The Pooka Party

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!

-- RTÉjr

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

An ethereal little story about the mystical Pooka … I feel sure this will not be the last we hear about the captivating Pooka. This surreal mix of fantastical goings on is accompanied by dreamy illustrations. Young children from the earliest ages will happily be transported to Pooka’s land even if they don’t understand the text. The pictures tell the story. Older children will enjoy the moral of the tale. An ideal bedtime story for all. A delightful little tale

* Armadillo Magazine *

this story is an absolute dream of fantasy and folklore and it’s such a sweet take on the pooka myth. I’m sure we’ve all planned epic parties where we’ve dreaded nobody turning up, thankfully it turned out well for the pooka in this story. I adore the illustration in this book, there’s so much detail and the colours used make this feel magical and other-worldly. It’s an absolutely beautiful book to look at and (as you can tell from some crumpled pages) Milo and Gigi have really enjoyed this book too. I particularly enjoy the riotous party pages! There are so many details to spot. I loved folklore tales as a child and I love this modern tale, keeping these creatures alive for future generations.

* Milo and Gigi’s Bookshelf *

In Ireland we are so lucky to come from an island of storytellers, with endless ancient tales for all ages. For our youngest readers aged 4+, The Pooka Party by Shona Shirley Macdonald is a magical tale, filled with captivating and intricate illustrations of the shapeshifting Pooka’s party and their attempts at making friends

-- RTEJr Book Club

gorgeously illustrated … beautiful

-- Tertulia Bookshop, Mayo