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

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.

High Tea with Belinda Murrell at Wallsend Library

Dressing up with my daughter to attend a literary High Tea with Belinda Murrell at Wallsend Library was an absolute highlight for us during Book Week this week.

As my daughter and I arrived, we were greeted by an excited Belinda, immersed in images from Belinda's very popular Lulu Bell series, and encased in a beautifully decorated room, with books and splashes of colour everywhere. The scene was set for a lovely afternoon. 

First stop: the bookshop! Belinda then snuggled into Lara (our Lulu) and signed her new books. They had a lovely little chat.

Then Lara discovered the colouring in (and coloured in happily while wearing pearls of course).

Next we ate lots of beautiful, fresh strawberries (while colouring in).

Then we listened to Belinda as she shared her writing life and her family with us. Following this we participated in fun Lulu Bell quizzes and games. Our table even won some prizes.

More sweet treats arrived followed by a photo opportunity with Lulu Bell. This cutout has travelled the country. She looks like she needs a rest.

Thank you Wallsend Library for hosting, Belinda Murrell for sharing her wonderful stories, and Julie Swane for providing such a lovely experience. I enjoyed spending some precious time with my daughter as we shared our love of books. 

We look forward to jumping into Lulu's adventures involving pirates and turtles soon.

Happy Book Week 2015. Let's make books light up our world!