Joining me today is Eleanor Geoghegan who is the author of children’s picture book Popper Monster’s Magical Rainbow Lunch Adventure. First of all Eleanor, would you tell my blog readers a little about yourself?
I am a primary school teacher and busy mum of 2 beautiful children with ASD, a 7 and 5 year old.
What inspired you to start writing?
My 2 children were my inspiration. I wanted to dedicate a moment in time to them whilst also providing a fun and engaging way for all children, including children with additional needs to learn first concepts and new ideas. I knew through my own experience that lots of repetition and rhyming patterns helped my children learn and I sought to create a sensory flow in the language of the book that would enhance engagement. I also wanted to make it interactive, silly and lots of fun so it could be re-read and enjoyed many times.
Tell me about your journey to publication
It has been a long journey but a rewarding one. It started before lockdown and was delayed due to Covid several times but I am delighted to be launching this month, April 2022 to coincide with World Autism Awareness Month.
In a nutshell, what is your book about?
It is a children’s picture book which focuses on teaching the colours of the rainbow. The main character, the Popper Monster is a unique and loveable character who uses a magic stick to invent silly and funny monster foods for every colour of the rainbow to fill a grumbling, mumbling, monster belly with some help from friends along the way.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
My daughter’s nickname since she was a tiny baby was Popper and the name grew from that.
How do you plan to celebrate publication day?
We have a few different things lined up throughout the month of April to celebrate the launch in my local county Kilkenny and beyond.
Do you have a work in progress just now?
I have a lot of other ideas for more Popper Monster adventures down the line.
What one book would you recommend to a friend and why?
To stick with children’s books, I absolutely love Roald Dahl as an author, he was a stand out one for me growing up. Any of his books I would recommend. It is a lovely thing to be able to rediscover them again with the next generation.
What are you reading just now?
Myself and my class are currently reading Matilda by Roald Dahl as our class novel and really enjoying it.
How can people follow you or connect with you on social media?
Instagram.com/Poppermonsterbooks
Thanks Eleanor – best of luck with the book. I am sure children will enjoy learning about the colours of the rainbow with the help of Popper Monster. You can order a copy of the book from the author’s website which is noted above.
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