The Box - Book Illustration

Artwork from The Fairy Queen, my very first picture book!

The soldiers, with the help of the King and Queen's crow, capture the Travellers and lock them in a big box.

I wanted to make the soldiers very large with big gesticulating hands that would really scare the Travellers. Against such odds, the Travellers plight seems utterly hopeless. A desperate bird attempts to untie the ropes on one man's hands.

Pencil and graphite on Canson heavyweight paper 300gsm, measures 30cm x 21.5cm (11.8in x 8.5in).

**Each artwork also includes a copy of the Fairy Queen book**

Have you ever wondered how leprechauns came to be in Ireland?

The Fairy Queen is my very first picture book! Over nine months I had the great honour of illustrating a tale rooted in the oral tradition of the Irish Traveller community. Written by beloved storyteller Chrissy Donoghue Ward.

One day, a greedy king and queen arrive in Ireland and demand gold from all who live there. Anyone who can't pay is sent to jail. The king of the Travellers and his grandchildren escape to the woods. There, they meet a fairy queen, who turns them into leprechauns and gives the king magical powers beyond his imagination. Together, they go on a quest to save his friends and reclaim their home.

Co-published by Little Island Books and Skein Press.

The book is hardback, measures 27cm x 21cm, with 32 illustrated pages.

If you would like me to sign a copy of the book just add a note to your order :-)

Big, big hugs, Monika.