October 2026
From the Publisher
Hello October!
This month I’ve been pondering the question “What makes a great book launch?”I’ve come up with some ingredients beyond the obvious, a great book and a great author.
You will need:
• headbands and stickers
• a cool venue
• someone to introduce author
• custom cookies
• a banner
• photographer
• beautiful invitations
• coloring activity
• popsicles
Method:
On Saturday morning as families arrived at All Good Books, Columbia, SC’s premier indie bookstore for the Storytime Launch Party of Kit and her Kat by Meredith Walker, they were met with kitten-ear headbands and stickers that everyone was happy to wear on their heads and stick on their shirts. Immediately children who may not quite have understood what they’re there for felt welcome, included and part of the party. And parents relaxed knowing they were embraced and supported.
Our author arrived ahead of time (thanks Meredith), with her whole family in tow supporting her which was heartwarming. She was not out there by herself. In fact all of my authors have been heartily supported by friends and family.
Some styling really helped elevate the atmosphere. The queen of styling is Ansley Whiteside of Turner B. Goes to NYC fame and Meredith took a leaf out of Ansley’s book with a large homemade stuffy/pillow of main character Kit’s Cat, a plate of beautifully crafted Sugar Rave cookies, and some original artwork on a tabletop easel.
Our logo banner made it official and a publisher there to introduce the author gave it a special touch. The introducer could also have been a bookseller, or a friend acting as host.
Maggie, Lucky Rabbit’s Senior Associate Rabbit acted as official photographer and took great shots that were swiftly uploaded to Social Media to show the world a good time.
Beautiful invitations having been sent out ahead of time meant we had a bursting crowd. At the end of the day, it was the author’s crowd. Meredith is loved in our community, and that was apparent from the turnout.
A cool coloring activity gave kids something to do and parents had plenty of time to mix, mingle after the main reading event, buy books and have them signed, and take pics with the author. Popsicles and water bottles on the patio then kept kids entertained a bit longer and gave the morning a celebratory air.
Congratulation, Meredith Walker, on this gem of a board book and a hugely successful launch!
Annette
