Book Reading & Signing at Bitterne Library:

Event poster at the library.

Last Saturday, I was invited to attend a second reading and book signing event at Bitterne Library with author James Marsh for our children's book Jayden the Naughty Goldfish. This was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed it. Not only did we get the chance to read through the story once, we read it about three or four times, due to more and more children showing an interest and wanting to hear the story. It was a very successful morning and we almost sold out of all the books we had.

James Marsh and I in front of the display stand.

While getting ready to read the book for the third time, a little boy came in with his mother and wanted to hear the story. Now, after James had read the story before, questions were asked and the children gave their opinions on the characters, plot and said they liked the illustrations which is lovely, but this little boy in particular, really made my day! One of the first questions he asked before we began is to why James had chosen a goldfish as the main character and of course James explained how the book was dedicated to his first grandson, Jayden. While everyone was getting settled, this boy looked at me and asked me if my name was Karen and went on to ask me about my drawings! He was interested in how I had created them and what media I had used. I was amazed! I did not expect him to show so much interest in my art work. Apparently, his mother said that when he saw the drawing for the first time, he knew it hadn't been created using pen- and of course it hadn't. So I explained I had drew all the images using a computer. Later he was also interested in how I learnt to draw and if I went to art school, so I spoke about studying Fine Art at university and went on to teach myself how to use Photoshop, to create my designs. At the end of the reading, we both signed a copy of the book for him and he politely shook both our hands and waved goodbye. This was the most wonderful experience and I will never forget it. I would like to thank that boy for showing such an interest in both the story and especially my artwork, I was delighted he liked them so much, I hope he enjoys reading this book time and time again!


Signing a copy of Jayden the Naughty Goldfish for one of the children.

This turned out to be such an incredible, thought provoking and inspiring morning, a truly enjoyable experience and I would like to thank everyone involved!