Discovering Bravery: Beyond the Stars. Niamh Sharkey

A moving and heart-warming short story from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written by 14-year-old competition winner and illustrated by one of Ireland’s best-loved and award-winning picture-book creatorsRuka is different from all the other ten-year-olds in the village, lacking the magical powers needed to begin training as a young sorcerer. Lonely and insecure, she runs away into the forest in despair. But escaping the familiar presents new challenges and after coming face to face with a lone wolf, Ruka soon realises that all is not what it seems – there are other darker forces at play that could put her life in danger.With the sound of her brother’s words ringing in her ears – Be brave for me – Ruka knows what she must do. But will she be able to summon up the courage to confront her greatest fears? The decision she makes will change the course of her life for ever.A magical and imaginative tale brought to life by beautiful illustrations.Look out for the other eleven stories, also available as e-shorts!