Cork woman recognised for her illustration work in kids' book awards
Leanne McDonagh, joint winner with Oein DeBhairduin of the Judgesâ Special Award for Why the Moon Travels is pictured. Pics: Julien Behal
An anthology of stories from Traveller culture and brought to life with critically-acclaimed illustrations, has won a Judges' Special Award prize at this year's Children's Books Ireland awards.
'Why the Moon Travels', collected and edited by MincĂ©ir writer Oein DeBhairduin in his debut excursion, was praised by the judging panel as âa beautifully written and ground-breaking book, which celebrates and shares a rich tradition that may be unfamiliar to many readers.â
Illustrator Leanne McDonagh, from Co Cork, gave life to DeBhairduin's retelling of stories, and is the co-winner of the prize.
McDonagh is an artist and educator, currently working as Traveller Education co-ordinator at MTU Cork (the former CIT).
Among the other winners were 'Savage Her Reply', Deirdre Sullivan and Karen Vaughan's retelling of the Children of Lir story, and 'The Falling in Love Montage', a heartfelt rom-com depicting a teenage lesbian romance.
- Book of the Year: Deirdre Sullivan and Karen Vaughan for Savage Her ReplyÂ
- Honour Award for Fiction: PĂĄdraig Kenny for The Monsters of RookhavenÂ
- Honour Award for Illustration: P.J. Lynch for The Haunted LakeÂ
- EilĂs Dillon Award: Oein DeBhairduin for Why the Moon TravelsÂ
- The Judges' Special Award: Oein DeBhairduin and Leanne McDonagh for Why the Moon TravelsÂ
- The Junior Juries' Award: Ciara Smyth for The Falling in Love Montage
