This month, independent bookshops from the Booksellers Association (BA) and Bookshop.org have selected the same Book of the Month for February: Cuddy by Benjamin Myers, published in paperback today (1 February).
 
A bold and experimental retelling of the story of the hermit St. Cuthbert, unofficial patron saint of the North of England, Cuddy was a real favourite of indies in hardback. The book straddles historical eras – from the first Christian-slaying Viking invaders of the holy island of Lindisfarne in the eighth century, to a contemporary England defined by class and austerity.
 
Incorporating poetry, prose, play, diary and real historical accounts to create a novel like no other, the book was described as a ‘sensational piece of storytelling’ and ‘a singular and significant achievement’ by The Guardian, and won the Goldsmiths Prize in 2023. Cuddy is published by Bloomsbury and is available to buy now.
 
As the BA’s Fiction Indie Book of the Month, independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting Cuddy throughout February on social media and in-store, with the book available for pre-order online as well as in physical bookshops.
 
Bookshop.org customers will enjoy an extra 10% discount for the whole month of February when purchasing the book through the Bookshop.org website, via an offer code. The BA and Bookshop.org will be supporting the promotion of the Indie Book of the Month through social media and promotional material.
 
Benjamin Myers said: “Independent bookshops are my churches, my cathedrals. They are places of worship and wonder, each one different yet full of infinite potential. In my mind they are sanctified spaces. The indie booksellers themselves are a rare breed – passionate, welcoming, interesting - and the great unsung heroes of the literary world. Most of my free time is spent seeking them out, wherever I go.”

Emma Bradshaw, Head of Campaigns at the Booksellers Association, said: “Independent booksellers worked hard in 2023, placing this incredible title by Benjamin Myers in readers’ hands, and doing much to contribute to the word-of-mouth buzz amongst readers. The aim of joining forces with Bookshop.org is to empower the independent bookselling sector to take ownership of Cuddy, which has the potential to sell in quantity in publication month, and throughout the year. Ben is one of the best British writers to emerge in recent years and he has always been vocal of his support of independent bookshops.”

Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with the BA, and helping independent bookshops get a share of the significant online sales of the paperback of Cuddy. By working together we can ensure indies have the best possible platform to maximise sales of this book in their shop and online, bringing Benjamin Myers’ book to new readers in-store, whilst growing the share of online sales through affiliate sales on Bookshop.org.”
 
Meanwhile, the brilliantly funny full-colour graphic novel Pablo & Splash has been selected as the BA’s Children’s Indie Book of the Month for February.
 
Pablo and Splash are polar opposites and besties for life. Sick to her flippers of the harsh, freezing weather, Splash persuades Pablo to go on a holiday with her, but the pair will end up in a time-travel machine that takes them back to the age of the dinosaurs! Pablo & Splash is published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books on 18 January and is available to buy in bookshops now.
 
Sheena Dempsey said: “I'm delighted that Pablo and Splash has been selected as Children's Indie Book of the Month for February. Sincere thanks to the booksellers who voted for these penguins, it means the world to me that Pablo and Splash will find their way into the hands (and hopefully the hearts) of so many new readers via independent bookshops. Pablo and Splash love independent bookshops. And so do I.”
 
The Children's Book of the Month selected by Bookshop.org for the month of February is Dim Sum Palace, out from Pushkin Children’s Books on 1 February.
 
Inspired by childhood memories of epic dim sum feasts, X. Fang's glorious picture book is a delicious adventure with a loving helping of food, family and culture. Liddy’s story full of dumplings, baos, buns and tasty treats is also the perfect way to celebrate the Chinese New Year, coming up on 10 February.
 
Bookshop.org customers who purchase the book from the website will enjoy a 10% discount on the title for the whole month of February, via an offer code.
 
The Indie Book of the Month titles are selected by panels of booksellers from publisher submissions. The Children’s panel for February comprised members from Children’s Bookshop, Huddersfield; Children’s Bookshop, Muswell Hill and The Thoughtful Spot Bookshop. The Fiction panel were from Literary Cat, Red Lion Books and Devizes Books.
 
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