Join debut author George Kirk for a playful and heartwarming event inspired by her new picture book, Bessie's Bees, a beautifully illustrated story about embracing difference and finding your voice.

 Sing along with a live ukulele

 Learn to dance like a bumblebee

 Make your very own bee to take home

 Snuggle up for a cosy bookshop reading with George

Perfect for children aged 2–6, this interactive event is a gentle, inclusive way to explore big feelings, celebrate neurodiversity, and spark a lifelong love of stories.

Plus every ticket comes with a copy of Bessie's Bees, which George will sign and dedicate on the day.

About the book: Bessie's Bees

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An uplifting story about starting nursery with a bubbly neurodiverse child at its centre. Written from the heart by debut, neurodiverse author, George Kirk, and illustrations buzzing with charm from Ana Gómez.

Bessie's head is full of bees, absolutely buzzing with them. And that is just fine. Until one morning, Granny takes them somewhere new. . . NURSERY! Soon Bessie realises that no one else at nursery has bees, so she keeps hers hidden inside. Now Bessie's head isn't just buzzing with bees. . . it's BURSTING with them!

Can Granny help Bessie back to feeling like herself again? And will Bessie find a way to share her bees with everyone in a way that feels right?

This empowering story gives voice to the often complex experiences of growing up with ADHD through the visual, accessible metaphor of bees. Bessie and her bees help readers see themselves represented and also understand those around them. This book offers a universal message for all and is an important addition to everyone's bookshelf.

About George Kirk

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Some people think George Kirk is a reformed primary teacher turned school librarian. George knows she's really a vigilante, ukulele-playing, storyteller. Some people think the reason George Kirk's a fussy, fidgety foghorn is because she has Autism and ADHD. George knows it's just because the stories in her head are desperate to get out.

Everyone agrees the only thing that makes George Kirk still and quiet is writing the stories down. When she's not telling stories in libraries and schools, she's writing picture book texts and funny young fiction.

Her first picture book, Bessie's Bees, will be published by Templar in Summer 2025.

George lives in a Lancashire valley, between the City of Manchester and the hills of Pendle.