The Booksellers Association has today named Still Life by Sarah Winman as its Fiction Book of the Month for June, and I’m (Almost) Always Kind by Anna Milbourne, illustrated by Åsa Gilland, as Children’s Book of the Month.
 
From award-winning Tin Man author Sarah Winman, Still Life takes place in the ruined wine cellar of a Tuscan villa in 1944, with two strangers meeting and sharing an extraordinary evening together as Allied troops advance and bombs begin to fall. Ulysses, a young British soldier, and Evelyn, a sixty year old art historian and possible spy, discuss truth and beauty, shaping the trajectory of Ulysses’ life for the next four decades. Still Life is published by 4^th Estate on 1^st June and is available for pre-order from bookshops now.
 
Sarah Winman said of the book’s selection, “Independent booksellers are the gatekeepers of infinite possibility and of thousands of journeys yet to be taken. As readers, we love them. As writers, we love them. To be supported and championed by them is an incredible privilege. For Still Life to have been chosen as Indie Book of the Month is a great joy, and one I am incredibly grateful for.”

Bookseller Jo Coldwell, Red Lion Books, said of Still Life, “A standout winner for us.  We loved it from the start - sharp dialogue, cinematic description, enjoyably truculent characters.  We envy anybody yet to read it”.
I’m (Almost) Always Kind by Anna Milbourne is a heart-warming story exploring the pitfalls of trying to be kind, and asking what kindness really is. With illustrations by Åsa Gilland, the book uses humour and sensitivity to show children that to be truly kind, you have to look at things from other people’s point of view. I’m (Almost) Always Kind is published by Usborne and is available in bookshops now.

Author Anna Milbourne said, “Independent bookshops are the treasure troves of local high streets. They are a book-browser’s heaven! So I’m utterly thrilled that I’m (Almost) Always Kind has been picked as Indie Children’s Book of the Month for June.”

Independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting Still Life and I’m (Almost) Always Kind throughout June on social media and instore. The Booksellers Association will be supporting the promotion of the Indie Book of the Month through social media and promotional material.
 
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