Book Launches Galore!

Photo: google images

Oops, I didn't realise I haven't used my blog since April until recently. That just means I must have been busy doing some interesting things (and I have - can't say much yet!), and I must have lots to tell you (and I do!). This post is about all the book launches Ive attended recently.

I love going to book launches. Celebrating the birth of a new book so kids have even more variety for their reading choices is a wonderful thing. Knowing the author and/or the illustrator and how hard they've worked just gives even more reasons to celebrate.

Launch 1: Renee Price and Anil Tortop - Digby and the Yodelayhee ... Who?
Saturday, 4th March at Wallsend Library

Renee's launch was full of singing, music, craft, food, fun and laughter as she launched her second picture book, the mate to her first, Digby's Moon.

 

Launch 2: Anthony Wood and Lorraine Robertson - Dancing Charli

Tuesday, 11th April at Belmont Library

This launch was in the school holidays so lots of kids were available to dance around and pretend to be parrots. Craft and cake finished off a lovely morning perfectly. I have lots of photos but they just won't load onto my blog. 
(I've been trying for about two hours - so I've given up - sorry Ant!)

Launch 3: Jess Black - Little Paws series

Saturday, 22nd April at Ground Up Espresso Cafe at Carrington

Jess launched her new series, 'Little Paws' in April. Unfortunately the soccer draw didn't allow me to attend this one but I heard it was an amazing event with real puppies. Congratulations, Jess!

Click here for more information about how the series came to be on Jess Black's blog.

Launch 4: Deb Kelly and Gwynne Jones - Chalk Rainbow

Saturday, 1st July at Wallsend Library

Deb Kelly and Gwynne Jones launched their first book together on my daughter's birthday. In between soccer games and birthday celebrations, I managed to slip into this launch and help them party.

Launch 5: Lynn Jenkins and Kirrili Lonergan - Ollie's Treasure

Friday, 21st July at Wallsend Library

A Friday evening launch was perfect for this event. Family and friends came to celebrate Ollie's Treasure after a long day/week at work and school.

Lots of food, wine and mindfullness activities were shared just before the kids enjoyed Lynn's public reading of this beautiful book for the first time. Then the kids were launched into the library for a real treasure hunt using their senses.

Congratulations to my talented friends!

Launch 6: Jess Black - The Keeper of the Crystals Series - Book 5 and 6

Saturday, 5th August at Wallsend Library

Congratulations on the launch of book 5 and 6, Jess! 

These books are wonderful if you have a child who loves reading fantasy mixed with some environmental issues. Book 7 and 8 are in the planning stages.

 

There were more launches I couldn't attend would you believe. But it's hard trying to keep up with everything. These events always give a great opportunity to catch up with writing and illustrating friends whom I don't see very often due to the nature of creating in solitude. 

I look forward to more upcoming book launches in my area. Yes, more are around the corner.

Happy reading, creating, illustrating and dreaming x

Newcastle Writers Festival Family Fun Day 2017

I'm on a high this evening after just finishing my MC role at the NWF Family Fun Day.

What a day! The sun was shining (thank goodness after all the rain over the last few weeks!) and people came from everywhere to help us celebrate books, reading, story telling and illustrating.

I had spent weeks making sure I had written every guest a very personalised introduction. I'd made sure I knew all the equipment that was needed. I'd checked the sound and the visuals. And finally I made sure the volunteers knew where and how they were needed most. I wanted to make sure everything was as perfect as it could be for everyone.

And I'm proud and honoured to say it was a HUGE success!

The day started with local illustrators Liz Anelli, Gwynne Jones, and Kirrili Lonergan making a new picture book live on stage - a world exclusive! Even though it can take 12 months to illustrate a picture book, these ladies nailed it in 30 minutes. Kids helped contribute collage pieces to the production and the overall result was amazing. What clever ladies!

Newcastle Region Libraries had amazing craft activities set up just outside the marquee so children could wandering in and out and use their creative juices to contribute to a large illustration which will be displayed at the library after the festival.

Next, John 'Stinker' Clarke shared personal stories that helped contribute to his debut children's story, 'The Adventures of Stinker and Stinkpot'. John was funny, educational and very engaging.

My heart skipped a beat when our next guest entered the marquee - the extremely inspiring Jackie French. Jackie and I had met earlier in the Green Room and I was delighted with how she loved coming back to Newcastle and re-experiencing its industrial flavour. We chatted about our mesmerising harbour as she signed some books for me. She even asked me if we could have a selfie! Of course I accepted. She may post that photo on her social media later.

Jackie won hearts and minds in the marquee as she talked about wombats and more wombats. She dramatically read, 'Diary of a Wombat' and then chatted about the pleasure of reading. She had the audience in the palm of her hands.

My heart skipped several beats when our next guest, Richard Roxburgh, visited our space. We were madly setting up clipboards, paper and textas so the kids could draw along with him. Richard drew some of the characters from his new children's book, 'Artie and the Grime Wave'. He was very engaging - you could hear a pin drop in the room. I think Richard would have stayed drawing with the kids all day if we could have let him. I heard a rumour all his books in the festival bookshop sold out too.

Nick Earls was up next and had a hard act to follow - but he nailed it. He shared the origins of several words inspired by his research for his 'Word Hunters' series. It is based on twins Lexi and Al Hunter who find an old dictionary and then their world as they know it changes forever.

The Newcastle Youth Orchestra entertained us next with beautiful orchestral music. The people involved in the orchestra are aged between 10-25 years. Their talent and music filled our marquee with delight - we were in awe :)

And lucky last, Professor Francesca Falconette (Nadia Sunde) had an amazing time entertaining children as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of the first Harry Potter book. Professor Falconette (Professor Frankie for short) was funny, engaging and made every child feel important and special. It was the most perfect way to end such a beautiful day.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making the NWF Family Fun Day come alive. Without every piece of the puzzle it would not have come together so beautifully.

I have heard a rumour late this afternoon there is a very high chance the Family Fun Day will be back next year and I will be the first person to jump on board and help make it happen.

The Sugar and Spice Collection by EK Books - Book Launch

The Sugar and Spice team, Anouska Jones, Penny Harrison, Susan Whelan and Gwynne Jones launched their 'The Sugar and Spice Collection' yesterday at Wallsend Library which was published by EK Books.

  

Firstly, Penny shared her story, Dance With Me by giving us a sneak peek into the storyline.

Anouska followed by introducing her book, Patch and Ruby.

Susan then gave us a hint about where missing socks go in The Great Sock Secret.

All three titles where illustrated by the very talented Gywnne Jones.

Gwynne, Susan, Anouska, Penny, Deborah (MC)

After a few thank yous from the girls, we got to dive into yummy orange and pink treats while the girls signed copies of their new books.

 

Gwynne had to sign three times faster than the rest!

While all this was happening, the kids could get creative completing glittery craft activities.

MacLean's Booksellers, Hamilton were there to help everyone 

get their hands on this stunningly colourful box set.

After some eating, drinking, crafting, signing and talking, 
Penny, Anouska and Susan snuggled in to read their stories. 

  

Gwynne roamed the room drawing special requests. My Lara asked for a 
garden full of bugs. Very Spring of her! I wonder where she got that idea from? 
(read yesterday's blog for the answer)

  

Congratulations lovely ladies! These stories are delightful. 
How lucky were we to have all of you together for this celebration. 

Penny Harrison, Anouska Jones, Gwynne Jones, Susan Whelan

Books can be purchased via the EK Books website,
any good book store or online bookseller.