A Letterkenny teacher and author has come up with a very imaginative way to inspire children to read this Christmas.

Louise Flanagan wrote her own children’s fantasy series ‘Dragonterra’ during lockdown. The six-part collection has become a favourite of young readers all over Donegal and beyond who have been spellbound by the magic adventures within.

But Louise has been so busy promoting her books that she’s worn out – as her new Christmas advert shows!

Her children Lucy, Evan and Conor take the initiative to make sure that Santa knows all about Dragonterra. This imaginative advert is an adventure in itself:

Santa is played by local man, Chris Duddy, who is no stranger to performance (or Santa suits!). The video was professionally recorded and produced by Ruth Keogh, who is also from Letterkenny. 

All of the footage was shot in Cooneys Home Interiors, Letterkenny.

“Gary Cooney was so accommodating and gave us the run of the store for a few hours on a Sunday morning to get the recording done,” says Louise.

“Dragonterra books were written during lockdown for my own kids to enjoy. I didn’t imagine that I’d ever end up publishing them, but my daughter’s reaction to them spurred me on to make them available for other children to enjoy too. “

So far the books have sold in all 32 counties of Ireland and have been shipped to loads of European countries as well as USA, Australia and Abu Dhabi.   

“I have received such positive feedback from children, parents and teachers alike, which helps to give me the confidence I need to keep working hard to spread the word about Dragonterra,” said Louise.

“Local support has been amazing and I’m so grateful to everyone who has bought the books, shared information about them on social media or recommended them to others. Word of mouth recommendations are by far the best way to help Dragonterra grow, but I really hope that children all around Ireland enjoy this magical video. I’d love for it to prompt them to ask Santa for …

Something they want 
Something they need 
Something to wear
And something to read! ( And hopefully that’ll be Dragonterra! ) 

“Thanks also to Chris Duddy for allowing me to use his Christmas song ‘Santa and the naughty little Elf on the Shelf’ in the video.”

WHERE TO BUY?

Dragonterra is available to buy as a six-book pack at €29.99, which includes free delivery throughout Ireland and the UK. Buy online at Dragonterra.ie or check your local bookstore