Happy New Year! ✨ It’s never too late to welcome a New Year.
The Blue Jay is often associated with many things; my favourites are optimism, good fortune and encouragement to pursue dreams and goals. It also represents creation, honesty, communication and abundance. 💙
May 2024 be magical and wonderful for us all.
The 2023 Gaelscoil Áine cards are here!
I illustrated a brand-new collection with 10 festive Christmas cards for Gaelscoil Áine this year, promoting the Irish language while fundraising for books and educational materials.
These very special Cártaí Nollag feature greetings in Irish and can bring cúpla focal to people's homes. I am a big advocate of the Irish language because it conveys and holds so much history and stories within it, and I believe that Christmas greetings in Irish are magical.
But the magic in these cards goes beyond the language. They are specially made to raise funds for the school's much-needed educational resources and books.
Gaelscoil Áine is a co-educational and multi-denominational gaelscoil that opened in 2019. It is temporarily located in the third-level Whitehall College while it awaits a permanent building from the Department of Education. Every contribution is essential for the school to keep providing top-notch education.
For only €10, you get 10 heartwarming cards and help support Gaelscoil Áine.
It's a win-win!
The Gaelscoil Áine Christmas cards can be bought through the Shop in Ireland website and and at An Siopa Leabhar on Harcourt Street in Dublin
Receiving book reviews is always a pleasure, and it's no different with my latest book, Little Love Lessons. This is my first published book as an author, and although it is in a picturebook format that can be read with children, it mainly focuses on adults.
I was thrilled when I learned that Children's Books Ireland had asked the amazing Louise Gallagher to review Little Love Lessons - Reflections on Life and Love for You and Your Child.
Below is a sneaky peek, if you want to read the full review, click here.
“This is a book rooted in love, but also in the struggles that being a parent can bring. In twelve double-spreads, Krüse gives short snippets of advice about important moments to focus on and treasure. She points to physical affection, finding joy in the little things, enjoying music together, expressing creativity and your feelings, as some of the ways to connect and enhance the relationship you have with your child.”
A quietly brave and important book that should be read by every new parent.”
- Louise Gallagher
I such a kind review. Thank you, Louise and Children's Books Ireland.
Working with the Irish language is always a privilege, and it is even more rewarding when your work exceeds expectations and reaches a broader audience. This was the case when I was contacted by the lovely Antoinette Robinson when she wanted to make the Children’s Section at Roscommon Library more joyful, cosy and inviting for young readers.
Brian Fitzgerald and Tarsila Krüse at the launch of Bliain na nAmhrán. Photography by © Seán Ó Mainnín
Antoinette proposed to feature artworks from different children’s book illustrators throughout the children’s section in posters to entice the imagination and enchant visitors. I knew this was a project I wanted to be involved with because that is precisely what I aim to do with my work.
Framed poster of An Fómhar by Tarsila Krüse. Photograph by Antoinette Robinson.
The images chosen come from our award-winning book Bliain na nAmhrán (with songs by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin and published by Futa Fata). This is an extraordinary book because it genuinely represents creative collaboration. The songs are produced by John Ryan and illustrated by four illustrators, one for each season, featuring artworks by Brian Fitzgerald, Jennifer Farley, Christina O’Donovan and myself.
Roscommon Library Children’s Section with framed images from Bliain na nAmhrán. Photograph by Antoinette Robinson.
The Library selected the double spread that opens the Autumn section, which is my favourite season and also the one I illustrated. I love the way it reflects the joyful and playful feeling of the season with warm colours, falling leaves and a magical atmosphere.
I hope children and grownups will revel in the art pieces and take a small tour through the seasons, enjoying the framed artwork while visiting the Roscommon Library.
Thank you, Antoinette and Roscommon Library, for such an honour!
Welcome to October! The spooky season is upon us!
When I was nine years old, I began learning English as a second language in school in Brazil, and that is when I was introduced to the concept of Halloween for the first time. We read a book named "Jack-O-Lantern", which fascinated me with the idea of a pumpkin-headed creature coming to life. It was both exciting and scary! Since then, I have never forgotten how magical it all felt, and I want to share the same spooky magic with you.
As a Halloween treat, here's a step-by-step guide to drawing a Jack-O-Lantern.
You only need a pencil, eraser, and paper to draw this Jack-O-Lantern.
Can you follow the six steps and add the orange lines as instructed?
Once done, feel free to colour and render the pumpkin in any way you like; you can use colouring pencils, markers, crayons or any other materials you already have.
Happy Halloween!
