Mum wins kids’ story competition

A pre-school teacher and mother of four from Loughlinstown has won this year’s Munch Time Ireland children’s story writing competition.

Veronica Casey shared her story entitled

‘A Very Good Name Indeed’ that was inspired by the character Munch the Cow, with her children, Jordan (11), Jonah (7), Naomi (6) and Rachel (2), at the winner unveiling in Dublin.

In addition to the prestige of winning the short story competition Veronica was awarded e1,000 and a one-to-one tutorial with top Irish children’s author, Sarah Webb.

Now in its second year, the Munch Time Ireland competition received a record number of entries from across the country.

Veronica’s story was chosen as the top entry by the judging panel comprising author Sarah and Dr Gerry Shiel from the Reading Association of Ireland.

Veronica, who owns the Startright Preschool in Killiney, was inspired to write A Very Good Name Indeed by her children and those in her pre-school who love to hear stories, poems and songs.

When penning her entry, beginning with the line ‘Once upon a time there was a cow called Munch’, Veronica wanted her story to be fun and engaging for two to five year olds but also that it would contain a subtle message they would learn from.

Veronica (37) said:

“I am thrilled to have won Munch Time Ireland 2012. Reading and writing are two of my passions and I’m so pleased that the judges shared my enthusiasm for A Very Good Name Indeed.

“I’ve had such positive feedback to the story from both my children and those in my pre-school who love the characters of Munch and her friends, but I never thought for one minute I would actually win.

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Commenting on the winning story, Sarah Webb added:

“The quality of the entries to this year’s competition was outstanding and selecting the top entry was incredibly difficult but Veronica’s story stood out. It’s entertaining and well written, and is a clever celebration of difference and individuality. It’s the perfect bedtime story for younger children of age two to five.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Veronica and encouraging her future writing. Hopefully this is only the start of a very promising writing career.

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Munch Time aims to highlight and celebrate the importance of parents bonding with their toddlers and young children over story time and give burgeoning writers the opportunity to shine.

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Veronica’s winning story is available to read at www.munchtimeireland.com, where there is also information for any budding authors who feel inspired to enter next year’s Munch Time competition.