The magnificent window in the main street of Croydon caught the attention of people who passed by. A giant heart representing love and announcing a special day featured on the glass. Pink and white balloons indicated there was a celebration.

The rain bucketed down as I hurried along the street to the shop with the impressive window. A part of me wished for sunshine but I was not going to let this hinder the day. I reached the window stopping to admire the display and spotted Grace’s Mystery Seed, my picture book. A dream had come true. This was the first time my book had been featured in a window.

I entered the shop to be greeted by the lovely Laraine and Harry, the resident Westie. The white dog wagged his tail as I stroked his soft fur. This is one of the hidden gems at Collins Booksellers Croydon, visiting and saying hi to Harry.

Laraine and Mark had organized a program for book lovers of all ages. There was a scavenger hunt where readers had to follow clues on a map to find the lost book characters who Harry had let escape onto Main Street. Other activities included a colouring competition to win a bookshop voucher and Tea and Tales for grown ups.

You may ask how I was involved. Well, I was given the honour of being a guest author for the day and running a Storytime session. Not only do I enjoy writing stories but I love to meet and greet my little readers too.

A group of gorgeous girls listened to me read Grace’s Mystery Seed. They willingly waited for each page to be turned. I loved the response of the eldest child when the group was asked what part they liked best. She said the whole story. This confirmed to me the saying,

Love what you do, do what you love.

To celebrate this special day, a craft activity followed the Storytime session allowing children to use their imagination and generate a personal piece. It connected with the story and created a memory they could hold in their hands.

Love Your Bookshop Day where bookshops all over Australia threw a party, was held on Saturday 10^th August. This special event gave people the chance to celebrate what makes bookshops great. It also was a day to acknowledge and show appreciation for the hard working, passionate booksellers like Laraine and Mark. Collins Booksellers Croydon is a beautiful bookshop, well worth a visit. The staff are always friendly and willing to help customers find the book they are looking for.

Remember ‘A book is a gift you can open again and again,’ Garrison Keillor.

Step inside your local bookshop to give someone that special present. #loveyourbookshopday

Thank you Laraine, Mark and Harry for giving me this wonderful opportunity. It was a special day that I will cherish and remember forever.