Sat 8th Feb saw the fundraising book launch of We Love You, Mr Panda at Swindon Central Library, in aid of Coram Beanstalk. Amongst guests were public librarians, school librarians, teachers, fellow authors and illustrators and family and close friends. I recognised many guests, including winners of previous art competitions. Arlo, the boy who helped publicise the new Mr Panda library card, was there too. Leandra Lucas yet again delighted everyone with her latest cake creation - Mr Panda piloting his podgy plane over the book’s full cast of characters. Marc managed the raffle and sale of limited edition prints and badges, managing to sell over 100 tickets within 90 minutes. I was delighted that Coram Beanstalk volunteer Debbie won one of the raffle prizes, which included signed books, a signed sketch and a second Mr Panda cake by Leandra. The cake went to fellow author-illustrator Elena Arevalo Melville.

Altogether we raised £300 for Coram Beanstalk. Coram Beanstalk recruit, train and support volunteers to provide consistent, one-to-one reading support to children aged 3-13 who need their help. Their reading helpers give them the support they need to improve their reading skills, reading ability and confidence. They also provide training to people within the school community who want to help children learn to read for pleasure whilst improving their reading skills.

Thank you to everyone who came to support this very special event. I would especially like to thank Swindon Libraries for their continued support. I now look forward to the next fundraising book launch, which will be for Green Lizards and Red Rectangles and the Blue Ball. The venue and chosen charity are yet to be confirmed, although I can say that the event will take place in the summer. If you would like to be kept informed on future events please sign up to my newsletter at the bottom of my website.

Below are some photos taken by good friend, Terry Bassett. A video by South West Media will be posted here in due course.