Local teacher secures book contract with supermarket giant

A teacher from St Tola’s NS in Delvin has secured an agreement with a major Irish supermarket chain to sell her children’s book.

Julie-Ann Carroll wrote and illustrated Our Super Teacher in memory of her colleague and dear friend Aoife Kelly, who passed away in 2022.

The self-published book has sold over 1,000 copies and has recently been picked up by Dunnes Stores, which now has copies on sale in 15 of its stores across Leinster.

In addition, the book is also stocked in 17 independent book stores and retail outlets across Westmeath, Offaly, and Kildare, including Just Books, Learning Lab, Red Earth, and Fagan’s in Mullingar.

Our Super Teacher aims to empower children with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, such as breathing techniques and yoga poses, while also serving as a valuable resource for parents and teachers.

Ms Carroll said she is delighted to see so many people enjoying the book, which was launched in September of last year.

“I’ve received lots of lovely messages about it; it means the world to me when a parent tells me their child has responded well to my book,” she said.

“The book was originally launched in the school too, and the kids have really enjoyed it—they were buying copies and all that.

“There’s just been a lovely response to it, and it’s great to see so many people interested.”

Ms Carroll noted that while the self-publishing route came with many challenges, it has taught her a great deal about the industry.

“You almost turn into a salesperson because you have to promote the book and things like that; there’s a lot to it,” she said.

“I’ve had to go into shops, pitch to different places, learn all about retail, cost prices, creating social media content, and all these different things.

“Sometimes you can get deflated if someone isn’t interested in the book—you might take it personally at first—but I’ve learned that it’s just business, and it’s really made me develop a thick skin.”

Ms Carroll expressed her delight at securing the agreement with Dunnes Stores.

“I’m over the moon; it hasn’t properly sunk in yet,” she said.

“I was thrilled to see the stand with my books on it for the first time, and I can’t thank Dunnes enough for stocking it.”

The St Tola’s teacher, originally from Offaly, added that she has a new idea for a second book but it’s about “finding the time to do it”.