New children’s book set in Sligo

SET in the beautiful surroundings of Sligo, Ireland, author Kim Newport tells a new tale within olden times in her book titled, ‘The Goblin of Lough Gill’, available now at Liber Bookshop, O’Connell Street, Sligo. The goblin, who lives on a dreary island in Lough Gill, hates all things joyful. So when the kingdom of Connacht celebrates the arrival of a new princess, he is enraged by the happy sounds.

Storming the castle, he threatens to rob the king and queen of their greatest joy as he smiles a hideous, crooked smile at the baby princess before dashing out of the palace.

Years later, the goblin acts upon his threat when the princess and her friend play at the lake water’s edge.

“I’ve always loved fairy tales,” says Kim. “And when I became a teacher I learnt how beneficial they are to child development. “Not only do fairy tales enhance children’s imagination and creativity, but they also teach them about virtues and vices.

“They show that no matter how dire the situation, problems can be overcome. In The Goblin of Lough Gill, I set out to write a fairy tale of

The book cover for Kim Newport’s book. The Goblin of Lough Gill.

how good triumphs over evil through the positive power of music, dance, and laughter.”

Born in California, Kim Newport initially came to Ireland in 1978 and quickly fell in love with the country.

Over the next six years she enjoyed a career as

a singer, dancer, choreographer.

She founded her own Sligo School of Dance, released seven records, and appeared on RTE 10 times, including The Late Late Show, Brendan Grace specials, SBB Ina Shui, Non-Stop Pop, and The Music Show. and

After returning to the States in 1983 and raising a family, Kim earned her master’s degree and enjoyed teaching primary and middle school until retiring to Ireland in 2018 where she is inspired by the ancient tales and legends surrounding her adopted home of Sligo.