Little Island Books signs Lauren O’Hara to illustrate new edition of Oscar Wilde’s children's stories

Little Island Books has signed a new edition of Oscar Wilde’s children’s stories illustrated by Lauren O’Hara. 

Matthew Parkinson-Bennett, c.e.o and publisher, commissioned O’Hara and acquired world rights in all languages from Angharad Kowal Stannus at the Kowal Stannus Agency. The collection will be published as a “luxurious” hardback gift edition in autumn 2025. 

The collection will include six of Wilde’s tales including “The Happy Prince” and “The Selfish Giant” with full-colour illustrations. 

O’Hara commented: “One of my earliest memories is of being read ‘The Selfish Giant’ as a child and being struck by the beauty of Wilde’s writing. Today, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to bring that beauty to life through my illustrations – a testament to the lasting impact of Wilde’s fairy tales. I’m especially thrilled to be working with Little Island on this new edition; an independent Irish press feels like the perfect home for Wilde’s work.”

Parkinson-Bennett added: “We are over the moon to be working with Lauren on bringing out a new edition of these cornerstone classics of children’s literature. We’ve wanted to work with Lauren for a long time and we couldn’t be happier that we’ve found a project we’re all so enthusiastic about. As a press based a stone’s throw from where Wilde grew up in Dublin, it feels fitting that we should bring out this new edition of his children’s writing.”