Little Love Lessons - Review

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.

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“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

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I such a kind review. Thank you, Louise and Children's Books Ireland.

Book - Don't Go To School!

Don’t Go To School!
by Máire Zepf & Tarsila Krüse
(Futa Fata)

Winner 5-8 Age Category - Literacy Association of Ireland 2017
Shortlisted Gradam Réics Carló 2016
Shortlisted Children’s Books Ireland - Book of The Year 2016
Honour List Recipient IbBy Ireland 2018

Children's books are excellent in providing a loving and caring way to address concerns, and as the new school year approaches, parents may feel anxious about the changes it could bring. Don't Go To School! is a lovely little book for parents and children going through this new stage.

The book follows the story of Benno, a young bear who is excited about his first day of school, but his mammy… is not.

The roles of mother and child are turned upside down, and we accompany mammy and Benno throughout their school day (playful tantrums and kisses in pockets included!)

The colourful and expressive illustrations make it perfect for young readers about to start school, promoting connection and reassurance sprinkled with light humour.

Celebrate the start of the school year by giving the gift of fun with Don't Go To School!

Reviews

“In this gentle, funny debut tale of helicopter parenting taken to its logical extreme, Benno, a dapper young bear, is excited about his first day of school, but Mom is having a tough time. Is that scenario a stab at reverse psychology aimed to help quell kids’ fear, or a social comment aimed at hoverers? Well, both. “Stay here with me, Benno!” she cries, then tries to get him to leave the playground because “I don’t know anyone here!” Krüse’s art, in bear-friendly shades of honey and moss, is as warm and balanced as Zepf’s story.”

— Maria Russo - The New York Times

“Don’t Go to School! is both touching and entertaining – I so enjoy reading a back-to-school book where the traditional narrative has been turned on its head. Another big fan is Miss 4, who starts school next year. I am sure that we’ll be reading this story again and again in the lead-up to the big day. The choice of animals rather than people adds to the book’s gentle appeal: the cast of furry friends (koalas, pandas and bears) is simply gorgeous. And each page features brightly coloured backdrops (Benno’s family home, a local ice cream parlour, lollipop trees in the school playground.) Readers big and small will find treats aplenty when they explore the illustrations more closely.”

— Laura Taylor - Planet Picture Book

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A Special Gift - Shortlisted for the Fertility Care Awards

I am thrilled and deeply honoured to receive news that the series of books - A Special Gift - has been shortlisted for the Fertility Care Award, organised by The European Fertility Society.

Author Sadhbh Devlin and I created four books - Egg Donation, Sperm Donation, Double Donation and Solo Mammy - to open up the conversation about the origin story of donor-conceived children between parents and children.

This book stands out from others in the same category because it presents the story from the child's point of view. It portrays resourceful adults searching for a special ingredient to create a recipe for their family. The story revolves around Little Otter’s (main character) birthday and is full of positivity and celebration. Readers also get a glimpse of different families that were created in their unique way.

No matter which book, a Special Gift honours and celebrates the child’s existence; after all, THEY are the ultimate Special Gift!

Seeing our work being recognised and appreciated by the Fertility Care Awards and the fact that it was shortlisted only adds to our excitement and gratitude.

The Awards are being announced soon, but what matters the most to us is that A Special Gift has been reaching the people who truly need it: families with donor-conceived children who want to open the conversation about having a donor in their stories in a safe, loving and respectful way.

A Special Gift is a testament to the importance of cherishing our unique families, hope, and love. I am very grateful for this exciting opportunity to share this message and bring joy to families everywhere.

NISIG (National Infertility Support and Information Group) has published all A Special Gift books with the aid of public health funding, and they are available for free distribution to those who require them.