The Septopus book launch day arrived, all that anxiety, preparation, anticipation. We got down to Book Face St Ives early to set up, thinking we were there extra early, no problems. We’d have AGES to set up. We started getting a table out for the signing and another two for the refreshments (yes, two for the refreshments – guess what had priority?) and in a few minutes already a guest had arrived! Were we that slow in setting up a couple of tables? No, this young girl and her Mum had arrived super-early because they wanted to see the book and offer their help. It was so sweet of them and one of the things I loved about the day was finding out how much goodwill and kindness people showed – pitching in, showing support – it was a day absolutely brimming with positivity.
I signed this girl’s book ahead of time and lucky, too, because pretty soon I was signing books and being run off my feet (not that I use my feet to sign books but maybe I should learn how!)
I left the rest of the Owltitude Press crew to set up the yummy nibblies and sadly I didn’t get to partake as I heard later they got cleaned out except for the anchovies (which luckily I love so I ate them after). But lollies, chocolates, fruit, crackers and dip and especially the amazing Septopus gingerbread – all gone!
It was fantastic to see many of the girls from Ravenswood who had also been my pen pals from the Author Pen Pals program who also turned up to this event. There was also an absolutely adorable girl whose mother told me she just loves books about octopuses. A girl after my own heart!
In a little speech, we talked about how this was our first Owltitude Press book and the amazing contribution made by the illustrator, Kathy Creamer. We also had a bit of fun using a balloon with ribbons as a model septopus and letting the children count its arms and legs!
Thanks to everyone who made it such an amazing day.
