Children's book Queen launches new book
Westmeath's most prolific children's author, Dolores Keaveney, has just published her 18th book, Queenie the Queen Bee. Dolores's fourth story celebrating bees, this focuses on the important role of the queen and explains how beehives work. Featuring Dolores's hand-painted watercolour illustrations and signature rhyming style, this latest book is another visual treat that informs as well as entertains.
"I'm just thrilled to have another little book out in the world. I never thought I would write this many," says Dolores, who wrote and illustrated her first book, If I Were a Bee, back in 2009, after the story came to her in a dream. "It's amazing to think how far one dream has taken me and I am looking forward to seeing what is yet to come on this wonderful journey," says Dolores.
Dolores took Queenie the Queen Bee on a virtual book tour last month. Parents, teachers and bloggers from all over the world shared their thoughts on social media, with some inspired to create craft projects based on the story. Dolores was delighted with the reception Queenie received, as the book was described as "stunning", "glorious", "a delight" by different reviewers. Teacher Kris Wyatt in Maryland, USA, even compared it to "an art museum".
Bord na Móna will unveil the Dee the Bee Story Trail based on Dolores's book in Lough Boora Discovery Park on Saturday, May 20 to commemorate World Bee Day. This is the 11th walk inspired by Dee the Bee and Dolores is the first Irish author to have a series of trails honouring her work. Story trails display pages from a book along a path so that it can be read while enjoying a walk. Combining fresh air with literature, they are a great way to get outdoors. Belvedere House, the Royal Canal Greenway, Kerry Library, Mountmellick Library and Ballinasloe Library have all hosted walks based on Dolores's books. More trails are located in Newbridge, Monasterevin, Portumna and Galway city.
Like her beloved bees, Dolores is constantly busy with new projects. She is proud to be a volunteer on the committee for the 2023 CAP awards. Providing a platform to showcase independently published Irish authors, the CAP awards brings their work to the attention of bookshops, distributors, and the media. It costs €40 to enter and all money raised is being donated to mental-health charity Aware. Authors have until Thursday, June 1, to submit their books. Dolores encourages anyone who has self-published a book in Ireland in the last five years to enter. Visit www.capawards.ie for more information.
All of Dolores's books can be found in selected independent bookshops, including Just Books in Mullingar, as well as on Dolores's own website. Dolores also has free activities and teaching materials available to download from her website. Visit www.doloreskeaveney.com to find all of Dolores's books. Stay updated on new releases by following @dolores_kidsbooks_keaveney on Instagram @DAKeaveney on Facebook, and @KeavenyDBpress on Twitter.