Stars in my eyes on publication day!

Even after almost a quarter century, the thrill of seeing a book going out into the world doesn't change. You work so hard for so long. This is the final stage and it's a strange feeling. Especially if you are self critical, as I (and most illustrators) tend to be. What could I have done better? What if the book isn't liked? Well, it's too late now...

Katie and the Starry Night is officially published today.

This, the twelfth title, will be celebrated over the next few months with a series of events. Beginning today with a bouquet from my publisher, Orchard books. The book is jointly dedicated to Marlene Johnson, MD at Orchard Books and the steady-as-a-rock presence who has supported and kept Katie in print for over two decades: Thank you!

And the other dedicatees are Rebecca, Paco and Marco. Rebecca Watson of Valerie Hoskins Associates is my film and TV agent. What!? You ask... What film/What TV? Well I've never posted about the long drawn out epic to get Katie on film. Now is the not the place. It all sadly came to nothing, but for many many years Rebecca has steered the project through choppy waters and always give such valuable and insightful support in all areas of my working life that I felt she deserved a proper thank you as well. She and Marlene are both big Van Gogh fans.

The other big event today is that my very good friend Saviour Pirotta, a wonderful children's writer, has done me the kind honour of a special interview on his blog. So if you have time, do take a look. He's a great guy and I'm very grateful - thanks Saviour! A lovely way to give a book a good start!

Click HERE to read the interview: http://pirottablog.com/2012/08/02/reach-for-the-stars-in-conversation-with-james-mayhew/

In a few days time I am off to Edinburgh, to the Book Festival for a special event at 10.30 on August 14th. I am busy preparing... building props, creating costumes, reading up and it's going to be ... unlike anything I have ever done! So I hope, if you're in Edinburgh, you will come along and join me in this celebration on the great one-eared artist: Vincent Van Gogh!!!

Details on how to BOOK are HERE: http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/james-mayhew

The day before, August 13th, I'll be at the National Gallery of Art in Scotland, for storytellings:
http://www.nationalgalleries.org/whatson/events-calendar/meet-the-illustrator-james-mayhew-for-children-and-families/date/2012-07-27/interval/0/

Oh, and needless to say, KATIE & THE STARRY NIGHT is now available in all *good* bookshops, and please support your local independent bookseller if you can.