Meet Skye and her Waggy Tales

Hilary Bailey is the author and narrator for Skyespringer, storyteller from the Gateway to the Glens. Skye’s Waggy Tales are eight beautifully illustrated storybooks featuring Skye, Russ, Jazz and friends’ adventures in real places; Donaghadee, Copeland Islands, Loch Lomond, The East Coast of Scotland, Causeway Coast and Glens and our home, Islandmagee.

Hilary introduces us to Skye:

Skye was a pup we bred, her mum was, Jazz. The inspiration grew with her. She made me laugh. I knew the dogs were communicating with each other - I just couldn't hear them - so I gave them voices.

Skye made me laugh; that's what inspired the first story Skye and the Swallows. Then she was scared of The Monster in the Hedge on a very windy day - book two. I use this in schools to introduce telling someone you trust if you are worried or scared or bullied.

Book three she frightened all of us by swimming off after a duck into Loch Lomond - Skye Learns to Swim - My husband Eric and I feature in this book just by being there. That begs the question what have you done to make you feel proud of yourself? I have just sent a photo taken at the wall Skye jumped over to swim into Loch Lomond.

Book four Skye's Brother Beau - is about sibling rivalry and how to cope with this.

Book five Christmas Wish - not a true story; I was challenged to write a story for the Belfast Book Festival that actually offered cash up front. I had to think what Skye would wish for if she could...how can we make people happy not just at Christmas, but all year through?

Book six Skye Listens to Uncle Russes Tale - an old storyteller - being listened to by a younger pup recollecting a true story about Russ, Eric and I visiting Copeland Islands. Eric and I actually have drawings of us in this book.

Book seven - Skye's New Friend - a terrified Skye meets my nephew's bouncing boxer, Daisy, at a family barbeque and is completely overwhelmed by her so stays under my chair to hide from her. With a little intervention from mum Jazz - they end up the best of friends.

Book eight Skye Flies High - a complete figment of my imagination tying in with Skye wishing to fly. My late mother-in-law's mat won in a Bowling Club Ballot became her magic carpet, after an impromptu chat with her brother Beau's sibling, Maysa. This book features a lot of birds giving her directions and guidance to get back home to Islandmagee to make her wish to come true. My message Always follow your dreams...

Hilary's Skyespringer Waggy Tales book collection is available now from Midtown Makers Gift Shop, 51-53 Church Street, Ballymena, BT43 6DD