The Australian Launch of Riley and the Sleeping Dragon

A packed crowd of scumptious kids mingled at Dalton's Books in Canberra city for the Australian launch of Riley and the Sleeping Dragon - a party compendium of fun, kids books, reading, signing, giveaways, balloons, goodie bags, fairy bread, juice poppers - all the good stuff.

Adult companions grazed on delicious bickies, cake and tea and coffee, kindly provided by the lovely Meredith Wright of Dalton's (pictured at the till, below right).

After a short introduction, we got into the main thing behind every launch - a book reading. Such a wonderful thing to see kids so totally enjoy something you've created. It's why I do this. I also do it because I can't resist the questions they ask afterwards! Just brilliant.

After everyone had had their fill of chocolate crackles and had mauled goodie bags packed with yummy stuff, we gave away some pretty sensational prizes. People had to wrench them out of my hands, they were so good. Huge thanks to my gorgeous sponsors, listed below. Thanks also to Penguin Books Australia for the book giveaways.

Schmoozing with Fit Mums - and the owner of Canberra Fit Mums, the lovely Jenny Tiffen (right)...

Signing books and signing books and signing books and signing books...

Thank you to everyone who came along to support this fun event, and to all my sensational and generous sponsors for all the cool prizes. Huge thanks to Meredith Wright for all her support and to all the kids - who make this book journey so worthwhile.

See you at the Riley in Hong Kong launch!