Wexford author releases new children’s book with heartfelt stories of pets, family, and loss

A new children’s book written by Wexford author Merna Birchall is set to strike a chord with families, telling a true and deeply personal story inspired by real-life experiences with beloved pets…

Entitled For the Love of Cats, A Dog’s Tale, the book is illustrated with hand-drawn artwork and is written primarily for children aged six to eight, though older children are also expected to enjoy it.

The story explores the quirks, companionship and eventual loss that many families experience with animals, while remaining accessible and comforting for young readers and adults alike.

Explaining the heart of the story and its intended audience, Merna said:

“This is a true story written for children aged 6 yrs to 8 years old. Older children will like reading this book too.The storyline reflects many families experiences of their pets – their quirkes, oddities and sadness around pets getting older and their final moments of passing away.”

To better understand how children might respond, Merna shared the book with two young test readers and closely observed their reactions. Reflecting on that process, she said:

“My two test readers, 6yrs and 8yrs old gave me their thoughts. They did find bigger words an issue but had help from parents to navigate the story and remembered the word’s meanings as they read it a few more times.”

She said the emotional impact of the book stood out strongly with both children.

“Both children loved the story, the photos at back pages and the illustrations.
They had ‘lost’ a dog friend recently n it helped them to talk about all that was on their minds regarding his demise,” she told Wexford Weekly.

The book also resonated with adults, who saw its value as both a story and a conversation starter within families.

“The adults liked the story and were happy when the 8yr old asked to keep the book. (Their grandmother gave me this feedback).”

A strong local creative collaboration underpins the project, with the hand-drawn illustrations created by Gorey-based artist Ryan Currie. Speaking about the visual side of the book, Merna said:

“The illustrations were hand drawn by Ryan Currie, an illustrator from Gorey, Co Wexford. The illustrations ‘lift’ the text and appeal to everyone, helping to visualise the characters. Ryan has trained in Classical Animation at Ballyfermot College and has been hand drawing since four years old.”

The back pages of the book include real photographs and background details, helping children connect the story to real life.

“The photos of Ficey and George and the back story of George, show the characters as they really are. (Back pages)”

For Merna, the writing process was deeply personal, rooted in lived experience rather than imagination.

“It was easy for me to write their story as we had lived though it ourselves.”

Despite initial setbacks when seeking a publisher, Merna persevered and chose to self-publish.

“We finally self published ourselves as no publisher took interest in it.
Maybe it was too unique and small for any market. However, adults were supportive and encouraging.”

Encouragingly, the book has already gained traction locally.

“The Wexford library are taking an interest. Easons and other bookshops in Wexford have taken the book for their shelves.”

Merna also reflected on how her current stage of life gave her the space to tell the story properly.

“Being retired now and living in the countryside outside Enniscorthy town, gave me the time to reflect and write this story.”

Finally, she noted that her long history with dogs directly influenced the narrative at the heart of For the Love of Cats, A Dog’s Tale.

“I should add that fostering dogs in past years is relevant as George came to us for fostering as a lost puppy.”

With its gentle honesty, hand-drawn illustrations and strong Wexford connections, the book offers young readers and their families a meaningful way to explore love, loss and remembrance through the lens of a much-loved pet.