On An Island, Far, Far Away…

Puffling Daddy 1FEB19

ong before Luke and the gang figured out the mythical-verging-on-mystical qualities of Skellig Michael, Greystones grandpa Sean Daly was placing the southwest Kerry island at the centre of his blossoming children’s story.

One from the heart, this particular Skellig adventure was something to entrance Sean’s grandkids.

The story in question involved a wandering little puffling, who soon has her parents – and the island’s gannets, rabbits, kittiwakes, dophins and seals – wondering just where this wondrous adventure is finally going to lead them all.

All Sean needed for his burgeoning children’s book was some suitably nautical and naughty illustrations, and he knew the very man to draw them – his graphic artist nephew, Gerry. Sadly, Sean never got to complete his bedtime story after a sudden illness ended his life early back in 2013.

Back at college, Gerry couldn’t quite get his uncle’s story out of his head, and decided to put more of the illustrations to paper, mainly as surprise presents for those eager grandkids. That was when friends and family suggested that this magical tale should be sent out to publishers.

Now, with award-winning author Erika McGann also on board, Where Are You, Puffling? is hitting bookstores on Monday, February 4th.

To celebrate, we caught up with Gerry to talk tall tales, high seas, and finally delivering a happy ending to his uncle’s deep sea story…

You can find out more about Where Are You, Puffling? on O’Brien Press right here, and about Gerry Daly’s art right here.