An Armagh taxi driver has spoken of how he overcame literacy issues that plagued him from childhood to pen his first published children’s book, The Jolly Giraffe.
The new author, Darren Mackey, spoke openly telling Armagh I that he was unable to spell his own name until roughly aged 14.
Yet, with the advice and support of his wife and daughter he was able to find a work around that allowed him to put his incredible ideas to paper.
The Jolly Giraffe, his first published book, follows the tale of Jerry the Giraffe and his friends, height-phobic Mickey the Monkey and vegetarian Leo the Lion.
Together they embark upon an adventure to Ravenous Rhinos restaurant… but the journey isn’t quite as straightforward as it might first appear!
The idea for the book came from an everyday conversation with one of his fares. At hearing the cost on the meter, she said: “Are you having a giraffe?”
And, the idea spiralled from there, with new characters and troublesome situations finding their way into his jotters day by day.
Writing the book has been an adventure in itself for Darren, but the real challenge came in promoting it.
He might appear confident and extroverted in nature, but beneath the surface lies a somewhat shy and reserved character with an intense fear of public speaking.
Darren’s book highlights the imperfections that we all have and through Jerry’s jolliness declares that that’s just fine!
In reading his book, Darren hopes that children understand that we are all made differently and that it takes a little variety to keep things interesting.
Watch Darren’s full video interview below:
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