IT'S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE Book Launch Highlights

I recently finished the last promotions for my debut book IT’S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE. The book launch has been so exciting, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Here are highlights from the book launch.

An Intense & Exciting Book Launch Promotion Schedule

Between December 2022 and February 2023, I did 40 promotions which included interviews, school visits, book readings, blog features, giveaways, and video guest appearances. Of the 40 promotions, 29 were scheduled in January. Most of them took place during the 3-week period between the book release date (January 3, 2023) and Chinese New Year (January 22, 2023). It was super busy and intense, but also thrilling.

In total, I was able to directly reach about 1,700 people through my school visits and author events. I really enjoyed engaging with the students who were always so enthusiastic!

Book Launch Party

My book launch party took place at Huntington Public Library. My sister flew in from Michigan to help me with the event. The staff at Huntington Public Library provided tremendous support that helped to make the event a success. There were about 150 attendees — the max capacity of the auditorium — who listened to my presentation on Chinese New Year traditions and a book reading.

Afterward, guests enjoyed refreshments and a book signing. The Friends of Huntington Public Library organization provided books that guests could purchase. A craft room with Curious George decorations welcomed the children. Activities included a dragon puppet craft, a red envelope with lucky money craft, a Curious George coloring sheet, and a Year of the Rabbit printable.

I was grateful to all the guests, especially those who traveled from afar to attend the event. As a bonus, the nationally-distributed Publisher’s Weekly magazine featured a photo from my book launch event!

Book Launch Media Mentions

Several newspapers, websites, publications, authors, and social media Influencers featured me and my book. The lists below do not include all the social media posts. If you’d like to see them, you can view many of them on my Instagram Page (@BiculturalMama) and Facebook Author Page (@MariaWenAdcock). Here are highlights from the book launch:

Book Launch School Author Visits

School author visits were an amazing experience. Whether in-person or virtual, the energy and eagerness from the students were contagious in a good way! I enjoyed speaking with the kids and seeing their curious faces as they learned about Chinese culture and listened to a reading of my book. Here are a few photos from some of my visits.

In-Person Visits

My First Out-of-State Author Visit

I did an author visit at St. Rose of Lima School in Miami Shores, Florida. While there, I signed over 200 books. Every student in grades K-3 received a copy of IT’S CHINESE NEW YEAR CURIOUS GEORGE!

Virtual Visits

Video conferencing allowed me to do virtual author visits with schools that weren’t local. It offered a great way to reach students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet the author!

Thank You Notes from Students

It was heartwarming to receive notes from students after my author visits!

Career Day: Children’s Book Author

I had the opportunity to participate in Career Day for 2nd and 3rd graders at a local school. I presented the career of a children’s book author, using my book as an example.

Book Launch Review Highlights

I’m grateful for all the positive reviews from editorial reviewers, Influencers, and readers. Amazon reviews are especially important to authors, so thank you to all the people who left 5-star reviews!

Curious George visits Mei and learns about Chinese New Year cultural traditions. For those who know, the Chinese New Year is not the same as Lunar New Year in other countries. It is a separate and unique time of the year. The sections include information in adorable rhymes for Let’s Celebrate, Zodiac Animals, Lucky Start, Family Reunion Dinner, Lucky Money, Chinese New Year Day, and Lantern Festival… Child-centered and entertaining, children will enjoy the happy monkey and his friend prepare for and enjoy the new year events… Clever! Rhyming words beautifully explain to help children’s understanding.
— Midwest Book Review

Globe Trottin’ Kids: “It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George”

Crafty Moms Share: “Introduce the Customs of Chinese New Year with an Old Friend!”

Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes: “It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George Book Review Plus Free Coloring Page”

Miss Panda Chinese: “It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George Book Review”

Book Launch Bestselling Author

In December and through most of January, IT’S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE was the #1 New Release on Amazon in a couple of categories. It was thrilling to see the tremendous consumer response.

Amazon #1 New Release in Children’s Asian & Asian American Books

Amazon #1 New Release in Children’s Ape & Monkey Books

IT’S CHINESE NEW YEAR CURIOUS GEORGE made it onto the NCIBA Bestseller List!

Little Fans

I loved receiving photos from young readers who enjoyed my book. They are who the book is written for, and I was so happy to see them embrace it.

Book Launch Thank You

I wanted to give a special shout-out to my sister, Teresa, who has been a rock for me through the whole journey with this book. Her support, advice, and love have been unwavering. I couldn’t have done it without her! I’d also like to thank my husband and kids, family on the Wen side, family on the Adcock side, and many friends (especially Gina) for their support. The book launch for IT’S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE has been an amazing experience that I’ll always treasure!

IT’S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE Book Launch Highlights