EU Business News- Irish Enterprise Awards 2025 Most Immersive Children’s Book Experience 2025 “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear” is a children’s book series written by Irish Author Bernie Gaughan. Her passion for reading and collecting teddy bears has led the way for her first venture into children’s literature. This has been a dream come true for Bernie, who we have the pleasure of catching up with below. Q. Tell us more about “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear”, where did the series come from and why are children sure to love the characters? A. The initial inspiration came from working in the Granuaile Centre, Louisburgh, where I witnessed first-hand the fascination children had with Granuaile, Ireland’s Pirate Queen. I got the idea that, through the medium of bears, I could make charming stories, conveying this part of Irish History mingled in with fun Bear adventures. The main character is Gráinne Bear and together with her family of Bears, they travel the Wild Atlantic Way, visiting many historical sites and places on the trail of Granuaile. The bears, who each have their quirky individual characters, get up to all sorts of mischief along the way and these are recounted in a most enchanting and magical way. The stories are accompanied by whimsical, childlike illustrations to enjoy. The book series is aimed at 7-9yr olds, but adults and smaller children alike are enjoying the stories too. My intention is to seamlessly combine both fact and fiction, taking the reader on a journey where their imagination can thrive. What an exciting way to learn history through such a medium as teddy bears. Q. In a world filled with children’s books, what makes “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear” stand out from the rest? A. “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear” I believe stands out because it is not just a book series; Gráinne Bear is very much real, out and about in the community, captivating audiences wherever she goes. The stories run parallel with real life places that people can relate to, or are encouraged to visit as a local or tourist. Real life adventures in the community add realism to my stories, so they don’t just sit on the pages; they come to life in a great epiphany. One can envisage the journey the Bears take and follow in their paw-prints too. Q.Ireland is clearly very important to the book, what are some of your favourite things about living and working in the country? A. I am located in a most beautiful part of Co. Mayo, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Being fortunate to be able to live in such a peaceful, tranquil location provides me with lots of inspiration and encourages me to write. The area is full of local history which I get to include in my stories, so this in itself, is a real benefit of living in this region. The fact that Granuaile, the Irish Pirate Queen was such a formidable woman from the 16th Century based in this area, I get to bring her story up to the present day through this wonderful medium of teddy bears which encapsulates everybody’s imagination. Q. With the first book in the series, The Discovery, out now, what are your future plans for “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear” and the brand in general? A. After the success of the first book, my second one sees the Bears visit the Granuaile Museum in Louisburgh and this is about to go to print. My third should be out by Christmas 2025, and they will continue on from there. There are so many places and adventures to be had by the Bears, so the list of books is endless. In addition, I will be producing a newsletter each quarter demonstrating what has been going on with Gráinne Bear and her family which I hope my audience will engage with. I am also looking forward to uploading my private collection of Bears on the website portal which is very exciting. The fact that I will be able to share this with everybody is such a pleasure. A video of Gráinne Bear is also being produced, so keep an eye on our socials for this later in the year. Finally, “Walk with Gráinne Bear” will be launched in the Summer. Q. Thank you for your time. Is there anything you wish to add? A. I wish to thank EU Business Magazine for this award; to receive this recognition has been amazing and I am very grateful. Reading, drawing and writing I believe are at the core of what enhances our senses, and allows us to be part of this world where our imaginations can thrive, which is priceless. So, to be recognised in this field is a real privilege. I would also like to thank my husband Chris, with whom I couldn’t have begun this journey. We constantly exchange ideas and plans for the future, and make a great team. An Irish children’s book series that puts a unique twist on history and captures the magic of the Wild Atlantic Way, “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear” is an immersive experience like no other. Those wishing to know more can do so using the link below. Contact: Bernie Gaughan Company: The Adventures of Gráinne Bear Web Address: https://www.grainnebear.ie/ Feb25200
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