About me

Our mission:

1. Think about the environment

It is really important that the shop thinks about the environment and how it operates. This means everything from offsetting our carbon footprint, to removing plastic in our packaging. Where possible, we source from companies that have a strong environmental policy and will follow the three R's - Reduce waste, Reuse where possible and Recycle! 

2. Ethical

Products will be sourced locally wherever possible, promoting local authors, crafters and makers. Where products are sourced outside of the UK,  we will always look to promote ethically made products that support local communities. 

3. A Safe Space for all

​At Simian Books, our mission is simple: to bring the joy and adventure of stories to the next generation. As a shop dedicated to children and young people, we take our role as curators very seriously. We believe that books have the power to build communities, and we strive to provide a space where every child can find a story that represents them.

​We are committed to being a safe and inclusive space for children of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. To uphold this commitment, we use a values-based approach to the books we stock:

• ​Diverse Representation: We prioritize books and authors that celebrate diversity and foster empathy.
• ​Ethical Curation: As an independent shop with limited shelf space, we choose to champion creators whose public platforms and actions align with a spirit of kindness and inclusivity.
• ​The Power of Choice: We believe in the "three R's" of reading: Representation, Respect, and Responsibility. If an author’s public conduct or widely shared views actively marginalize or harm the communities we seek to represent, we may choose not to stock their titles on our main shelves.

We believe in curation not censorship  - it is a choice about who we give a platform to in our small, independent space. By focusing our inventory on authors who contribute positively to a safe world for children, we ensure that Simian Books remains a place where every family feels welcome and seen.

​We respect that every reader’s journey is different. If you are looking for a specific title that we have chosen not to stock, we are always happy to process a Special Order for you. This allows us to serve your individual needs as a reader while maintaining the curated environment of our shop. Please message us directly if you would like to purchase something not listed on the website.