By Michelle Crean

A Killarney author will read her inspiring children's book in a free online library event next month to bring comfort to kids at bedtime.

As part of the 'Right to Read' national initiative to promote literacy and reading development, Katie O'Donoghue, who penned her children's debut novel ‘The Little Squirrel Who Worried’, will take part in the Kerry Library event.

Katie, along with author Roisin Meaney, will do four live Bedtime Storytelling events each on select evenings. It is envisaged that families will cuddle up for bedtime stories together at a time when young children would be settling down for the night anyway. Families can attend as many of these events as they wish.

Katie O’Donoghue’s 'Creative Bedtime Stories' sessions will take place on Friday, December 3, Monday December 6 and 13, and Tuesday December 14 at 7pm.

“I am incredibly excited,” Katie told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I will be facilitating two therapeutic and creative storytelling sessions inspired by my book, ‘The Little Squirrel Who Worried’. Just as squirrels store their nuts for the long winter I hope this workshop will help children store skills to comfort and guide them in difficult times. Furthermore, I am hoping to help families get into the festive spirit with two inspired Christmas book sessions. I look forward to meeting all the boys and girls along with their loved ones in the coming month. I would also like to thank Kerry Library and their wonderful librarians for the opportunity and support. The amazing work they are doing, and continue to do, has been so important for the well-being of the children and the communities in Kerry.”

Roisin Meaney’s 'Cuddle up Bedtime Stories' will take place on Tuesday, December 7, Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 December at 7pm.

Artist Lisa Fingleton from Ballybunion will host a live 'Wild Child' creative nature and drawing workshop on Saturday December 11, at 11am.

Beginner yoga and pilates classes, which will be pre-recorded for families, will be available throughout the month of December on the Kerry Library website so it can be enjoyed at any time of the month.

Booking for the Roisin Meaney and Katie O'Donoghue events is available from November 22. However, people can still register for the reminders. Booking for the Lisa Fingleton event opens on December 1. Booking is via www.kerrylibrary.ie/family-time-at-your-library.html.