Athlone mother and daughter team to launch children’s book

What began as a daughter's idea to create something special for her mother's 60th birthday has developed into a children's book, Smokie The Dragon, which will be launched in Athlone Library this Saturday (December 3) at 12 noon.

Coosan woman Leah Egan explained that the book is an adaptation of one of the many children's stories created by her mother, primary school teacher Anne Hoey.

Leah is currently home in Athlone, after four years in Vancouver, and it was while she was living in the Canadian city during the pandemic that she decided to capture one of Anne's stories in book form.

"Mam is a teacher and has been a storyteller for a very long time - much longer than myself!" Leah explained. "She has many stories that she has written and created, and Smokie would have been based on one of them.

"We have all grown up listening to these stories, as have her students. It was coming up to a special birthday of hers and I thought, 'maybe we could make this into a hard copy, or get the story into book form'.

"So I took the story, rejigged certain aspects of it, worked with an illustrator and got the book design put together.

"I learned a lot as I went about how to put a book together and, let me tell you, it's a lot more complex than you'd think! I was halfway through it, thinking, 'Maybe it will be ready for when she's 65!'"

After working with Vancouver-based illustrator Viktorija Stevens, Leah presented Smokie The Dragon as a birthday gift to Anne in 2020. Anne started to show the book to others, and Leah was taken aback by the reaction to it.

"All of a sudden, everyone was asking, 'how do we buy it?' 'Where can we get a copy?' It was this tidal wave of support that I didn't expect. That was not the (original) aim, so Smokie then took flight!"

The book is particularly suited to children aged between 3 and 8 years, and Leah explained that the launch in Athlone Library this weekend is of a second edition, which has added "conversation starters at the end, with activities and fun things for kids to do."

"It's exciting that we're actually getting to do something in-person now, especially at home in the town now that I'm here. I'm usually far away," she said.

Leah works as an actor, director and writer, and rose to prominence in Ireland as a result of her appearances on Fair City and Ros na Rún.

Her mother is also an accomplished actor, who taught for many years in the former Bower National School and in St Mary's NS in Athlone. Anne is currently teaching in Inishbofin.

"Relatively recently she moved to Inishbofin and is teaching in a small island school there. She's just having a whale of a time. She's a sea swimmer... she kind of puts us all to shame. A great woman!" said Leah.

Collaborating with her mother on the book proved to be a very rewarding experience. "I've heard people say that working with family can be complex, but ultimately it's her fault that I'm a storyteller. My genes are her genes!" said Leah.

"It was lovely to work with her in a different capacity. She is the woman that started it all and then for me to come in late to the scene and say, 'we could make this work together' - I have to say it's been really nice. It's kind of magical."

Leah also said she was enjoying being back at home after four years in western Canada.

"It is difficult being that far away from home, especially during the past few years that we've had. Vancouver is a fabulous town, but with all of that in mind I am loving being back on the streets of Athlone. I never thought I'd say that."

She said Vancouver adapted to the pandemic more quickly than Ireland, which meant acting roles there weren't quite as scarce as they had been at home.

"I don't think I had as tough a time as an actor, being abroad, compared with a lot of my friends in Ireland. Acting is still very much part of what I do, and next year I'm looking forward to lots of new projects hopefully."

Looking ahead to Saturday's launch, Leah said no booking was required, and all ages were welcome. Refreshments and colouring materials will be provided.

"We pitch the story towards 3 to 8 years of age, but generally speaking it's suitable for anyone. If anyone is in town and wants to drop by, please feel free," she said.

* The launch of Smokie The Dragon by Anne Hoey and Leah Egan takes place in Athlone Library on December 3 at 12pm. For anyone who can't make the launch, follow @finicky_heart on Instagram or Facebook, or Google search #smokiethedragon for updates on where to find a copy of the book