An Ignatian-inspired book for children

Writer Gavin Thomas Murphy has just published Philip and the Amazing Horse, a children’s illustrated story for 4–8 year olds, in the lead-up to Christmas. Printed in A4 landscape orientation and consisting of 14 double-page spreads, the book has clearly readable text and colourful illustrations of three characters: a young boy, his grumbling Granny, and a mysterious horse.

Referring to how the story came about, Gavin says:

“I originally started a book on Ignatian journalling back in late 2021. I came up with a number of imaginative contemplations on different aspects of Ignatian spirituality, and one of these was published as an adult story on the Irish Jesuits website entitled Grumbling Granny. At the time I was working with Irish Jesuit Communications in the Jesuit Provincialate in Milltown Park.”

“I was also a member of a creative group associated with Faber Community around the same time, and an American lady said to me one day: ‘Gavin, you write simple stories… so why not write a children’s story?’ And that’s how it all began! I eventually returned to the Grumbling Granny story, simplified and reimagined it, and effectively went back to school to learn my ABCs so I could write from a child’s perspective.”

In Philip and the Amazing Horse, a young boy named Philip visits his Granny in her care home, where she sits in a wheelchair and grumbles from morning to night. Philip tries everything to cheer her up – cards, jigsaw puzzles, TV – but nothing works.

Then, when Philip takes Granny for a walk in her wheelchair, he meets an amazing horse with an extraordinary gift. To receive it, Philip must face his greatest fear, awakening a long-held dream in Granny’s heart.

In many ways, the story reflects the Ignatian magis – a longing or invitation for ‘more’, for greater light and love in our lives.

Gavin has already distributed Philip and the Amazing Horse to his local primary school in north Dublin, and he hopes to make the book available to more primary schools in the new year.

If a teacher or staff member is interested in receiving a copy for their school, they can contact Pat Coyle at [email protected]. Gavin will then be in touch in the new year. Please note: there are a limited number of books available.