A NINE-year-old girl from north county Dublin has realised her dream of becoming a published author and illustrator.
Brea Mullarkey’s adventure novel, ‘Lost and Found (A Bedtime Story for my Brothers)’, was published with the help of Make-A-Wish, in partnership with Eason and Gill Publishing, who have printed 200 copies of the book.
Her book tells the story of three children living on Achill Island and the adventures that await when they visit the forbidden beach caves. Brea is in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia and is doing really well.
Brea explained that her two brothers love adventure stories, which provided her with inspiration for the book.
“Every night I sit in their room and tell them a story until they fall asleep,” she said. “Then I sneak back to my own room and enjoy the peace and quiet until I fall asleep too. I wrote ‘Lost & Found’ for my brothers.”
Children’s author Catherine Doyle assisted Brea in writing her book and well-known illustrator Fatti Burke also helped.
Proceeds from the sale of the book at its launch night will be shared between Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Make-A-Wish. All future proceeds will go to the hospital, which was part of Brea’s wish.
Her mother, Elaine, said Brea has had some tough times with her illness but the journey she has been on to make this wish happen has just been wonderful.
“Brea has always shown an interest in books and writing,” she stated. “It is truly amazing that she can now touch and feel her very own book that she created and is now published. I cannot tell you the value of this wish to Brea and the whole family.”
Make-A-Wish Ireland aims to grant the wishes of children living with life-threatening medical conditions. Research shows that children who have wishes granted are more likely to build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. This improves their quality of life and produces better health outcomes.
John Keane, general Manager of Eason, O’Connell Street, said: “To see Brea’s face when she saw the final print version of her book was absolutely amazing. We are honoured to launch her book here today.”
Children’s author Catherine Doyle described Brea as a truly special girl with a huge imagination.
“Her book is a testament to her determination and creativity, as well as all the love and support that surrounds her,” she said. “I’m delighted to have been part of Brea’s inspiring journey to publication and suspect this book will be the first of many for her.”
Illustrator Fatti Burke said Brea’s imagination and ambition really resonated with her.
“The dedication she put into the writing and illustrating of her very own book is something to be admired, and the end result speaks for itself,” she stated.
