Book Party Hip Hip Hooray!

In addition to all the other things we had going on last week for the book, on Saturday night we had the release party! I planned it, because we all know I love to plan parties and also because I am a control freak. Luckily, this was fine with everyone! It was such a blast to put together.

The party was held in the carousel building (aka the Looff Hippodrome) on the Santa Monica Pier. The building was originally built in 1916 and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Inside the building is (you guessed it) and old-fashioned carousel.

The carousel was only open to party guests, and the kids definitely took advantage. I think James rode on it at least 100 times, no joke.

I rode it once and got dizzy. I don’t know how the kids could handle it.

My awesome friends at Joymode loaned us games that we placed around the carousel, which were a big hit.

I printed out some of the illustrations from the book and set up a coloring station.

In the corner of the building is Soda Jerks, where our guests could order phosphates, egg creams, shakes, and fancy sundaes.

Honestly, between all the ice cream and the unlimited carousel rides, it’s a miracle no one threw up.

Joymode also gave us a “paparazzi station” with a gold sequin backdrop and a red carpet. MyWay Productions kicked it up a notch with their photobooth service.

No surprise, the kids loved it.

Mike and I did, too!

And of course, the party wouldn’t have been complete without our very own toddler-mangled tedddy bear.

After about 90 minutes of playing, Mike and I read from the book. Annabel introduced us:

The amazing Chudney, who runs the cutest children’s book shop called Books and Cookies, was at the party to sell books.

And then we signed a bunch! It was cool and also weird.

Mike and I look very serious.

It was such a fun party, and a great way to celebrate the book and all the support we have received. It was especially great to share it with our kids, who might actually remember this in many years.

James refused to get off the carousel for this picture.