AT just eight-years-of-age, is Harry McNeely Ireland’s youngest author?
Last weekend the Baldoyle boy launched his first book in his local library and judging by its content, he is on his way to a bright literary career.
‘A Chase Through Time’ tells the story of Steve, an unexpected time traveller, who goes back in time on numerous adventures.
First he is in jail (a misunderstanding with his cousin Bob), but then he escapes down the loo! Hot on his trail though, are Officer O, Security Joe and Chief Jim. Through his creative talents, Harry brings the readers on his characters’ crazy adventures through time.
Harry’s proud Dad, Brendan, who helped put the book together, said his son has been drawing ever since he could hold a pencil.
“He has lots of ideas and stories in his head and is always drawing,” Brendan told Northside People.
“I created a blog for him when he was five because he was drawing so much we just couldn’t keep everything he drew.
“Also, I thought it would be nice for him to look back on when he’s older to see how he’s progressed over the years and it also serves as a portfolio for him as well. The blog is http://apictureadaybyharry.tumblr.com
“He’s always looking to draw things with me so I thought it might be interesting and fun to channel his creativity into a project like a book.”
Brendan wrote and illustrated a children’s book a few years ago so it was no surprise when Harry became inspired by his work.
“He watched me do it so the idea of him doing it with me this time really excited him but for this book (A Chase Through Time), I wanted it to be more him than me,” said Brendan.
“Over the course of three months Harry came up with the story and the characters and we sat down each night and planned out the story. “We agreed who would draw what and that’s how it progressed.
“We decided to keep it simple and have an illustration per page where I might draw one character all the time (Steve) and he would draw the rest.
“As we got deeper into the book that’s when I realised that it was actually taking shape and looking like a real book.
“We were doing three or four pages each night and before we knew it we were coming onto 100 pages.”
‘A Chase Through Time’ is a story written and illustrated by an eight-year-old for 7-12-year-olds, and who better to know what children in this age range like than Harry. “I’m a graphic designer by trade so I was able to put the book into some kind of shape,” said Brendan. “We both loved the final product so much and had a lot of positive feedback that I decided to get 100 copies made up and take it from there.
“I created a website, www.harrymcneely.com to see if there would be any interest and so far it’s been great.”
Brendan intends to send the book to some publishers.
“If nothing comes from it, so be it,” he added. “I had a great time creating something special with my son that he will have forever.”
The book costs €7 and is available to buy at www.harrymcneely.com
