Sandy Fussell is the author of the popular Samurai Kids series, and has organised several successful theme-based book launches. In this article she shares some of the activities for the launch of White Crane, with photos that show you just what it looked like.

Book: Samurai Kids - White Crane

Released March 2008

On Friday 7th March 2008 I had a small private function for friends and family including many who helped me along my path to publication. It was my 'coming out' as an author - a real celebration.

The venue was the historic Old Courthouse in Wollongong. This cost under $100 to hire, comprised a main room and smaller rooms where the kids played, a complete kitchen, private parking and a view of Wollongong Harbour. It's a reminder that great venues are not necessarily expensive.

The event was fully catered. I wanted to party!

I made a brief speech and gave thank you gifts to the people who played major roles in my journey to becoming a writer.

The book was launched by my good friend and mentor, fellow author Di Bates.

• Two friends, Jennifer and Graeme, did readings
  

• Shakuhachi flute music played in the background
  

• I had activities (colouring and origami) for the kids

I made origami hats for distribution to attendees. These hats had the website info on them. (Note: I also distribute these to the children during school visits)

I made displays about the book, about Japan, about the website and also displayed various other pieces such as a large fan, kimonos, gong etc

A Powerpoint presentation about Japan and the series played continuously on a screen.

And of course... I sold and signed books!

Saturday 15th March: A Public Launch for the same book: White Crane

I sent media alerts and follow up press releases to all local schools, papers and radio stations.

The venue was a room in  Wollongong Library which opened into the Children's Section. Over 140 people attended over a 2-hour period.

I ran competitions in local schools prior to the launch. I used the entries as a major display feature and prizes donated by Walker Books were awarded at the launch.

The event was emceed by Christine Keynes, friend and editor of Illawarra CoastKids magazine http://www.coastkidsillawarra.com

• My friend Jennifer did a reading
  

• Shakuhachi flute music and a PowerPoint presentation played in the background
  

• The book was launched by Di Bates

I provided origami activities that were age-based and including samurai hats made from newspaper.  

Other activities included colouring and word puzzles.

A planned martial arts display was cancelled at short notice as the instructor was seriously ill.

I served tea and coffee, cake and biscuits and distributed lollipops in origami holders to children

Rhian Nest-James (the illustrator) and I sold and signed books!

On Saturday, March 29th, Walker Books also launched White Crane.

The venue was the Australian Schools Librarian Association Conference at King's School, Parramatta.

The book was launched by Judith Ridge. http://www.misrule.com.au/s9y/index.php?/archives/257-Im-so-terribly-busy-and-important....html

books were supplied for sale by The Children's Bookshop, Beecroft. http://www.thechildrensbookshop.com.au/

[Sandy has also launched other books with interesting theme-based activities. We will be featuring other examples from her book launches.]