Tomorrow marks one whole year since we held the launch party for my debut children’s book, Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go?: A Preschooler’s Guide to Losing a Loved One!

We had so much fun celebrating the release of this Sweet Grandma Book that guides little ones and their families into meaningful conversations about legacy, grief and eternal love, in memory of my mother who died of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The launch party was fairly simple and very kid-friendly, of course, but it was memorable because of the people involved and the special touches we included.

[I even got to write about the event for publication in My Publishing Journey, a guided journal for authors created by Tami Dever and my book design team at Austin-based TLC Graphics.]

How I planned my Sweet Grandma Book launch party

The venue

My precious friend Amanda Gregory, maker of the amazing Holy Rollers Cinnamon Rolls, graciously hosted this shindig at her gorgeous home in Buda.

Decor and details

I found inexpensive pennant banners, a fun photo background and cute kids’ bookplates to give out as party favors on Amazon. My stepmom brought a bunch of flowers that we put into Mason jars, as well as a handful of colorful balloons.

I set out a favorite framed photo of my mother and me on my wedding day, a bright fabric and wooden cross sign I had recently made at a Mothers of Preschoolers meeting, my “Love of Dixie” business cards with our signature mockingbird and some Alzheimer’s Texas bracelets. I also created an uplifting “Sweet Grandma Book” playlist on Spotify for background music.

Food and refreshments

We served sangria for the grown-ups and lemonade for the kids, as well as snacks like fruit, veggies, dips, cheese and crackers. Dessert included Mississippi Mud Cake and fun gummy ‘bookworms.’

Childrens’ activities

We had a small table set up with crayons and coloring pages that feature Bible verses based on artwork in the book, and our incredible preschool director, Mitzi Hudgins, and favorite preschool teacher, Rose Cunningham, did face painting for the youngest party-goers.

Book signing

Last but not least, I signed copies of Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go? and took photos with my lovely guests, including Mentor 4 Moms and mother of seven children, Susan Seay, whose endorsement is on the back cover of the book. Of course, my gorgeous family was there, as well, and my amazing friend Megan Haverland helped setup before the party and was our official photographer. Didn’t she do an amazing job?!