Children’s books set in woodlands explore variety of social issues
Síofra & Her Apprentices, the seventh children's publication by Galway based author, Martha Begley Schade, will be launched in the City’s Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop on Saturday, March 12, at 12.30.
This book works well as group reader for those aged between five and 12, and aims to stimulate discussion around important social issues, such as anti-social behaviour, according to Martha.
The story is set in Merlin Woods in Galway City, where three apprentice fairies, Willow, Naoise and Alannah, play pranks on visitors to the woods, mostly with unhappy consequences.
The fairy teacher, Síofra, has already warned them about their behavioour and reminded them of their important role in the woodland community. But they’ve ignored her and carried on, which leads to a reckoning and a bad outcome for one of them.
"There is a great need to provide platforms to parents and concerned adults to discuss social issues with children,” says Martha, who is originally from County Limerick and now lives in Galway City.
“The beauty of storytelling is that, besides being a thoroughly enjoyable experience, children are more receptive to positive impulses around different social concepts. Each of my books has not only a social theme, but includes discussion lists at the end,” she explains.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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