LOCAL author Audrey Moore launched her debut children’s book Ping and Po-Li surrounded by family, friends and fans at Kildare Town Library.
The book was officially launched by author and artist Dolores Keaveney.
Illustrated by award winning Kim Sponaugle, who has illustrated more than 50 children’s books’ the idea for the story came to Audrey one night as she was trying to get her daughter Elinor to sleep.
“The book is about a panda named Ping and a little girl named Po-Li. Ping is tired of eating bamboo shoots and he and Po-Li embark on a food adventure through the Asian Rainforest in search of tasty treats for Ping to try, “ explained Audrey.
“They have great fun discovering what other animals eat and meet some very interesting new friends along the way, including a coconut crab and a vulture named Vicky. All the animals that feature in the book are endangered and there is a ‘did you know’ section at the end explaining about the animals. Also there is a fun map to ‘follow the trail’ of Ping and Po-Li.”
Author Audrey Moore with her family Jessica, Jamie, Ray and Eleanor Moore at the book luanch in Kildare library
Photos: Piotr Kwasnik
Audrey went on to speak about the process of writing the book and her two-year journey to get it published.
“Elinor was three when the idea for the book came to me. I started typing the story on my laptop and then I fleshed out the characters. I then contacted a publisher in America, who gave me the contact of the illustrator, who started the illustrations in October 2014. Elnor is five now so it has taken two years to get from the idea to the book launch.”
Audrey is currently on maternity leave after having a baby boy eight weeks ago. She lives outside Kilcullen with her husband, Ray and children, Jessica, Elinor and Jamie.
Audrey was absolutely delighted to see the book launched.
“‘I was absolutely delighted with the turnout and the feedback. I really appreciated all the support. At the event, there was face painting, colouring pages and crayons, raffle, a panda mascot, refreshments and goodies, all complimentary. A most enjoyable evening was had by the children and parents alike. The book was read by Carmel (Kildare town library resident children’s story teller) who had the children enthralled with the story of Ping and Po-Li.”
One of those who attended the launch was Anne Marie Duggan who went along with her sons Adam and Jamie.“‘I really enjoyed reading the book, I thought the story was very good and informative and the illustrations really captured the story. There was such a great turnout and a real buzz around the place. Audrey had everything covered, from a life sized panda walking around posing for photos to panda shaped sandwiches. My eight year old reckons the book would make a great movie.”
You can purchase the book on Amazon in hardback for $15.95, on e-book for $6.10 and on Audrey’s website www.audreymoorebooks.com in paperback at a promotional price of €6 each or two for €10.
Audrey has another two books penned as follow ups to follow on from Ping and Po-Li which she hopes to be publishing soon.
