BEANSTALK the Shetland pony stole the show at the grand opening of a children's bookshop in Malmesbury this week.

Barn Owl Books - located in Oxford Street, Malmesbury - opened its doors to the public for the very first time on Tuesday, August 1, but held a special opening ceremony on Friday, August 4.

Owner Amanda Wallis was joined by town mayor Gavin Grant and children's author Charlie P. Brooks at the ribbon cutting.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Malmesbury town mayor Gavin Grant, Beanstalk the Shetland pony, author Charlie P. Brooks and bookshop owner Amanda Wallis Malmesbury town mayor Gavin Grant, Beanstalk the Shetland pony, author Charlie P. Brooks and bookshop owner Amanda Wallis (Image: Richard Harris)

Charlie P. Brooks, alongside co-author Katy Riddell, wrote the popular Holly Hopkinson trilogy and signed copies of his books on the day.

He also brought his Shetland pony Beanstalk, who features in the Holly Hopkinson books, for a meet and greet.

Beanstalk happily posed for photos at the grand opening before trotting into the shop for a proper explore after the ribbon cutting.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Beanstalk the Shetland pony trotting into the bookshop after the ribbon cutting Beanstalk the Shetland pony trotting into the bookshop after the ribbon cutting (Image: Richard Harris)

As a former owner of several local nurseries and bookseller rep for Dorling Kindersley, Amanda has always attained a passion for children’s books and hopes visitors will see this shine through in the bookshop’s design.

The shop is filled with reading nooks and murals inspired by classic stories.

The mother-of-three decided to pursue this new venture following her retirement from a 20-year career in the childcare sector last year.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Charlie P. Brooks at the book signing Charlie P. Brooks at the book signing (Image: Richard Harris)

Visitors can expect to find a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, and gifting books across genres including sci-fi and fantasy, historical fiction, teen fiction, crime and thriller, nature and local countryside, food and cookery, politics, world history, and more.

The bookshop will also play host to an array of local and national best-selling authors in the future, joining Amanda for readings and meet-and-greet events. 

Details for upcoming events will be posted on the Barn Owl Books' Facebook page.