In a spectacular triumph, a beloved children's bookshop owned by a British Indian entrepreneur has claimed two top honors at the prestigious British Book Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of the book world.
The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill, North London, run by Sanchita Basu De Sarkar, emerged victorious as the Children's Bookseller of the Year, while De Sarkar herself was crowned Best Book Retailer of the Year at a grand ceremony on May 13.
Adorned in an elegant saree, Sanchita's double win is particularly poignant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of her quaint, independent bookshop. "Children's books can be a refuge in this world. It is a joy and a privilege knowing our bookshop can be a safe haven for children and their adults," said Sanchita, who is also the daughter of London-based author Shrabani Basu.
The Children's Bookshop, described as a "youthful energy for reading," has not only thrived but has also made significant contributions to the community. The shop was acknowledged for its support of numerous charities and community projects, alongside a remarkable 35% increase in sales over the past year.
Other contenders for the Children's Bookseller of the Year included Books2door, Halfway Up The Stairs, Imagine Me Stories, Next Page Books, Waterstones, Sevenoaks Bookshop, and Wonderland Bookshop. Impressively, The Children's Bookshop is only the second independent bookshop to clinch this title in the last eleven years.
"It's everything a children's bookshop should be," praised the judges, highlighting the shop's extensive outreach initiatives. Sanchita and her dedicated team of five are noted for their exceptional efforts beyond just running the tills. Their work includes significant school outreach programs, vibrant World Book Day activities, and the introduction of new book clubs and a creative writing course, both of which boast years-long waiting lists.
The shop's community engagement extends to organizing book signings with celebrated children's authors such as Julia Donaldson, David Walliams, and Michael Rosen, events that often draw large crowds. The judges also commended the shop's commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that it supports both emerging authors and established names.
The British Book Awards, also known as the Nibbies, celebrate excellence across the literary world, including writers, agents, publishers, and bookshops. This year's event also spotlighted children's literature with English author Katherine Rundell being named Author of the Year, marking the first time in six years that a children's writer has won the prestigious category.
Sanchita Basu De Sarkar's achievements at the British Book Awards highlight the invaluable role of independent bookshops in fostering a love for reading and community spirit.