Event Report: Jeff Crosby's Launch for Rockabilly Goats Gruff

My weekend highlight was author-illustrator Jeff Crosby‘s launch of Rockabilly Goats Gruff (Holiday House, 2014) at the Writing Barn in Austin.

For the celebration, the Barn was converted to the “Shimmy Shack.” Jeff hosted a 1950’s rockabilly costume contest (with art as the prize), and refreshments included musical mini cupcakes, moon pies, and floats!

Authors, illustrators & book event planners: this launch was a huge win with fans of all ages, a hit with the creative community, gatekeepers and families.

Take a look at how reading, art, music, and yes, livestock came together to make it such a success!

Writers Carmen Oliver, Varian Johnson & Greg Leitich Smith

With Greg & a rockabilly goat!

Don Tate purchases copies from BookPeople, Austin’s own independent bookstore.

With illustrators Patrice Barton, Amy Farrier & author-illustrator Don.

Rockin’ goat ears with cakelustrator Akiko White.

Author-illustrators Divya Srinivasan & Shelley Ann Jackson

Illustrator Erik Niells & his wife Maggie model faux (but convincing) tattoos!

Jeff reads with accompanying music provided by Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers.

It’s a packed house and enthusiasm is high!

A fun event for kids & grownups!

Another rockabilly goat; photo by C.S. Jennings.

Goat on the loose; photo by C.S. Jennings.

Getting your goat; photo by C.S. Jennings.

The band plays on; photo by C.S. Jennings.

Jeff signs books; photo by C.S. Jennings.

And the troll is chased away; photo by C.S. Jennings.

Cynsational Notes

Photos by C.S. Jennings are used with permission. Also for sale were copies of Ten Texas Babies by David Davis, illustrated by Shelley Ann Jackson and Jeff Crosby (Pelican, 2014).

Support Jeff and The Rockabilly Goats Gruff: #rockabillygoats