Spookalicious Halloween: Carina self-publishes her first book for children

Carina Dunne, a talented native of Ballyboden, wrote and self-published her first book for children, a Halloween story called ‘Sprout Tales Spookalicious Halloween’!, writes Ryan Butler.

The book has also been nominated for a CAP award for indie writers, and the winner will be announced in November.

When asked about the book, Carina stated that writing about Brussels sprouts “unleashed the inner child” in her.

She cited her inspiration as overhearing a conversation between children about Brussels sprouts, as it “reminded me of the magical stories dad told us as children” and she wanted a story to “help children laugh the way we did as kids.”

Carina would write during lockdown, imagining scenes for the book on walks to Marlay Park, picturing Pookas amongst the trees, and even taking into account the sprouts growing in her allotment.

She joined the Rob Daniel-run Write Away, Draw Away Facebook group, where he encouraged her to enter another story she had written, ‘Past Present,’ into a competition in ‘Ireland’s Own,’ where it took first place.

This accomplishment motivated Carina more than ever to keep writing.

Over a year was dedicated to writing ‘Sprout Tales’, with Rob helping her edit it.

As of writing, two more ‘Sprout Tales’ stories are already written, one for Christmas and the other for St. Patrick’s Day.

Carina would like to thank her family, Rob, and her illustrator, Barbara, for helping her make a book worthy of getting shortlisted for the CAP awards.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.