County Derry author's books added to BBC Gaeilge coverage

Yvonne Fleming, the Maghera based author of the children's book series The Weatherbies, a community of loveable, weather-themed characters each with their own stories and personalities has announced that they will be brought to life in a new series of animated online videos for BBC Gaeilge.

Na Weatherbies entertain and excite children with their educational stories helping them connect with their environment and the outside world. From Flo Snow to Sammy Sun, this group of weather-themed friends enjoy recycling, healthy eating, growing fruit and vegetables, reading books and using solar and wind power.

In this eight-part series, children can follow their adventures around Skytown and discover more about topics including the environment, the seasons and counting numbers, before dancing and singing along to some fun Weatherbies’ songs.

Karen Kirby, Commissioning Executive for BBC Gaeilge, said: “Tá muid an-sásta Na Weatherbies a chur in aithne dár lucht féachana óg do Sheachtain na Gaeilge! “We’re really pleased to introduce Na Weatherbies to our younger audience for Seachtain na Gaeilge!

“The bright, colourful, lively stories and songs from all the characters provide younger Irish language learners with a fun, accessible way to learn about particular topics and themes in the world around us.”

Yvonne Flemming, Creator of The Weatherbies said: “I am over the moon and so delighted that my little Na Weatherbies characters are now on BBC Gaeilge. I love creating content to make learning fun for young children and it’s been so exciting for me to develop Na Weatherbies stories and songs in the Irish language.”

The Weatherbies Ltd was established in 2009 by Yvonne Fleming.

With a background in childcare and 25 years’ experience of working with children as a childminder,  the idea for  the  Weatherbies  was born. 

The Weatherbies Ltd has enjoyed consistent growth. ‘The Weatherbies’ started as a series of popular educational books whose characters are already well established and well-known to many young children.

Maghera based author Yvonne Fleming and creator of The Weatherbies

"Over the years their creator, Yvonne Fleming, has spent time visiting schools and childcare facilities, directly engaging with the pupils and teachers. 

In November 2021, they launched their Digital First Strategy to make The Weatherbies  more accessible to a wider international audience by creating online content like animated videos, songs, graphic designs, and animated book readings.

Visit bbc.co.uk/gaeilge to watch now or find out more on The Weatherbies via theweatherbies.co.uk