a beautiful book for very young children about what to do when you feel sad or lonely
* Tuam Herald *
such a cute book. I absolutely adore The Pooka ... A really lovely story that is super to read aloud and is full of fascinating and stunning illustrations that will give you plenty to talk about
-- Shelley Fallows
With spirals, twirls and double spreads, there is an inventiveness, a boldness and a vibrant visual blend of text and illustration in this engaging story of the pooka. The non-gender pooka is a shapeshifter, suddenly faced with its aloneness and loneliness. The illustration style is as wild and unruly as the pooka itself. The story is touchingly told with minimal text, leaving us with a satisfying sense of show rather than tell.
-- Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards Shortlist
Macdonald's art is what stands out in this story - her fantastical creatures are dynamic, quirky and will spark the imagination of little readers ... The night-time ending is a symphony of purples, greys and blues that are sure to evoke bedtime calm in little ones
-- Inis Magazine, January 2019 issue
there is such a wealth of quality Irish-produced books this year and The Pooka Party by Shona Shirley Macdonald is no exception. A delightful story of being lonely and then belonging, accompanied by magical images
-- Sunday Independent
thoroughly captivating ... beautifully composed and colourful scenes ... beautiful and strange but beguiling
-- Books for Keeps
brought to life by Macdonald's exquisite illustrations which are packed full of details and are so enchanting they practically dance off the page
-- Irish Independent
For anyone feeling a bit lonely and isolated indoors, especially for 4+, The Pooka Party will lift your spirits and encourage you to throw a party and invite your friends around for sparkly soup!
-- RTEjr
a number of beautifully composed and carefully coloured scenes each of which deepen the reader's sense of being in a fairy other-world
-- Books for Keeps
the simple story is brought to life by Macdonald's exquisite illustrations which are so packed full of details, and so enchanting, they practically dance off the page. Her night-time colour palette - shimmering silver, midnight blue, mossy green - is a treat for the eyes and don't miss her tiny fish riding bicycles. A picture book maker with an exciting future ahead of her
-- Irish Independent
for the youngest of thrill-seekers ... a visual feast, including some of the most gorgeous and gruesome looking cupcakes you will ever see
-- Irish Times
a perfect (and pretty lovely) book for Hallowe'en and the windy nights of October ... magical and beautifully illustrated story
-- RTE Guide
inspiring and magical ... outstanding artwork and good fun
-- Irish Examiner
a delightful and whimsical romp of a story. Beautifully illustrated throughout ... the book would certainly stand many readings as the stunning illustrations are so detailed ... it's the illustrations that make this book really special
-- SeomraRanga
beautifully illustrated ... a madcap tale of what to do if you feel sad and lonely, starring one shapeshifting hero with some musical monsters, flying cakes and a guest appearance by the Moon
-- Belfast Telegraph
eyecatching picture book with an appealing message about the power of friendship
-- Evening Echo
beautifully illustrated, this is a delightful and unusual story about friendship
-- Parents in Touch
