King Maverick loves fun children’s book events that get kids reading, so take a look at his events page and ‘book’ some dates in your diary. The King knows readers like meeting their favourite book characters, so he’s told his servants to make sure our children’s book events are full of your storybook heroes this year. He also knows readers love new stories, so take a look at Maverick’s new book releases below. Keep an eye on this page, as you never know when King Maverick will throw a new children’s book event and invite Maverick readers along.
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Loretta holds a Bookreading at ’Dad’s Conference’ in Deptford
Loretta attended the Dad’s Fun Day at Ashmead Primary School, where there was everything from a climbing wall to craft activities!
Loretta had lots of children come to listen to her read Sonny the Sea Tractor and do a bit of colouring in.
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Maverick’s Plan for World Book Day (so far…)
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Daisy Dawes & Get Ahead Fred are having an activities day at Warrington Waterstone’s with lots of schools attending.
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Scott McIntyre Book Readings
Scott is taking Waterstone’s by storm with a host of different book readings. If you want to go and hear Scott read from Jake & Dixie: Super Magic Lightning Boy then you can find him at the following:
Saturday 19th Feb
12pm – Waterstones George St
3pm – Waterstones Ocean Terminal
Friday 4th March
am – Fair Isle Primary School
pm – Dunbar Primary School
Sunday 6th March
Waterstones Kirkcaldy
Friday 11th March
Waterstones Stirling Waterstones Newton Mearns
Saturday March 19th
‘Your Dog’ Book Giveaway Competition Winners
We are pleased to confirm that from over two hundred entrants the lucky winners are:
- MRS. TRACY J.LISTER (EAST SUSSEX)
- MISS C WILSON (CLEVELAND)
- MRS SHIRLEY FOGARTY (WEST MIDLANDS)
- LINDA OGG (ANGUS)
- MISS TINA BRETT (ESSEX)
- MR ROY BUXTON (YORKSHIRE)
- MISS AP EILELL (EAST SUSSEX)
- DIANE CAMPBELL (ESSEX)
- MISS P KAY (COUNTY DURHAM)
- MRS S TAYLOR (EXETER)
- CHRISTINE CARDY (SUFFOLK)
- MRS H O’CONNOR (WEST MIDLANDS)
- REBECCA WHITE (KENT)
- WILLIAM FRANKLIN (BEDFORDSHIRE)
- MRS DEBORAH SOUTHON (DEVON)
Each winner will be receiving a free copy of…
Fearless Freddie, The Dogs of Rock and Sushi my Sausage Dog
We hope the winner enjoy these Maverick books.
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Spirit of Christmas Follow Up
Wow, what a show! The Spirit of Christmas is the only retail fair that Maverick attends and so it is a great opportunity to meet the market and chat to the public.
Maverick had a fantastic show, our stand looked amazing – it really stood out and showed off our books wonderfully.
There was one book that flew off the stand, selling more than double than any other title. This was…dun dun dun…Nice Bear Naughty Bear. Some of our other good sellers was Get Ahead Fred, Four Little Pigs, Sushi my Sausage Dog and the Princess Chloe’s. All the books however had a huge amount of interest and there was definitely a buzz around our stall.
Thank you to Daisy & Big Fred and Mary-Ann for coming to do book signings! Fred, of course, wore a special christmas hat!
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Scott ‘s Book Readings!
Scott has lots of different schools, libraries and book shop book readings organised for the run-up to Christmas. Scott has recently been to Braidbar Primary in Giffnock, where all the children loved listening to Scott read and then had a fantastic time doing colouring-in and dot to dot.
Below are two example of some colouring in done by some Jake and Dixie fans:
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Book Signings at the Spirit of Christmas
Children’s Books have always made a fantastic Christmas gift, something that can be treasured and loved by all generations.
Maverick Arts Publishing, best known at the Spirit of Christmas for their funny animal calendars, is bringing to the fair their range of children’s books. Launched in April 2009, Maverick’s range of picture books are unique with a special eye for detail. Their high quality feel makes the Maverick books perfect for gifts.
To add to this Maverick have invited along three of their authors (plus one of their characters!) to sign their books at the Spirit of Christmas. Signed copies of Get Ahead Fred, the Four Little Pigs and Nice Bear Naughty Bear will be available to purchase on stand D100.
Get Ahead Fred
- Signing Wednesday & Thursday D100
Made by Model maker Daisy Dawes Get Ahead Fred is about Fred , a man with a hat for every occasion. Stetsons, bowlers, berets… You name it, he’s got it. He’s extremely proud of his hat collection, but when the queen comes to visit, his hobby lands him in hot water!
Nice Bear Naughty Bear (Daily Mail, You Magazine’s Book of the Week)
-Signing Friday D100
In Nice Bear Naughty Bear each page has a different bear (a nice or a naughty Bear) that incorporates its own important message with a simple catchy rhyme.
The Four Little Pigs
-Signing Saturday D100
The Four Little Pigs by Kimara Nye adds a touch of magic to the well known fairy tale. The book follows Tom, as he is spelled into the Three Little Pigs by his magical Granny to make his bedtime a bit more exciting!
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The Book Reading Bash!
With the Children’s Book Week just around the corner, Maverick Arts Publishing kick started the events by throwing a book launch for their biggest critics – children! Local schools in the Battersea area were invited along to the Lemonade Factory to Maverick’s Book Reading Party.
The Maverick authors came from near and far to share their stories. Even after school hours some children returned with their siblings to join in with the variety of fun activities. This meant the studio was packed full with a whole mixture of people enjoying Maverick’s new picture books.
Zoa & The Dog Detectives
Authors came from all over the country, but there was one that came from much further away. Zoa, co-author of The Dog Detectives in an Outback Odyssey flew all the way from Canada for the book launch!
But it wasn’t just a book launch – it also saw the launch of The Dog Detectives iPad app made by Maverick and Apps of All Nations. All the children loved it – captivated by the exciting animations and sounds!
Scott McIntyre, Laura Raine & ‘Super Magic Lightning Boy’
The launch was made by Scott reading to the children bringing his story to life. The book is written in rhyme with several phrases repeated, so that soon Scott’s avid listeners were joining in with the story that follows Jake’s journey through his garden, meeting monsters as he goes.
Then there was a special treat for the children – they could have a go dressing up as Jake and practise their superhero poses against a life size background illustrated by Laura. This proved hugely popular and we soon had superheroes battling evil all around the studio.
Daisy and Get Ahead Fred
Fred, now a rising celebrity is no stranger to being asked to come along to events, with a hat for every occasion and a dapper gentleman, he is the perfect guest.
Daisy read to the children on the ‘book reading bed’, with Fred helping. Children love listening to the story and seeing all the different hats in Fred’s collection.
One of the highlights of the book party, though, had to be Fred and Princess Chloe meeting – what a pair!
Kimara Nye & the Book Reading Bed
At the Maverick party the focal point of the room was the “Book Reading Bed”, where Kimara & the other authors read their story to all the children. When Kimara read her ‘Four Little Pigs’ most of the children knew the Three Little Pigs story and loved joining in with the huffing and puffing.
Ellie & Princess Chloe!
This was the launch of Ellie’s second book, not bad for a thirteen year old!
In the Princess Chloe corner there were sugary decorations galore and some very impressive fairy cakes being decorated by children.
However the star of the launch had to be the arrival of Princess Chloe who came to add a bit of extra sweetness to the mix. She joined Ellie on the special “Book Reading Bed” where Ellie read her story to a crowd of fans.
And finally, the dream teams…
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Dog Detectives on the iPad!!!
‘The Dog Detectives’ iPad app is now available at the apple store. To take a sneeky peek, click here or buy on itunes click here.
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Book Party of the Year!
On the 30th September Maverick are holding their book launch for their four new books. This is going to be an amazing event – where children can meet their favourite Maverick character and even dress up as one!
There will be a book reading bed, where children can listen to the Maverick authors reading their stories. There will be lots of colouring in, arts and crafts etc etc.
Lots of fun for everyone!
If you would like to come along, please email us by clicking here.
Gatecrashers will be made to stand outside in whatever the English weather brings!
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Scott McIntyre & Laura Raine at their Local Libraries
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Fred’s Trip to the Milliner, Alison Bailey Smith
Fred has had is own very special hat made for him by Milliner, Alison Bailey Smith. The hat is made out of recycled materials and fits Fred perfectly. While he was there Fred thought he might as well try on some other hats as well…
Fred: “Well here it is… my very first one-off hat created especially for me by metal milliner Alison Bailey Smith! It is very smart and just my colour. Perhaps I’ll wear it for the next Royal visit…”
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Fred’s Visit to the Hat Museum, Stockport
Get Ahead Fred & Daisy Dawes went to the Hat Works on Saturday 21 August 2010 for a hat making workshop.
Children came along & meet the new children’s character “Get Ahead Fred” and listen to stories read by author Daisy Dawes.
Then all the children were able to have a go at making their very own hat. Little Fred couldn’t help but show off some of his own hat collection…
It was a wonderful event and everyone had lots of fun. Little Fred loved all the different hats! Daisy hopes to do another book reading there soon. Keep an eye on the Hatworks website (click here) for another date.
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How the Tour Went….
…The Eden Project
On the Monday of the tour Loretta and the Maverick Team went to the prestigious venue – the Eden Project.
It was great afternoon – with lots of children coming to listen to Loretta read and do some Sonny colouring in.
We would like to thank everyone at the Eden Project for supporting this event and making it a lovely day.
by Thomas Mullin
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…Bigbury on Sea & Woolacombe Beach
As you can see from the above pictures – fun had by all at Bigbury – the home of the real-life “Sea Tractor” – everyone had a fantastic time making their Sonnys out of sand. Our thanks goes to The Venus Cafe and everyone who took part. We also did a similar event at the tourist favourite – Woolacombe beach!
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…Living Coasts
On Wednesday Loretta visited Torquay and spent the afternoon at ‘Living Coasts’ – this was a superb venue abd was great fun for everyone involved.
We’d like to thank those at Living Coasts for supporting us and inviting Loretta back on the following Sunday!
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St Austell, Torbay and Honiton Libraries…
Our library events were very successful – will lots of children coming to listen to Loretta read and to do some colouring in.
A huge thank you to the three libraries!
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Loretta’s West Country Tour!
Loretta was also recently interviewed on BBC Devon. To listen to the interview click below:
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Pirate Day at Albert Dock, Liverpool
Ahoy there!
Fred and Daisy joined in the fun at Mersey Pirate Muster at the Albert Dock in Liverpool on July 18.
Big Fred sported his new pirate ship hat, The Black Beret, and a skull and crossbones tie, fashioned especially for the occasion!
As you can see from his photos, Fred rubbed shoulders with plenty of hearty shipmates, including Liverpool Lord Mayor Hazel Williams and Fred Talbot, aka Fred the Weatherman from TV show This Morning with Richard and Judy.
After the pirate battle and the world record attempt for The Most People Dressed as Pirates, Daisy and Big Fred joined Little Fred aboard the France Hayhurst tug on the Albert Dock for a well- earned flagon of tea!
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The Relaunch of …
the Children’s Department at Bath Waterstone’s
- Daisy and Fred in Bath
On Saturday 10th July Daisy was invited to take part in the relaunch of the children’s department at Waterstone’s. This new refit is being tested at various stores around the country and we were lucky enough to be able to take part.
Amid the face painting, balloons and of course books, Daisy signed copies of Get Ahead Fred and did some hat designing with the children. This was a fantastic event and we love the new look of the department.
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Announcing…..
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St Mary’s Community Nursery School, Chester
A few weeks ago we received a letter from St Mary’s Nursery school asking if Daisy and Fred could come to their school for a book reading, as they were learning about different hats. They designed some fantastic hats for Fred, which you can see here.
So on 5th July, Daisy and Fred went to St Mary’s where all children were wearing a range of different hats for the occassion.
Thank you to their teacher, Mrs Longhurst for getting in touch.
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Islington Waterstone’s & Drayton Park School
Book Reading – Sonny the Sea Tractor
- Permission given for use of this photo
Loretta visited the Islington branch of Waterstone’s on July 2nd, where she read to two classes from Drayton Park Primary School. The Sun and Moon class listened to Loretta read to them before having a go at some colouring-in. We have put four of these up on our activities page.
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Picnic in the Park, Endcliffe Park (Sheffield)
- The tiger from “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” drawing Fred a hat
- Big Fred, Daisy and Richard, from Rhyme & Reason
Daisy and Big Fred were kindly asked by Rhyme & Reason Bookshop to take part in the Picnic in the Park on 6th June. There were lots of fun and games, with Big Fred meeting the tiger from ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. Big Fred even took part in an egg and spoon race!
‘Get Ahead Fred’ at The Showroom, Sheffield
Daisy with Big Fred and Little Fred went to the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield to hold a hat making workshop.
Look out for Fred in the Off the Shelf event in October.
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‘Get Ahead Fred’ Leeds Waterstone’s
‘Get Ahead Fred’ went to Leeds Waterstone’s.
The book reading was a success, with everyone having a great time colouring in, listening to the book and meeting Daisy & Fred.
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Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Well Naughty Bear must have annoyed someone, as it rained all day on Saturday. The venue was fantastic, the picnic looked incredible but the British weather wasn’t playing game.
However despite this, all three authors were there battling the elements to promote Nice Bear Naughty Bear.
Our raffle was a huge success, raising over £384 for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Fund. The raffle was kindly drawn by Katelin Fuller who was gratuating that day with a degree in Maths and Biochemistry.
The winner of Apricot, our handmade bear was Anna Szyfner.
Runners up were: Mr & Mrs Brody, Mark Dallyn, Neil Seddon, Laura Shotnik.
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‘Get Ahead Fred’ Goes Back to School
Daisy Dawes along with Big Fred and Little Fred has started visiting schools to promote ‘Get Ahead Fred’.
Daisy was invited by Turner books to visit a school as a prize for their competition. The winning school was Coulsdon. Daisy read to three different classes and then the children designed Fred new hats!
Here is a list of participating schools:
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Woodcote Primary School, Coulsdon
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Kingsley School, Croydon
Full permission has been given to use these photographs.
If you would like to have an event at your school then please contact us here.
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Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Oxford 8.05.10
If you go down to Oxford on the 8th May
You’re sure of a big surprise…..
We are holding a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at St Mary’s Church in Oxford on the 8th May.
There will be lots of activities for children, including drawing with the Nice Bear Naughty Bear illustrator, Mary Ann Mackenzie.
There is also a raffle to win a handmade teddy bear and a best dressed bear competition – so bring your bears along!
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Sonny the Sea Tractor: School and Library Book Readings
Loretta has been touring schools and libraries, reading Sonny the Sea Tractor to lots of children. These include:
- Forest Hill Library (5.03.10)
- St Davids School, Purley (19.03.10)
- Dulwich, London (coming soon)
Loretta will be doing a book tour of the South-West this summer.
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Maverick at London Book Fair
Maverick Arts Publishing had a stand at London Book Fair this year. This was Maverick’s anniversary fair – as we launched last year at the LBF. Despite the volcanic ash grounding planes it was a fantastic event, which allowed people to see how much Maverick has grown. If you weren’t able to make it, below is a video of our stand:
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Shevon Burrow’s Book Tour
Shevon at Watford and Brighton Waterstone’s
Shevon visited St Albans, Watford and Brighton with her two new books: Peggie Sue Can’t Find the Loo and Sushi my Sausage Dog.
With badges, colouring in, activity sheets and of course book readings, all three events were good fun. We had lots of young pirates come to visit the good ship Maverick.
For more pictures click here
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‘Get Ahead Fred’ Northern Book Tour
~ Chester 7.04.10 ~
~ Deansgate, Manchester 8.04.10 ~
~ Bold Street, Liverpool 9.04.10 ~
During the Easter holidays the Maverick team went up North to help Daisy with her three book readings.
All three events when really well, with lots of children have fun listening to Daisy read the story and designing Fred a new hat.
Daisy and Big Fred at Chester Waterstone’s
For more photos of the event click here.
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Bologna 2010
Maverick had a stand at Bologna Book fair this year. The fair was highly successfull with lots of interest in our books. If you weren’t able to be there, then you can see our stand here:
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Daisy Dawes, author of Get Ahead Fred took part in the LiveRead Literary Festival
- discussing Willy Russell’s “Wrong Boy”. Watch it here
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Get Ahead Fred Book Reading in Birkenhead
Daisy and Fred having fun at Birkenhead. The children enjoyed designing Fred’s new hat and listening to Daisy read the story.
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Princess Chloe Book Reading
In October 2009, Ellie, the author of “Princess Chloe and the Sugar Bun Fairies”, did a book reading at the Castle Street branch of Waterstones in Norwich with a life -size Princess Chloe in attendance!
It was a great day and everyone loved their goody bags! We are look forward to many more events like this and hope to promote Princess Chloe and all our other fun characters in bookshops nationwide. If you would like to have one of our authors come and do a book reading then please contact us at sales@maverick-arts.co.uk
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The Big Read
Shevon Burrows, author of Peggie Sue, Sushi my Sausage Dog, Clever Dick and Suzi’s Smarty Pants, took part in the Big Read in Southend Central Library.
This was an event over the summer that was a fun and creative thing for children to take part in. It was a great chance for Shevon to read out her stories to an eager audience.
