Islandmagee Christmas tale boost for kids' charity

Inspired by her springer spaniel Skye, Hilary Bailey began writing the Skye’s Waggy Tales series in 2012 and decided to publish them after receiving encouragement from a friend.

Having donated part of the sales of her books to Whitehead charity Hope House, Hilary now intends to donate part of the proceeds from her newest book, Skye’s Christmas Wish, to a kids’ charity.

“There is a fantastic charity called Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) which supplies cuddly toys to A&E units for children in severe distress and I would like to donate part of the profits to them,” Hilary explained.

“The stories are mostly based in Islandmagee and they tell the tales of Skye interacting with my other dogs, her mum Jazz and Uncle Russy.

“It is based on a mixture of what I imagine they would get up to if they could and what they have got up to.

“For example, the book Skye meets the monster in the hedge was based on a bit of plastic in a hedge that Skye was afraid of, which was a good way of introducing to children the fact that if you’re scared you shouldn’t hold it in.”

Aimed at children aged between seven and nine years old, the books, which are illustrated by Louis Humphrey, have proven popular with both kids and parents.

“ I am gobsmacked by how many children recognise Skye and want to read the next book,” Hilary continued.

“You can’t pull the wool over children’s eyes; they either love it or hate it and a lot of children have grown up with these books.”

Hilary is also willing to supply signed copies of her books on a “sale or return”basis to schools who are fundraising.

Skye’s Christmas Wish costs £6 and is available now at The Rinkha, the Gobbins Visitor Centre, the Bank House in Whitehead, Bell’s in Carrick and Larne Tourist Information Centre. It will also shortly be available at www.skyespringer.co.uk.