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

Jess Black’s Book Launch – Book 1: ‘Eve and the Runaway Unicorn’ in her new series titled, ‘Keeper of the Crystals’

Friends, family, princesses, ninjas and unicorns came to celebrate the launch of Jess Black’s new book, ‘Eve and the Runaway Unicorn’, which is the first book in her new series ‘Keeper of the Crystals’ at Newcastle Library this morning. The Lovett Gallery was full and the buzz in the room was infectious.

Jess’s new series, Keeper of the Crystals, published by New Frontier, is an adventure fantasy series full of secrets and mystery. Eve and Oscar, two unlikely friends, accidentally tap into the power of crystals. They are thrust into different and dangerous worlds where unicorns, tigers, dragons and panthers communicate with people and where native communities and their way of life are under threat.

It was an honour to be asked to introduce Jess. I was nervous about my important role and I didn’t want to make any mistakes. It was a busy time for our little family leading up to the launch and I felt a little underprepared. But the teacher in me rescued me at just the right moment and I found myself at home once I started speaking.

Jess spoke beautifully of her life as a writer and shared with us some of Eve and Oscars’ adventures during a live reading. Jess looked stunning dressed up as an emerald princess.

 
Afterwards, guests were treated to home bakes goodies, unicorn biscuits, signings, face painting and craft activities. I walked in with a princess and walked out with a unicorn crossed with a zebra!

 

 

 
I was fortunate to read a copy of ‘Eve and the Runaway Unicorn’ before it was released on 1st July and I fell in love with the two main characters and Jess’ writing style. I highly recommend this book for children who are ready to explore chapter books or independent readers 7-9yrs. I’m about to pounce into book 2, ‘Eve and the Fiery Phoenix’ due out 1st August. Launch participants were lucky enough to get their hands on an early copy.

Congratulations Jess! What a wonderful new series. I look forward to going on more amazing adventures with Eve and Oscar.