Nice animated video of illustrations by Carson Ellis for Colin Meloy‘s (lead singer of the Decemberists) book Wildwood.

Something to get the festive juices flowing!

Futa Fata, the children’s publisher, will officially launch the picture book “Cáca don Rí” written by Ailbhe Nic Giolla Bhrighde and illustrated by Steve Simpson in Galway and Dublin over the coming days.

Galway Launch with Máire Éilis Ní Fhlatharta (Caitríona from TG4, Ros na Rún series) in Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Knocknacarra, Galway on Friday, 25th November at 7pm.
Dublin Launch with Laureate na n-Óg, Siobhán Parkinson in Hodges Figgis Bookshop, Dawson Street, Dublin on Wednesday, 30th November at 5pm.
Children especially welcome! www.Futafata.ie

Congratulations to Illustrators Ireland member Chris Judge. His book, The Lonely Beast was awarded last night the Irish Children Book Award.
Also a mention to Illustrators Ireland member Steve McCarthy who was shortlisted for the same award.

Well done guys!

Have you heard the latest and greatest show to hit the airwaves? Check out Gráinne Clear’s show, Little Pages on RTEjr – tackling all things books from way back when to the the hottest thing next week.

You can catch the first show here.

Fresh Air‘s Terry Gross conducts a heartbreaking interview with Maurice Sendak which mainly focuses on his old age.  Listen here.

Laureate na nÓg Siobhán Parkinson, Children’s Books Ireland and the Austrian Embassy are launching an exhibition of illustrations by children’s illustrators from Ireland and Austria – Images Beyond Borders.

The exhibition will be launched with a discussion on children’s book illustration by Niamh Sharkey and Valerie Coghlan (7pm on Friday 7 October, at the No Grants Gallery/ The Culture Box)

Click for more details.

Checkout the latest book from IGI member Olivia Golden.
Dragan Feasa is a children’s fantasy novel populated by heroes and dragons written by Rhiannon Watson. It’s now available from www.coislife.ie

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Those clever folks at The Ark have a great line up coming up – including a SPOOOOOOKY season in October with illustrators Bruce Ingman and Chris Judge.

But wait. There’s something else. Something BIG.

They have Cliff Wright. You know Cliff Wright the guy from Sussex… draws pictures, paints a little, sculpts, teaches. No? Oh, you mean you’ve never seen the cover of a Harry Potter book?? Yup – that’s him!

Not to be missed!

New York Times talks to Maurice Sendak on his return to writing in his new book Bumble-Ardy.

What inspired your return to writing?

There hasn’t been a stopping point. It just takes me longer because I’m older. The book that’s coming out in September has been two or three years in the making. I’m working on another book right now.