Stormy Seas, Shape-shifting Creatures and Picture Books

In this talk, award-winning author illustrator, Paddy Donnelly, shares his experiences on breaking into the picture book world and how his childhood in Ireland has inspired his stories. Paddy is a self-taught author/ illustrator, coming from a background in web and UX design. He’ll talk about how he transitioned from the world of digital design and established a career writing and illustrating for children. He now has over 20 picture books under his belt, including Fox & Son Tailers, The Vanishing Lake, Here Be Dragons, Hom and Wolves in Helicopters, with many having been translated into multiple languages.

Paddy grew up on the rugged cliffs of the Irish coastline, looking out on the stormy waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by the many myths and legends emerging from the land and sea, these stories were destined to bleed into his picture book illustration. Winner of the Judges’ Special Award at the 2023 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards, Paddy will share the inspiration he draws from the landscapes and seascapes of Ireland, his writing and illustration process and how he established his career while being completely self-taught. He'll also take a deep dive into some of his latest picture books.