Edinburgh launch of new children’s book: Latest in popular series by award-winning author
Meet the award-winning author behind a popular children’s book series as she launches new Eamonn the Bat in Scotland.
Molly Arbuthnott, the inspiration behind popular Oscar The Ferry Cat adventures, has announced the release of her new heart-warming illustrated tale.
Eamonn the Bat is the 18th instalment in the beloved Molly and Friends series and tells the story of a bat who loves the light and a flower who likes the dark in a timeless message of courage and self-discovery.
Molly said: “Eamonn is an Australian bat who likes light and makes friends with a flower who is closed off to the world, so everything is a bit topsy turvy.
He ends up transforming the life outlook for both of them. Life is short, so the message is to make the most of every day and make it as beautiful as you can.
Eamonn the Bat is a touching story of perseverance, self-acceptance and the importance of following your own path, wherever that may lead. It shows young readers that everyone has their own talents, and sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity to let them shine.
Writing this new story gave me wings like the bat’s wings and I am going off to all of these places to share the story.
Edinburgh book launch
Meet Molly, her illustrator and celebrate the joy of books with drinks, fun and more at the launch of Eamonn the Bat at Harvey and Woodd, 4 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6HZ on Tuesday 23rd September, 6.30 - 8.30pm. For tickets click here.
Edinburgh Book Shop
Then on Thursday 23rd October, meet Molly for storytelling and book signing at Edinburgh Book Shop at 176 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DF from 9.30 - 10.15am.
Bonkers Bats & Silly Spiders
Hear Molly read from her latest two books at this fun event at An Tobar, Argyll Terrace, Tobermory, Isle of Mull on Saturday 25th October. Drop in between 11am - 2pm for a magical day of Halloween-themed fun for four to eight-year-olds, which includes games, arts and crafts.
St Andrew’s Book Festival
You can also meet Molly at St Andrew’s Book Festival and hear her talk about promoting Scotland in London.
Molly, who gained a Masters in Children’s Literature at Glasgow University and worked as a teacher for seven years in Kenya, London and Italy, will continue her nomadic lifestyle with an international book tour starting early next year.
She will also be raising money for the charity Bat for a Chance – bringing joy to children through cricket – with the release of Eamonn the Bat.
With strong roots in Scotland – her father ran a business in Perth – she still has a deep affinity with the country and visits and works here a lot.
Books and reviews
Early reviews of Eamonn the Bat say:
“A beautifully told story about difference, kindness and quiet determination – Eamonn’s gentle journey into the light will stay with you long after the final page.” John May, CVO OBE DL, High Sheriff of Oxford
“A beautifully written and impressively illustrated story of how being different you can still seize the day and make a positive impact on those around you, thank you Molly!” Deputy Henry Pollard CC | Ward of Dowgate, Chief Commoner
“Eamonn and the magical flower, show us we can all find our own path of transformation, and our own rhythm to shine, soothing our souls and motivating individuality. The water colour illustrations compliment the story beautifully, filling the pages with emotion, and bringing Eamonn, his forest friends and the wonderful creatures of the Australian landscape to life in a way that awakens the senses and instantly resonates with the moral of the story; Be curious. Ask questions. Bend boundaries and let you surprise yourself, and life surprise you with its gifts to your uniqueness!” Paty Cantú | Singer-songwriter, producer, Disney actress, Latin Grammy trustee and nominee, Europe music award winner, Mexico
“This is a beautifully illustrated book with a wonderful heartfelt ending. Well done Molly” Tina Benson, Chief Operating Officer, NHS
“I thought this would be a story about a cute bat and the Australian landscape. It is about much more than that, and I suspect there is a little bit of Eamon in many of us! The illustrations are soft, expressive and delightful… yet another gorgeous collaboration Molly Arbuthnott is bringing into the hands of future readers.” Alana Alfaro, Australian author
Find out more
Find out more about Molly, and her books on her website. Her books are available to buy online through her website and on Amazon