Today is the official publication day of Sparkers! It’s out in the world. It’s hard to believe this day has finally arrived, and yet today also feels like any other day. I’m grateful to everyone who has taught me, advised me, cheered me on, and kept me company along the way.
Last Friday, I had my launch party at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul. As I’ve mentioned before, this is the children’s bookstore where I met Eoin Colfer when I was in middle school. During my volunteer year, I lived in the neighborhood and loved being able to walk to Red Balloon whenever I wanted. It was a dream come true to have the Sparkers release party there.
A lovely crowd came out to celebrate with me, including much of my extended family, several of my high school friends, parents and siblings of high school friends who have left the Twin Cities, some of my parents’ friends, my 7th and 12th grade English teachers, my 5th, 9th, and 11th grade French teacher (and her friends from France!), a bunch of church members, two of my Beth Shalom housemates, my former boss at the interfaith advocacy organization, a bunch of my former colleagues from the non-profit/advocacy world, and my cello teacher. I was touched by everyone’s support and enthusiasm.
And now, a few photos from the party…
Books!
Me with books!
Red Balloon ordered this gorgeous cake, complete with edible glitter and a frosting violin
Me talking (and note Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen’s The Dark!)
Friends, teachers, coworkers!
Hoping I’ve developed a consistent signature…
I’ve perfected the “little grandmother” look. (Photo by Laura C.)
Thank you to the Red Balloon staff for hosting such a wonderful party for me and thank you to everyone who came!
Eleanor Glewwe 
Many thousands of congratulations! This is truly amazing and I’m really excited for you! I also need to read this now. Why not have another launch party in DC?!
Thank you, Brice! Ah, I would love to have an event in DC, especially since I have very good friends there (in addition to you, of course)… Celebrating in my birthplace! But alas, the only other planned event is for Los Angeles.
축하합니다! Congratulations, Eleanor! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy… should I perhaps wait until your launch party in LA?
Thank you, Andrew! If you are indeed coming down to LA for the launch party, it would be lovely of you to wait and support Children’s Book World. All up to you, of course!
Reblogged this on Rachel Hartman and commented:
Happy book birthday to Eleanor Glewwe! I blurbed Sparkers, in fact, and encourage you all to check it out.
Congratulations Eleanor! I hope it does really well.
Thank you, Rachel! And thanks for reblogging; that’s very kind of you.
Amazing! Congratulations Eleanor!!!!!
Thank you, Miyuki! Wishing you many fun adventures in Ecuador!