Amy Devereux is a bookseller in Wexford, where she lives surrounded by
books with her partner and cats. She has loved books for as long as she can remember and always wanted to be a writer. She has an MA in Children’s and Young Adult Literature from DCU. Amy was The O’Brien Press
Bookseller of the Year in 2023. A Wexford Fairytale is her first book.
Lauren O’Neill was born in Wexford Town and is an illustrator of many
children’s books and covers. Her expressive work is traditional at heart, with a touch of digital wizardry. She loves drawing characters and mushrooms, and telling stories through her art.
Once upon a time in Wexford there was a very bright girl called Bláthnaid who loved to read.
Every day, Bláthnaid cycled to her local library to volunteer. You see, she had a very special talent – she could always help people to find the book that was exactly right for them.
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One morning, Bláthnaid arrived safe and sound, and was greeted
by the lovely hum of all the books chattering to her, waiting for her to send them on their way with their new person. She immediately set to work, handing out books. 5
It was a busy morning, with so many people eager to find the book that was just right. Books were flying around everywhere.
Bláthnaid had just sat down to take a break when the quiet of the library was broken. 6
‘There’s a ferocious beast in the library!’ somebody shouted.
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There were shrieks and screams, and people running this way and that, but Bláthnaid kept calm.
‘I’ve read lots of books about all sorts of creatures.
Don’t worry, I’ll find out exactly what is wrong with this beast,’ Bláthnaid declared bravely.
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dt e l w gro
t.
as e Be
Though Bláthnaid shook with fright, she tiptoed around the corner, and into sight came … 9
A boy-sized beast! 10
‘Beast, you’re frightening all these people with your shouting and roaring,’ said Bláthnaid. ‘Tell me what’s wrong and I’ll help you.’
‘I made fun of a witch, and she put a spell on me to turn me into this horrible creature!’ cried the Beast. ‘Now I’m ugly and scary, and nobody will talk to me!’
‘Well, you’ll have to apologise to the witch, and ask her nicely to
undo the spell,’ said Bláthnaid. ‘Hmm, I wonder where we might find her?’
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