Children's Books

Two speakers, two subjects, twenty minutes each. The subject matter is a mystery - the audience finds out when the talk begins! One of our newest events and already a firm favourite. So far, topics have included a '90s pro wrestler running a scam, the first portable synthesiser, aphasia (effects on the brain after a stroke), Hamlet through the decades, cryptic crosswords and the impact on pop culture of Little Richard. What's next? Come along and find out! Tickets £8 available on the door - advise booking on our website. Bar available. All children to be accompanied by adults.

**Failure to follow the event’s guidelines will exclude you from Poetry Nights.** A lyrical, chill pill for the soul! An opportunity to brush on your Persian reading and make friends. In a world that often feels divided, let’s come together to explore the power of connection and community through poetry. UCL is opening its doors to invite us to a relaxed and inspiring poetry night. This is a free event. The room is only confirmed half an hour before. Join the Whatsapp group to receive the PDF of the poetry that will be read and room number. Capacity is limited and failure to update your attendance a day before will exclude you from future poetry nights. We‘ll meet at UCL’s reception at 5.51pm. I will not wait for anyone or answer messages past 6pm. The session is 1 hour long. We’ll gather for a chat after the poetry reading. Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French and Spanish, and English? Join me on: -[www.meetup.com/gaia-books](www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Show us your game face and join us for a relaxed board game café social. 🎲🃏 We’ll play a mix of easy-to-learn, social games that leave plenty of room for conversation. Otter Chaos has a table fee of £2 per hour (or £5 for 3 hours). Food and drinks are also available with snacks and mains between £4 and £14. They do great pizzas! 🍕

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

Salut à tous ! Le *Propos sur la nature* d’Alain, 272 pages, est un recueil d’essais brefs dans lesquels Alain observe la nature comme un lieu d’exercice de la pensée plutôt que comme un simple décor. À partir de phénomènes ordinaires — le vent, la pluie, les saisons, les paysages — il développe une philosophie du regard, attentive, lucide et volontairement débarrassée de lyrisme facile. Écrits dans une langue claire et précise, ces *Propos* invitent le lecteur à résister aux illusions, à se méfier des sentiments trop spontanés et à reconquérir sa liberté intérieure par l’observation et le jugement. La nature y devient un terrain d’apprentissage moral et intellectuel : elle n’enseigne rien par elle-même, mais oblige l’esprit à penser juste. Où l’acheter : [https://www.librairie-gallimard.com/livre/9782070302789-propos-sur-la-nature-alain/](https://www.librairie-gallimard.com/livre/9782070302789-propos-sur-la-nature-alain/) Bonne lecture ! Intéressé à la lecture en espagnol, en anglais ou à la littérature persane ? : [-](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros)[www.meetup.com/gaia-books](www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -[www.meetup.com/persian-culture](www.meetup.com/persian-culture) -Instagram: @persian_culture_

Do you want to relax and socialize in a quiet bar while playing some video games together? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs? Have you been cooped up by yourself for too long and wants a change of pace? This is the event for you. Get ready to level up your social life at our exclusive Social Night! Join us for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition, great company, and good vibes at XP Tavern. Whether you're a seasoned PC gamer, a console enthusiast, or just love to unwind with some video games, this is the perfect chance to meet new people who share your passion for pixels and high scores. If you don't want to play any games, you can still enjoy the vibe, socialize at the bar and watch the others play. Two console gaming booths will be booked and we can share it together. There are also gaming PCs to enjoy. How many people are attending? The venue has a capacity limit of 50 guests, and due to the popularity of our events and the unique ambiance of the location, we anticipate this event will reach full capacity quickly. On the day of the event, you will experience a relaxing atmosphere with a hospitable and encouraging community. If you want to socialize and get drinks, the event is free. If you want to participate and play the games, you gotta pay £10.

Seektag is a **sneaky outdoor spy game** that's like **competitive hide and seek! 🏃** The goal is to **spot other players without getting seen** (+5pts) and to tag checkpoints (+3pts) 👀 \*\*\*\*\*\*\* Watch the **Player Tutorial Video** to learn how to play! https://youtu.be/zuxzIOce8DA \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **📍 LOCATION/HOW TO FIND 📍** Meet at the Red Bridge over the river in the Coal Drops area 5mins walk north of Kings Cross train station. Look for the bright pink vest! Map: **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExQ6Bkwe7S4sAGGq8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExQ6Bkwe7S4sAGGq8)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Play with a friend or go solo!** Games last 10mins and we usually play about 6 games in total. There are lots of ways to play – some people like to run around, while others like to **be more sneaky!** If you like hilarious situations, outdoor fitness, social times, group activities, games, adventures, sports or new ways to exercise, **you will love Seektag!** It's also a fantastic way to **make friends for life!** ❤️ Our Gameplay Meetups are **100% FREE** and open to everyone (kids are allowed if accompanied by an adult). We are LGBTQ+ friendly and encourage everyone to be who you are - **we love you for you!** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **📱 Get the PlayCulture App:** You'll be using the 100% free PlayCulture app to play at our meetups. Get it here: **[www.playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)** (and if you're feeling creative, start designing your avatar!) **❤️ Support PlayCulture!** If you are loving our free gameplay meetups please consider supporting us on Patreon! **[patreon.com/playculture](https://www.patreon.com/playculture)** or drop us a one-off donation **[playculture.com/donate](https://www.playculture.com/donate.php)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **REVIEWS** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Fun, engaging and intense, my new favourite workout!* \- Adrien ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *The extremely welcoming and wholesome vibes, the beyond awesome people that you could connect with immediately, I could let out my inner kid again* \- AnonymousLemur ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Seektag means feeling like a kid again!* \- Stefan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *I had so much fun! Definitely a very welcoming environment with lots of great people. It was a great way to unwind/de-stress - AnonymousGoat* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **🚀 WHAT HAPPENS AT OUR MEETUPS? 🚀** Your friendly game leader will explain the rules and hand out your numbered vests, then we'll play some games! Games last 10 minutes, with about 5 minutes of social time in-between to laugh about who saw who and who didn’t! At the end of the meetup we get food and hang out until the owls are hooting **⚡ HOW DOES THE GAME WORK? ⚡** Every player wears a vest with a number on the front and back. Players open the PlayCulture App ([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)) and if you spot another player, put their number into the App. You can also tag zones for extra points. At the end you will see a leaderboard showing everyone’s scores **🎈 CAN I BRING MY FRIEND? 🎈** Absolutely! If you want you can stick together and play as a ninja team! Just select extra tickets if you are bringing someone with you **🥾 WHAT TO BRING** 🌊 \- Smartphone with mobile data\, fully charged battery and PlayCulture App installed \([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)) \- Comfy shoes \- Bottle of water **🛍️ WHAT NOT TO BRING 🎒** Please try not to bring a bag/backpack as we don't have anywhere to store bags. If possible try not to wear your hair down/long or wear a hoodie, as this could obscure the number on your back **📜 RULES 📜** Seektag takes place in public spaces, so please remember these rules: \- Non\-players always have priority \- Safety first: don’t do anything to endanger yourself or anyone else \- Don’t run around blind corners or across roads\, no risk\-taking\! \- Smile and enjoy\! **❤️ MORE INFORMATION 🤔** We're very happy to answer any questions you may have, just message us on Meetup, or email [info@playculture.com](http://info@playculture.com/), or visit [www.playculture.com](http://www.playculture.com/) **📷 PHOTOGRAPHY 🎥** Please note that we may film or take photos at our events, either for promotion or for our YouTube channel. By attending our events you agree to feature **📢 REMEMBER 📢** These events are free-to-attend social meetups organised by passionate people. You are responsible for yourself and for your own safety. By attending you are agreeing to our terms (available here: [playculture.com/disclaimer](https://www.playculture.com/disclaimer)) Take care out there in the big wide world, and let us know if anything is troubling you **❤️**

If you're looking for a laid back Saturday playing some board games and talking nerd stuff in a pub with some awesome people, this is the meetup for you! Whether you're new to London or just want to get some long-lost in-person socialisation, we're a friendly community and welcome you all. **What to expect:** We officially play from **2 PM to 7 PM**, but we keep it casual. Show up when you can, and stay as long as you like. If you’re having a good time, there’s usually a group that stays late for a few extra pints and chat. **Some house rules:** * We aim to ensure these events are friendly, welcoming and safe, and so we ask you abide by our [Code of Conduct](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YEl0gv61SkBFN-YF6fyVvuQYicWbWhRL/view?usp=drive_link) * We have a community box of games we keep in the pub, but please feel welcome to bring your own games along. Just be prepared to teach us how to play! * We don't charge a cover fee, so please help support the pub by ordering food and drink throughout the afternoon. * Please keep your RSVPs updated so we can manage numbers and ensure we can reserve enough tables.

Welcome to our second ever coffee catch-up! There is no set agenda but we could discuss books and reading goals as we approach the first quarter of 2026. Also a space to discover other interests and hobbies, like movies etc.

**GRADE 🥾🥾🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 26km \(16mi\) \| Circular \| Ascent: 383 m **🚊Train:** *Return Ticket* **London Waterloo** **⇆** **Sunningdale** ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Waterloo station Ticket Office \| **09:00** (Train at **09:19**) **2-** Sunningdale outside train station \| **10:10** ⚠️This is a **Circular** Hike **🏁Hike** **start:** **Sunningdale** train station \| **10:15** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Sunningdale** \| approx\. **\~17:00** —— **📕ABOUT:** Join us for a scenic **Sunningdale-to-Sunningdale loop** (26 km) through woodland, heathland and classic Surrey countryside. We’ll pass **Fern Hill** first, then climb up to **Danewell Hill**, before stopping at a nice café for lunch. After lunch we continue through **Chobham common and Bee Garden** then loop back to Sunningdale Station. **Bee Garden note:** The Bee Garden is a fascinating Scheduled Monument on Chobham Common—a large, banked enclosure in Albury Bottom. Its exact story is debated (some suggest Bronze Age, others medieval), but it’s a brilliant little landmark to pass through in the middle of open heathland. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Fern Hill** – a lovely warm-up section * **Danewell Hill** – a rewarding climb and fresh views * **Café lunch stop** – proper break, toilets and a reset for the second half * **Chobham** – countryside feel * **Bee Garden** (Chobham Common) – peaceful heathland + hidden history —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— ️ 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: **🎟️Super Off-Peak Ticket Return** **London Waterloo ⇆ Sunningdale** with a Network Railcard is £14.55 (instead of £21.90) * **➡️Outbound:** London Waterloo **09:19 → 10:09** Sunningdale * **⬅️Inbound:** Anytime Off-Peak from Sunningdale. 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. Visit **[National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)** for details —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 1-2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** • ‍‍ Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. • For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. • We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

Julia wird in Ostberlin geboren. Sie ist acht, als ihre Mutter sie und die Schwestern in den Westen, erst ins Notaufnahmelager Marienfelde und dann nach Schleswig-Holstein mitnimmt. In dem chaotischen Bauernhaus kann die Dreizehnjährige nicht länger bleiben und zieht aus, nach Westberlin. Neben der Sozialhilfe verdient die Schülerin Geld mit Putzen, sie lernt ihren Vater kennen und verliert ihn unmittelbar, macht ihr Abitur und begegnet Stephan, ihrer großen Liebe. Wenn sie sich erinnert, ist es Gegenwart. »Welten auseinander« ist Julia Francks bewegende Erzählung einer ungewöhnlichen Jugend voller Brüche und Unsicherheiten; ein schmerzhaft-schönes Buch der Selbstbehauptung, das von Scham und Trauer so genau erzählt wie von Tod und Liebe. Schreiben und Literatur erweisen sich als Instrumente des Bleibens, vorerst.

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Come join us for coffee at Matari Coffee to discuss our March book, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.