Publisher's Synopsis
A FUN FAMILY STORY FROM IRELAND
AN EARLY READING CHAPTER BOOK FOR KIDS WHO LIKE FANTASY, MAGIC AND ADVENTURE A Children's Book From Ballyyahoo - The Magic Town On Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Introducing Biddy, the crime-fighting witch of Ballyyahoo. If you like witches and you like fun, you'll love this very funny children's book set in the magical Irish town of Ballyyahoo. When Gerry hears rumours that there might be a witch in Ballyyahoo, he doesn't know if it's really true. His mother says it's just idle gossip but others say there really is a witch in Ballyyahoo. Who is a boy to believe? Then one day, he sees something strange and shocking in one of the quiet lanes of Ballyyahoo. He finds a magic stone that can show the future on a tiny screen. Gerry learns that a terrible crime is going to happen - soon! It is not the type of crime that usually happens in Ballyyahoo - nothing to do with forgetting to put lights on your donkey, wearing odd socks, or picking hazelnuts in September. No, this is a terrifying crime that starts with a big knife, a big burglar, and if Gerry doesn't do something, it just might end in murder. Gerry desperately tries to stop this crime from happening, but nobody believes in magic stones and nobody believes Gerry. Desperate Gerry needs help - magic help. There's only one person can save the day, but is there really a witch in Ballyyahoo? The Witch of Ballyyahoo is a funny children's fantasy and adventure book and is suitable for children reading alone, or as a fun read to be shared with family. REVIEWS 'This is a charming children's story that's just perfect for Halloween. Gerry thinks that living in Ballyyahoo is boring, but that's just about to change...soon gets swept along in an adventure of magic, witches, and burglars. This book is easy enough for the younger reader, but intriguing enough that you will want to read it too. The characters are fun and engaging, the adventure rips along at a fair old pace, and I particularly loved the character of Gerry's mother, and her sister, Aggie. I can't recommend it highly enough!' Ali Isaac 'Ballyyahoo, Ireland is a dull place. Nothing happens here expect the occasional rumor - which, while entertaining, are just rumors. Or so Gerry thinks. One day, the rumor mill churns up a new one, craic (beautiful word, no? Means gossip in Ireland) that trumps all talk of serial killers or banshees that have preceded it. A Witch is supposedly in Ballyyahoo...Nothing will ever be the same for this once bored young man. I can't wait to see what Gerry is going to get into next!' Heather G '...As always, Grace Jolliffe, with her quirky sense of humour, introduces us to the whacky set of characters who inhabit Ballyyahoo. Anyone who believes witches ride broomsticks and boil toads in a cauldron should read The Witch of Ballyhoo and meet a real live witch who travels everywhere on the back of her hoover and is determined to keep the people in Ballyyahoo safe.' J. Considine
