ALL MY BOOKS ARE NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED BY EASONS AND ARGOSY SO IT IS AVAILABLE IN ALL SHOPS IN IRELAND.
FEBRUARY 2012
MY DAUGHTER IN LAW AND MY GRANDCHILDREN ARE ALSO VERY BUSY TRYING AND TESTING ALL THE RECIPES IN THEIR BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN. I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK.
WELL WE ARE INTO FEBRUARY ALREADY AND I AM EXTREMELY BUSY AT THE MOMENT. I WILL BE LAUNCHING A NEW BOOK MID APRIL CALLED BEELICIOUS RECIPES USING HONEY. I SEEM TO BE GUIDED BACK TO THE BEE AGAIN. ONE DAY I WAS WITH MY FRIEND MARIA AND SHE SUGGESTED THAT I WRITE A CHILDRENS COOK BOOK USING HONEY AND THE BEE THEME. I THOUGHT ABOUT IT FOR A WHILE AND INSTEAD OF LAUNCHING ANOTHER BOOK WHICH I HAD IN MIND I WENT AHEAD WITH THE COOK BOOK FOR KIDS. I HAVE HAD A GREAT TIME FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS PAINTING, AND COOKING AND WITH THE HELP OF MY VERY GOOD FRIEND LUCY TORMEY, SHE DOES ALL MY GRAPHICS WE ARE HALF WAY THERE.
FEBRUARY 2012
HAD TWO GREAT SESSIONS IN MOATE AND ATHLONE LIBRARIES WHICH I ENJOYED GREATLY. THE CHILDREN WERE ALL WONDERFUL, VERY ATTENTIVE.
BOOK REVIEW
BRILLIANT BOOK REVIEW FROM
Books
Author/Illustrator: Dolores Keaveney
I wanted to point out two very lovely, wonderful picture books by
Irish author, Dolores Keaveney.
If I Were A Bee
Told in a rhythmic and repetitive rhyme, If I Were A Bee takes us on a journey through all the possible activities of a honeybee making its’ way across garden, field and meadow. The text is wonderful, but what really makes this book is the brilliant, lively illustrations which tells the story on their own. Younger children can be seen pouring over the pages again and again, each time noticing something new. If I Were A Bee is clearly a labour of love and a pure joy.
Jenny The Little Brown Hen
Another gift from Dolores Keaveney is the wonderful picture book , Jenny the Little Brown Hen. Jenny lives in the farmyard and she has friends, but no one who is like her. Jenny is lonely until a striking and elegant rooster moves in. And before too long, they have six lively baby chicks to keep them company. Jenny will never be lonely again! The illustrations are rich, contemporary and textural, and perfectly accentuate this story about friendship, loneliness and happiness. This absolute delight of a book has also been translated into the Irish language, ‘Jenny, an Cearc Bheag Dhonn.’
CHILDRENS BOOK FESTIVAL 2011 OCTOBER Just back from Cork libraries had a wonderful time reading to the best group of kids. Thanks to all the teachers and librarians for their hospitality. I really enjoyed my tour.
1st and 2nd Classes visit the City Library for the Children’s Book Festival
1st and 2nd Classes spent an enjoyable hour listening to Dolores Keaveney, author and illustrator, reading from her books. They thoroughly enjoyed learning about bees and the collecting of honey.
Dolores Keaveney reading from her books
Spent two days in Wexford area, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford town reading in libraries. Great two days. Thanks to all the libraries and teachers in Wexford.
Just started my library reading tour and kicked off in Cavan libraries. I had a great two days reading to fantastic children in Bailieborough /Coothill/Cavan libraries. Kids were great.
RECOMMENDED READING LIST BY CHILDRENS BOOK IRELAND
My Irish book Jenny an chearc bheag dhonn.... is now on the CBI recommended reading list for Schools and Libraries for 2011/2012. I am delighted about this.
BOOK LAUNCH BELVEDERE, EARTH ANGELS ARE EVERYWHERE September 2011
Had a fantastic night at book launch. I wish to thank everyone who came and supported me on the night.
Overseas children charity, Plan Ireland is pleased to announce that our nationwide series of photographic exhibitions is coming to Belvedere House, Mullingar on 29th September. As well as the photo exhibition, we will also be hosting the official launch of a new book by local author and Plan Ireland sponsor, Dolores Keaveney.
The exhibition, called “Through a Girl’s Eyes”, comprises images from Plan’s work with children in the developing world and explores issues such as the motivations involved in rural-to-urban migration, the effects of the global economic downturn on developing countries, education as key to poverty elimination, child trafficking, the potential of technology in moving girls out of poverty and much more. The photographs offer us a glimpse at a different world, one filled with peril, but also with opportunity. A world where Plan is centrally positioned to bring about change.
Long-term Plan supporter and Mullingar native, Dolores Keaveney, will be there on the night to launch her new book, entitled “Earth Angels are everywhere, are you one?” The book looks at the small kind acts of everyday life and the thoughtful moments that make a difference. Through it’s wonderful thoughts and quotes, Dolores highlights man’s humanity to man and poses the question, do you make a difference?
A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Plan Ireland to continue our work overseas. Dolores has been a Plan supporter for over twenty years and it is our pleasure to team up with her for this exciting event.
Got this amazing review from Babbleabout Books. www.babbleabout.co.uk
 If I were a bee…. written and illustrated by Dolores Keaveney Follow the journey of a bee as it dances on bright, yellow sunflowers, drinks nectar from smiling, red poppies and buzzes round gardens full of pretty, pink foxgloves. A gentle, rhyming text perfectly accompanies vibrant and colourful illustrations of flowers and meadows, apples and trees. You really sense the delight of the bee on its journey and we are reminded that we must work together with the natural world to protect it for all future inhabitants – including bees! Age 1+
 Jenny the little brown hen written and illustrated by Dolores Keaveney This is a simple and very charming story of a little brown hen who lives and potters about each day at the bottom of Sean and Kathleen’s garden. She seems to have everything a little hen could possibly wish for – lots of space to run around in, beautiful flowers and trees to admire, seeds and grass to eat and lots of visitors to chat with – a little robin, a busy bee and Ellie and Greg, two little children who call on her often. But Jenny is lonely. Then, Sylvester the Rooster comes to stay and Jenny’s life changes forever. Age 1+
Dolores Keaveney is an artist/painter who has been inspired to write and illustrate children’s books since becoming a grandmother to her “four beautiful grandchildren”. And with great determination Dolores has self-published her books. If I were a bee… was launched in May 2009 and is well into its second print run already. Jenny the little brown hen soon followed in August 2010 and it too has been very successful which is not surprising given the beauty of Dolores’ paintings. Visit her website to purchase prints and to download a colour-me-in picture from If I were a bee….
READINGS IN ROSCOMMON LIBRARIES SUMMER 2011
Had three great readings in Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Boyl Libraries in July 2011. The libraries were packed with wonderful children and I had a brilliant time reading to them. They were a fantastic bunch of kids and were very attentive. I met some great Librarians who organised the events. Well done to everyone.
THE BOOK CENTRE WEXFORD JULY 2011
Had a fantastick day in Wexford Book Centre. They pulled out all the stops and had face painting, crafts, and even a live Jenny the little brown hen. The put on a beautiful window display of my books and I had a great day. Thanks to everyone in The Book Centre Wexford for all their help.
PLOUGHING 2011
Met Sean Gallagher at the Ploughing where I had a stand. He is a perfect gentleman and I wish him the very best of good luck in his race to the Aras. I hope he succeeds
THE BOOK CENTRE WEXFORD JULY 2011
I will be down in the Book Center this Saturday at 12.00 reading my books. Looking forward to it.
TALL SHIPS WATERFORD 2011
Attended the Tall Ships in Waterford and spent some time on the Core Craft Design Craft Stand, who were selling lots of great craft from crafters in Westmeath and Offaly area together with my books. I had a great day and I wish to thank all who called to the stand and bought my books. Without you well where would I be.
JUNE 2001 JIGSAW
I am in the process of getting a jig saw made which will be an image from my book if I were a bee.... It will be the front cover and I hope to have it in about six weeks. I am very excited about this. I saw the art work for it and it looks great.
LAUNCH OF MADE IN WESTMEATH IN CORE CRAFT DESIGN BALLINAHOWAN 2011
JUNE 2011. WORK IN PROGRESS
I am presently working on a book called Earth Angels are everywhere. It is a book for everyone young and old. I hope to have this book launched by October. It is different as it is not a childrens picture book but it could be read to children.
READINGS IN LIBRARIES JUNE 2011
Read my books in Gealscoile Coillin, Mullingar, Kinnegad NS, Castlejordan NS St.Brigids, Singland, Limerick. I had a fantastic time in all the schools and the children were just amazing. They were very attentive and courteous and participated by asking lots of questions.
St. Brigids Singland, Limerick made a fantastic effort for my visit. They planted a garden with the same flowers that are in my book if I were a bee... in the shape of a honeycomb. They took me on a tour and it was just wonderful to see the interest they took and they took great delight in pointing out all the flowers and they could name each and every one of them. I was honoured. Testimonial
'Dolores and her bee puppet buzzed around the classroom to the delight of the children, filling their minds with knowledge of insects and flowers in their immediate environment in a meaningful and imaginative way.'
REVIEW FROM DUBLIN ZOO BOOK CLUB MAY 2011
Just 6 children turned up but they were all so interested and they just loved the ‘Little Brown Hen’.. had great fun discussing- i.e. how did the story begin; when did it begin; how did ‘Jenny’ feel and did they think it may a difference when she met Sylvester!
Conor (8) ‘ I loved the story so much I read it more than 10 times). Jill (7) ‘Jenny was happy when she had her own family..it’s nice to have a family’
2 of them particularly talked about the lovely pictures. I was really impressed and they were very articulate. I have a very good feeling about this event and a huge big thank you to you for kicking it off.
If I were a Bee is next book- so just talked about the ‘honey’ bee and the importance of bees and insects and read just a few lines.
Afterwards we talked about other books and what they liked to read/had read. Time flew by so yes indeed a very good morning indeed.
Top 10 Favourite Irish Authors as voted
by the users of Offaly Libraries
delighted to hear that, in a recent poll of readers in libraries in County Offaly, I was voted 5th Favourite Irish Author The list went like the:
1.Oisin McGann
2.Marita Conlon-McKenna
3.David Donohue
4.Eoin Colfer
5.Dolores Keaveney
6.John Boyne
7.Roddy Doyle
8.Judy Curtin
9.(Joint Place) Derek Landy, Maeve Binchy and John Connolly
Of the international authors, Roald Dahl came first, followed by Julia Donaldson and Jacqueline Wilson.
The poll was held as part of the library service’s World Book Day celebrations, and nearly seven hundred people took part. I wish to say that I am absolutely thrilled about this. I wish to thank everyone who voted for me and to say I hope to see you all again soon. Dolores
EASONS MY NEW DISTRIBUTOR APRIL 2011
I have just got my first order from EASONS DUBLIN. I am so very happy about this. Since I launched my first book I have been longing to get them into EASONS and today I have. Thank you.
CRAFT FAIR IN BELVEDERE APRIL 2011 SELF SUFFICIENCY WEEKEND
Had a wonderful weekend in Belvedere House Gardens and Park at their Self Sufficiency weekend. I met a lot of fantastic people and a big thanks to everyone who purchased my books.
NATIONWIDE APPEARANCE APRIL 2011
I have had a fantastic response to my appearance on Nationwide. It was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have had tons and tons of emails, texts from so many people. I wish to thank everyone who supported me with their good wishes. I have also had a great response from bookshops and from people buying my books. Thank you everyone.
READING IN DUBLIN ZOO APRIL 2011
My book Jenny the little brown hen..... was used as the first book that their new CHILDRENS BOOK CLUB would read. I was asked up as a guest to read for the children. I had a fantastic day and I hope the children did too. They will take the book home, read it and then give their opinion on it in one month when they will return to the Zoo. My first book IF I WERE A BEE......will then be used at their second book. I am delighted about this.
READING IN BOTANIC GARDENS MARCH 2011
I was asked to read my book If I WERE A BEE..... in the Botanic Gardens as part of the launch of the YEAR OF THE BEE IN IRELAND. I had a lovely time and everyone enjoyed the reading.
WINDOW DISPLAY IN PHARMACY IN DUBLIN
Images fr om my book If I were a bee.... will be used to do a window display in a Pharmacy in Dublin, opposite Trinity College towards the end of March in conjunction with Burts Bees Product and the launch of the year of the bee....... watch that space.
MARCH 2011 APPEARANCE ON NATIONWIDE
I have been lucky enough to get a slot on Nationwide and the team are coming on 25th March to film and the event will be aired on April 11, so they tell me. I have a mentor from Westmeath Enterprise Board and it is with their help and my submission that I have made it onto Nationwide. I am very excited and looking forward to this and I am a bit nervous as I have never been interviewed by a tv before.
MARCH 2011 LAUNCH OF IRISH JENNY
Had a fantastic day in the library launching Jenny and would like to thank Manchan Magan and Siobhan from Ceoltas for helping me have the most amazing launch. Also to the children who came and also my family and friends. Email from the Westmeath Library:
This week I got a lovely review for all my books in Womans Way magazine
"Beautifully illustrated, Dolores' books will capture your child's imagination, while introducing them to nature and friendship.." Woman's Way
FEBRUARY 2011 LAUNCH OF JENNY AN CHEARC BHEAG DHONN...
Jenny an chearc bheag dhonn....... will be launched in Mullingar Library, on 10th March 2011 by the Mullingar Library at 3.00 p.m. All are welcome.
I am delighted to say the Manchan Magan the well known author, tv presenter tg4 will launch the book for me. He also gave me a wonderful endorsement for the book.
I was delighted also to get a beautiful endorsement from Siobhan Parkinson, award wining author.
I am presently attending beginners Irish to brush up on the small amount of Irish that I do have. Tha athas mor orm.
JANUARY 2011 - WORK IN PROGRESS
Delighted to report that I have just got a grant from An Foras na Gaeilge to translate one of my books Jenny the little brown hen.... into the Irish language. I am delighted. I hope to launch this book in March of this year all going well. I am now going to have to take lessons in beginners Irish and I have booked in to Ceoltas in Mullingar so that I can say a few words in Irish. I remember going on my holidays with my family many years ago to An Spideal and Connemara and felt that I was in a foreign country because I couldnt understant a word they were saying as they were all speaking Irish. What a shame, I felt awful and always wanted to speaki a few words. Well I now have my chance.
DECEMBER 2010
Had a great few weekends at Craft Fairs around the country and met lots of lovely people. I love the fairs and they are a bit addictive. Couldnt imagin Christmas without them.
NOVEMBER 2010 KENNYS BOOKSHOP GALWAY
I am honoured and delighted to have been asked to sign both my books in Kennys Bookshop Galway, who are celebrating their 17th Aniversity on Saturday 27th November 2010. There will be at least 60 other authors signing on the day and I am truly blessed to have been asked to join them.
BELVEDERE HOUSE WINTER FAIR 2010
Just spent three days in Belvedere House Gardens and Park at the Winter Fair there. What a fantastic turn out. The place was jumping and people were not afraid to spend some money supporting local art and craft. It was a great succes expecially in these depressing times. I hope it is a sign of things to come and that people are getting out and about and enjoying themselves. Life is too short.
CLARE CRAFT FAIRS 2010
Started the xmas craft fairs and I had a great weekend in Ennis and Killaloe Co. Clare and met some great people. Thanks to everyone who supported me and my books.d
OCTOBER 28TH 2010 CHILDRENS BOOK FESTIVAL MONTH READINGS IN LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS
I have just finished my readings of my two childrens books in libraries throughout the country, as part of the Childrens Book Festival month. I had a great time and met some fantastic children, librarians and teachers.
OCTOBER 2010 PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP IN ATHY
OCTOBER 01 Just recovered after three days at the Ploughing Championships in Athy. Had a great few days and met lots and lots of fantastic people. Its a great event and very well run.
BOOK LAUNCH JENNY THE LITTLE BROWN HEN 12TH AUGUST 2010 ISBN NUMBER 978-0-9562616-1-8
On Thursday evening 12th August Belvedere House Gardens & Park hosted the launch of my second book Jenny the little brown hen. It was a magical launch with such a fantastic turnout. I am blessed to have so many friends and people who came along on the night to support me and I wish to thank everyone who did so. Without you this book cannot be a success. There were lots and lots of children at the launch and they enjoyed the colouring, face painting and the goodies. This book is self published, as was If I were a bee... so I am doing the distribution myself. It is hard work but very rewarding. I am working on getting a distributor but it is difficult to do this with a self published book.
WORK IN PROGRESS
My new book Jenny the little brown hen will be launched in Belvedere House & Gardens, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on Thursday August 12th at 6.30. p.m. All are welcome especially the kids. I hope to have face painting and colouring, lots of goodies to eat. My friend Gina will read the new book and I will have it for sale there on the night. Its price is 9.99 euro and I will sign all copies. I will also have posters from the pages of the book for sale. These will cost 10 euro each and are a fantastic addition to the book. I look forward to seeing you there.
I am working hard at the moment getting together my new book Jenny the Little Brown Hen.......with the help of my good friend and neighbour Lucy Tormey whose help is invaluable. It is looking very good and I am very excited about this little book. I hope to launch this book in August 2010. So keep an eye out for date.
READING IN SWEETS KILBEGGAN
I had a great morning last Friday reading to the children who were attending a Computer Camp in SWEETS Kilbeggan. I was amazed to see how they had created a powerpoint presentation on bees in just four days. Well done to all.
LIBRARY READINGS IN BIRR AND EDENDERRY APRIL 2010
I read to the children of Edenderry, and Birr and had a great response. I did a trial run with Jenny the Little Brown hen.....and the children loved it.
LIBRARY READINGS IN CASTLEPOLLARD APRIL 2010
I did a reading for the children of Castepollard in the beautiful library there and the children really enjoyed this event. Thanks to Nichola and all in Castlepollard Library for their help and assistance.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS 2009
I will be attending Christmas Craft fairs around the country selling my book and prints from the book and original miniature watercolours. I will be in and the Winter Fair in Dalkey on the 13th, 14th, and 15th November. The Winter fair in Belvedere on the 20th 21st, and 22nd November. Tullamore Christmas Craft Fair on 29th November. The Sligo Christmas Craft Fair in the Clarion Hotel on the 5th and 6th December but to name a few.
LIBRARY READINGS IN MULLINGAR LIBRARY 2009
Had a lovely day reading to children from Mullingar schools in the beautiful new library in my home town of Mullingar. My thanks to Paula Dornan and Catherine Kelly for their help and encouragement. I had a great day.
CHILDRENS BOOK FESTIVAL WEEK OCTOBER 2009 READINGS IN KILKENNY, WATERFORD, WEXFORD
I have just come back from reading my book in libraries in Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Mullingar. I read to 12 different classes of children. I had a fantastic time. The children all enjoyed my readings. I got great feedback from libraries and teachers and have been asked back. I brought a miniature beehive, sunflowers, foxgloves, beekeepers suit and I spoke to the children about the flowers and the bee and how important the bee is to everyone. The children were fantastic and asked lots of interesting questions. My thanks to Niamh Baldwin for her help.
FEEDBACK & COMMENTS FROM READINGS:
"Thanks very much for coming. All the feedback from the schools has been very positive.
They all enjoyed themselves thoroughly and the sessions were a great success.
Hopefully we will see you again soon and if our budget permits we will definitely
be booking you again for next year!"
Niamh Baldwin - Waterford Library
"I would just like to extend our thanks to you for your participation in our festival this year. Your involvement was greatly valued and contributed hugely to the success of the festival and most importantly the children’s enjoyment of the festival.
The children left with a sense of excitement about reading, writing and illustrating, brought alive for them by the authors and illustrators who visited our libraries. I hope you enjoyed your tour of Wexford as much as the children enjoyed your visit.
Looking forward to working with you again in the future."
Sinead O'Gorman - Executive Librarian WEXFORD
TALK TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS OF ST JOHN OF GOOD SCHOOL WATERFORD 2009
I also spoke to parents of St. John of Gods primary school regarding how I made the book and how to encourage their children to read.
"It was a pleasure to welcome you to St. John of God School. We enjoyed your talk and got great feed back the following day. I had enquiries about your book too and told people where they could purchase it. It's a wonderful book and the story of how it came to be is fascinating. Best wishes for the future and I'll keep an eye out for "Jenny the little brown hen"!"
Kind regards - Jean
Any questions you may have you can simply send to me via the contact page of this website.
JUST TO SAY THAT WE ARE AT THE END OF 2011. WHAT A YEAR I HAD. IT WAS AMAZING.
I LAUNCHED TWO NEW BOOKS. FIRST I LAUNCHED AN IRISH VERSION OF JENNY CALLED JENNY AN CHEARC BHEAG DHONN IN MARCH OF 2011 WITH THE GREAT AND MUCH APPRECIATED HELP OF FORAS NA GAEILGE
THIS IRISH BOOK WAS ON THE RECOMMENDED LIST IN CBI MAGAZINE.
ALSO THE IRISH BOOK WAS ON THE RECOMMENDED IRISH TIMES READING LIST OF IRISH BOOKS 2011
THEN I LAUNCHED EARTH ANGELS ARE EVERYWHERE IN SEPTEMBER 2011 IN CONJUNCTION WITH PLAN IRELAND A CHILDRENS CHARITY OF WICH I AM A CHILDREN'S SPONSOR.
I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAR ON NATIONWIDE.
I HAD MY EARTH ANGEL BOOK HIGHLIGHTED ON LIVELINE WITH JOE DUFFY IN DECEMBER ALONG WITH UP TO 78 OTHER SELF PUBLISHED BOOKS.
MY BOOKS WERE MENTIONED BY BENJI BENNETT ON IRISH TIMES TO BUY LIST FOR CHILDREN 2011.
I READ MY BOOKS IN MANY LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN 2011.
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEAR SO AMAZING FOR ME.
NOW ON TO 2012, ONWARDS AND UPWARDS. I AM REALLY LOOKING FORDWARD TO IT.
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