There is now less than a month to go until East of the Sun, West of the Moon is published. To read more about the book have a look at this.
Long ago when I began the book I had in mind to ask a friend, Hannah Willow, to make the necklace that is in the story. It plays a small part, but every piece of a story is important.
Then I decided to ask Hannah to make two, one for me, and one to use in some way to encourage people to buy the book through their independent bookshop. But how? After trying and failing to contact the Independent Booksellers Association I have decided to set the ball rolling and see what happens.
So: at the moment the way to win the necklace is to purchase a copy of East of the Sun, West of the Moon from Solva Woollen Mill. (You can email them when you place your order, and if you have a ‘special dedication’ put that in the email too. They do deliver anywhere in the world and the book will be signed.) You can also participate by buying from Cover to Cover in The Mumbles or from The Norfolk Children’s Book Centre and The Yellow Lighted Bookshops in Tetbury and Nailsworth, Rossiters in Monmouth and Ross on Wye, Obsidian Arts and Number Seven, Dulveron. Each person who purchases a book will get a bookmarker. The end of this is a square that will contain their name and phone number or email and this will act as a raffle ticket and be entered into a draw to win the necklace. One book, one marker. Simple.
Over time other independent booksellers may come on board with this. We will see what happens. The winner will be drawn from all the collected tickets when the book goes for its first reprint. This could be in weeks, or months, depending on sales.
While I was working on the book I wore one or other of the necklaces. They are both beautiful. The bear is made by Hannah from faux bone in scrimshaw fashion, and set in silver. One has turquoise, ruby and silver, one has opal and I think the one with the opal is the one I will keep. Both have a sun and a moon and stars. On the back part of the story is inscribed.
So, as I sit here typing and thinking one of the bone bear and silver necklaces hangs around my neck and warms against my skin and I wonder where on earth the other may end up? Maybe somewhere in Wales, or perhaps in America or Australia. Where ever, a journey awaits it and another life.
Please share this post, link to it, spread the word in any way you can. The sooner the first print run is sold the sooner the draw will take place. Tweet, blog, facebook, link, read, share, stand on street corners reading aloud to passing strangers, talk to your local bookshop, all other ideas welcome. And leave a comment below. I have a few of the fridge magnets and badges to give away so will send them at random to people who leave comments below and who share.
Artwork from the book is for sale and some can be seen here at The House of Golden Dreams.
And thank you. Without readers we are nothing.
Participating Bookstores are
1. Solva Woollen Mill, Pembrokeshire.
2. Cover to Cover, Swansea.
3. Norfolk Children’s Book Centre, Norfolk
4. The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop.
6. Rossiters in Monmouth and Ross on Wye.
8. Topping in Ely.
Thank you.
will definitely be ordering the book, it looks lovely. Would love to win the necklace as turquoise is ‘my stone’.
Will definately order the book for my husband and myself and read it to my dogs <3
Lovely Idea a bit like Kit Williams and his pot of gold, the Hare necklace. Bears and Whales feature in my life a lot. In meditation a whale told me I was pregnant with my first son, it was an awesome experience. I give to special people in my life little Bears, either on a pendant or a stone as the Bear symbolizes protection. The illustrations and necklace are beautiful and compliment each other completely:)
Kit William’s necklace ended under a cloud of suspicion though and I don’t think the fame brought him happiness. But oh what a beautiful thing he created. See this http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/aug/20/kit-williams-golden-hare-masquerade and also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iU-qoG9Upg
Jackie! I am so thrilled to see this will be available soon! Melanie was the one to introduce me to your art . . . the white bear is so very special to me . . . bear was very present through my pregnancy with my youngest daughter and continues to be present in our lives. It seems like such a long time ago when I first saw the white bear and woman in red . . . will have to order the book when it is available.
The necklace is stunning too . . .
amazing
Absolutely stunning! One of those books you treasure forever
Ah! another book for me to buy and read to my wee grandson Ash…he has almost a complete set now…thank you..for the wonder…for the sheer joy of sharing a book of beauty with a loved one x
Shared on Facebook. A beautiful combination of words, pictures and jewellery.
Dearest Jackie, I have been a follower of your work on facebook for awhile. You are brilliant! Have contacted about purchasing this lovely book. It looks so magical! Perfect for me to share with my grandchildren! I do love folklore stories, and your rendition and lovely artwork will make this a true household treasure. FB and tweeted for share puposes
love, Leslie
everyone needs a story that makes them feel fuzzy inside, and a story to tell others that makes them feel fuzzy inside, i shall buy this book to read to my son, because hes my future, as are all children, thankyou for blessing us with this book.
Jackie, you might consider a blog hop party also. It is a great way to promote a new book, and the rest of your wonderful work. I would gladly host on my blog. xx
I might consider that if I knew what one was Leslie. Do you want to email me so I can see if it is something I might do. My problem is that I am late with one book delivery, I have another novel brewing, and I am supposed to be publicizing this one. jackie@jackiemorris.co.uk And thanks.
wow, I LOVE Hannah Willow’s creations and I am very very much looking forward to buying your book
it looks like a perfect book to snuggle with under a woolen blanket, with a mug of tea, woodburner blazing ready to be transported to magical worlds 
xxx love alison xxx
I’ve loved seeing the work leading up to publication appear. Will certainly purchase a copy…or two. Can’t wait to see your interpretation of this tale!
I look forward to the beautiful book and how lovely to have dreamed the necklace into reality … two great artists at work together.
I will be sending your link to my friend Lisa who loves polar bears. Can’t wait to buy your gorgeous book and the necklace looks magical.
Love All the work we have seen Jackie. Love Hannahs work also. So much talent and such beauty to behold.
I keep buying copies of your gorgeous nursery rhyme book for young relatives, but when I have East of the Sun, West of the Moon in my hands I am going to keep it for myself – the first copy, at least! I also love Hannah’s work and will keep everything tightly crossed in the hope of winning the beautiful necklace. I wish you every success with promoting the book but I’m certain that everyone who sees it will fall in love with it anyway!
What a wonderful idea, such a special giveaway opportunity, I will be ordering a copy of the book and cannot wait to read it!
I am certainly going to order the book. I would love to win the necklace as always wanted some turqouise but never got round to getting any and now I am a pensioner it can be quite pricey Good Luck with the book sales
East of the Sun, West of the Moon has been one of my favourite stories since childhood–I’m now 60! I’ve also loved your pictures, since first coming across them in a shop in St Davids several years ago, so I am really looking forward to your version of this story. I was in St Davids while on holiday with my family at Whitesand Bay, repeating with our own children a holiday that we had had as children ourselves! What a lovely part of the world!
the necklace is absolutely GORGEOUS as are your illustrations !!! look forward to the book. funnily enough, felt inclined to put my turquoise necklace on the other day and have not taken it off since !! as sharon says, turquoise is my stone too !! have started a silver clay course. am hoping to make a silver hare, as i am inspired by your illustrations. THANKYOU <3
The suspense is unbearable – I’ve been stunned by the beauty and wonder of your inspirational pictures as you have revealed them on your blog! The book is sure to be amazing and thought provoking!
what a wonderful book it reminds me of the magical books we had when i was young xx
I have been thinking about bears a lot recently, and trying to draw them (not very well!). They seem to be part of a journey I find myself on, so this is the perfect book for me.
You might also like this then: http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk/blog/?page_id=2376
I’ll be ordering a copy tomorrow … I rarely need an excuse to buy one of your books but the opportunity to win a gorgeous necklace is one not to be missed!
Thank you.
I love this story and your interpretation of it looks beautiful. I hope it does really well. I will be ordering a copy
Your book looks magical and absolutely stunning. I have sent an inquiry for purchasing and shipping costs to the U.S.
They are more than happy to ship to US. Solva sold a good many copies of I am Cat, because its not out in USA yet.
Looking forward to celebrating and sharing East of the Sun, West of the Moon, Jackie! Delightful and awe-inspiring both your enchanting book and Hannah’s extraordinary necklace! Off to send an email to Solva Woollen Mill! Happy Sunday to you!
The drawings are beautiful.
I need a special present for my nephew and I think I have found it.
Thank you for your special talent ; )
Kathy
I have given my grand nieces and nephew all of your books and can;t wait to surprise them with a copy of East of the Sun West of the Moon. They adore your books and since they were babies have been enchanted with your artwork, as I also am. The necklace is to die for!!
Oh I’m so looking forward to this and the necklace is beautiful, it could have been made for me ;0) Good luck, I hope it sells like hotcakes- but not before I’ve got my copy! x
I would prefer to buy my book from Marilyn at the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre – if she comes on board – as she is a good friend and a neighbour and it is the VERY BEST children’s book shop anywhere, ever. Masquerade was one of the most inspiring elements of my formative years (I can’t really say ‘childhood’ as I was 19 when it was published). I bought it for my dad (fearing that no-one would actually think to buy it for me) and we spent many evenings together trying to solve the riddles, but failed. Despite the subsequent bad publicity, it cannot be shaken from that special part of my life.
`hoping Marilyn will be able to come on board with it Claire. I would love her to. And I love the piece that he made of jewelery.
Am ordering the book. Love the art. Loved all your books to date. Can’t wait for this one. Bouncing in my seat. <3
I have pre-ordered my copy and now just can’t wait! I’m new to your work – your illustrations are truly magical and Hannah’s stunning necklace complements it perfectly. Very best of luck with sales, I have liked and shared your page on Facebook and look forward to keeping up with your gorgeous artwork and publications in the future.
Thank you.If this book does really well and sells well there will be more.
I am definitely ordering the book! And I shared this blog so that all my friends in sunny Australia and snowy Finland can have the opportunity to buy the book too. And have a chance to win that beautiful necklace.
Oh,
the turquoise is so lovely! I love your bears, they are such a powerful guardian! I am in awe of your work. Best wishes on your book!
I am possibly a dill – but could find no email address for Solva Woollen Mill so that I could order the book I have fallen deeply in lust with. Help please. I would really, really love to have the book, but could find no ‘contact us’ or ‘email us’ on their site.
I am a space cadet. Further investigation led me to their contact me section and I have used it to place an order.
Can’t wait! Looks stunning, your art work is so very beautiful and I think the necklace needs a home in Australia!!
Serendipity brought me here. Off to grab a copy of this book so that I can curl up by the log fire with my two girls for a fantastic bedtime story. A perfect end to a day walking on our beach here in Cornwall. Thank you. x
I discovered your artwork on the facebook page Moonlight Serenade, just loving the polar bears, and other animals, the necklace is beautiful. Wishing you the best of luck with your new book!
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The blok looks fabulous. Can’t wait to read and treasure it – as with all of your work. Been following you and the cats for years now.
Love,
Rikkie.
The blok looks fabulous. Can’t wait to read and treasure it – as with all of your work. Been following you and the cats for years now.
Love,
Rikkie.
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Have pre- ordered, can’ t wait to recieve my copy. Looks just beautiful x
I will be ordering a copy of the book and also recommending it to the teachers I’m working with on getting reluctant readers to read as I think they would love it too. I’d love to win the necklace, as well as being truely beautiful it would make a great talking point with the children.
What a wonderful thing to do Jackie!!x
They haven’t answered my pre-order email…. Oh noes! Is this normal? I hope it still means that they’ve got it.
The book is now on the site so you can order it. They were on holiday when I posted and are having trouble with their broadband.
If you click on the link to the shop now it should take you to the ordering place.
Yeah she answered me, thanks Jackie.
As per usual Jackie, I shall come to the launch and get a personally signed copy because as I keep saying, your books are so beautiful that I am tempted to give them to everyone I know and if the book is not signed personally to me, it get given away and unfortunately I cannot afford this
x
Will be lovely to see you.
So looking forward to reading and enjoying this book! Bear is very special to me. So many lessons of nuture and protection. The book is ordered, and I’m off to share the news! Thank you, Nicola
wonderful work Jackie – you weave magic with your words and illustrations – thankyou for sharing your work with the world xxx
Jackie, have ordered the book via the wonderful Anna at Solva. What good folk are there; every time I have ordered anything from them they make it so easy to have it come to the States.
Love the necklace. Hope I win.
I would love to order a copy for my granddaughters – maybe you can post some information as to how I can buy a copy here in Fife?
Love the illustrations by the way!
hugs
Peta
If you look at the posting there are links to Solva Woollen Mill. This will take you to their ordering page and you can order online from them. It is cheaper from Amazon, but you won’t be in the draw then and also won’t be signed.
Beautiful Jackie! your work is such a wonderful thing to share with my family – will pretend I’m buying this for my littlest girl but it’ll really be for me. Adore bears and your book looks to be as stunning as the others I have. Thank youXX
Ice bears are in my heart. Knut drew me onto a plane (fear of flying be damned) and off to Berlin where I had wonderful adventures with him and dear friends five times! Add to that my love of turquoise….well, that necklace is the most beautiful thing I could imagine! I look forward to the book I’ve ordered and dream of winning the necklace….It’s enough that someone has created this beauty, tho….Bear hugs….
where would you recommend a reader from australia (ie. me!) order this beautiful book? the necklace is so stunning!
Solva Woollen Mill ship to Australia, if you want to be in with a chance of winning the necklace, but otherwise it will be distributed in Australia I think, so go to an independent bookshop and ask. Let me know what they say.
Ditto from me re: Anna; pleasant & easy transaction and no fuss to get it to the states! Looking forward to adding to my Jackie Morris collection.
Beautiful images, words and crafts, talented ladies. xx
I’ve ordered mine… So looking forward to it…
m
What a beautiful idea, I love both of your work and find bears amazing creatures, souls of the earth
This book looks absolutely magickal and I can not wait to hold a copy in my hands. One of my most favorite stories brought to life in another manifestation. Lovely!
Hello Jackie
I’ve been given your book East of the Sun, West of the Moon and I think it’s a magical & enchanting story. I have one of the bookmarks to enter the competition to win the necklace but I don’t understand how to enter and I’d really, really like to win it. Please tell me.
Love
Emily (9)
if you have one of the bookmarks and on the reverse there is no place that says email/ phone number then you have been entered already. If there is then write your email, and your phone no and post it to me. Glad that you like it.
Thank you, I’ve been entered. I really hope I win. I love your books, they are amazing and lovely. I hope this one has a happy ending (I haven’t finished reading it yet).
Emily
Depends on what you mean by ‘happy’. Will do the draw soon for the necklace. The new print run comes in 19th July, so may do it then, but might be before as not sure how many are left.
I received your book from my wonderful Aunt, who purchased it in Australia. She had you dedicate it to me. It is splendid and I adore the illustrations (esp. the instant polar under the dedication). It has already been lent to a friend (a trustworthy one). You have me obsessing with polar bears. They are beautiful creatures! I saw a photo with a huge number congregating… I don’t remember if it was National Geo or Smithsonian… Thank you again! One of our favorite poems is A bear in there: http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/shel_silverstein/poems/14820