We are passionate about books for children and book provision in schools. Easy access to plenty of good books is so important to ensure a brighter and better future for our youngsters.
The Little Red Lion
The Little Red Lion area sits at the back of the shop. The very best titles in children’s fiction and non-fiction are shelved around a painted, wooden boat that children can ‘steer’ in any direction their imagination cares to to take them. Having sold books since 1978 there are firm favourites which remain in stock as well as fresh publications being delivered daily. We love working with schools, delivering one-off titles or helping to curate entire libraries. We encourage schools to create and register wish lists with Red Lion Books that can be fulfilled by parents, ex-pupils and other benefactors. We also host monthly book groups from age 7 through to Young Adults.
Reading for Little People
Explore the Children's Shelves
Books for Babies
You’re never too young to begin enjoying books. And you don’t have to wait until you can read! We have board books, picture books, sturdy flap books and touchy feely books that will delight the littlest in the family.
Younger Childen
Today’s range of picture books are truly fantastic. You will find favourites like Each Peach Pear Plum and the Gruffalo here as well as a selection of the outstanding new picture books that are published each month. We feature books to help little ones understand our world – on sharing, on family troubles, on bereavement: whatever the problem there is a book that can help. For the over 7’s we have a book club that meet every month – find out more here.
Middle School Age
These are years to really enjoy reading. A time to develop confidence and discover personal tastes and enthusiasms. Books to transport you to other places and other times as well as books to encourage understanding and reflection on our own ever changing world. We believe that reading enjoyment is always key for any age and we stock the books we know will excite, thrill and entertain alongside books that will challenge young minds as their experience grows. And check the young readers book club here.
Teenagers
Come and see what you can find.
We classify teens as 13-17 (unlike some publishers). We classify Young Adult as 18-25 and this section has moved from the children’s section to its own space downstairs. We appreciate there is some crossover depending on the maturity of the reader and the content of the books
Check out the Teen book club here and meet other young book enthusiasts.
Books In Schools
School Book Supply
Does your library stock need refreshing?
Do you need quick delivery of classroom texts?
We have been supplying books to schools in and around Colchester for over 40 years. We offer a comprehensive service that can source all your requirements whether it be classroom sets of educational texts, single copies of hard-to-find titles, classroom reading sets or library restocking.
We can research, source, collate and deliver your book orders across a variety of publishers with one invoice making your life as simple as possible.
Discounts for school orders start from 10% off publisher’s prices on orders over £50.00. For substantial orders discounts range from 15% – 20% depending on the size and type of order.
Sarah Donaldson oversees our school supply service. She has enormous knowledge of children’s books and over forty year’s experience of helping local schools find the books that suit them best. She is happy to advise and assist with putting orders together and expert guidance can help make your budget go further. From small orders to full library restocks contact Sarah for fast, friendly school order management.
Wish lists
We can help you curate a wish list which can be registered with Red Lion Books and uploaded to our website. It can then be shared with benefactors, ex pupils, current parent committees and other bodies who may wish to gift books to your library
World Book Day 2024
Each March we have worked with local schools featuring the special World Book Day editions in our displays. The emphasis is always on making books fun and exciting. For 2024 we are planning an evening event for local carers and educators with authors and speakers. The working is date is Monday 4th March with limited spaces. Please email us if you are interested
Contact Us
Need A Class Reading List? We're Experts At Pointing You In The Right Direction For Your Next Class Read!
What Happens at the Little Red
Lion?
Lion?Visiting Authors.
Entertainment!
