Tots to Teens: Cork author helps ADHD kids explore difference in a fun and friendly way

Plus: kid-friendly bites at Waterford Festival of Food, the EcoMomics Podcast, and Barnardos' Big Active

Characters from Jen Wallace's Dinosaur Pie, illustrated by Alan O'Rourke

Rory is a young boy with ADHD. But he’s got bigger things to worry about. For one thing, he has accidentally been turned into a dinosaur. 

He can no longer use a human toilet, he can’t hold a video game controller in his dino claws, and his breath smells really bad. He and his friends set about Operation Make Rory Human Again, but it’s not easy. Will Rory remain a dinosaur forever?

Dinosaur Pie is the hilarious debut of Cork-based author Jen Wallace. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism late in life, Wallace now writes stories that explore neurodiversity and difference.

Featuring illustrations by Alan O’Rourke, the book is aimed at children aged six and older and is ideal for those who are getting too old for picture books and are ready to take the next step on their reading journey.

• It’s available in bookshops from €9.99.

Eco warriors

A 2017 study found that having a child can add up to 58.6 tonnes of CO2 per year to a parent’s carbon footprint. At a time when we’re being confronted with the grim reality of climate change, that’s a hefty dose of guilt right there.

Liza Reilly and Tonyia Dowling are two mums who want to parent in a more environmentally friendly way. On each episode of their award-winning podcast EcoMomics, they interview an expert on topics such as reusable nappies, sustainable toys and school lunches that kids will eat rather than chuck into the ever-growing mountain of food waste. These interviews are always informative and packed with practical tips we can all follow in our daily lives.

• Download EcoMomics from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Celebrating the launch of the 15th Annual Waterford Food Festival, from left to right, are Fesitval Director Eunice Power; siblings Hugo, aged 5 and Frances Cass, aged 7 and Ethna Sheehan. This year's program, set for April 19-21 in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, features 85 food and family fun-themed events.

Food fest

The Waterford Festival of Food gets underway on Friday, April 19, and continues until Sunday, April 21. Families can look forward to three days of outstanding food and fun in the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan.

The packed programme of events and activities is designed to appeal to all ages. It includes outdoor markets showcasing foods from all over the region, a bilingual teddy bears’ picnic, and the Tírlan Family Fun Zone at Dungarvan Castle, where families can meet farm animals, get up close and personal with birds of prey, plant seedlings, and enjoy carnival rides.

Interactive sensory cooking sessions for kids with the Cool Food School will also feature. TV cook and broadcaster Aisling Larkin will give a Lámh cookery demonstration using the manual sign system favoured by children and adults with intellectual disabilities and communication needs. There will be opportunities to learn about growing your own food, visit local farms, and even enter the Waterford Festival of Food Junior Bake Off.

• For the full programme, visit www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com.

Pictured at the launch of the Barnardos Big Active, supported by ALDI, was Paul O’Connell, the Barnardos Big Active and ALDI Ambassador, with Ayana O Callaghan age 14.

Barnardos Big Active

Rugby legend Paul O’Connell is calling on schools all over Ireland to take part in the Barnardos Big Active. This initiative, supported by ALDI, is designed to enhance young people’s health and wellbeing, while raising funds to support vulnerable children and families.

The Big Active Body involves primary and secondary school students setting themselves a month-long physical challenge. This challenge could include dancing, running, or even doing hundreds of Jumping Jacks.

The Big Active Mind involves learning breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques to support positive mental health and wellbeing.

Lastly, the Big Active Heart introduces students to giving back to others by asking them to seek sponsorship for their physical challenge.

Schools can register to take part at www.barnardos.ie/bigactive.

When they sign up, they will receive a pack of resource materials and personal journals that each participating student can use to track their progress throughout the month.