What a great time I had at the Boswell Children’s Book Festival at Dumfries House in Ayrshire. It was a perfect sunny day and the gardens, where the book festival was held, were looking great.

We had lots of fun talking about memories, making our own memories and creating a senses memory book to take home.  There was lots of storytelling too. Check out the pictures from the event and some of the drawings.

There is still a chance for your child’s school or nursery to enjoy the session ‘JoJo Gnome Makes Memories’ for free.  You can sign up to watch the session as part of the Boswell Online Schools Book Festival. The content is free to use until the end of June. There are lots of different authors to enjoy for all ages.  Check it out for yourself.

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope 2017 will be a year filled with things which are good and positive. Thank you so much for supporting JoJo Gnome & myself in 2016 …here’s to 2017!

A quick look back at some of 2016’s highlights!

Look out for some new animated stories to enjoy on JoJo Gnome’s You Tube Channel. Subscribe now and see them first!

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 8^th 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 50^th 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…

1. The buildings and the colours. So many wonderful wee streets and doorways. Even the peeling doorways are charming.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.