Brand and Blades among authors at Bluebird and One Boat's first showcase in four years

Russell Brand and Jay Blades were among authors celebrating new books at Bluebird and One Boat’s first showcase in four years at an event at the Ham Yard Hotel in London last night (9th February).  

The event, attended by journalists, industry professionals and Pan Macmillan authors showcased the imprint’s 2023 list. 

Carole Tonkinson, publisher, and Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of Write It All Down, introduced 14 authors and their new books. Brand unveiled his workbook, a companion to his bestselling book Recovery, which will focus on how to practically recover from addiction of any kind. Brand said he pulls on his own spiritual teachings to bring fans and new readers alike simple, effective exercises to better their lives. 

Blades, best known from his role on "The Repair Shop", spoke about his new book, Life Lessons while LGBTQ+ podcasters and pioneers Stu Oakley and Lotte Jeffs introduced their new work, The Queer Parent. Iona Mathieson and Romy St Clair’s new book, The Art of Starting, brought an entrepreneurial spirit to the gathering and Courtney Daniella Boateng, along with friend and podcast co-host Renee Kapuku unveiled their new book, To My Sisters. 

"Bake Off" winner and sustainability advocate Nancy Birtwhistle filmed a video to introduce her new book, The Green Gardening Handbook, and Vex King, the internet’s relationship guru and ‘king of self-love’, spoke about his new book, Closer to Love. 

Calum Harris, author of upcoming cookbook The 20 Minute Vegan, served his CHUNA and sweet and sticky tofu recipes to attendees. 

Tonkinson said: “We launched the Bluebird imprint seven years ago and the DNA of our list hasn’t changed. A Bluebird book has empathy at heart, aims to offer help and is infused with a sense of compassion and connection. 

“We’re so honoured to be working with our wonderful authors, like the beloved Jay Blades from the ’Repair Shop’ to comedian, actor and recovery advocate Russell Brand. We’re delighted, too, to introduce some newer faces from LGBTQIA+ advocates and podcasters to entrepreneurs, home chefs, mental health experts, and a hugely influential champion of poetry for all.”