Wild Wonders is an anthology of short nature stories for children, bringing together ten authors and ten illustrators in a celebration of the natural world.

Published by Natural World Publishing in 2023, the book was a collaborative project that brought together a diverse group of creative voices, all sharing an interest in nature, storytelling and the importance of helping children connect with the world around them.

I was involved in the project as both a contributing illustrator and the publisher behind Natural World Publishing. My illustrations accompany some of the stories in the collection, translating their characters, landscapes and natural-history themes into visual narratives.

I particularly enjoyed being part of a project where illustration and writing work so closely together. Nature stories can introduce young readers to animals, habitats, and seasonal changes in an accessible and imaginative way, while illustrations offer another entry point, encouraging children to look more closely at the natural world.

The book received some lovely feedback, including this description from The Irish Times:

“This is a gorgeous gem of a book that casts a warm, kindly gaze on the ordinary miracles of the natural world.”

Wild Wonders was also praised by Halfway Up the Stairs Children's Bookshop for its ability to encourage children to develop a love and appreciation of the nature around them.

The project also connects to conservation: 10% of profits from book sales are donated to the Irish Wildlife Trust, supporting its work to protect and conserve Ireland's wildlife and natural habitats.

The photographs below show my illustrations from the book. To see the work of the other contributing illustrators and find out more about the anthology, visit the Natural World Publishing website.

Wild Wonders brings together several aspects of my practice: wildlife illustration, publishing, creative collaboration, and a commitment to making nature engaging and accessible to younger audiences.