Louise Borden

Have you ever been so preoccupied that you walked out of a store without paying?  I have.  I did.  Today!  I was in my favorite children’s book store, The Blue Manatee, in Cincinnati laughing and talking with old and new friends.  One of the employees is a teacher I used to work with, and who works there part time.  Every time I visit on a Saturday we hug and catch up with each other’s news.  And today was extra special because I got a chance to meet a children’s author.  Louise Borden, is a native Cincinnatian who has written several books for children and young adults.  She read from some of her books and talked to the kids and parents in attendance.

I picked up a picture book, Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps and her new non-fiction The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey.  She graciously signed both copies and we talked for a long time.  I was fascinated with her story as an author.  I also learned that we have a lot in common, having been and lived in many of the same cities around the world.

We chatted for so long, that when I walked out of the store, autographed books in hand, I was in a happy fog and simply left without paying!  I didn’t realize my mistake until I got home and started showing my husband my new purchases… uh, are they called purchases if you don’t purchase them?  Yikes!  I called the store right away, explained what had happened and gave them my credit card number over the phone.  Whew!  Yes, these are my new purchases!

Anna Dewdney

Anna illustrated her famous llama for the audience. I especially liked how she interacted with the little ones there. One little guy really wanted her to add the red pajamas from his favorite book!

Here she is reading Llama Llama Mad at Mama. I loved how she introduced the story with the background that even the youngest participants could identify with.

Can’t you tell how much she loves her job! The kids were enthralled, and so was I!

I got a chance to meet Anna Dewdney, author of the Llama Llama series this morning.  She was at the Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore in Cincinnati drawing, reading, sharing, and signing with a packed house of little ones and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers.  As you can see from the photos, she is multi-talented and engaging.  The kids loved her and were eager to participate in the storytelling.

Being the nice person that I am, and having an ulterior motive, I let all the people with little ones goes first.  I grabbed a seat in the cafe and waited out the crowds at the book signing with a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin.  When the last child got their book signed and their picture take, I took my turn.  I had three books signed, her newest book, Llama Llama and the Bully Goat for my oldest granddaughter, and two board books for my youngest granddaughter.  And of course I had my picture taken also.

Now for the ulterior motive… I got a chance to talk with Anna Dowdney about writing!   She is so sweet and caring.  She asked right away if I was a teacher, we have that in common.  (Said she could tell right away!)  But most importantly she gave me lots of advice and encouragement.  She even gave me the name of her agent and told me to email her with any questions.   How cool is that!

I’m not too embarrassed to want my own picture take with a famous author!