ACCESSIBLE READS

READ EASY

This Christmas, delve into a selection of dyslexia-friendly books recommended by the brilliant team at Books on the Hill in Clevedon. With larger fonts making reading easier and off-white paper helping to reduce visual stress, owner Alistair Sims details his favourite books for adults and children alike...

THE HOUSE ON THE OLD CLIFF

By Adrian Tchaikovsky; published by BOTH Press

A master of the unexpected, Adrian Tchaikovsky takes readers for a ride in this imaginative whodunnit. Pseudohistorian Doctor Hendry is missing. His employers want answers. Paranormal investigators, Michael and Walter –accompanied by two unscrupulous mercenaries and a deeply sceptical history professor –join a search party, which leads them to Hendry’s remote Scottish cliff-top home. Among the doctor’s research they find more than they bargained for and the rescue becomes a fight for survival.

THE CLOCKWORK EYEBALLS

By Steven Poore; published by BOTH Press

Reminiscent of masters of the spy genre, Steven Poore tells a tale of derring-do in a world of intrigue, with his usual flare and immaculate writing. Readers are plunged into an alternate Marrakesh in the year 1958. The Cold War rages on and, with the launch of Sputnik, Russia edges ahead in the race to space. Young Saif’s mission: escort an undercover British agent to the deputy security directorate. Evading high tech Russian surveillance devices, Saif borrows a grand taxi and heads to the pick-up point. But the agent – aka “The Lighting Rod” – is the one man guaranteed to make a dangerous situation more perilous. The race is on to escape the Russian secret service and deliver the spy safely into British hands.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE FOUR KINGS OF SWEDEN

By Steven Savile; published by BOTH Press

Steve Savile hits the perfect note in this homage to Sherlock Holmes. Those who are familiar with Conan Doyle style of prose and storytelling are in for a treat. How can one man be in four places at once? Lecturing to a carefully selected audience, Dr Watson recounts the unravelling of this impossible riddle after he and The Great Detective are summoned to Stockholm. The King of Sweden has been spotted in several cities on the same day, many miles apart. Threats of blackmail hint at some dark purpose behind this deception. As Holmes and Watson dig deeper, they uncover a convoluted plot of murder, mummery, and mesmerism.

MADAM SQUEAKER

By Pip Jones; published by Barrington Stoke Ltd

Crumbs on the counter, morsels on the floor –there should be plenty of food for Minetta the mouse to eat in Hollyhock House, but the Ruling Rats are running rampage every night, taking the best of everything for themselves. Minetta has decided that enough is enough –it's time the rats learn to share. The trouble is, Minetta is so small and her voice is just a squeak –how will she ever make them listen?

RACE TO THE FROZEN NORTH

By Catherine Johnson (author), Katie Hickey (illustrator); published by Barrington Stoke Ltd

Matthew Henson was simply an ordinary man –or that was until Commander Robert E. Peary entered his life and offered him a chance at true adventure. Henson would become navigator, craftsman, translator, and right-hand man on a treacherous journey to the North Pole. Defying the odds and the many prejudices that faced him to become a true pioneer, this is his incredible and often untold story.

Founded in 2014, Books on the Hill is a family-run, independent bookshop located in the heart of the historical seaside town of Clevedon. Owner Alistair Sims, who is dyslexic himself, has worked tirelessly to create a haven for people with dyslexia and reading difficulties. Books on the Hill recently launched a publishing arm, BOTH Press, which publishes dyslexia-friendly books for adults. Find out more about Books on the Hill at: booksonthehill.co.uk, or visit the store in person: 75 Hill Road, Clevedon BS21 7PL

Give them something to say Yuup about this Christmas!

Looking for local, sustainable, and out-of-the-ordinary gifts? You’ll find hundreds of unforgettable experiences with Yuup. Give someone the gift of Bristol from a whole new perspective: from tasting masterclasses to woodland foraging and from pottery workshops to world cookery classes.

Need gift inspiration? Here are some experiences they’ll never forget:

For the foodie one: Heavenly chocolate-making workshop For the luxurious one: Taste the fruits of the world with DBM Wines

Join award-winning chocolatier and founder of The Chocolate Tart, Lisa, for a two-hour immersive chocolate making workshop in Clevedon. You’ll learn the fundamentals and have a coffee and cake break before getting stuck in. You’ll make two sets of handmade chocolates from Lisa’s extended menu: moulded bonbons, chocolate puddles, hand-dipped truffles, ganache-filled treats, and more! Make a day of it and enjoy the historic Victorian easide town after.

£130 for two people

Taste the mountain soil, the sea breeze, and bursting sun-drenched berries in this gastronomic experience that will take you across the globe. DBM Wines is an independent, personal wine merchant in Clifton with over 30 years of experience. Taste wines that have been specially selected by a Master of Wine (one of only 370 globally) in a relaxed and approachable atmosphere. Exclusive without being elitist, you’ll discover that expert wine knowledge can be found just at the tip of your tastebuds.

For the artsy one: Embrace the ancient craft of pottery with Ridgeway Studios

Created by husband and wife team Max and Finola, Ridgeway Studios in Fishponds is a buzzing hub for resident ceramics artists and the home of low-key and casual pottery workshops. Ceramics artists Meredith and Naomi will show you how to morph raw materials into works of art on the wheel. When not on the potter’s wheel you’ll be handbuilding pottery with stoneware clay. This is a relaxed affair with refreshments available throughout.

From £40 per person From £20 per person

The showstopper: Take a champagne flight in a hot air balloon

Is there anything more romantic, more fantastical, more iconic, or more Bristol than being transported through the air by hot air balloon? Setting off from Ashton Court, this is an unforgettable sky-high experience that will give you a bird’s-eye view of Bristol. A hot air balloon flight raises the bar when it comes to great gifts. Perfect for special occasions like Christmas (or simply something to cross off the bucket list)! The best bit about this gift? They get to share it with you.

From £160 per person

With over 350 unique local experiences you’re sure to find something for everyone. Discover more great experience gift ideas and gift vouchers at yuup.co