Last week I launched my 9th author-illustrator picture book, The Queen's Present, at Waterstones' flagship in Piccadilly, London, and in the process raised enough cash for literacy charity, Beanstalk, to support four pupils for a whole year. It was a festive affair. There was mulled wine, mince pies and a fab turnout of lovely people, including friends, family, my publisher and agent, Beanstalk volunteers, fellow authors, booksellers, librarians and several curious customers. The icing on the cake was a delicious Christmas bake, by Great British Bake Off winner, Frances Quinn. It was very nice of Waterstones to allow us to take over the children's department. THANK YOU, Waterstones; and thank you to all who donated! Below are some tweets from the event.
With #TheQueensPresent @MrSteveAntony book launches comes, bakes, pandas and beanstalks @Waterstones @beanstalkreads @HachetteKids ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ซ๐โค๏ธ pic.twitter.com/jn3FnjrnEG
โ Frances Quinn (@frances_quinn) November 8, 2016
Lucky me ๐๐ Signed copies of #MrPanda ๐๐ผ for niece & nephew @MrSteveAntony Book Launch AND met #GBBO winner @frances_quinn #ilovemyjob pic.twitter.com/0Ez3Tngp26
โ Emma Leahy ๐ฑ๐ (@EmmaL42) November 8, 2016
I have to say @frances_quinn that the fruit cake @MrSteveAntony launch @WaterstonesPicc the best I have ever tasted! pic.twitter.com/NwU3Yw1z1C
โ Jane Elson (@JJELSON35) November 9, 2016
Great @MrSteveAntony event in aid of @beanstalkreads @Waterstones Piccadilly pic.twitter.com/AcO9t3resn
โ E Arรฉvalo Melville (@sketch_booking) November 8, 2016
So proud to be @MrSteveAntony chosen charity for tonight's launch of #TheQueensPresent ๐@hodderchildrens @WaterstonesPicc @frances_quinn pic.twitter.com/BNJdXmucu5
โ Beanstalk for London (@BeanstalkLDN) November 8, 2016
What a wonderful launch of #TheQueensPresent with @HachetteKids, supporting @beanstalkreads Thank you @MrSteveAntony, all welcome anytime ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/nppYaLBqgZ
โ Piccadilly Childrens (@ChildrensPicc) November 9, 2016
@MrSteveAntony @frances_quinn @hodderchildrens @WaterstonesPicc @MyBookishLife That cake was DELICIOUS. pic.twitter.com/YmypZaViox
โ Leilah Skelton (@Leilah_Makes) November 8, 2016