New children’s book throws up mystery and adventure in Cavan

Orla, Mary and a Monster called Seán is a new children’s book written and illustrated by Cavan town author Ann O’Donoghue.

The book, which is self published and geared towards children aged eight to 11 years, tells the story of a little girl Orla who arrives at her Nana’s house in Co Cavan from Dublin city for the summer holidays. She initially thinks she’ll be bored but that turns out to be far from the truth and her expectations take a mysterious and adventurous turn.

Orla ends up in the spotlight when she visits Ballyjamesduff with her new friend Mary to buy fish and chips and Mary is the only person that she shares her precious ‘secret’ with. Orla tells her friend about her dream in which Seán the Monster appears and tells her he doesn’t eat humans…

Meanwhile, for author Ann, who resides in Swellan, this isn’t her first venture into writing. She has already published an athletics mémoire, poetry book (2016) and photography book (2017). Orla, Mary and a Monster called Seán is her fourth offering and as she says herself: “It's a book that can be read and enjoyed at any time of the year.”

“The idea for this book came from my grandchildren; I have two granddaughters and a grandson aged three, one and eight months,” she told The Anglo-Celt. “I decided I’d write the book and over the last six months put all my energies into getting it finished before Christmas.”

Ann says the story is set in and around Ballyjamesduff and creates that perfect balance between mystery and adventure.

“It’s Orla’s first time to come on her own to County Cavan,” she added. “She isn’t that enthused about coming down on her holidays, she thinks she’ll be bored but she has loads of little adventures, makes her own little friends and ends up in The Anglo-Celt for a great act of bravery in Ballyjamesduff while in the town one day.”

Coming from Dublin city to the country also throws up some very interesting moments for Orla.

“She hears the birds singing for the first time; sees all the animals on the farm; and gets to know her friend’s dogs whom she loves,” said Ann. “I also did the illustrations myself, and while I wouldn’t be a great artist, I think they signify a bit of mystery - something that is at the heart of the book. They make you think about what’s going on and what the characters are getting up to.”

Orla, Mary and a Monster called Seán costs €10 and is currently available from Ann and at Cavan Geological Office in Cavan Library.