Although I spend a lot of time in the book-making part of my work, doing events and visiting libraries and schools is especially relevant to my work as an author and children's book illustrator. It is when I meet children that I can feel the connection and see first-hand the impact my work has beyond my desk.
I visited a welcoming and heartwarming school earlier this year, as part of Literacy Week, The St. Patrick's Junior National School Corduff, in Dublin. The school is located on the Northside are of Dublin and filled with incredible staff.
Upon walking into the 2nd class classroom, there were two adorable displays, one featuring my books and another my work coloured in by the children. To consider that the teachers and children had taken the time to use resources and make these displays before my visit was an absolute delight. I may have cried. Ok, I totally cried.
The atmosphere was buzzing, and the children (and teachers) were eager to learn and draw with me. The sessions were brilliant, but the highlights were, without a shadow of a doubt, the ideas these incredible children brought to the table - their Little Albums dedicated to what they love the most, from cars to food, pets to family and everything in between.
I will treasure this visit forever.
Thank you, Ciara and all the other St. Patrick's JNS staff members.
Tarsila Krüse
