Book Signing with Christian Watson for How Lucky Am I

Join us for a book signing with Christian Watson for his brilliant book How Lucky Am I.

"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved"

From Myrtle Creek, Oregon, animator and designer Christian Watson has long lived by the creed that a person ought to remain a student of many things. Actualising this, he founded the 1924us studio, a workshop devoted to thoughtful design and the preservation of simpler virtues, talents and fading skillsets.

In 2023, while residing in Tasmania with his wife Elle-May and their two children, he sketched the first likeness of Mr Skelly, a small figure that, to his surprise, came to hold meaning for millions. Christian writes as he works: with plain earnestness, an eye for the unseen and a belief that even the quietest life is extraordinary.

Be sure to read to the end for the full details of the signing.

A few points to note…

• One ‘includes book’ event voucher (£20) includes a copy of How Lucky Am I and the opportunity for one person to meet Christian and have this signed. If required, each attendee is able to be accompanied by a plus one or carer - though they will not be able to have a book signed.

• Queuing outside will be necessary, please come prepared for all weather conditions. We will endeavour to ensure the queue moves along at a good pace - but please be aware you may have to queue for a number of hours.

• Doors will open at the start time to the signing - 5.30pm. Please do not arrive earlier than 5.15pm.

• Additional books can be purchased on the day, but to ensure every event voucher holder has the opportunity to meet Christian, he will only be able to sign one book per event voucher booking.

• Candid photo opportunities are welcomed as Christian signs your book, booksellers will be on hand to help capture this. 

• If you have access or disability requirements, please contact the bookshop to email york@toppingbooks.co.uk as soon as you book on to assure we can meet them to the best of our abilities.

In this poignant, affirming, and beautifully illustrated journey, Mr Skelly explores the ups and downs of existence and discovers the makings of a meaningful life.

Join beloved Mr Skelly, a gentle skeleton wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and - ultimately - a safe home.

Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, to realise how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.

Mr Skelly invites you to shift your lens, make peace with what you can't control, appreciate what can't be seen, and live your life to the utmost of your ability.

How Lucky Am I is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked - and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters.