More Quirky Tales will be launched in Edgeworthstown library

Each quarter a group of children’s writers and illustrators gather in Edgeworthstown library.

Under the guidance of Eileen Moynihan the gathering eat cake, laugh, listen to and look at each other’s work.

All assembled are passionate about the world of the imagination and about creating stories, poems and art for children.

Eileen organises a full learning experience each time, bringing inspirational writers and illustrators along to share their skills.

Eileen Moynihan is the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) volunteer for SCBWI Ireland-Midlands social events. She is instrumental in keepin the group together and active.

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Up until recently Eileen was also chairperson of Longford Writers Group. Longford Writers Group support this project and allow the MCBWI (Midlands Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) to be a sub-group of the main group.

Their latest book, like the first Quirky Tales in 2019, is a result of those gatherings.

After the worst of the pandemic and lockdown the group decided they would like to do another ‘Quirky Tales’, an anthology of stories and poems for children.

The 12 local writers set out to write their pieces for the new book. There was a call out to local schools to enter an illustration competition for the images to adorn the book.

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Pupils from Scoil Mhuire NS Clondra, St Bernard's Mixed NS Abbeylara, St Sinneach’s NS Colehill, Scoil Bhride Glen, Killoe NS responded to that call. A number of children acquainted with group members also took part.

The members were very happy to get funding from Creative Ireland Longford for this project.

There will be a book launch of, More Quirky Tales: An Anthology of Stories and Poems for Children, on Saturday, December 16 at 11.30 am in Edgeworthstown library.

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Group member, Maggi McKenna is playing Mrs Claus in Edgeworthstown library that morning, so as Mrs Claus she will present free books to the children who had their illustrations chosen for the book. All the illustrations sent in will be displayed on tables and doors around the room.

Eileen Moynihan will say a few words about the book and thank everybody for their contributions. Then the writers will read one poem or a short extract from their story.

This will be followed by refreshments and a Christmas music playlist, whilst people will have the opportunity to purchase their own copy of ‘More Quirky Tales’ for €10.

‘More Quirky Tales’ will make a great Christmas present and people will be able to buy it in Newsround, Longford and other local outlets.

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