We are very excited for our very own Grace Charley who has just had her first children’s book published. The book was inspired by her late and still badly missed Grandmother Annie Jane, to whom the book is dedicated.

Annie Jane told Grace about the day (as a young girl) she saw fairies dancing around a tree when she was out with her father on their horse and cart. Grace has been obsessed with fairy trees (Whitethorn Trees) ever since.

The story came into fruition whilst doing the MA in Scriptwriting (DIADT). Subsequent to this Grace was awarded development funding from the Irish Film Board and Arts Council which gave her the time and opportunity to write. The book was entered in the Drogheda Borough Literary competition and won first prize, the prize being a publishing deal with Trafford UK and Canada.

The book follows the adventures of Benny (a hapless teddy bear) and his mischievous little brother George– who’s constantly getting Benny into trouble. For fear he won’t get to the toy store, Benny hatches a plan to lose his little brother. The plan works– but it’s not long before Benny begins to miss George and so sets off in search of him. Benny’s travels will hold children spellbound.

The book was launched by Lee Dunne in The Market House, in Monaghan in May and is now available on line at www.trafford.com, from Books on the Green and Waterstones in the Jervis Centre.