Well, I can only call the first ever Luton Hoo Walled Garden Children’s Book Festival a triumph! In damp and dreary weather people flocked to the lovely old gardens to hear an array of speakers in starry tents. And I had the enormous honour of being their very first speaker.
As it was a walled garden I had to include the Firebird story, which begins and ends in a magical garden. But I also told St George & the Dragon (both with upside down illustrations, of course), amongst other things. The warm and cheerful audience (considering the early Sunday morning start) made me feel very relaxed and I was just so happy to be part of something that I truly believe will become one of the truly important children’s book festivals in the UK.
Books were sold signed and taken off by happy children, lemon cake was eaten (by me), friendships were renewed and new friendships forged. Even a Facebook friend, “Kitty Dinners” came – and with a gift: a handmade blue bunny (see picture below). He needs a name, so why not send me some ideas? In exchange for a signed book perhaps?
An enormous thank you to everyone who organised, set up, hosted, supported the festival so brilliantly. It was clearly a great success and I hope it goes from strength to strength!
Now I must pack for five jam packed days on the south coast visiting an abundance of schools. Cheerio!
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