In April 2023, I was looking for ways to get the word out about my new tooth-fairy-themed children’s book UNDER MY PILLOW when I saw a social media post from the Austin Parks Foundation advertising their Playdates in the Park series, “an inclusive, free community event series designed to activate families with young children.” The post called for local authors to apply for story time events—so, of course, I submitted my interest.
Activations and Events Manager Heaven Wilbanks said the foundation wanted to feature me and my story at an upcoming Playdate in Alderbrook Pocket Park. It just so happens I live quite near that park, so I was thrilled by the opportunity to engage directly with my local community.
How did the Alderbrook Park event go?
The day of the event—April 29, 2023—was sunny but windy. I had to speak loudly and clearly when reading so the wind didn’t carry my voice away. The twenty-five or so children in attendance sat attentively as they followed along with five-year-old Samantha’s journey, who must go on a quest to solve the mystery of her missing tooth.
Afterward, every child present at the event received a FREE copy of UNDER MY PILLOW courtesy of the foundation, and a handful of families asked me to sign their copies. I gladly inscribed the books with their children’s names and an invitation to “keep reading and writing,” since ultimately, I hope to inspire kids to tell their own stories.
The day of the event—April 29, 2023—was sunny but windy. I had to speak loudly and clearly when reading so the wind didn’t carry my voice away. The twenty-five or so children in attendance sat attentively as they followed along with five-year-old Samantha’s journey, who must go on a quest to solve the mystery of her missing tooth.
Afterward, every child present at the event received a FREE copy of UNDER MY PILLOW courtesy of the foundation, and a handful of families asked me to sign their copies. I gladly inscribed the books with their children’s names and an invitation to “keep reading and writing,” since ultimately, I hope to inspire kids to tell their own stories.
Author Jennifer Ballow chats with families about her tooth-fairy-themed children’s book UNDER MY PILLOW.
What was my favorite part of the Alderbrook Park event?
The Austin Parks Foundation sponsored the UNDER MY PILLOW storytime event in conjunction with Creative Action, a nonprofit youth development organization that provides creative learning programs in Central Texas. Post-reading, it was time for fun crafts—one led by Creative Action and one that I designed.
Creative Action staff showed the kids how to make “tooth friends” out of clay and toilet paper rolls, respectively. If you would like to make your own, here’s a quick TikTok tutorial.
At my station, kids used paper and crayons to draw their versions of the tooth fairy and the gifts she leaves in exchange for lost teeth.
A craft that Creative Action put together: clay and paper-towel-roll teeth!
Two drawings from little ones at the event. The first is an illustration of the tooth fairy; the second shows dirt where the tooth fairy’s gift is buried (the purple box with the yellow bow on the left-hand side).
Is there anything I would have done differently in Alderbrook Park?
I should have asked in advance what age the children would be. Ranging in age from one to seven, those present represented a wide variety of cognitive and physical abilities. While UNDER MY PILLOW is appropriate for any age, it’s geared toward 4+. The craft project I suggested was also best suited for kids 4+. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to have a great time.
The other thing I didn’t do that in retrospect I wish would have, was ask a friend or family member to record the reading. In our digital age, a lot of kids consume video content. Recording and uploading a reading of UNDER MY PILLOW to YouTube Kids would allow me to reach a wider audience. It’s something I’ll be sure to do in the future.
What advice do I have for other children’s book authors?
Every time I participate in a storytime event, I learn more about author event best practices. Here are some top tips for my fellow children’s book authors staging or participating in storytime events:
- Make connections! Whether you collect email addresses for your newsletter, pass out business cards asking for reviews, or identify future event partners in the audience (like I did by networking with Partners in Parenting), make the most of every human interaction. Getting genuine reviews is always a big deal for new authors so at my next event, I plan to bring fun tooth pillows like these in exchange for honest reviews.
- Be your own best advocate online! Post event photos that show just how much fun everyone had and that encourage viewers to buy your book.
- Remember to have a good time. Problems will crop up. The weather might not cooperate, or a jackhammer may be running at a nearby construction site, but try to go with the flow. When you’re having fun, your audience will, too.
