Friday July 26th 2024

Dear Diary

Today, it was an absolute treat to host two workshops at Waterstones Southampton, Westquay – a huge and beautiful bookshop and coffee shop situated in the West Quay shopping centre, Southampton. And the children attending were a true delight. I wonder what adventures Harry will get up to with Waffle and Syrup next. I hope Phoebe manages to find a way to help the fairy at the bottom of the garden. I’m still giggling now at all the super sound effects in Seb’s story. Emilia’s tale about the invisible auntie was so cleverly thought out and beautifully written. I have a feeling Jack and his friend are going to get up to a lot of fun… and an awful lot of mischief… as top-secret agents! The speed at which Oscar writes beggars belief – he’ll have his own children’s book finished in no time. Olivia’s artwork really was out of this world, just like her time-travelling librarian. And I’m glad Saffi’s adorable monster found a friend in Izzy. I had such a super day with everyone who attended and was sad to say goodbye. I hope they’ll continue to create stories and illustrations over the summer holidays. I’m so grateful to Charlie, Helen, and the team for inviting me along today. They made me feel so welcome in their store, and I look forward to seeing them again next year with WARNING: May Contain Dragons.