Who we are
Barn Owl Books aims to bring the joy of storytelling to families everywhere
Owned and run by Amanda, a mother of three (now grown up) children and former children’s nursery educator, we are a bookshop situated in the rural market town of Malmesbury in Wiltshire, UK. We sell books for all ages but have a particular passion for children’s books. We pride ourselves in understanding how to support and develop a love for literacy, right from a child’s early years. We strive to help parents and early years educators develop the skills and resources necessary to make story time an interactive and meaningful experience for the child.
Over many years spent educating and nurturing hundreds of children in her rural nurseries with endless books, Amanda witnessed the joy and enthralment that a brilliantly told story can bring to all of us - children and adults alike.
Amanda has been an avid reader all her life and firmly believes that anyone can find enjoyment in a book - it’s just a matter of finding the right one. When she retired from running her own nursery business after 20 years she looked for her next challenge…
"My husband always complained about the number of books spilling out of our bookshelves and would say "You’ve got enough books here to open a shop". So, that is exactly what I have done! Although, my bookshelves at home remain firmly overstocked!” Amanda Wallis, Owner
Our Story
“Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.”
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”
What we do
Telling a story isn’t just about reading out words on a page.
The best books transport us to new lands, help us learn about the world around us, and make the impossible seem possible. These stories shape our early years and our futures.
That’s why we’ve created a wide range of Story Sacks suitable for all budgets to provide everything you need to bring your child’s favourite stories to life. Through our Story Time sessions, held in the event room of our shop, we will also give you expert guidance on how to use story sacks brilliantly.
If you are looking for the perfect gift, whether for an adult or a child, our Book Gift Hampers are ideal for birthdays and special occasions. Beautifully wrapped and boxed, these can be sent out or collected from the shop - saving you time and energy.
Or, why not choose a Book Subscription for the gift that just keeps giving? We have put together a variety of subscription offers to support a developing collection or to grow with a child.
We also provide bespoke services to Schools, Nurseries, and Early Years settings to support literacy development. Through our specially curated Book Bundles, we provide nurseries, childminders and teachers with just the right books to support areas of the Early Years Foundations Stage curriculum. We'll save you the hard work of searching for suitable titles to support lesson plans or for dealing with those difficult questions that children ask!
We also offer a bespoke service for Schools and Nurseries, where we can work with you to assess your needs and make recommendations to meet them, offering a 10% discount. We also work closely with schools to encourage reading development and engage reluctant readers. To find out more email Amanda at info@barnowlbooks.co.uk
But, most importantly, we can’t wait to welcome you to Our Shop where we are on hand to help you with making the right book selection or merely to “chat books”! Visit our dedicated Malmesbury Shop page to find out more about events planned, including book clubs and story time sessions.
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”