Spiderwick Book Signing

Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black and Me

I was last in the queue to have Book 1 of The Spiderwick Chronicles signed for my 8 year old nephew. I couldn't bring myself to stand in a queue in front of eager children waiting to meet their heroes.

I'd arrived two hours early to make sure I didn't miss illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi and author Holly Black and to spend time browsing in the Lion and Unicorn bookshop in Richmond. I bought two Neil Gaiman books, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfishand Odd and the Frost Giants (World Book Day edition). I could have bought many more but I have to resist buying every book I read and love.

I was lucky enough to be standing behind a real Spiderwick fan, a ten year-old boy who had read all the books and was carrying his favourite ones to be signed (books 2 and 5 and Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide). Tony DiTerlizzi's illustrated guide is phenomenally good and I'm extemely envious of his technical drawing skills. Tony and Holly were delighted when the boy appeared before them sporting his homemade eyepiece (the 'Seeing Stone' from Book 2) and he was equally thrilled to have his picture taken with them - as was I!

I hope my nephew will enjoy The Field Guide (Spiderwick Chronicles) as much as I did.