Found at the bottom of a hidden lake in the Norfolk Broads, covered in blood and heart tissue so fresh the water hasn’t yet washed it all away. What salvage diver Cam Killick has found is a murder weapon from a very recent crime - but how do you solve a murder without a body?

The remoteness of the setting is itself a clue. Only a handful of people know the location of the lake, let alone how to access it. But no sooner have Cam and DS Claire Rogers started working through this ready-made suspect pool than one of them disappears.

The ripples from Cam’s discovery have disturbed a dangerous predator, one who knows the water even better than Cam himself. The question now is what they want - and how many more people will die before Cam can stop them?

🗓️Thursday 21st May 6.30pm
🎟️FREE event - please register your interest
📧 info@wordsandwonderbooks.com
☎️ 01366 691093
🚶‍♀️ Or call in the shop and let us know

See you there!

A serial killer is on the loose in Norfolk in this breathtaking thriller from ‘the master of the stone-cold twist’, perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths, Peter James and Ann Cleeves.

#norfolkcrime #norfolk #bookshopevents #downhammarket #independentbookshop

Oh what a beauty this is! One to treasure ❤️

#jackiemorris #robertmacfarlane #bookshop #norfolk #wordsandwonderbooks

Ever wondered where we get the letters of the alphabet from? Or why Z is the sixth letter for the Greeks, yet the last for us? Or why Q needs to be followed by U?

Well now you can find out! Linguistic expert Danny Bate (and local Norfolk Boi) will be joining us on Thursday 7th May at 6.30pm to take us on a fascinating odyssey through the English alphabet.

This a FREE event in the shop, please just email, phone or pop in the shop to register your interest.

📧 info@wordsandwonderbooks.com
☎️ 01366 691093

‘A wonderful achievement! A breathtaking adventure through the alphabet – each letter a hero with a remarkable story to tell. An absolutely delightful read, filled with jewels of lightly worn scholarship and dazzling insight. I just couldn’t recommend it more highly.’
Stephen Fry

#norfolk #bookshopevents #downhammarket #independentbookshop #linguistics

On Thursday 30th April 6.30pm we are pleased to have food historian Annie Gray joining us in the shop for a talk about her book ‘The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick maker- A History of the High Street’.

What makes a high street? It’s not just the shopping; these are spaces where local life and culture unfold, the beating hearts of our towns and cities. From preserved medieval marketplaces to post-war concrete precincts, our high streets are playgrounds of personal indulgence, hubs for community spirit, sites of contentious debates and public politicking.

Join historian Annie Gray on an expedition down the street and through the ages, through arcades, department stores and backstreet shopping malls. Peeping through the windows of tailors, tea rooms and grocers, Gray writes an essential reflection on how we lived in days gone by - and what the future might bring.

Annie Gray is one of Britain’s leading food historians. She works as a consultant and broadcaster, as well as a writer. You may have heard her on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet for which she’s been a panellist since 2012, or seen her pop up as a talking head on all manner of TV shows.

Her books include The Greedy Queen: eating with Victoria, Victory in the Kitchen: the life of Churchill’s Cook, and At Christmas we Feast, as well as the subject of tonight’s talk, The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: a history of the High Street.
Annie lives in Ely, and grew up in Norwich, making her practically local.

‘A rich, lively and nostalgia-provoking sensory experience ... this is history in its messiest, most bustling human essence’ THE TIMES

‘Like being in the company of a chatty, trusted friend’ LUCY WORSLEY

This event is FREE to attend but please register your attendance by emailing, calling us or popping into the shop. 😊
Info@wordsandwonderbooks.com
01366 691093

We look forward to you joining us! 🛍️📚🛍️
#norfolk#bookevents #independentbookshop#downhammarket

Oh what a night! A huge thank you to all of you who came along to our fundraiser for the Downham Swan Youth Project on Friday. We had a wonderful evening with author Sebastian Faulks who was in conversation with his old school friend and ex-Bishop of Carlisle James Newcome. We can’t thank them both enough for their time and engaging conversation.

Massive thanks also to James Bagge, Anna and her brilliant team @dmswanyouthproject, Downham Mayor Andy Bullen for the use of the town hall, @walsinghamestatevineyard for evenings wine, and to the wonderful Pascale @thechairwomanuk for the use of her gorgeous chairs and cushions. 🙏🙏🙏

We have a few signed copies of ‘Fires Which Burned Brightly’ and the beautiful 30th anniversary edition of ‘Birdsong’ on sale in the bookshop now. 😊📚📚

#bookevents #sebastianfaulks#norfolk#independentbookshop #books

A week to go! Last few tickets available!

Next Friday we have esteemed author Sebastian Faulks coming to Downham Market to help us raise funds for the wonderful Downham Swan Youth Project and the work they do to help support young people in our local community.

Sebastian will be in conversation with James Newcome, former Bishop of Carlisle and an old school friend of Sebastian’s. They will be discussing life and writing. Come & join us!

🎟️Tickets are £20 plus a small booking fee from eventbrite. All ticket proceeds will go to the Swan Youth Project.
Sebastian-Faulks.eventbrite.co.uk

🕰️ Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, Downham Market Town Hall

See you there! 📚🎤🌼

#sebastianfaulks #indiebooks #norfolk #downhammarket #booklover

Events! Events! Events! We have some great events coming up over April & May. With brilliant writing courses and author talks there’s plenty to interest you. All author evening events held in the bookshop are FREE to attend. Full details can be found on our website www.wordsandwonderbooks.com

See you there!

#bookshop #independentbookshop #norfolk #books #downhammarket

On Sunday Sarah and I were invited to the launch of Quiet Morning at Stow Hall Gardens. These are a series of monthly Quiet Mornings that will run from April to September, gentle, creative mornings centred around reflective journalling, seasonal attention, and time spent quietly alone.
The morning was a much needed tonic for us to take a little time for ourselves to recharge our batteries in beautiful surroundings. Thank you so much @stow_hall_gardens and Lucy Hare 🙏🌳🪻🌸

Afterwards I came home to continue the vibe by pootling in the garden for a couple of hours. I then had to crack on to finish the wonderful ‘ Theo of Golden’ as I needed to get started on this month’s reading group pick ‘The Ballad of Peckham Rye’ in time for Wednesdays meeting. I did get it finished in time - let’s say it was an interesting read!

#stow_hall_garden #quiettime #norfolk #indiebookshop #downhammarket

To raise money for the Swan Youth Project we are pleased to announced renowned author Sebastian Faulks will be joining us for an event on Friday 17th April at the Downham Market Town Hall.

This will be an in-conversation talk with James Newcome, former Bishop of Carlisle. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

Tickets are £20 plus a small booking fee available from eventbrite. Sebastian-faulks.eventbrite.co.uk
All proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Swan Youth Project.

We look forward to seeing you there!

#independentbooksellers #norfolk#sebastianfaulks #bookevents #downham

We really enjoyed meeting everyone who popped into the shop for the World Book Day books ( or should that be World Book Day week?? 🤔)

And a huge thank you to all the parents who sent us photos of their children in their fabulous WBD costumes. We loved seeing all of your creations!

On Monday we rose to the most beautiful sunrise to set off to Kings School, Ely where we were invited to hold a pop up World Book Day bookstall for the junior school. We had such a great day meeting everyone and finding out about their favourite reads. A huge thank you to librarian Alison and her team @kingselyofficial!

We still have some stock of the WBD books so if you’ve not got yours yet come and find them in our Children’s department. 😊📚📚

Books, businesses & buses!

Lots going on at Words & Wonder Books right now. We have joined together with some great local businesses to bring you a feast of fabulous bookish things. 📚🕯️🎥

@lightcinema_wisbech
@ashandaxe
@fawnandflame
@blkdot.tattoo

#bookshop #independentbookshop #norfolk #downhammarket #valentinesday

New books in stock!!

We have lots of great new books in stock at the moment. I am currently enjoying Rob Parker’s ‘Forbidden Waters’, I do love a bit of Norfolk crime.

I also enjoyed ‘Be More Bird’ from Candida Meyrick, it was just the tonic needed when I read it.

I have my eye on ‘A Family Matter’ by Claire Lynch as one to add to the ever growing to be read pile!

We also have some signed editions in stock - George Saunders anyone? Plus some gorgeous sprayed edge editions. 🫶

Come and take a look 👀 📚📚

Penny x

#independentbookshop #downhammarket #norfolk #goodreads

Author Rob Parker kindly popped in to the shop yesterday to sign copies of his Norfolk based crime novels ‘The Troubled Deep’ and the newly released second book in the series ‘Forbidden Water’. Thanks so much Rob, it was great to meet you and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Rob’s novels are perfect for all you Norfolk crime fans so come and take a look!

‘The follow-up to the excellent The Troubled Deep, the second of the Cam Killick mysteries is tense, intelligent and vividly atmospheric. The Norfolk Broads provide a world of submerged secrets, and Cam is a deeply compelling lead. This is suspense with real momentum, and a narrative that pulls readers deep into a chilling tale told with heart and humanity. Unmissable’
Crime Monthly

@robparkerauthor
@bloomsburypublishing

#norfolk #independentbookshop #downhammarket #norfolkcrimethriller

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@wordsandwonderbooks

We want to make Words and Wonder Books more than just a bookshop; we aim to make our shop a warm and welcoming space for all, so please come along to chat, browse, tell us your news and hopefully you'll find a book (or two!) you can't resist!

Be Part of the Words and Wonder Story

Whether you just want to come in for a browse to see what new books we’ve got, find new stories about old friends, be inspired to try a new author, or to share some of your favourite books with us, then we would be delighted to see you.

Shop in our virtual bookshop at www.bookshop.org

If you can't make it into the shop you can support us by shopping on www.Bookshop.org

(https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/wordsandwonderbooks)

and choosing from our vast virtual shop on there. Just select our shop before you start filling your basket and we gratefully receive a % of the sale.

Look out for the special discounts.

Thank you.

Buying a gift

If you want to buy a gift for a loved one of any age, we can help you select a book for them that they will love. You will be able to buy National Book Tokens too or a Words and Wonder book voucher to spend with us, so you can give someone the joy of choosing their own new books.

We will also be selling a small range of mostly locally sources crafts, cards and wrapping paper that we hope you will find hard to resist!

Independent Book shop in Downham Market

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF WORDS & WONDER BOOKS

​

Follow us on Instagram

Be Part of the Words and Wonder Story

Buying a gift