It may be a long way from the Champs-Élysées to Killeen but Brendan McDonald has brought the two together in writing and publishing his fourth children’s book set on a Laois farm, while living and working in Paris.
The book was launched in Killeen Hall on Saturday with a big crowd in attendance during the day.
‘The Cow Who Lost Her Moo’ features themes of loss, seeking help, and ultimately finding your voice. The story follows Betsy the bovine as she tries to find her voice.
Brendan who has three brothers and one sister, with his brother Paul having taken over the family farm, said that he enjoyed the sense of nostalgia in Paris as he evoked memories of growing up on the family’s cattle, sheep and crop farm.
He has been working with IDA Ireland in Paris for the past two-and-a-half years, helping engineering and sustainability companies set up in this country.
Illustrated by Donegal-based Martin Beckett, 10% of net profits from sales of ‘The Cow Who Lost Her Moo’ will be donated to farming charity Embrace Farm, headquartered in Shanahoe, also his charity partner on his third book.
Having almost lost an arm in a farming accident when he was younger, the charity’s work resonated with him.
This tale of loss, friendship and finding your voice shows that we all need our voice, and that when we have it we need to use it, Brendan remarked.
“Having visited so many primary schools with my books over the last few years, it has really shown me how important it is that younger children know that their voice is important and unique, and that they learn how to use it.”
Inspiration for the book came from a number of sources.
“I have lots of nieces and nephews who are always happy to chat to their uncle so I liked the idea of an animal that maybe was to lose their voice, and regain it, and I wanted the story to reflect how important that is as younger kids grow,” Brendan said.
Betsy wakens up and realises she has lost her voice, and decides to ask some of the other animals if she can borrow theirs.
However, when she understands that all the other animals need their own unique voices, she realises she too must find her voice.
With the help of some medicine from the vet she rediscovers and values her voice.
Some of the characters from Brendan’s first three books also appear in the fourth book.
“I wanted a link with the other books so ‘Olive the Owl’, ‘Sally the Sheep’ and ‘Deed the Duck’ all feature once again so who knows some of the characters in book four may also feature in future books,” he said.
The Laois man once again drew on the creative talents of Donegal-based illustrator, Martin Beckett for the book which was printed by Modern Printers, Kilkenny.
“Working with Martin is so easy and we now have our working process really defined. Martin’s talent and skill in bringing ‘The Cow Who Lost Her Moo’ to life was invaluable and the beautiful illustrations really resonate with the young readers who in turn give lovely feedback,” said Brendan.
He is currently busy working on a children’s novel based on the Rock of Dunamaise, Timahoe Round Tower and Stradbally Woods which he hopes to publish in the coming year.
See more on Brendan’s website Bed Time Story Publishing.
SEE ALSO – Promising weather forecast for National Ploughing Championships according to Carlow Weather
