This past Saturday, I celebrated the release of my debut picture book The Peddler’s Bed with a launch party, or what I like to call a “book birthday party”, at my local library. I am extremely pleased to announce that the party was a huge success!

Many more people than I expected came out to celebrate with me (it’s a good thing I had tons of food)! Lots of family, friends, library patrons, and kids attended the party. And the biggest surprise was that my mom, who lives over an hour away in a nursing home, was able to come too, thanks to my brother-in-law who picked her up that day! 

To top it off, we sold every copy of the book! I was able to hand over a good-sized check to Barnes & Noble, and the library got a nice donation, as 21% of each sale went straight to them (thank you, B & N!).

I think everyone had a good time, and I got lots of praise for throwing such a great party. But I could not have done it without help. I owe tremendous thanks to several people: My husband Chris, my sister Linda, my brother-in-law Tim, library volunteer Pat Kolceski and her husband Joe, my library coworkers Emily Wormuth and Pat Macie and Carol Youngs, an old high school friend Suzanne Knox, my father-in-law Al for bringing the flowers, and the library staff who were working that day.

Much thanks also to everyone who came to celebrate with me, everyone who purchased a copy of the book, and everyone who either promoted, spread the word or sent best wishes my way. I am humbled by and grateful for your support. 🙂 Enjoy this sampling of photos from the party. (Please do not copy or distribute any of the photos depicting people in this blog post, except pictures of me.)

Please do not copy or distribute any of the photos depicting people in this blog post, except pictures of me. Thank you!