Twice Upon a Time Books

30/09/2026

Sadly due to rain this Saturday the market had been cancelled. I will be at the next one!

27/09/2026

Sometimes I get asked for read alouds ideas- and I love helping people find books. Recently I got asked what I would suggest for a 7-9 year old. What luck! I have a kid that age and these books are what we read over 2026-2027 and both enjoyed.
There is a mix of genres- I like to expose him to a mix, else all we would read is dragon and fantasy books 😂 I also tried to choose books with rich language, some classics and new good books. Where a single book of a series shows -we did read the rest as well. One or two series we are still needing a book or two to finish it. Currently we are reading Pax by Sara Pennypacker.
Also what I want to share is that some of these books might be too hard for a child of that age to read themself; but I feel its important to expose a child to stories above their reading level (not maturity!) so they can enjoy the story without the hard work of reading it.
When do we find the time to read? It is a little easier being homeschoolers to find time as we sometimes read over lunch or during a break between lessons but one time we read anyone can also
do is as a bedtime story. A chapter usually takes about ten minutes so we go to bed a little earlier to get the time in. I have heard of school going kids being read to over breakfast and just before or after doing homework. One needs to find when works for you. Usually bedtime is easiest.
What are some readlouds you have enjoyed with your kids?

21/09/2026

This is a photo of my father. Growing up I can’t remember him ever reading TO me (my mom did that until I was reading myself) but I do remember him reading a lot. And when he retired he read even more. In fact I think we were on par for amount of books read; we would both easily go through a book in a day or two. We didn’t share the same taste in books though 😂
Seeing this photo made me realize
how normal in my family it was to read. Even though my siblings weren’t as big readers as me and I think that is one important thing a parent can do for a child - show them by example how ‘normal’ reading is. Let them see you read, ask them about what they are reading, read to them, have books all over the place. Even if there are only five books in your house- move them around. Make reading a part of life. If something is just naturally there it isn’t questioned. Do you agree or disagree? Anything to add?

16/09/2026

A personal library is not a luxury but one of the neccessaries of life- Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887), the American Congregationalist clergyman, social reformer, and orator

Do you agree or disagree? (Yes finances can play a part but fortunately there are inexpensive ways to make books a part of your home. This question isn’t about that but are books that important to you?)

10/09/2026

I popped down to the shop today with intentions of just dropping off some books that have been in my car since the Windsong Bohemian Market. They’re still in my car 🫣 I did however, put up some new shelves. Filled them with non-fiction for adults. Then moved all the kids, think birth to about 7 years old- picture books and very short chapter books- to a now new shelf where picture books can stand up. Then I put ANOTHER shelf in which will hold 🤷🏻‍♀️ I am not sure yet. Point is there is more shelves going up which is good because I still have more books needing space. I haven’t yet reached point where I need to make piles on the floor….. not yet.

02/09/2026

*THIS* coming Saturday (5th September) I’ll be having a stall at the Windsong Bohemian Market which is held in the field next to Holmeleigh Farmyard. My stand is going to be the same as last month, next to the coffee 🙂 right at the back under the little brick hut. Very easy to find.

Tomorrow I will go pack the books, as always I hope that I pack right :d if there is anything specific you are wanting and can get from the market; let me know and I will bring it with.

27/08/2026

A good before and after picture 😊 I still need to sort out shelves but this dent in the piles makes a big difference.

27/08/2026

Anyone want to take a wild
guess on how many new books came in?

13/08/2026

Very exciting news! Twice Upon A Times Book is now stocking Jennifer Lindridge Author newest book Good Night South Africa. What makes these books extra special is not only that she is a local author- and illustrator, the artwork is beautiful! But each copy will be signed by her. You can order online directly from me, instructions are there.

https://www.twiceuponatimebooks.co.za/products/new-locally-authored-signed-editions

12/08/2026

The online store is slowly growing, and whilst I admittedly have been very (very!) slow to load books- today I got a chance to add two new categories! As new books come in they will grow 😊 Go see if you can see what is new 😉

Preloved ‘Blind Date with a Book’ surprises—handpicked, sustainably wrapped, and ready to be your next favorite read!