Leona Forde is a Mom of four, an English and History teacher and children's author from Co. Cork.
Leona is the author of the Milly McCarthy books published by Gill, and dubbed Ireland's answer to The Wimpy Kid. This highly illustrated middle grade series follows the antics of a young Irish girl Milly, who is a magnet for mayhem. The next in the series, Milly McCarthy's Wild Atlantic Antics is due out May 22nd 2025.
Karen Harte is an illustrator, designer and comic creator from Dublin.
She has illustrated 5 books so far in the best-selling Milly McCarthy series written by Leona Forde and published by Gill Books. She has worked with a variety of clients such as the Arts Council, Arnotts, Positive Period Ireland, Ogilvy, Deloitte and her work has appeared in House & Home Magazine, Totally Dublin, The Irish Times and Buzzfeed.
EVENTS
The Wonderful World of Milly McCarthy | Event
10 a.m. | Pugin Hall | €7.50 / €2.50 | for age 7+
Milly McCarthy is a complete catastrophe and a magnet for mayhem. Although she means well, Milly leaves a trail of chaos behind her – wigs on fire, stolen dogs and an unfortunate incident on Monkey Island… Step into Milly’s shoes and find out more about her world and this lively interactive event with writer Leona Forde and illustrator Karen Harte. Sure, what could possibly go wrong?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, tickets are required for adults & children
The Making of Milly | Event
2 p.m. | Lismore Heritage Centre | €7.50 / €2.50 | for age 9+
Milly McCarthy is a downright disaster, with chaos following her everywhere she goes. But did you ever wonder where the idea for Milly and her harebrained antics came from? Join writer Leona Forde and illustrator Karen Harte for a behind the scenes look at the making of Milly. You’ll get to see early character drawings, the ideas that never made it into the pages of a book, and each participant will get their own ‘sloppy copy’ to take away for brilliant brainstorms and dynamic doodles!
Children must be accompanied by an adult, tickets are required for adults & children.
RECENT AWARDS/ NOMINATIONS:
Awarded: Eason Favourite Kids and YA Book of the Year Readers Choice Award,2024 (Milly McCarthy and the Christmas Calamity)
Shortlisted: An Post Book Award Senior Children's Book of the year, 2024 (Milly McCarthy’s Sports Day Shambles)
Shortlisted: An Post Book Awards Senior Children's Book, 2023 (Milly McCarthy and the Irish Dancing disaster)
RECENT PUBLICATIONS:
Milly McCarthy series (Milly McCarthy's Wild Atlantic Antics publishing May 22nd)