WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? Book Launch at Another Story Bookshop

Playing my tin whistle at my book launch. Photo: Kevin Sylvester.

Oh my gosh, I had SO MUCH FUN LAST NIGHT at my WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? book launch! Thank you again to everyone who came out last night. I know how busy people can get and how many other commitments and events are out there, plus it meant taking the transit or driving during rush hour for most of you. Please know that I deeply appreciate you taking the time and effort to help me celebrate in person as well as support Another Story Bookshop.

Before the event, my sister Ruth took me out for dinner to celebrate the launch of my first solo picture book (thanks, Ruth!) and then we headed to Another Story Bookshop. In case you missed it, here's my profile and mini-interview with this wonderful Toronto indie bookstore.

With Sheila Koffman, bookshop owner. Photo: Ruth Ohi.

When we arrived, Shannon Vaughn from Simon & Schuster Canada was there with supplies. She and Ruth assembled fruit skewers while Jeff set up the book-themed cake and cupcakes.

Jeff, Shannon (Simon & Schuster Canada) and Ruth during setup

Thank you so much to Michelle Colombo for the adorable mini-cupcakes and to Danijela Pulcini of L'il Chick Cupcakes for the creative book-themed cake:

In case you were wondering, Jeff and I didn't give Danijela any specific instructions except a copy of the book. We both love what she came up with! And here are the cute little cupcakes by Michelle Colombo:

There were copies of WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? and NAKED! for sale. Originally the store had also planned to have I'M BORED available but after sending half the books to a book fair, Sheila said that all the copies had been bought and they sent the rest of their stock to the fair. Apparently I'M BORED has been selling very well for them, yay!

 Meanwhile, some of my friends were starting to arrive. Like actor and writer, 'Manda Whitney:

Photo: Ruth Ohi.

and children's book author Sharon Jennings:

Photo: Ruth Ohi.

and I finally got to meet Robin Marwick in person! We've been online friends for years, from Livejournal days:

I did a reading of WHERE ARE MY BOOKS?, explained how I got the idea as well as My Thing With Squirrels, talked briefly about my process, played my tin whistle, enlisted the help of some young attendees to demonstrate how to create a character using found objects (in this case, ripped up pages from a magazine).

Photo: Another Story Bookshop.

Afterward, I signed books and chatted with those who came out to the event (THANK YOU THANK YOU AGAIN FOR COMING!!!).

And huge thanks again to Another Story Bookshop and Simon & Schuster Canada for making this event possible.

Toronto Book Launch for WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? and an interview with Anjula Gogia of Another Story Bookshop

I'm delighted to announce that the Toronto book launch for WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? will take place at Another Story Bookshop on Thursday, May 14th from 6-8 pm. Address: 315 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto ON M6R 2M6. Please do help me celebrate the launch of my first solo picture book! Please RSVP on Facebook or (if you're not on FB) post in the comments below.

Anjua Gogia was kind enough to answer a couple of questions for me about Another Story Bookshop.

Q. How did you become involved with Another Story?

Well, I am the former co-manager of the Toronto Women's Bookstore, from 1997-2006. Of course I knew about Sheila and Another Story Bookshop, and always loved the store. A few years ago I was looking for some part-time work, and I walked into Another Story and knew immediately I wanted to be a bookseller again! I now organize all the book launches and events.

Q. How did Another Story begin?

It began as a dream by the owner, Sheila Koffman, 30 years ago. An unrealistic dream. It started off as a bookstore for adults, and when we realized need for book for good books for children in the school system and the neighbourhood that section blossomed. We started off in the east end of the city and moved to the west end 8 years ago. We love both areas, and the Roncesvalles has embraced us wholeheartedly. Although it's been a difficult dream, it's also been a blast!

Where you can find out more info:

Where Are My Books? launch info on Facebook

Another Story Bookshop website