Ali Stegert

I sent Boogie Woogie Bird into the world in style – with a Disco Party Book Launch. We had sparkles and bling. We had a DJ and music and boogying. We had dancers and birds, games and prizes. It was so. much. fun.

The venue was Brisbane’s “it” children’s bookshop, Where the Wild Things Are, and the turnout was amazing. So many friends from the writing community, my family, and beloved colleagues from my old school came to party with me. My friend and mentor Aleesah Darlinson, author of over 50 books, emceed the event.

Aleesah compiled this fabulous video as a keepsake. Isn’t that the sweetest gift?

Highlights

Best of all, there was a gaggle of gorgeous kids there, which meant my biggest wish of sharing the book with young ‘uns was fulfilled! Reading the story was an absolute thrill. It was magical to see kids drawn into Curlew’s dancing misadventures.

I got to wear my first ever sparkly silver dress! I’m not a sequins kind of girl, but glitter suited the occasion – and I aim to please my four-year-old fans. I asked guests to “wear something sparkly,” and folks did not disappoint.

Two young dancers, daughters of my writer-friend Sophie, demonstrated three types of dancing that the story alludes to. They were amazing! They choreographed their dances, picked music and costumes, and practised. I am so impressed! And watching them – wow. They love dancing, and they’re so good.

When we played a quick game of Boogie-Woogie-Freeze (aka ‘Statues’), my long, glittery disco dress swayed (not me, haha), so I was the first person out. I was lousy at eliminating kids, meaning every kid got a prize. I have no regrets.

The kids made cute accordion dancing birds for the craft and took home colouring pages and a maze activity made by Sandra. The goodie bags held an assortment of Curlew’s favourite foods in lolly form: witchetty grubs, sour worms, green tree frogs, and other treats!

Signing books was fun! Meeting booksellers was fun! So was putting up “Let’s Boogie” balloons and disco-ball bunting. Getting to see old friends was a hoot! It was an all-around joyous celebration of a joyful book.

Header Photo by Dustin Tramel on Unsplash