Author visit to The Secret Bookshelf

My own self-publishing journey


I am a secondary languages teacher by day, but one of my favourite ways to spend my spare time is writing, illustrating, and self-publishing picture books for children.


I published my first book, 'Plug The Monster Rapper' in June 2020, in the midst of lockdown, and I have just published my second book, 'Nora The Explorer'.

My stories are inspired by experiences from my own family life and I started writing them for my own children and my nieces and nephews.


In this course, I will share with you the basics of the self-publishing process and in particular how, as a primary teacher, you can develop and showcase both the writing skills and creativity of your pupils through creating a class book, whilst they are learning a new language.

I hope you enjoy this course and perhaps even develop a love for self-publishing like I have!


Irish Department of Education Approved Summer Course (worth 3 EPV days)


This course is ideal for any primary teachers who are interested in learning about a creative way to develop language and writing skills in their pupils.

It is suitable for those who will be teaching a foreign language, but also for anyone who is simply interested in how self-publishing works.


Language Upskilling for
Primary Teachers



✔️EPV approved by the Department of Education


In preparation for the introduction of foreign languages as part of the Primary Curriculum Framework for Stages 3 and 4 of Primary School, this online summer course provides French language up-skilling for primary teachers.

Participants will study 5 Modules:


  1. The benefits of class book projects as a tool for reinforcing language learning.
  2. Creating Artwork using Procreate and Canva
  3. Compiling and Formatting a Class Book using Adobe Acrobat PDF
  4. Uploading and Publishing your book on Amazon KDP
  5. Sharing, Promoting, and Celebrating your Language Class Book.


✔️EPV approved by the Department of Education.

✔️20 hour self-paced course (10 hours online and 10 hours independent study and research)

✔️ Email access to course tutor.

✔️Participants will receive a Department of Education Certificate upon successful completion of all aspects of the course.


NB. Participants must use their name as registered with the Teaching Council and provide their Teaching Council Registration Number.


Available on Amazon

My debut picture book!



'Plug the Monster Rapper' was a story idea that started when my youngest daughter (now ten) was around two years old (2017) and was scared of the noises coming from the plug hole. My husband used to pretend to be the Plug Monster.

I wrote ideas in the notes on my phone and kept adding to them and changing parts over a few years. Then in 2019, I started my self-publishing journey. Lockdown gave me a little bit more time than I usually have, and 'Plug The Monster Rapper' was published in June 2020!

I have recently translated this story into French and plan to publish it soon.

My second rhyming picture book, published April 2025!


'Nora The Explorer' is about an adventurous little head louse who loves to travel! This story was inspired by a few itchy weeks of combing through long hair when my daughters were younger!

The whole self-publishing process was easier with this second book.















One of my current projects!



Recently, I have been working on this book, designed to complement the primary languages course l have created in my business, 'Crafty Little Linguists'.

This book is a short collection of traditional nursery rhymes and songs in French, as well as some originals. There is also an English translation of the lyrics. There will be QR codes linked to original MP3 recordings to accompany each song, so this one is perfect for use in the classroom!





Some of our available products

Primary French Beginners Curriculum 10 Lessons

A ten lesson course designed especially for teachers of Primary French. This course is designed to be a time-saving solution for teachers who are introducing French at Primary level. It provides support in particular for non-specialist teachers. Our course includes: - A detailed 10 lesson curriculum overview - Ten pre-recorded lessons, including PowerPoints, original songs, worksheets and craft activities with instruction videos in French.

Tracy Mulholland

Tracy Mulholland

€300