Drop into the Ocean, A tour of the World's Oceans and Seas: Reading's Kids Book Launch!

Display at Readings Kid's photo by Adele Ayres

It was the book launch for Drop into the Ocean: A tour of the World's Oceans and Seas on June 08 2024, Saturday at Reading's Kids in Carlton. Book was published by Hardie Grant Explore and written by Karen Wasson.  It was a pretty exciting as it was the first time I saw the books on the shelves and it was my first time ever doing a book launch!  

Display at Readings Kid's photo by Adele Ayres

When Karen and I met at Readings, before the launch started, she gave me a knitted version of Neptune (character in the book) how adorable is this?  It's such a lovely gift to receive before starting the presentation.

Delightful plushie from Karen

The staff at Reading's Kids, especially Celeste, where incredibly accommodating and kind and set up the books and the area for Karen and I to present the book.  Celeste introduced us and away we went!

All about the book.  Photo provided by Karen Wasson

Karen did most of the talking, being the author and quizzed the audience on some of the ocean and animal facts that can be found in the book. I managed to squeeze in a question or two myself.

Quiz time! Photos by Rob Macfarlane

Karen prepared prizes for those that answered the questions correctly.  The kids were very cute and were eager to participate with the questions.

Handing out prizes. Photo by Rob Macfarlane

I drew Neptune the Jellyfish for the kids.  One of them even followed along while I was drawing.  It was good fun and he did a real good job of it too!  It was really lovely of Reading's Kids to provide the whiteboard and the pens.

Drawing for the kids. Photo by Rob Macfarlane

It was a really good turn out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  It felt like a blur to me, to be honest.  I don't even know what I said for most of the presentation.

Not sure what I said. Photo by Adele Ayres

I had some friends come along with their kids.  I held their baby awkwardly. I think both the baby and me are asking to be saved here. 

A cry for help...from both of us. Photo by Sandra Chiang

The turn out was so good!  It was a little nerve wracking, don't really know who would be turning up so am really happy that there was a significant number of people there for our first launch and it wasn't crickets.

A great turn out! Photo provided by Karen Wasson

People enjoying the photo frame Karen made. Photo provided by Karen Wasson

Karen and I signed a lot of book, for people who asked and we did a bunch for Readings Kid's as well. in fact, if you're in Melbourne and interested in getting a signed copy, should definitely head there to get a copy!

Karen and I signing books!  Photo provided by Karen Wasson.

We were signing on the drawing table for kids.  So there were colouring and doing the craft that Karen provided.  This set up was done by Reading's Kids, again I cannot reiterate how awesome they were for making our launch as easy as possible.

Karen and I signing books!  Photo provided by Karen Wasson.

I designed this colouring page for the kids which Karen printed out.  It was a hit, though maybe I made it too detailed for kids? 

Colouring page for book Launch

What was even a bigger hit was this photo frame that Karen made with her kids.  It turned out so well and everyone enjoyed taking photos with it. A definite must for all book launches in the future.  Everyone loves a photo and a souvenir. 

So pleased having my friends and partner for support! Photo by Rob Macfarlane

Myself and Karen!  Again really pleased with how it all turned out and that it was a really good day!

Author and Illustrator!  Photo provided by Karen Wasson