A new children's book co-authored by primary school pupils is set to be distributed to every Primary 5 class in Northern Ireland. The book, An Inspired Adventure, was created by 102 pupils from St. Patrick's Primary School in Pennyburn and aims to help children understand friendship, inclusion and the importance of embracing difference.

The project is based on over a decade of research by Ulster University's School of Nursing and Paramedic Science. The Inspired Model of Connection, developed by the university's Inspired Research Team, is an approach designed to help people with isolating health conditions share their life stories and memories to foster understanding and inclusion. Dr Claire McCauley, who leads the research, said the model was used to empower children to explore connection and friendship through their story.

The book was produced through a collaboration between Ulster University, St. Patrick's Primary School, creative writing charity Fighting Words NI, and the Nerve Centre, a multi-media arts organisation. Fighting Words NI ran writing workshops with the four Primary 5 classes, while an artist from the Nerve Centre captured the pupils' ideas in real-time illustrations. Each class contributed one chapter to the four-chapter book.

The finished book was unveiled at Ulster University's Derry campus at an event attended by around 125 pupils, teachers, project partners and university staff. Professor Malachy O'Neill, the university's Director of Regional Engagement, said the project strengthens the institution's links with local communities and introduces younger learners to the university's work in an accessible way. Dr Neal Cook, Head of the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, noted the collaborative effort across education, the creative sector and academia.

Pupils described their involvement as a source of pride, with many saying the experience taught them to be better friends and not to give up on anyone. Their favourite parts included designing characters and a storyline involving a turtle invasion and the rescue of a duck named Gerard's family. Principal Ian Gallagher said he was proud of how the pupils developed their writing and collaboration skills while deepening their understanding of empathy and inclusion.

A total of 2,000 copies are being printed, funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation, which supported the workshops, editing, illustration, design and printing. Each participating child will receive a copy, and the remaining books will go to Primary 5 classrooms across the region. Dr McCauley described the children as Inspired ambassadors and said the launch celebrated their achievement and their potential to engage with those facing isolation in their communities.