Bookish birthday celebrations

Over the last few weeks I've been at a couple of bookish birthday celebrations  - one for a book and one for a bookshop.

Earlier this month the launch of Kelly McCaughrain's Little Bang was so well attended the venue had to be changed to accommodate everyone. The Cube at the Crescent Arts Centre was packed as everyone gathered to celebrate the launch of Kelly's second YA novel. Kelly doesn't shy away from difficult topics that other writers might not be brave enough or capable of tackling so deftly. 

Astronomical sweetie-filled goody bags went down well on the night. As I made my way through Little Bang I found they also double up as a bookmark. 

Michael's rendition of Sid's song from the book also went down well, really bringing the book and Kelly's characters to life. I'd recommend you check the book out for yourself.

Last weekend I popped down to my local bookshop, The Secret Bookshelf, to join in their 4th birthday celebrations.

I've never been to a bookshop's birthday party before, nor had I written a birthday card to a bookshop, but there's a first time for anything.

The last four years have been difficult for everyone and especially for small businesses. Due to hard work and lots of local support and loyal customers Jo and Chris, the very helpful and knowledgeable bookshop owners have moved to bigger premises during this time. They are hugely supportive to local writers and have built up a thriving bookish community as was evidenced by the number of people who called in to wish them 'many happy returns'.

Here's to many more bookish celebrations.