Dying Dublin tree inspires magical charity book for Children

 

Charity founder Debbie Deegan writes ‘The Tree by the Sea’

A much loved, but withering Cypress tree in the UNESCO Award Winning Dublin Bay Biosphere at Bull Island was the inspiration for charity founder Debbie Deegan to write a children’s book. ‘The Tree by the Sea’ is a nearly true story filled with animals, magic, and hope. Can Katie the Bee save the animal’s home?

Dublin City Council engaged renowned tree sculptor, Tommy Craggs, to carve the dying tree that has now been transformed into Ireland’s first magical wishing tree. Located beside St Anne’s Park the tree immediately became an attraction for everyone in the area. Debbie Deegan, well known for her work with children in Russian orphanages in Dublin, saw Tommy working on the tree on her morning walks. She was inspired.

Debbie wrote ‘The Tree by the Sea’ for children of all ages. Katie the Bee is joined by a charming gang of animals including Willomena Webster the Spider, Professor Tickle the Octopus, John Dory, Helga Heron and Tom Turtle to help save their home. Top Irish illustrator, Bronagh Lee, brought Debbie’s text to life with her whimsical and vibrant artwork. The splendid result is a celebration of animals and nature with a heartwarming story about the animals saving their home. Katie the Bee reminds us that no matter how small we feel at times we all have the power to do good.

‘The Tree by the Sea’ is available for €10 in all SuperValu shops in Dublin or online at www.thetreebythesea.ie for 15 euro including postage.

SuperValu sponsored the book production. All proceeds go to Children With Love (Reg Charity No. 20040499) supporting young people to achieve their full potential in education, employment and life.

To Children With Love supports young people to achieve their full potential in education, employment and life