Zoologists host launch of new children’s book on Irish wildlife

Posted on: 09 October 2018

A beautiful children’s book that celebrates the diversity and wonder of Ireland’s wildlife was launched last week at a special event in Trinity’s Department of Zoology.

Professor in Zoology at Trinity, Nicola Marples, was a key member of the team that put Dr Hibernica Finch’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals together as she shared her invaluable knowledge of Ireland’s fauna and fact-checked every furry, fishy or flighty detail contained within.

Professor Marples said:

“I am delighted to see this beautiful and entertaining book in print. The more our young people know about their own native wildlife the better the prospects of survival for the fascinating species which share this island.”

The Compendium, which is presented in the style of a notebook with field notes and includes exquisite and zoologically correct sketches of 30 of Ireland’s most iconic animals, was the idea of Irish-Polish illustrator Aga Grandowicz, who originally wanted to be a vet and to this day spends some of her happiest times drawing animals. She joined forces with Bray native Rob Maguire, who supplied the witty and informative prose – despite being allergic to animals.

The animals featured range from the tiny (Eurasian pygmy shrew) to the huge (killer whale) and include favourites such as robins, puffins, seals, hedgehogs, otters and deer.

Dr Hibernica Finch’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals is published by Little Island Books – an independent Irish publisher for children and teenagers, specialising in new Irish writing and works in translation. The book (ISBN: 978-1-910411-94-0) is available from bookstores at a cost of €20.