What a swell party...

You know those nightmares wherein you throw a party and no one turns up? No? Maybe it's just me... however - last night A & C Black threw a party for us (for Danny, Susan and me as editors of the Ultimate Book Guide series) and you know what? *everyone* turned up!

It was amazing, and Louise and Jacki deserve a medal each for their patience and imagination and downright dedication to having a good time. Something the editors certainly had, especially so as it was in the company of the most fabulous names in the children's book world. Everytime I turned around there was another fab conversation happening, from Tony Ross and Cathy Hopkins leaning on the bar to Anthony McGowan and Justin Somper being very earnest. Cressida Cowell and Eleanor Updale held court in one corner while Caroline Lawrence and Horrid Henry (OK, the guy who plays him on stage - but Francesca Simon was there too. Hmm, as was the HH editor - so we had a full set!) stood in a sea of people and laughed. Jan Pienkowski and Graham Marks moved from friend to friend and I managed to chat in person (as opposed to email!) to the wonderful Mr Achuka himself, Michael Thorn and the woman who pretty much single-handedly created the whole world of children's books as we know, it - Margaret Meek!

There were so many wonderful people at the Groucho, from friends and family, to authors, agents and publicists. It really was a night to remember. Thank you all for being such great party-people! A special award however has to go to Ted Dewan, who braved coming out for a pizza with us afterwards - true dedication...