What’s the story, Johnny Magory?
The Johnny Magory book series based on the old Irish rhyme was brought to life by Kildare-based Emma-Jane Lesson. To celebrate one year of Johnny Magory books, Emma is launching the Irish Wildlife Art Collection, a collaboration with Irish business Frametastic, and eco-friendly Irish Wildlife Puzzles.
Since launching Johnny Magory, Emma Jane (known as EJ by her friends) has seen it evolve from a book series to a brand for all things children outdoors, exploring Irish heritage, wildlife and culture.
Growing up in Ireland every night EJ’s parents told her “a story about Johnny Magory”. These tales were usually derived from whatever devilment EJ had got up to that day and she couldn’t wait for bedtime for her mother to read a book and her father to tell her a story about what Johnny had done too.
Based on the old Irish rhyme ‘I’ll tell you a story about Johnny McGory. Will I begin it? That’s all that’s in it!’ her father’s storytelling ensured EJ and her siblings went to sleep excited about their next adventure in the morning.
EJ still loves nature and the outdoors, which inspired her to write down a few stories and bring Johnny McGory to the next generation.
Since then, Johnny McGory has gone from strength to strength. Johnny Magory in the Magical Wild was the first book in the series about the little boy who’s a few years old; usually good but sometimes bold! This book was inspired by Ballynafagh Lake which is beside where EJ lives.
Johnny Magory and the Game of Rounders followed. Johnny and his dog Ruairi sneak off to have a brilliant game of rounders with all his animal friends; when he’s supposed to be helping his Mammy and Daddy foot the turf! This was inspired by the Bog of Allen where EJ spent a large part of her youth at her Nanna’s house. The third adventure is Johnny Magory and the Wild Water Race. Inspired by the Grand Canal, Johnny’s little sister Lily-May is introduced in this book. Johnny has a boat race with his animal friends. The Grand Canal played a big role in EJ’s childhood; in fact, she learned to swim in it!
Johnny Magory and the Forest Fleadh Cheoil is the fourth and latest story in the series and is illustrated by EJ’s childhood hero, Don Conroy. The story was inspired by Donadea Forest in Co Kildare, which is a deciduous,native forest. Right now, Johnny Magory is offering free planting kits with its Explorer Boxes, Wooden Wildlife Puzzles and Hardback Collection book online orders. It contains a biodegradable pot, compost, ash seeds and a how-to leaflet which is full of fun facts on one of our ancient native Irish trees. See johnnymagory.com for details.