Little Island to publish Dooley's Irish-themed ABC book

Little Island has acquired ABC Ireland!, the second board book from illustrator, comedian and neurodivergent author Aoife Dooley.

Matthew Parkinson-Bennett, publisher, acquired world rights from agent Faith O'Grady at the Lisa Richards Agency. The title will be published on 7th April 2022. 

Following on from her first board book, 123 Ireland!, which won Junior Children’s Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2019, ABC Ireland! will see Dooley take a look at symbols of Ireland in colourful, child-friendly illustrations for young children learning the alphabet.

Parkinson-Bennett said: "123 Ireland! was Little Island's first board book for the youngest readers. Aoife is a really loved artist in Ireland and thanks to her brilliantly humorous illustrations the book was a real success. We couldn't be happier to be working with Aoife again on another terrific, fun book for small readers that celebrates Ireland."

Dooley commented: "I’m absolutely over the moon to be working with Little Island books on ABC Ireland! Seeing pictures of children learning to count using 123 Ireland! has filled my heart with so much joy. I cannot wait for everyone to see the new book as I’ve been keeping this a secret for quite some time (and I’m not the best at keeping secrets!)"

Dooley's debut, How to be Massive, was published by Gill Books in 2016. Her first graphic novel about a child with autism, Frankie's World, will be published by Scholastic in 2022.