(Not quite everyone could make the launch but we were thinking of them!)
It was a joyful, festive atmosphere in which we celebrated the official launch of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas at the Grandview Hotel, Cleveland.
And such a delight to hear people read their work. Contributions varied from gentle poems and stories, to hilarious stories. There really is something to suit everyone in this collection as well as a delicious and sometimes very humid taste of celebrating christmas in Australia.
John Duke’s work was particularly loved by the children gathered and would I think make a brilliant picture book in its own right. With so many infectious giggles rippling through the room it was definitely a big hit!
All the other readers did a wonderful job, many presenting fragments so that families were just itching to read the rest of the story. OCD elves, toys longing to be reunited with their children . . . you’ll just have to read more.
Maria Parenti-Baldey, the final reader, gave a dynamic and energetic performance to keep all enthralled.
A particular congratulations to people who were published for the first time and possibly doing their first ever public readings!
The children were so brilliantly behaved and engaged (well done all readers and parents and grandparents) and especially excited when Santa and Mrs Clause turned up!
Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators and producers as well as all those who helped in anyway on launch day.
Thank you to the team, especially Share your Story, Michelle Worthington, Julieann Wallace and to all the illustrators, especially Di Spediacci for the vibrant cover!
This special collection seeks to raise money for bicycles for teachers in Tanzania.
To ensure that a trainee teacher has every chance of punctuality, attendance and success, proceeds from the sale of the Share Your Story Anthology – ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ will be put towards purchasing a bicycle for the trainee teachers to ride to the Teachers’ Training College in Tanzania.
Here are the details on how to purchase your copy!
And don’t forget to leave a review on Good Reads or Amazon.
You can obtain a copy of the book at the following links
(The program: also including Maria Parenti Baldey, Margo Gibbs and a few others reading!)
Maria in the flow of reading.
Some of the other books by authors featured in the Anthology.
Meeting Mrs Clause and Santa.
Michelle being surprised by a gift from all the contributors
Various contributors enjoying the readings.
The lovely morning tea!
By June Perkins
June’s Story in the Collection is ‘Starry, Starry Lemon Blanket.’
Photo Credits: By various peoples at launch including me, family, Maria Parenti-Baldey, and other contributors.
Magic Fish Dreaming 
Reblogged this on Ripple Poetry .
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