Local Author Brings Irish Castles to Life in New Children’s Book Series

A centuries-old Irish castle, a stoplight, and a little boy named Michael — those are the key ingredients in The Shepherd Boy and His Flute, the first installment in a new children’s book series from Front Royal author Catherine Bacik. The book, brought to life through vivid watercolor illustrations by local artist Genevieve Elise, is part of the planned Castle by the Stoplight series, blending history, imagination, and heart.

Bacik and Elise recently joined the Royal Examiner in the studio to discuss their collaboration and how a chance encounter with a real Irish castle sparked an idea that became a beautifully crafted storybook.

“It started with a trip to Swords Castle, just north of Dublin,” Bacik explained. “The first time I saw it, it was raining and dark. It just grabbed my imagination — I couldn’t stop thinking about all the people who had passed through those walls over the centuries.”

A Castle That Tells Stories

That moment of inspiration became the foundation of The Shepherd Boy and His Flute. In the book, the castle becomes a character in its own right, revealing its ancient memories to a modern-day boy named Michael, whose vivid imagination allows him to hear the stories the castle has to tell.

“This particular tale is about a shepherd boy who once cared for sheep just outside the castle walls,” Bacik said. “It’s imagined, of course, but grounded in real history. The goal is to make children curious — about the past, about people, and about the stories that connect us.”

The name Castle by the Stoplight may sound whimsical, but it’s very real. “Swords Castle is literally at a T-intersection, with a stoplight right in front of it,” Bacik laughed. “I remember just standing there, filming it, saying, ‘Ancient castle… stoplight… ancient castle… stoplight.’ It’s where modern life meets the medieval past.”

Bringing the Past to Life

To translate that vision into illustrations, Bacik turned to Genevieve Elise, who spent weeks creating hand-painted watercolors that give the book a timeless, storybook charm.

“I started with her vacation photos from Ireland,” Elise said. “I wanted to stay true to the history, so I researched everything — the architecture, clothing, even the quarry stone colors. At one point, I got stuck wondering if I had the right kind of sword or shoes!”

Elise completed the artwork over the summer and even scanned the originals locally to prep them for publishing. Her attention to detail adds layers of authenticity that match the tone of Bacik’s storytelling — historically grounded, but warmly imaginative.

What’s Next for the Series

The author-illustrator duo is already planning book two in the series, likely arriving in fall 2026. “The story’s already underway,” Bacik said. “Once I finish the manuscript, I’ll pass it to Genevieve, and she’ll start working her watercolor magic again.”

Beyond the book series, Bacik hopes to bring even more literary opportunities to the area. “We have such a creative community here in Front Royal,” she said. “I’d love to help organize a local book fair or author showcase. There’s a lot of talent in this town.”

Upcoming Events & Where to Buy

Fans will soon be able to hear the story read aloud during a special castle-themed story time at Samuels Public Library in February 2026, with another event tentatively planned for St. Patrick’s Day.

The Shepherd Boy and His Flute is available now on Amazon in both print and eBook formats. It also includes audio descriptions for those with visual impairments, making the book accessible to more readers.

“It’s a story about listening to the past, to your imagination, and to the quiet voices that still echo through old places,” Bacik said. “And we hope kids of all ages will enjoy the journey.”

To purchase the book, visit: Amazon.com – The Shepherd Boy and His Flute.