Poway author Karen Boyle says her recently released book, “Kelly Catches a Leprechaun,” is filled with “heart, humor and a sprinkle of Irish magic.”
The former elementary school teacher who taught in the Poway Unified School District for 30 years before retiring in June 2024 self-published the book. It went on sale on Amazon on March 1, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
The book for children ages 6 to 8 tells the story of Kelly catching a real leprechaun. She is then surprised to find out he is not the cheerful fellow she imagined. In fact, he is furious.
“This story gently teaches young readers how to see both sides of a problem, manage money wisely and discover solutions that help everyone shine,” Boyle said.
The educator said she wants to share as much information as possible with children. To enhance the educational experience, she includes discussion questions and science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities within the leprechaun book.
One of those STEAM activities is designing a piggy bank that can take coins or paper money to teach about saving money similar to keeping gold in a pot, said the former teacher in Poway, Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch.
Another activity is setting a leprechaun trap with pulleys to teach about working with objects in motion and camouflage. The activities follow the state’s educational standards so educators can use them as part of their lessons, she said.
The book engages readers with a fun Find a 4 Leaf Clover activity on every page.
“As an author, I will always include discussion questions and a STEAM activity,” she said. “I like to inspire creativity, imagination and design.”
In addition to writing “Kelly Catches a Leprechaun,” Boyle wrote “It’s Not Just a Dog,” which will be for sale on Amazon by March 14.
Courtesy Karen Boyle
Karen Boyle’s “It’s Not Just a Dog” book includes a STEAM activity guide. (Courtesy Karen Boyle)
The book geared to children ages 6 to 8 features a furry, tail-wagging dog who wants to be included in a playdate with two friends.
“One friend says, ‘It’s just a dog,’” states a summary of the story. “But the other friend knows better – and she’s ready to prove it. Through a playful repetitive pattern, the girls discover all the ways a dog can be part of their lives.”
Boyle said she was inspired to write the book because she had friends who would say, “It’s just a dog.” But Boyle knows better. She feels it’s not just a dog.
“I love dogs and I take great care of them,” she said.
All of Boyle’s dogs, including her current one, were adopted from shelters and rescue groups, she said.
Also included in “It’s Not Just a Dog” are discussion questions and STEAM activities with a Find a Dog Print activity on every page to “make it fun for the kids,” she said.
With the publication of the two books, Boyle is celebrating her success in accomplishing one of her main retirement goals. Boyle published the books simultaneously after working on them for more than a year.
A June 2024 article in the Poway News Chieftain recognizing Poway Unified’s retiring elementary educators mentioned Boyle’s retirement goals. In addition to publishing books, they were to stay active by playing pickleball, swimming, biking, golfing, skiing, hiking and triathlons.
One of the loftier goals of this San Diego State University alumna who has a master’s degree in educational technology was to launch a Kids Care Club.
She plans to achieve that goal on April 22, when in honor of Earth Day, she will launch the idea of the club. Boyle said she would like to have it run through Poway Unified’s afterschool programs or the Poway Library.