We’re in our busy summer season here in Wigtown with lots of lovely visitors coming into Foggie Toddle Books – and lots of things going on! It’s difficult to decide where to start with our news but let’s go with our fabulous author and current Scots Scriever Susi Briggs. Susi was invited to feature on an episode of the Great British Rail Journeys series with Michael Portillo! Susi travelled to Dumfries to meet the presenter and talk (and sing) about the Scots Language. Off camera, she presented copies of Wheesht and Yum to the former politician who took great pleasure in the reading the books (he has Scottish heritage), even doing the ARROOOs in Wheesht! Sadly that won’t feature in the programme, but what an amazing experience for Susi. Look out for the programme in the Autumn.
When Susi met Michael
Susi performed recently at the Belladrum Festival and will be featured in the children’s programme of the Edinburgh Book Festival next weekend – Saturday 17th. This is the first time a Foggie Toddle author has been included in the programme (though our books have been there), and we’re fair chuffed. Susi will also be doing an event at the Wigtown Book Festival and the excellent programme was launched this week, so there’s quite a buzz about the town. We’re delighted to say that Louisa MacDougall will be appearing twice during the first weekend with her book The Highland Cowgirl and the early reader title published by Little Door Books called Rory and the Snack Dragon. Tickets are available now.
Back in the shop, we hosted two wonderful musical sessions by Glasgow based early years specialist Gaynor Barradell. These events are designed for babies and toddlers to introduce them to music and musical instruments – and are really lovely. It was a real treat to see the wee ones enjoying her lovely songs and tunes. Thank you to everyone who came along. Hopefully we’ll have Gaynor back again. But if you live in Glasgow please do seek out her regular events
Susi isn’t the only Foggie Toddle author to be out and about with their books. Catherine Stables hosted two reading and activity events at Yeadons in Elrig and will also be popping up at Keith Show with her great books featuring Shona the Vet and her wee dug Jock. Sadly our budget doesn’t run to supplying Catherine with her own red helicopter – but we’re working on it!!
Also busy doing events is Louisa MacDougall – and you’ll find her at Lionacliet library tomorrow 10th August. If you haven’t planned to go, though, it might be a bit of a push to get there as the library is on the Isle of Benbecula!
It’s just amazing to see our authors out and about across the whole of Scotland – the Highlands, the Islands and the lowlands!