Monthly Archives: November 2013
Christmas comes early to the Library
To celebrate the launch of the new JoJo Gnome Christmas book, JoJo Gnome & the Smell of Christmas, I visited Strathblane Library to have a fun storytelling session with the nursery class from Strathblane Primary School. It was the first time I had shared the new JoJo story with a larger group of children and …it was a hit (thankfully!!!!!). It was the first outing for the ‘smelly quilt’. Not as bad as it sounds in fact it looks really nice (and smells good too). We also had some fun with a smelly workshop, looking at smells we like and those we didn’t. I don’t think the class was expecting my sock to make an appearance (not to worry it had been through the wash and smelled quite fresh actually).
JoJo Gnome and the Smell of Christmas is available as an e-book from Amazon (£2.58/ $ 4.13). As a special Christmas bonus if you email me at jojognome@gmail.com (including proof of purchase / your child’s name) I will send you a piece of personalised digital art. This offer is available till 24th December 2013.
Art Stuff
Red Ted Art’s latest newsletter is encouraging parents to take their kids along to art galleries and see what’s on offer…what a great idea! I have a lots of favourites in the Glasgow area. Kelvingrove Art Gallery has something for everyone and lots of space to run around. The Burrell Collection in Pollok Estate is packed with all kinds of amazing finds, including whole rooms reconstructed. However my favourite would be GOMA right in the middle of the city. Not only does it always have something unique (and sometimes bizarre) on show but they also have free children’s art classes. So young folk can be inspired and create their own masterpieces. Worth visiting for the mirrored entrance hall alone.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow
Smells like a Christmas Book!
I am delighted to be able to tell you that JOJO GNOME & THE SMELL OF CHRISTMAS is now available as an e-book from Amazon.
It’s Christmas time but Grandpa Gnome has a cold. JoJo Gnome tries to help Grandpa enjoy all the wonderful holiday smells. Will Grandpa be able to enjoy the smell of Christmas?
JoJo Gnome and the Smell of Christmas is the second e-book in the series about this cheeky fun little character. JoJo and his friends will appeal to the early years audience. The bright and colourful illustrations will attract younger children, parents and teachers alike. The perfect seasonal bedtime story to snuggle up together with and enjoy. Especially suited for younger children age 2-6 years old.
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS BONUS *** Until 24th December 2013 email a copy of your amazon receipt and your child’s name and receive a JoJo Gnome piece of digital art work (with child’s name on it). Send email to jojognome@gmail.com
JoJo Gnome Advent Calendar
Coming shortly your change to make a JoJo Gnome Advent Calendar complete with instructions and downloadable art work.
Christmas Countdown!
Christmas book published this month
Later in November sees JoJo Gnome and the Smell of Christmas on sale as an e-book. It will be available from the amazon site from 8th November 2013. The cost of the e-book is £2.58 and it is a perfect picture book for 3-7 year olds in the build up to Christmas. Also a nice addition to have on a new smart phone, tablet or computer!
As an added bonus if you email me your book receipt from Amazon (before 24rd December 2013) I will send you back a JoJo Gnome piece of digital art (with your child’s name on it). An extra special Christmas extra!
The Gnome in Rome
For my 50th birthday I didn’t want a party but did want to go to Rome … so after 10 months of waiting I finally got my present. Was it worth waiting for , well yes! I love Scotland to bits but was happy to depart the dreich damp weather here for a few days of sunshine and warmth. So what were the highlights…
- The buildings and the colours. So many wonderful wee streets and doorways. Even the peeling doorways are charming.
- The scale of St Peter’s … makes you feel very small. Didn’t see the Sistine chapel but by the time I made it that far my legs were about falling off. My advice to anyone is a comfy pair of shoes. I may have not come back with the thighs of a Roman goddess but my feet were louping.
- How cool the Romans were… I mean literally I was sweltering (a wee pink in the face Scottish woman) and they were in their winter woolies, very stylish high winter boots and shades.
- Enjoying watching my son eating yet another pizza … 7 in 3 days (including one for breakfast). If you need a recommendation for the best pizza in Rome I know the guy who can tell you.
- Taking JoJo Gnome and his paper boat to the Trevi fountain. Fighting off the hundreds of tourists to get the perfect shot! Fun times. And no I am afraid JoJo didn’t throw the coins in the fountain… we would have taken out at least 6 gelato eating tourists doing that! Wanted to take a shot of JoJo on the Spanish steps but I am still looking for them!
JoJo’s Christmas Countdown
To celebrate the new book coming out I have designed a JoJo Gnome advent calendar which you will be able to make at home with eager young helpers. Free downloadable drawings coming soon.