Every year I want to go to the CBCA announcement of the Notables list, but I always have something on. A few of my friends went this year, but I already had something on my calendar. Oh well, maybe next year.

That evening I felt my phone vibrate and discovered a list of missed calls from my friends. Oh no! Why was everyone trying to call me? Something terrible must have happened. And then I remembered. They were meeting each other at the CBCA event. They were probably asking me for each others' phone number. Yes, that would be it.

No! They were ringing to tell me Captain Sneer, the Buccaneer was on the Notables List for Picture Books! I had forgotten it was even possible. Even then I didn't want to get excited in case they had made a mistake. But Shelly sent me photographic proof. My book really is notable. How exciting!

Youthworks sent our editor Natasha Percy to launch the book. They also sent a box full of fantastic lolly bags. The highlight for me was watching Lisa's 'illustrated journey'. She told the story of Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem, drawing their journey's ups and downs. I knew the lines on the page were going to turn into something recognisable by the end, but I gasped along with all the children when the last stroke turned the squiggles into a sleeping baby. It felt like magic!

The winner of the dress-up competition was a shepherd complete with cuddly sheep. The winner of the door prize was my own Dad. He won a gorgeous pack of cards by Lisa. The kids decorated kings' crowns and went home happy because there were just enough lolly bags for everyone.