As Ireland cautiously exits lockdown, a Killarney woman decided to pen a new book designed to help children cope with their inner worries and anxieties.

‘The Little Squirrel Who Worried’ - which is available from today (Friday) - was written and illustrated by Katie O’Donoghue, a child and young people’s therapist, and tells the story of Little Squirrel who hasn’t left his nest since last autumn. He needs to gather nuts for the long winter to come, but he’s too worried to leave his cosy nest.

Luckily, Little Squirrel discovers he has lots of friends in the forest, from Wren to Snuffly Hedgehog, Grey Rabbit to Mister Fox, Old Badger to Great Stag. Will their encouragement and words of advice be enough to help Little Squirrel to venture out?

In what has been a very difficult year for so many, through the story of Little Squirrel and his adventures in the forest, readers young and old come to learn coping techniques and to realise that, although we all feel worried sometimes, we don’t have to face those worries alone, Katie explained.

“With a little help from his friends, Little Squirrel eventually emerges from his cosy nest, as the rest of us begin to too,” she said.

Now working as deputy manager at cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, author Katie recently returned from the UK, where she worked as a children and young people's therapist for the NHS. Her background is in fine art and design, and she has a Master's degree in Art Psychotherapy.

“During COVID, while supporting young people, I was inspired to write and illustrate the story,” she explained. “Influenced by my own need to reconnect with home in Kerry, I began illustrating the characters, all native Irish woodland animals, along with a story that utilises psychoeducation and CBT coping skills to help support children with their worries.”

Described by publishers, Gill, as ‘a comforting story for children and adults alike’ Katie's book is now available at Eason Killarney and online on Eason's and Gill books websites.