What an amazing morning! As they say in school, now it’s time to reflect and review.
I chose a café over a library setting for a simple reason. I wanted a warm welcoming space where parents could get a coffee while their children were engaged and entertained. Café 19 was the perfect choice for my first ever event.
Having my check list was essential, I have a bit of a sieve head sometimes, so I make lists…. A lot of lists. I created the Facebook event and posted a countdown on my page to remind people. Books ordered, pencils, pens etc sorted. At that stage, I reckoned I had everything under control as much as I possibly could.
Of course, the one thing I couldn’t control was who would come along. Was anyone going to turn up? Would I be sat there just reading to myself? I have to say, as it got towards 10 o’ clock, I was thinking it might just be me but I shouldn’t have worried. The families arrived perfectly on time!
Feedback is essential, so I’d created an event form among other things to gather those opinions. Each family were given the form and a photography permission form. Taking images of the event is important BUT I’d need permission to take and use those images. The last thing I would ever want to do is commit the dreadful error of posting a photograph of attendees without their permission. This is so important, some children are not able to have their image on any platform. Always think safeguarding and have your photography permissions ready.
Reading the book. I’d advertised two scheduled readings. As this was a book launch celebration, I was of course going to start with the new book. I’d planned to read another of the books if the children wanted a second story….. and they did!
Note: When you have children, work with children or even borrow them from time to time from family [think nieces, nephews etc] you’ll know that kids don’t always sit still and listen. Some don’t want to, some simply can’t. Expect wrigglers and the shouter-outs. Never, and I mean never, make a parent feel bad because their little one is making noise or not sitting still. As a parent, I know first-hand how stressful it can be to go places when you know your little one is a vocal child who needs to move constantly. Children are not made to be statues. You will have the interruptions and untimely questions, work with them and around them or you will flounder!
Having said that, the children who came were amazing, they listened, engaged and wanted that second story.
I had the readings videoed purely for me, I wanted to improve what I do and make sure that I wasn’t Miss Monotone or an overly enthusiastic children’s tv presenter [think Blippi] Looking at the video, I feel I struck a decent effort in-between the two! Although, it seems the children aren’t the only ones who fidget, my feet had a life of their own! It’s a good idea to take a video…. what we think we look and sound like isn’t always the reality!
Kids want things to entertain them in-between the main event. Their minds are constantly whirring, constantly creating and it’s amazing, so have something ready for them to do. I’d created the quiz and word search based on the books, the quiz had a space where they could draw Bear too and wow, they drew some beautiful Bear dogs!
Freebies – Of course I gave each child a bookmark, the bookmarks really go down well, and it encourages them to pick up a book [any book] and use that bookmark. Cupcakes… getting a free cupcake is always going to make everyone happy!
For me the whole 2 hours whizzed by, I had books to sign….I wasn’t prepared to have so many people wanting their books signing, that was a whole new experience for me!
Trying to get to talk to everyone and thank them for coming is important. When people have made the effort to turn up and bring their children for the experience, its really important to acknowledge that. Sometimes even getting out of the house with children dressed and shoes on the right feet is military operation, be grateful for their efforts!
Feedback
I’ve spent some time looking at the feedback forms. Mainly, more books are wanted…… both on the day to buy and also for me to produce more in the series. That I can do – I took a limited supply of books as I wasn’t sure if they would go but they did! Note to self – take more next time. There are more books in the series to come, so again, I can cover that.
Merchandise, well, it was interesting that so many people mentioned this, it’s something I’ve been looking into!
There were a few comments about how great it was for the kids to do something that wasn’t online. Our world is becoming so digital, as a parent, I totally agree, more in person events!
Looking at where people heard about the event, it’s a split between social media and word of mouth. I’ve always believed in the power of people spreading the word, social media certainly has its place. It enables you to reach people that otherwise you wouldn’t BUT if those people enjoy what you do, they will tell others about it. People push it forward, don’t forget that!
I’m still singing to the clouds about the event and I’m planning more events, but I want to thank everyone who came to this one and of course, Sarah & Aiden of café 19 who are amazing hosts.
It seems that the books have been a great hit with both children and parents, they’ve embraced the characters and are looking forward to more adventures from Bear….. I’m so proud of that and will be working hard on granting those wishes.
Right now, just like Bear, I need a walk in the woods and maybe an ice cream!
