Johnny Magory Books

22/09/2026

https://www.kfmradio.com/news/localnews/celbridge-students-launch-their-own-superhero-book-with-kildare-libraries/

Copies of Superhero Adventures will be available across Kildare libraries, while the book will also be distributed to primary schools in the Celbridge area.

16/07/2026

“How do you actually write a children’s book?”

For years, I used to dread that question.

As I’ve mentioned before, imposter syndrome has been my unwanted sidekick for most of the last decade. I’d always feel like someone was about to discover I was a professional wing artist! 🫣

But when I was asked in a recent podcast, I realised I do actually have a formula I follow… it mightn’t be what others do but it works for me.

Sadly, there are no colour-coded spreadsheets for anyone that loves that 🤓 and also no isolated writing retreats overlooking lakes… but that does sound amazing!

Just a lot of thinking… daydreaming… scribbling… redrafting… and trusting that eventually the story will find its way onto the page.

Every writer’s process is different, but here’s mine.

If you’re thinking about writing a book yourself, I hope this gives you permission to stop waiting for the “perfect” way to do it…. In my opinion, there isn’t one.

Just start…

If you’ve any questions about writing, self-publishing or the whole process, pop them below and I’ll try answer as best I can.

EJ 😊

10/07/2026

The “YEEOPOWH” at the end 🥹 ☘️ 💪 🇮🇪

06/07/2026

Thank you. Grateful. More please. 💚🎪

I absolutely buzzed being back at Kaleidoscope this weekend.

I’ll admit… the nerves had well and truly kicked in beforehand. 😅

Would anyone turn up? Would I end up reading to my two gorgeous little assistants (my daughter and niece! 😂)? Would children even stop for a story when there are a million other exciting things happening all around the festival?

Thankfully, I needn’t have worried!
The tent filled with families… there were giggles, yoga poses, brilliant questions and the kind of joyful shenanigans that only happens when you’re surrounded by festival-hyped little explorers! 🤪

One of my favourite parts was spotting familiar faces in the crowd. Some of you I’ve met over the years at this festival … although I have to say, you’ve all grown up a little since I last saw you! 🥹

Thank you to everyone who came along, listened, laughed, joined in, clapped hands and danced 🎶

And thank you to the wonderful team at Kaleidoscope Presented by Glenveagh for inviting me back. A special mention to Ellen, whose calm chats beforehand did wonders for settling the butterflies. 🥰

I won’t lie… walking past Lady (Johnny Magory) Island sitting empty definitely gave me the itch.

Who knows…

Maybe next year Johnny Magory’s World will return. 🌳✨

But for now…

Thank you.
Grateful.
More please. 💚

EJ

03/07/2026

Meet one of Ireland’s tiniest night-time superheroes…
A Common Pipistrelle 🦇✨

And before anyone says “Ah no, bats are scary!” … can we all just take a moment to appreciate how ridiculously adorable this little fluffball is? 🥹

Despite being one of Ireland’s smallest mammals, pipistrelles do a BIG job for our ecosystems.

Here are some fun facts about these amazing little creatures:

🦇 They weigh less than a €2 coin
A common pipistrelle usually weighs just 4–8 grams ; about the weight of a few jelly beans!

🦇 They can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night
Yes… THREE THOUSAND.
Mosquitoes, midges, flies… gone.
You’re welcome 😄

🦇 They “see” with sound
Bats use something called echolocation, sending out high-pitched sounds and listening for the echoes bouncing back to navigate and hunt in total darkness.
Basically… they have built-in sonar.

🦇 They’re protected in Ireland
All bat species in Ireland are legally protected because their populations are vulnerable due to habitat loss and disturbance.

🦇 Ireland has 9 species of bats
And the Common Pipistrelle is one of the species you’re most likely to spot at dusk.

Contrary to old myths…

❌ They do not want to fly into your hair!
❌ They are not blind!
❌ They are not creepy little vampires 🧛‍♂️!

They’re simply gentle, fascinating little mammals doing the night shift while the rest of us sleep.

So next time you spot tiny zig-zag shapes in the evening sky, take a moment to appreciate them.

They’re not spooky.
They’re magical ✨

And very, very important 💚

Who has seen bats flying at dusk before?

EJ

30/06/2026

This week my phone has been absolutely bombarding me with photo memories from Kaleidoscope Presented by Glenveagh over the years… and wow, what a trip down memory lane 🎪💚

From the very first festival, Johnny Magory’s World became such a huge part of our summers.

We’ve brought the full shebang over the years! Giant activity areas, storytelling tents, yoga, crafts, treasure hunts, music, chaos, magic… and a whole lot of sweat, tears and trailer-packing 😅

Truth be told, it was always a beast to pull off 😅

This year looks very different.

Life looks very different.

Instead of bringing the entire Johnny Magory World area, we’re keeping things beautifully simple.

This Sunday at 2pm I’ll be on the Expression & Storytelling Stage for a special storytime + yoga session ✨📚🧘‍♀️

And while it may be a much more pared-back offering, there’s something really lovely about that too.

Sometimes life asks us to go smaller.
To simplify.

And that’s okay.

I’m really looking forward to being back… this time with less pressure, less hauling, and more space to simply enjoy the magic of the weekend with my girls 🤘

And who knows…

Maybe next year Johnny Magory’s World will be back bigger than ever 😉🎪

See you Sunday.

EJ 💚

18/11/2025

Join us for a magical 1-hour Storytime Session for children aged 4–6! 🌟📚

📍 Kildare Town Library
📅 Saturday, 22nd November 2025
⏰ 11am

Every child will get to collect their FREE ‘My Little Library’ Book Bag to take home — packed with reading excitement! 🎒💛

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome.
Come along, get cosy, and enjoy a morning filled with stories, smiles, and imagination ✨

19/07/2025

Join me for some Irish Wildlife and Heritage Fun reading my books for the Summer Stars programme 📚 🌞

🔹Tuesday 22 July
🔹Mountmellick 12 noon
🔹Stradbally 2pm

Can’t wait 😁