Ling and Ting Birthday Party: Behind the Booktrailer

And the party continues! I thought, in the interest of party conversation, I'd tell you a fun anecdote about the book trailer as well as a sneak peak at third Ling and Ting book (yes, there's going to be another! I'm working on it now!)


Hopefully, you have seen the super cute  Ling and Ting Share A Birthday book trailer (created by the Sasquatch). Just in case you haven't, here it is again:



Usually, I have my niece Lily  voice the booktrailer and recorded her accordingly. However, we found out last minute that the Happy Birthday Song has a crazy copyright and since we couldn't afford to pay the rights for it, we had to make a quick emergency change. We were in a bit of a quandary, until I remembered there were some friends of friends in the area who had twins! It was too perfect! With gracious permission from the parents, I had a real-life Ling and Ting voicing the trailer:

They even helped me for the next book!

Here's a sneak peak at one of the illustrations for the 3rd Ling and Ting book:

Can you see where I got the inspiration?

Thanks so much, Emily and Olivia!!!

thanks for coming!

So it's been a very hectic few days! Not only am I on a deadline for the third Ling and Ting book, preparing for the National Book Festival , I  had lots to do for Ling and Ting's Birthday party! Luckily I had lots of help from the Sasquatch and his mother, who came to watch Rain Dragon but ended up stuffing goodie bags.

We were only able to make ten pocket pacy Ling and Tings:

But the magnets and stickers filled the goodie bags and the Sasquatch got the balloons to the bookstore:

And K, Rain Dragon's babysitter, made the cake:

She copied it so it looked just like the one in the book! Wow!

And Rain Dragon and I matched!

Usually, I like to get us a bit more dressed up for parties but this was the only matching outfit I could find. I  had a red headband for her, too, but she wouldn't wear it.  

Now, all I had to do was wait for people to come! I was very nervous about this, since this is the first book party I've had in our new local. Would anyone come?

YES! It was a full house:

though to be strictly honest, it is a small (but extremely cute) bookstore so that makes it a bit easier to fill

I was completely thrilled so many people showed up! After reading one of the stories from the book, I did a fun draw-along:

And signed books! It was great fun to see how many people came in matching outfits! Aren't they awesome?:

Unfortunately, Rain Dragon was not as impressed. I used her crayons for everyone to use during the draw-along and I think she was a bit upset.  She only calmed down a little after she got some of them back and I signed a book especially for her.

Which she signed as well:

Thanks so much White Square Books and everyone who came!

For those who couldn't make it, stay tuned! On Wednesday, Sept 25th, I'm throwing the online party! You can get some of these free goodies, too!

on my desk monday

It's the leftovers from Ling and Ting's Birthday party! Full write-up to come, as well as the announcement for the virtual launch (where you can get some of these goodies yourself!).

on my desk

It's on my desk Tuesday this week as I've been so busy I didn't get to post this yesterday! I'm getting ready for Ling and Ting's Birthday Party; hopefully I'll have these done...and maybe YOU can get one! Hope to see you!

on my desk monday

It's  a Ling and Ting Share a Birthday sticker design!

Rain Dragon has just discovered the joy of stickers!  Thus inspired, I've decided to have some Ling and Ting stickers-- they are going to be super nice (you'll be able to peel off Ling and Ting separately, as well as their plate of cupcakes)!

And you can get one (along with a cute magnet and more!) by coming to my book party on September 14th (it's a Sat., please sign up and spread the word!!) or by ordering an autographed book from White Square Books. I'll include the sticker, magnet and as many other book party goodies as possible with the book!*


*yes, more shameless bribery but I really want to support  White Square Books! They specially arranged for online ordering of my books at my request so I hope to make it worth it to them!

on my desk monday

It's Ling and Ting Share a Birthday magnets!

Aren't they cute? They coordinate with with magnets I gave last time! Would you like one of these? Come to my book party on September 14th (it's a Sat., please sign up and spread the word!!) or order an autographed book from White Square Books. I'll include the magnet and as many other book party goodies as possible with the book! Good stuff, I promise!*


*yes, this is shameless bribery but White Square Books is a really cute, independent bookstore that should be supported! They specially arranged for online ordering of my books at my request so I want to make is worthwhile for them!

Book Party! You're invited!

So, the Ling and Ting Share a Birthday comes out in September! That is next month!

Usually, by now I am knee deep in booklaunch plans with a date already set. This time, if you haven't noticed, I've been hemming and hawing.

That's because with the move, I'm in a new area. I don't know that many people in the area and I don't think that many people know me. I honestly don't know if people will come to a book party. And it's no fun to plan a party that people don't show up to.

But I am proud of the new Ling and Ting book--it's already received two starred reviews!--and I love the characters of Ling and Ting. As you know, I'm already hard at work on the third book and my dream is to make Ling and Ting into a real bonafide series. I think it's a book worth celebrating.


So I'm going to give the book party a shot! Please come! Ling and Ting would love to share their birthday with you!

Come with a friend in a MATCHING OUTFIT... 
and get a special-limited-amount-which-will-be-very-limited-since-I'm-unsure-how-many-people-will-come-so-best-come-early-it's-only-while-they-last-handmade prize!! (I won't exactly say what they are but some new edition Pocket Pacys might be interested in traveling...)

Saturday, September 14th
 5-6 pm
White Square Books 
86 Cottage Street
Easthampton, MA 01027
413-203-1717

 Cake, balloons and other goodies! What are they? You'll have to come and see...but I promise they'll be good! They were last time, weren't they?

 Please sign up for a free ticket HERE if you can make it, but you are WELCOME to come last minute! (The tickets are just so the store has a rough idea of how many people are coming). Invite your friends, spread the word! The more the merrier!

 Not local? Do you want your book autographed plus some free, exclusive goodies? Pre-order from White Square Books and they will get signed and sent to you right after the party. Keep your eyes open here or my facebook page for online launch fun!