NELLY Fandango tells the story a young girl who dreams of working in the tea shop opposite her old school, so when a position becomes available, Nelly cannot believe her luck. It's a colourful tale with plenty of humour and an important message to tell as Nelly learns to overcome her fears and anxieties.
Although originally penned a decade ago, Co Down author Declan Carville, has republished a digital version of the story which incorporates some interactive elements, such as popping toast and ringing door bells.
With rising rates of mental health problems among schoolchildren, the author believes the story's message is more relevant than ever to children across the world.
"I think there is a lot of pressure on young people today to achieve and to attain and I don’t believe it’s any different for a lot of children of primary school age," says Declan, who recently returned from Madrid where he was hosting a workshop about the book with children there.
"Society seems to place a lot of emphasis on status and money and young people are bombarded on a daily basis with images and lifestyles which are very unrealistic. I think it is important that we are accepting and encouraging of what others want to be and what they want to do with their lives: whether someone wants to be a train driver or a hairdresser, an office worker or a teacher… everyone has their own unique talents."
Declan himself followed his dream of becoming a children's writer after studying economics at university and having worked in an accountancy office and bank.
"I was very fortunate. After walking out on two jobs I came home and said I wanted to be a writer and my parents were very supportive," he says.
Having given up on two highly respectable careers, Declan went on to publish 12 picture books, including A Day to Remember At The Giant's Causeway, The Fairy Glen, The Magic Harp and Sister Bridget. When not writing he regularly hosts creative writing workshops with schoolchildren.
Aimed at children aged seven to 11, Nelly Fandango highlights the young character's own journey of self-discovery, while imparting the advice to believe in yourself.
"When you look at the front cover of Nelly Fandango you see a young girl stressed, under pressure and very ill at ease. I tell the children in the classroom 'that was me, working in those first two office job'. If the phone rang in the office I would walk the other way, pretending not to hear it.
"Most of us have experienced times of self-doubt in our lives and fear of not being good enough. And those early years are so important and can have such an impact.
"But as Nelly changes, finds her feet and comes to love what she does I am trying to encourage children to believe in themselves and to be aware that everyone has their own abilities to offer," says Declan, who has just finished writing the follow-up to Nelly Fandango, which features a new customer at the cafe.
:: The digital version of Nelly Fandango, written by Declan Carville and illustrated by Melvin Carroll, is available on iBooks, priced £2.99. It is also available in Spanish. For further information and downloadable colouring book visit Nellyandfriends.com.
