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The week that was: watching from the sidelines

bookshop display The Mapmaker Chronicles
Posted on October 24, 2014

It’s a funny thing, sending a book out into the world. All you can do is give it a kiss, wave it on its way, and watch from the sidelines as it makes its own path. This week The Mapmaker Chronicles: Race To The End Of The World and I have been very busy.

Firstly, the book was nominated in the K-Zone Toy Of The Year Awards in the ‘boy book’ section. I’m pretty sure the boys think that this is the coolest thing that has ever happened.

Then it began appearing in bookshop WINDOWS around the country, such as in this fab display in Your Bookshop.

bookshop display The Mapmaker Chronicles

 

I love the fact that The Mapmaker Chronicles inspired Kate from Picklebums to create this fabulous craft activity for kids (with free printable!) – the one in the picture below was created by Kate’s son.  And you can even win a copy of the book, so pop over for a look!

mapmaker-2

I’ve been busy, too, visiting Planning With Kids with this list of 8 Books For Boys Featuring Awesome Girls, and even submitting to a very rare video interview with author Natasha Lester about how I balance writing and motherhood.

Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone who came along to our local library last week to eat cake and do craft and generally have a great old time to launch The Mapmaker Chronicles. How awesome is this cake, made by my friend Carol?

map cake inspired by The Mapmaker Chronicles

8 Comments

  1. Sonia Life Love Hiccups

    Huge fans here Allison – my Sam thinks you are even better than Tom Gates … and he has been an avid Tom Gates fan for a looooong time! 🙂 xx

  2. Sandra Kelly

    Gosh it must feel so surreal to see your book in shop front windows. Congratulations! 🙂

  3. Margie

    Bought yesterday at Target (not really a bookshop, I know, but I was in there and saw it) to send to my nephew in NZ. Have enjoyed hearing your process of getting the series out through the AWC podcasts. (I’m catching up on old podcasts, so sometimes you are back writing and editing earlier stages)

  4. Hamish Blair

    Hi Ali! Mum got the printable for me and my brothers yesterday. We absolutely loved them!! Archie made a cool one and I made a normal one!!!!! GO MAPMAKERS CHRONICLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. Amanda Kendle

    I’m going to have to go to a real bookshop just to have a look at you in situ. Oh, the sacrifices 😉
    I love Kate’s map thing – my Mr4 will be getting that printable to entertain him v soon!

  6. Emily

    Love it! Congrats again. My mum has already bought it for the kids for Christmas, but I think I’m going to have to buy another copy just so I can read it before then!!

  7. katepickle

    We are mapmaker crazy in our house!!!
    Even my four year old got excited when he found the book in our local book shop! LOL

  8. Alison Whipp

    Congratulations Allison! I’m an avid follower of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast and I’ve really enjoyed your behind-the-scenes updates regarding the series. I’m looking forward to reading the books to my son.

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