children’s books – Irish Greeting Cards by Catherine Dunne

With summertime here at last, this is what’s going on behind the scenes here in the studio. I’ve just added a section for original artwork to my website so if you’re looking for some original art for yourself or as a gift, check it out. I’ll be uploading more in the coming weeks.

The main thing that has been going on is I’m working on a brand new children’s book

How I write children’s books

In case you’re thinking of writing a children’s book yourself, the first stage of my process is I spend a lot of time thinking about the story, it’s like an incubation period and this could take weeks or months. Then it’s suddenly time to sit down with a notebook and jot down a really rough idea of the book … a beginning, a middle and an end. This is a very rough outline, then I develop it a bit more. I’ve reached this stage now so will pop in a little paragraph next month to keep you updated on my progress.

Catherine

I’m so excited as this new, revised edition of the Elephant Tree has just gone to print. This book has had a total makeover with an improved story and it is now filled with my hand drawn watercolour drawings. It’s a lovely story about Miguel the Elephant who wants to fly and Ari, a little bird, who is afraid to fly.

I got the original idea from a sculpture by Miguel Barcelo that was in the gardens of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. I had the pleasure of meeting Miguel Barcelo at the time and was very taken with him and his explanation of why he created the sculpture of the elephant standing on its trunk. He told me that the trunk of the elephant became the trunk of the tree.

One thought led to another and the first, and very traumatic, version of the Elephant Tree was born! I am happy to say that I have totally revised the story and the illustrations and this version is perfect for young children. It touches on the circle of life and may help children with bereavement.

Now I just have to wait until it arrives from the printer! You can pre-order your own copy now.

Tag: children’s books

Original Art and Children’s Books

The Elephant Tree – 2020 Version