![shop](http://davidoconnell.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/shop1.jpg)
I celebrated World Book Day a bit later than the official day (last Thursday) but last Saturday was a lot of fun, nonetheless!
I was the guest of the brilliant Natasha and Jim, who run Chicken & Frog, the only independent children’s book shop in Brentwood, and who provide the warmest welcome in Essex!
It’s a great little shop – a real treasure trove of wonderful books.
Not only that, they run a creative writing club, as well as other tuition services. The back of the shop is set up for writing, drawing and other activities – a fantastic local resource. Do go and say hello (and buy some books) if you’re in the neighbourhood!
![monster1](http://davidoconnell.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/monster11.jpg)
It was straight down to business, drawing and creating monsters (with help from some very keen artists and story-makers). Jim & Natasha have kindly let me borrow some of their photos for this report: look how colourful and cosy the shop is!
We made an epic battle between the sometimes evil/sometimes good Dr Frankenspring (and his radioactive shrinking sandwich) and the jelly-like Turkey Bocotpus, whose appetite seemed to get him into trouble. Then it was into the workshop room for some individual monster-making activities. There were some monstrously inventive work going on.
![thinking](http://davidoconnell.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/thinking1.jpg)
![monstercreate](http://davidoconnell.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/monstercreate1.jpg)
You can download the monster-making sheets from my activities page, if you want to have a go yourself. I’ll be adding more printable things to it soon, so keep an eye on it.
Huge thanks to Chicken & Frog for looking after me – I had a lovely time!