James Hannon, the local teacher and children's author, returned to his former school, Coosan NS, for a World Book Day event on March 7.

Athlone author returns to Coosan NS for World Book Day

Coosan National School warmly welcomed back a former student and now a published author, James Hannon, for a special visit in honour of World Book Day last week.

Last year, James penned his debut children’s novel, The Thrilling Adventures of an Extremely Boring Boy, a captivating sci-fi/fantasy adventure tailored for readers aged between eight and twelve.

Over 700 copies of the book have been sold to date, capturing young imaginations far and wide.

James, a primary school teacher himself at Summerhill National School in Athlone, returned to Coosan NS on March 7, where he engaged with eager students from the 4th and 5th classes.

During the visit he delved into discussions about his book and shared valuable insights into the sci-fi and fantasy genres. The children were lively participants, posing insightful questions and displaying a keen enthusiasm for the art of storytelling.

Reflecting on his return to Coosan National School, the 31-year-old author expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's amazing to be back at Coosan National School. The support I received here as a student was instrumental in fuelling my passion for writing, and I hope that I can be an example for future Coosan authors to pursue their writing dreams."

In an exciting announcement, James revealed that the highly-anticipated second book in his Ballinacrack Chronicles series, entitled An Incredibly Daring Heist Brought to You by A Ten-Year-Old Criminal Mastermind, is slated for release in June, much to the delight of readers of the first book.

Principal Stephen Cunningham echoed the sentiments of the school community in expressing his appreciation for James's visit.

"It's fantastic to witness the success of a former student," he remarked. "James's visit was a highlight of our World Book Day celebrations, and we are immensely proud of his achievements."

James's visit not only provided students with valuable insights into the world of writing but also served as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that come with dedication and perseverance.

For those eager to embark on the thrilling adventures penned by James Hannon, The Thrilling Adventures of an Extremely Boring Boy is available for purchase at ballinacrack.com, offering readers the chance to dive into an enchanting world of imagination and discovery.