Medina Book Shop

'Ukrainian Paws and Whiskers on the Island' Book Launch
2025-12-07 17:00 - 18:30 (Europe/London) | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Come join us for a cosy book launch at Medina Bookshop, Cowes, celebrating a heartwarming and funny children’s book about the adventures of four Ukrainian refugees — a cat, a dog, a guinea pig, and their owner Marusya — who arrive on the Isle of Wight to be hosted by the kind English couple, Mr and Mrs Watkins.
They soon discover that life on the island is full of surprises. Coming from a world where what’s supposed to be left turns out to be right, and what’s supposed to be right turns out to be left, the characters stumble into playful misunderstandings and funny discoveries at every turn. With charm, humor, and warmth, their story shows how even in the strangest situations, friendship, laughter, and kindness can help everyone feel at home in a new land.
This self-published book was created in collaboration with Odessa-born illustrator Yana Barabash, and together we hope to celebrate the growing friendship between two nations. Through humour and relatable cultural differences — just like in the story — we aim to help children and adults understand one another a little better.
The book also highlights and promotes the beautiful artwork of Yana Barabash, who arrived on the Island as a refugee. The original idea of Marusya and her pets coming to the Isle of Wight was hers, and we are delighted to share her talent with a wider audience.

BOOK LAUNCH 'Conscious Upgrade: Reprogram Your Subconscious, Activate Your Superconscious' with Jane Giles
2026-02-13 18:00 - 19:30
Jane, who lives and works on the Isle of Wight, has spent more than 20 years supporting clients through anxiety, phobias, low mood, confidence issues and life transitions. Throughout her career, she has repeatedly heard clients say, “Why has no one ever explained this to me before?”
That question inspired her to write Conscious Upgrade – a practical, accessible manual designed to help people understand how their thinking works, and how to consciously use it to create lasting change.
Written in the same clear, everyday language Jane uses in her therapy sessions, Conscious Upgrade explains how the brain “uploads” the information we feed it, and how this shapes behaviour, emotions and outcomes.
Drawing on two decades of clinical experience, Jane shows readers how to retrain neural networks and reprogramme the subconscious into a version they consciously choose.
Jane says,
“This book is about empowerment.
“When people realise they are not at the mercy of their subconscious patterns, real change becomes possible.”
The book is structured as a practical manual, meaning readers can dip into the sections most relevant to them rather than reading cover to cover.
It addresses over 30 of the most common issues Jane has worked with: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, phobias, confidence, self-esteem, motivation, addiction, health anxiety, sleep issues, IBS, pain management, unwanted habits, fears (including flying, needles, spiders and dogs), relationship challenges, weight loss support, smoking cessation and performance improvement.
Each chapter is supported by free hypnotherapy audios available on YouTube, transforming the book from something to read into an immersive experience.
One client describes the impact of Jane’s work,
“Working with Jane completely changed my life. She helped me understand my anxiety in a way that finally made sense, and gave me tools I still use every day.
“Difficult relationships that once felt overwhelming are now easy to navigate. I feel calmer, more confident, and in control.”
