Mayo author releases her second book of children's series

Mayo writer Bernie Gaughan has released her second book in her children’s series ‘The Adventures of Gráinne Bear’, bringing young readers on another journey through Mayo’s landscapes and legendary past.

The new book, ‘A Tale of 3 Bears and 2 Queens’, follows Gráinne Bear and her family as they hop on the bus from Newport and travel through Westport to Louisburgh, where they visit the Grannuaile Museum. Along the way, the Bears stumble into heart-warming chaos, unexpected magic, and encounter two bears, our own Irish Pirate Queen, Grannuaile, and Queen Elizabeth I.

The story continues the thread begun in Book one, ‘The Discovery’, where the Bear family were found living secretly in Princess Grace Park, their ancestors rescued by Granuaile herself in the 16th century. The series blends fact and fiction, making Irish heritage feel alive, playful, and accessible for children.

Bernie describes the books as “a way for children to fall in love with Mayo’s history without realising they’re learning.” 

Copies of ‘A Tale of 3 Bears and 2 Queens’ are now available on pre-order at grainnebear.ie. The book can also be found in local bookshops across Mayo from December 16, as well as at the Westport Christmas Market on December 20 to 21. The official launch of the book will be in the New Year.