Vonnie launches fourth and final book in ‘Fairyland’ series
Author Vonnie Bolton
CHILDREN’S author Vonnie Bolton is launching the fourth and final book in her ‘Fairyland’ series, , this Thursday, 12 November.
Vonnie, who lives in Killeshin, has always been a writer. She started her career writing short stories for the children’s magazine .
“I was a free agent,” said Vonnie. “It was BC … before children.” Vonnie has since retired from teaching at Killeshin National School.
Years later, Vonnie joined a writing course over Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mentored by author Lissa Oliver, Vonnie says she writes all the time and now has hundreds of pieces.
The 'Fairyland' series began in 2023, with each book representing a season of the year. , the final book, represents autumn.
Vonnie said it was difficult to find an illustrator as she needed to have someone with the same vision as her. Then, she met Geraldine Cooper Sheridan from Athy.
“She got me,” Vonnie said. “She is marvellous. A magnificent artist and a great illustrator of characters.”
Although writing for children is Vonnie’s primary focus, she is also working on a memoir, , about her life growing up. Vonnie said she has worked on it intermittently over the last two years and is hopeful to have it completed in 2027.
The book launch will take place on Thursday in Killeshin Pipe Band Hall at 7pm.
Musician Justin Kelly and minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor will attend the event, which will include a chat with Vonnie, refreshments and music by young musicians taught by Vonnie’s daughter Yvonne. “It gives them a little boost,” said Vonnie about the ‘grúpa ceol’.
The event is free and Vonnie hopes to see many faces there. The book will cost €10 and Vonnie will be available to sign copies.
Like the other books in the series, 10% of sales will go to St Fiacc’s House in Graiguecullen. Vonnie said the local charity was very good to her when her mother was sick with Alzheimer’s Disease.
