A behind-the-scenes peek at the Puffin Picture Book Boutique
The elegant Riverside Room on the 10th floor of prestigious pubishers Penguin – with a stunning view of the Thames and the South Bank's London Eye – was the venue for a gathering of the glitterati of children's picture book art to kickstart the year-long celebrations for Puffin Books. Guests and invitees, including Lauren “Charlie & Lola” Child, were treated to a special reading by the Children's Laureate, Anthony Browne, harking back to his early days of illustrating wrapping paper, accusations of plagiarism and his dalliance with gorillas, followed by two readings – one poignant, one more showtime – by Jean Willis, who read from her two new books The King Of Tiny Things and Sing A Song Of Bottoms (“cos everybody's got 'em!”). This was followed by a brilliant performance by Junior favourite Joe Berger, who gave us a behind-the-scenes insight into his creation Bridgit the Fidget, before Giles Andreae ended proceedings with a hearty rendtion of his latest pirate tale. With literary interludes interspursed with nibbles of sausage rolls and goujons, the evening ended with delicate slices of birthday cake for all. Happy Birthday, Puffin! And watch this space for details of more party events throughout the year.
