The idea for Irelynn Farrington’s children’s book, The Perfect Unicorn, came to her when she was 7 years old./By Luigi Ciuffetelli
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Irelynn Farrington’s imagination had no limits when she wrote the magical children’s book The Perfect Unicorn, a bedtime story about a world filled with trolls, a princess, a knight and, of course, a unicorn. But the most magical part of the story, arguably, is that it came to Irelynn when she was just seven years old. Four years later, it came to life in print. Her mom, Jodi, says she was amazed at her daughter’s creativity and at the difference Irelynn wants to make in her community.
In addition to attending author events throughout Delaware, The Postlethwait Middle School eighth-grader volunteers her time at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, as well as at bookstores, where she encourages children to follow their passions. Irelynn, 14, is currently hard at work on a sequel. Here, she invites us into her imagination.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
It all started when my mom used to read stories to me at bedtime. Then I started to tell her stories too. The story behind the The Perfect Unicorn just came to me one night, and my mom thought it would make a great children’s book.
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The sequel to Farrington’s book is set to be released next month./By |
What was the most exciting part of getting the book published?
Writing the book and putting the illustrations together … to just see it all come to life. Everything was what I imagined.
What is your advice for kids your age who want to pursue writing?
I just want to inspire other children to reach for their dreams, no matter what they are. You can be anything: an author, lawyer, police officer or doctor. If you work hard enough, you can reach any goal.
You donate a portion of sales to the oncology ward at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. What sparked your passion there?
There was a little girl at our school who was sick, and it was really upsetting to know what she was going through. I wanted to help in some way since there isn’t a cure, so I did an author event for her.
What’s the most rewarding part of volunteering?
Meeting all of these new kids who really like my book. It’s inspiring to me and to others who want to do good in the world.
A sequel is scheduled to be released next month. Can you share any details?
The second book is called The Perfect Unicorn: The Aftertale, and it introduces new characters like mermaids and fairies, along with some of the original characters from the first book.
Do you want to make it a series?
I would possibly keep it as a series. But I do want to continue writing other books and try out other genres and age groups.
What is the overall message of your story?
Magic is everywhere.
