All Because of a Toothbrush A collaborative novel This unique novel was created with the help of every fifth class child in County Longford. In each library based story brainstorming sessions, each group created plot lines and characters which were then developed into continuous narrative by seven schools. The project was commissioned and supported by Longford Library and Arts Services with myself, Chris as project designer and facilitator. There were six chapters. In each area of the county, one school was chosen to create a chapter of the book. (In one area two small classes joined together.) Over four weeks, I met with each group for two hours. In week one the outline of their chapter was created, selecting plotlines and characters created by the broader groups. Each child wrote a draft of a small part of their chapter. From then on, the novel was created orally. We discussed and role-played each section We discussed imagery, ideas for description and so on. Sections were then dictated directly into my trusty mini-disc machine. I could then type up continuous narrative from the transcripts The class listened to the draft and we editted and revised together Editing was completed by myself and Mary Carlton Reynolds, Longford County Librarian Illustrations were created at special workshops The book was formatted by myself and library staff and published by Heartlands PressI. IBSN number 0-9541424-2-X. It is well worth a read for adults and children alike. DOWNLOAD SAMPLE CHAPTER OF "ALL BECAUSE OF A TOOTHBRUSH" (zipped) St Brendan's Treasures A "whole school" novel. This is a really exciting book and deseves to be more widely read. I created it, in similar way to how "All Because of a Tootbrush" was written, with a school in Artane, Dublin, to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary. I was delighted with the way the book turned out. As we approach the millenium celebrations of the battle of Clontarf in 2014, I think this book will be something special. But there is more to it than just the battle. St Brendan's treasures is a fantasy novel but it has Artane and its local history at its heart. It is also very funny. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ALL SIX CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK HERE Ch1 - Hidden messages. -- Ch 2 - Treasure -- Ch. 3 - Trouble from the past -- Ch 4 - Once there was a battle-- Ch 5 - Changes -- Ch 6 - The treasure goes home. The Great Water St. Mystery This new novel, was devised with two schools in County Longfors, 5th and 6th classes in St Joseph and 5th and 6th classes in St Michaels as part of the "Explorers" Project. Stage one was a local history project. Stage 2, was centred around a family literacy project, organised by the home liaison teacher, Niall Gannon and Lonbgford library. The book "The Iceman", about the explorer, Thomas Crean was enjoyed as a family read. A wide variety of support and enhancement activities were enjoyed by all. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THIS EXCITING BOOK HERE