Margaret and fans

The launch of professional storyteller and picture book author Margaret Bateson-Hill's first full-length novel for children was very much a family affair. Held in Tales on Moon Lane- a truly incredible children's bookshop in Herne Hill, just down the road from the novel's Brixton setting - the event was graced not only by the author, but by half the cast of the book, as Margaret's many muses - her family and friends, who had leant names, faces and personalities to the characters in Dragon Racer - turned out in support.

The resulting atmosphere was warm and convivial, and remarkably welcoming to the few outsiders, such as myself. Rather than publishers and agents, I found myself discussing the book on show and its author - as well as books in general - with old family friends and even with her parents.

Margaret herself circulated cheerfully, radiating excitement at the completion of what has been a six year writing project (begun, it should be noted, well before dragons were de rigueur in children's fiction again). With the crowd assembled, Margaret was called upon to say a few words, introducing the cast and reading the opening of the novel in fine style. The evening was rounded off with signings by author and cast (including a full class set, signed by all present without one word of complaint, which is very classy).