Local author’s new children’s book tells the tale of ‘The City of Ys’

‘The City of Ys’ is the Carndonagh pharmacist’s fourth book and follows his three Christmas tales, which told the story of a little boy called Nicholas who became Santa Claus.

Colin ‘wanted to do something different’ for book number four and decided to base it on the legend of King Gradlon and his daughter, Princess Dahut.

He heard the tale while on holiday a number of years ago and at that time, thought it would work well for children.

The legend tells of how the King loves his daughter so much he gives her anything she wants. Dahut is spoiled and will not take no for an answer. The king builds a walled city on the seashore for the Princess, but despite getting what she wanted, there is still something special she is determined to have. However, her pursuit of this and her need to have everything and anything, has consequences.

Colin told the Journal how he ‘softened’ the tale to adapt it into a story for children and ‘The City of Ys’ is for young readers aged between six and eight years old.

“It’s a good way for parents to discuss with their children that there are limits to what you can have and have that discussion,” said Colin, who runs Inish Pharmacy in Inishowen.

Like the previous three books, the story leaps off the page and is ‘brought alive’ due to the stunning illustrations of Martin Beckett, who has given this book a Celtic feel for Irish children.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the City of Ys had not had a launch as such, but Colin told how ten young readers were chosen to read the book and review it. The reviews are currently being published on the Banba Publishing page on Facebook.

Colin said he ‘never expected’ he would become a children’s author, but had stories he would tell his own children. He began to write them down and found it enjoyable.

His books on Nicholas, When Santa Was A Boy, Nicholas Santa Uses His Noggin and Nicholas Santa and the Hullabaloo were a great success and have many fans. “It’s important to get the tone right,” said Colin.

“I remember someone once saying to me that, with children’s books, you have to write something that children will read, but that adults will also like, as most of the time, they are the one picking it up and buying it. I really liked doing the Christmas ones, but wanted to do something different this time.”

The City of Ys is available on Amazon and at Inish Pharmacy, with further outlets planned.