Evelyn McGlynn author, Joe McHugh Minister for the diaspora and Jenny Yourell illustrator of Freckles the Elf Christmas Magic in Ireland book
The launch of a Christmas book by a Letterkenny author is taking place this Sunday in Crafty Kids at 3pm.
The brainchild of Evelyn McGlynn, together with Crafty Kids, the children’s book is called “Freckles The Elf Christmas Magic In Ireland”.
She wrote the book as a direct result of a tradition that has been in her own family for over 20 years, the tradition of sharing a Christmas story together on Christmas Eve. Together with local illustrator Jenny Yourell, creative advisor Marie Shields and design by Pink Dog Designs they have produced a beautiful family keepsake that is relevant to Irish families everywhere.
The book is about a little boy called Shaun and his family who leave New York just before Christmas. His parents having left during the recession are returning “home” to a new Ireland, a land of growth and possibility. Through this magical story, you discover how we are all part of a greater global family and how each kind act will help Santa find us all on Christmas Eve through his magic #GPSChristmasHeartbeat computer.
Times Square Launch Freckles the Elf Christmas book
But will it transmit from Ireland? Will Santa find Shaun on Christmas Eve? Can Freckles The Elf and her new Irish friend Mulligan succeed in their mission to deliver an unforgettable festive season for Shaun and his family in their new Irish home?
With so many Irish relocated throughout the world, many having settled in a new country with families of their own, Evelyn hopes this book will bring the magic of Christmas and Ireland right into their own front rooms. This book and tradition provides families everywhere an opportunity to spend time doing something together without technology.
The themes of charity and belonging were crafted in collaboration with Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development Joe McHugh who wrote the foreword.
“The characters in this book are Global Irish and they portray all the Irish people who live at home or abroad and who represent and live the strong values of community, family, charity and global citizenship. Ireland and its people are known for these values and I think this book shows off the best of this,” said McMcGlynn. A contribution from every book sold will go to The Aisling Irish Centre New York to help them support Irish immigrants in their transition to life in the USA.
Evelyn fostered a sense of connecting community and networking throughout by inviting Lottie Dolls, Irish Fairy Door Company and Sligo Institute of Technology to work with her on the project. Friends, family and community supported and worked with her to deliver the final result.
A global online launch was held recently on social media and the Irish community all over the world came together to create awareness for this new Christmas book. The book has been sent to Irish in Melbourne, Canada, New York, Germany, Italy, London and many more.
Freckles the Elf Christmas Magic in Ireland London
The launch of Freckles The Elf Christmas Magic In Ireland book will be held at 3pm in Crafty Kids toy shop, Letterkenny Shopping Centre 3pm Sunday 13th Nov. Everyone welcome. Storytelling, refreshments and festive goodies to be enjoyed by everyone. For all Freckles news check out Crafty Kids and Freckles the Elf face book page or Freckles The Elf twitter.
The book is also available online at www.craftykids.ie