Molly and the Stormy Sea

In this endearing new fable from Malachy, Molly wakes one morning to find her house empty. Her father has been out fishing in stormy seas and hasn’t returned from his trip. She takes her most precious possessions down to the harbor: a brass locket containing 20 little cowrie shells, a photograph of her father, and her beloved doll, Megan, to offer the sea in return for her father’s safety. But will the stormy sea return her father and all the other fathers from the fishing trip? This is an ideal title for children to celebrate their relationships with their own fathers and perfect for reading aloud and enjoying with young readers. Through the story, Malachy is also able to explore our essential but often treacherous relationship with the sea. The narrative is accompanied by stunning art work by Andrew Whitson that brings each page vividly to life with uniquely vibrant color. In collaboration with Irish publisher An tSnáthaid Mhór, the book will be released simultaneously in three languages: English, Irish (Muireann agus an Fharraige Fhiáin), and Welsh (Mali a’r Mor Stormus). With its charming and uplifting story and wonderful visuals, Molly and the Stormy Sea has all the makings of a children’s classic.

Malachy Doyle has had well over 100 books published, from pop-up books for toddlers to gritty teenage novels, and include Fug and the Thumps, Cinderfella, and Molly and the Stormy Sea, illustrated by Andrew Whitson. Andrew Whitson has illustrated books on various aspects of Irish mythology including The Creatures of Celtic Myth, The Field Guide to Irish Fairies, and The Dark Spirit. In 2011, Andrew received the Bisto honorary award for book illustration. In partnership with Caitríona Nic Sheáin, Andrew has co-written and illustrated three books of fiction for children, Cogito, Pop!, and Cúraille i gCeannas.