Bunratty woman ‘jumps the gate’ to create line of children’s books

CREATIVITY, and an eye for a gap in the market, has inspired a Bunratty woman to ‘Jump Over the Gate,’ by developing a line of children’s books.

Interior designer Edel Moloney has branched into children’s publishing, alongside a creative team featuring writer Róisín Meaney and illustrator Louisa Condon. The new company, called Jump Over the Gate, has created what Edel describes as “Ireland’s coolest puffin, Puffin Paulie, who resides in his burrow at the Cliffs of Moher”.

“We’re three women with complementary skills,” notes Edel. “We’re very excited about the potential of this project.”

Puffin Paulie Goes West is the first of two planned books, which will be accompanied by merchandise including a soft toy and T-shirts. The book, which is available, fittingly, at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, features Paulie on the back of his motorbike whizzing along the west coast, playing tunes, surfing the waves, cleaning some beaches and having lots of fun. his wonderful and entertaining story.

“It’s a wonderful and entertaining story,” says Edel. “It’s written by Roisín and complemented by amazing colour popping illustrations, by graphic designer, Louisa. The book has been printed by D2 printers in Ennis. It is proudly, 100% Irish.”

The perky puffin has also captured the hearts of Edel’s two daughters, Charlie (5) and Jo (2). “They just love the idea! I’ve signed off on a soft toy and the girls are both mad about the baby puffin.”

The ‘Paulie project’ is something that Edel fits in alongside her busy day job. Her work as an interior designer takes her all over Clare and Limerick where she has recently worked on projects at Blackbird Jewellery in Ennis, The Wild Atlantic Lodge in Ballyvaughan and the Hawthorn and Hazel cottages in Doolin.

“The demand for interior design in private homes has also been really strong lately,” Edel notes. “People have been at home for so long this year and they’ve started to see things they’d like to change.”

A full list of stockists of Puffin Paulie Goes West is available on social media. The book can also be purchased at Puffinpaulie.com.

“It’s been a busy year,” Edel admits. “I have a great team and have had wonderful support an encouragement through the LEADER programme and some wonderful ladies, Gloria Callinan, Michelle Barrett, Jean McCabe, Emer Sherry, Patricia Curtain and Kate Moloney who have given their time and encouragement along the way.”