Last weekend the new Ella Bella book was launched at the Edinburgh Book Festival. I love this city and it was wonderful to be back there again.
This was the first Ella Bella event I have done and it felt very special, particularly when the children arrived, dressed as fairy-ballerina-princesses, in 101 shades of pink! Orchard Books had arranged for The Lilac Fairy herself (from the Sleeping Beauty ballet) to appear, summoned by Madame Rosa’s music box. She danced for the children and helped me retell the story of Sleeping Beauty, before introducing the new book. Appropriately enough, Cinderella turns up at Sleeping Beauty’s wedding, which was a useful link. To finish, I retold the story of The Firebird, a favourite ballet of mine, and illustrated it.
The Lilac Fairy was lovely (her real name is Sara Wood and she runs a ballet school called Edinburgh Ballet), and the children were all enchanted by her…
Now, though, I must begin the new Ella Bella book: Swan Lake. And do you know what? I CAN’T WAIT!
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