Tír na nÓg

Erika McGann grew up in Drogheda, County Louth, and now lives in Dublin. She is the author of many books including The Demon Notebook (winner of the Waverton Good Read Children’s Award), the ‘Cass and the Bubble Street Gang’ series and Tabitha Plimtock and the Edge of the World. Her picture books include the Where Are You, Puffling? stories (illustrated by Gerry Daly) and Standing On One Leg Is Hard and What is a Peachick? (illustrated by Clive McFarland).Conor Busuttil is a children’s picture book illustrator and passionate doodler. His most recent works include projects for the Blue Peter "Here be Dragons" competition, the exhibition and trail for Kew Gardens and working with Hampton Court Palace to bring their history to life for children. He was recently selected by The Eric Carle Museum as a rising star. Conor is a lover of all things nature. Growing up in a small country village on the Strangford Lough coast in County Down, he spent many a day exploring the marshy farmlands for tadpoles and newts, and the rocky coastline in search of the mysterious creatures the tide left behind in its seaweedy pools.

Two of O'Brien's stars, Erika McGann and Conor Busuttil, have come together to create this lovely new book. We all know the story of Oisin and Tir na nÓg - but this is Niamh and Tir na nÓg, the first version I've ever seen from Niamh's point of view, which feels like such an obvious oversight! Conor's artwork is amazing, slightly cartoony in the best way and full of detail. I've loved his other books but this might be his best yet! I'm sure I'm missing loads, but I do love the carving on the stone pillar - vibrant and new when Niamh comes for Oisin, overgrown and rubbed down when he returns. This is a fabulous addition to O'Brien's list of folklore inspired titles, and I can't wait to see what else this partnership comes up with.