Unleashing Creativity: Exploring Summer Through My Little Album Workshop with author & illustrator Tarsila Krüse

This summer, I am hosting a workshop called "My Little Album of Summer" in partnership with Fingal Libraries at Baldoyle, Donabate and Swords Libraries. This workshop is designed to encourage exploration, discovery, and creativity inspired by my books "My Little Album of Dublin" and "My Little Album of Ireland" in collaboration with author Juliette Saumande, published by The O'Brien Press.

This workshop offers children a unique platform to express their creativity and self-expression by crafting their own little albums (folded zines). Through a blend of drawing and writing, the children can encapsulate their treasured summer moments and experiences in a medium that is uniquely their own. This not only fosters artistic expression but also provides a safe space for them to reflect on and appreciate the beauty of their summer adventures.

The 'My Little Album of Summer' workshop is a celebration of personal experiences, imagination, and storytelling. It guides children to cherish and remember the fleeting moments of summer while also providing a platform for them to share their unique perspectives with others.

While celebrating the participants' ingenuity, this workshop demonstrates the importance of imagination and individuality. It also highlights the significance of providing spaces where children can express themselves freely and confidently. It allows children to build self-esteem, develop their storytelling skills, and learn the value of creativity and self-expression.

So, as we embrace the vibrancy of the season, let's also embrace the creativity and storytelling skills of our young ones! Through the "My Little Album of Summer" workshop, children can record their favourite things, preserving their cherished memories and celebrating the unique experiences that make summer so special.

When facilitating workshops, I aim to foster children's creativity, providing a safe and encouraging space to unleash imagination through art, writing, and storytelling. It is a chance for children to build self-esteem and skills to express themselves creatively while having a blast. If you are a teacher, librarian or event organiser, check out my workshop services here.

Drawing Workshops - St. Patrick's JNS Corduff

Although I spend a lot of time in the book-making part of my work, doing events and visiting libraries and schools is especially relevant to my work as an author and children's book illustrator. It is when I meet children that I can feel the connection and see first-hand the impact my work has beyond my desk.

I visited a welcoming and heartwarming school earlier this year, as part of Literacy Week, The St. Patrick's Junior National School Corduff, in Dublin. The school is located on the Northside are of Dublin and filled with incredible staff.

Upon walking into the 2nd class classroom, there were two adorable displays, one featuring my books and another my work coloured in by the children. To consider that the teachers and children had taken the time to use resources and make these displays before my visit was an absolute delight. I may have cried. Ok, I totally cried.

The atmosphere was buzzing, and the children (and teachers) were eager to learn and draw with me. The sessions were brilliant, but the highlights were, without a shadow of a doubt, the ideas these incredible children brought to the table - their Little Albums dedicated to what they love the most, from cars to food, pets to family and everything in between.

I will treasure this visit forever.

Thank you, Ciara and all the other St. Patrick's JNS staff members.

Tarsila Krüse