By Jason KUROSU
Famed actress Julie Andrews, known primarily as the star of films such as “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” has also been an established children’s author for years, with over 20 books co-authored with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.
Andrews recently published the fourth book of her Very Fairy Princess Series, titled “The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart,” a continuation of the exploits of the title character, Geraldine, who deals with a very timely Valentine’s Day predicament in this latest book. To the delight of local admirers, Andrews appeared in La Cañada to meet with fans and sign copies of the new book.
The Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse sold 200 copies of the book, but many more showed up on Monday night to see Andrews. Lines snaked around the bookshelves, with excited customers bearing stickers numbered one through two hundred.
No. 36, Marian Radcliffe from La Crescenta, mentioned her excitement upon hearing Julie Andrews would make an appearance in town.
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard she would be here,” said Radcliffe, who purchased her copy of the book the previous Thursday.
No. 66, Sylvia Kast of La Cañada, another longtime fan of Andrews’, said she didn’t know Andrews wrote books before hearing of the book signing.
“I’m a fan of her movies and her musicals, but I didn’t know she was writing.” Kast also admitted she didn’t know what she would say to Andrews when she met her.
“I think what I want to say to her is I grew up with her and it’s so nice to finally see her in person. It’s really exciting,” she said.
No. 28, Anita Prins of Pasadena, said she found out about the book signing by chance one day while browsing through the bookstore.
“I’m a big fan of her song ‘Eye of Confidence’ from ‘The Sound of Music,’ so I thought it’d be great to meet her.”
The fans met Andrews in groups of 25, after the anticipation and completion of the labyrinthine journey around the bookstore.
A pair of fans, who wished to remain anonymous, were elated to meet Andrews as both longtime admirers and countrywomen.
“In 1964, when we first moved here, was the year she did ‘Mary Poppins.’ We were homesick for England, so it was great that she happened to be here,” said one.
The Englishwomen not only had their books signed, but were able to ask Andrews a burning question regarding her tea of choice. (It’s PG Tips.)
Julie Andrews Visits Flintridge Bookstore added by CV Weekly on
View all posts by CV Weekly →