Launch day had arrived. Years of dreaming and months of planning had all come together.

The 80+ guests who travelled to Sutherland Shire Library to celebrate Lulu’s launch had their senses filled with the aroma of thousands of books. Aisles and aisles of pre-loved books surrounded the area where Lulu  would make her official debut.

Tables were overflowing with delicious fondant polar bear cupcakes, lovingly created in Lulu’s signature colours of pink and blue; others sprinkled with edible treasures. There was a mountain of Lulu slice and white chocolate polar bears scattered across a snow flake decorated table. Those who purchased a copy of Lulu  went away with a bonus goody bag packed with balloons, stickers, a Lulu colouring sheet, find a word and an activity book and also a chocolate polar bear.

Shortly after 11.00am, Melinda McNaughton from Sutherland Library began the proceedings by introducing the gorgeous Susanne Gervay.

Susanne held the audience in the palm of her hand. So animated was her speech she almost knocked herself out on the wall-mounted TV. Susanne continued without missing a beat and soon had the children shouting for Lulu.  I am always in awe of Susanne’s energy. Her speech was warm and generous and I felt honoured to have her launch Lulu.

With butterflies now performing acrobatics in my stomach, I nervously took my place at the front of the room. Reassured by my friends smiling faces looking back at me from the audience, I briefly spoke about Lulu’s journey and thanked those who had supported me along the way.

The children huddled together on the fur covered ice berg to hear Lulu’s story. Enthusiastic eyes followed the pages and erupted into applause at the conclusion of the reading.

Children visited the craft tables to colour the Animals of the Antarctic colouring sheets and make their own Lulu masks that they proudly showed off, as I signed copies of Lulu  for her young fans.

The launch was over in the blink of an eye, but the memories of my first book launch will be treasured forever.

It was wonderful to be able to share my first launch with fellow authors; Susanne Gervay, Deborah Abela, Dianne Bates, Bill Condon, Sandy Fussell, Wai Chim, Emma Cameron and Debra Tidball.

Lulu  danced her way into the hearts of many adoring new fans, who like Lulu,  understand all you need to do to succeed is believe in your dreams.

Buzzwords: www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/2015/06/lulu

Kid's Book Review: www.kids-bookreview.com/2015/06/review-lulu

Julie Anne Grasso: review of Lulu

Boomerang Books: blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/review-lulu/2015/07

SquiggleBooks - CYA Success Stories: squigglebooks.com/2015/08/21/cya-success-stories