Tonya ‘Valkyrie’ McCusker launches The Last Viking Returns
James and Norman with Malcolm, Tonya and Mary McCusker at the official launch
We had two launches for The Last Viking Returns this past week: a mini-launch at the fantastic Beaufort Street Books in Mount Lawley, then a big mammoth launch at the State Library. Tonya McCusker generously dressed up to launch our book with her daughter Mary ably assisting. Hit the jump for more photos.
A huge thank you to Tonya, Mary and Malcolm for attending, along with the Hon. Melissa Parke MP (Federal Member for Fremantle) and Duncan Ord (Director General for the WA Department of Culture and the Arts).
More thank yous to Jo Andrew, Carina McPherson and all the staff at the State Library of WA for helping to organise the launch and for letting our berzerker hordes take over the children’s section; to Chris Owen for MCing, and to his family for preparing the remote-controlled Viking ship (and attaching labels to the exhibition for James!); to Cate Sutherland, Claire Miller, Kate Norman, Tracey Gibbs and the whole team at Fremantle Press; to Jane and the team at Beaufort Street Books, and to all the people who support Norman and I to make our books (that includes you, reader).
Here’s some photos from the two launches.
Norman and James read to kids at Beaufort Street BooksIt took James all morning to grow that beardJames drawing for ViklingsThe Last Viking Returns makes its maiden voyageThe final artwork, along with manuscripts, storyboards and sketches, are on display at the State Library of WA until September 30Norman and James signing books like a well-lubricated machineNorman’s home-made striker at the start of the launch …… and at the end of the launch. Apparently it was a hit.Close-up. There are woodchips on the floor, and is that cake mooshed on the top??
James makes books for courageous kids. He’s the author/illustrator of the S.Tinker Inc graphic novel series for middle primary: Brobot (2016), Dungzilla (2017) and Gastronauts (2018) star Sally Tinker, the world’s foremost inventor under the age of twelve, and Joe Tinker, her stinky baby brother. The fourth in the series, Chickensaurus, is out in late 2020. He is also the illustrator of the Toffle Towers series written by Tim Harris. James’ earlier books My Dead Bunny (2015), In The Lion (2012), The Last Viking (2011) and The Last Viking Returns (2014) have all scored several honours, including children’s choice awards, shortlistings in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards, and selection to the International Youth Library’s White Raven list. The sequel to My dead Bunny - There's Something Weird About Lena - is out in late 2020. James comes from a long line of queuing enthusiasts. Follow him on FB/twitter/insta/youtube @jamesfoleybooks, or at www.jamesfoley.com.au .
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