Brian is an award-winning, Irish illustrator who lives and works in Dún Laoghaire. His earliest illustrations often featured the sheep and horses seen from his childhood home on the Curragh plains. Brian has worked continuously as an illustrator since graduating from NCAD in Dublin.
From his first picture book commission in 2010, he was hooked and has focused on picture books ever since receiving international recognition (Inaugural winner of the International Silent Book in Bologna, 2014) for his award-winning book Bounce Bounce. In 2015 he met with Harriet Ziefert in New Jersey and has collaborated ever since, Be Thankful For Trees. Other collaborations include Gabriel Rosenstock An Eala Órga and Óró na Circíní agus scéalta eile ón Afraic, Usborne Atlas sticker picture books (2017), Lula Bell I don’t want to go to School (Little Tiger Press), with O’Brien Press; Elena Browne You can do it Rosie, Éanna Ní Lamhna Wonders of the Wild (2023). With Futa Fata; Amuigh Faoin Spéir, by Sadhbh Devlin, Gealach agus Grian by Muireann Ní Chíobháin and Jeanne Willis on The Bear Who Had Nothing to Wear (Scalllywag Press) and The Rattlin’ Bog (Barefoot Books). Brian’s first author illustrator book Bunny’s Most Fabulous Vacation Ever! releases May 2024 (Red Comet Press).
EVENTS
Amuigh Faoin Spéir | Event
12.30 p.m. | Pugin Hall | €7.50 / €2.50 |
for age 5-8
Join author Sadhbh Devlin, illustrator Brian Fitzgerald and their little friend Rua on a big adventure Amuigh Faoin Spéir! Rua is delighted that the weekend is here. He’s looking forward to lying on the sofa and watching his favourite cartoons all day. Mammy is happy that it’s the weekend too, but she has a completely different plan... Amuigh Faoin Spéir is all about sofa-snuggles and big adventures in the great outdoors. Sadhbh will read the story and then Brian will help us all make some amazing art!
Bí i gcuideachta údar Sadhbh Devlin, maisitheoir Brian Fitzgerald agus a gcara beag Rua ar eachtra mhór Amuigh Faoin Spéir! Tá Rua breá sásta go bhfuil an deireadh seachtaine ann agus gur féidir leis luí siar ar an tolg le breathnú ar chartúin ar feadh an lae. Tá Mamaí sásta go bhfuil an deireadh seachtaine ann freisin ach tá plean iomlán éagsúil aici siúd don lá... Léifidh Sadhbh an scéal agus ansin taispeánfaidh Brian dúinn conas ealaín álainn a chruthú!
This is a bilingual Gaeilge/English event.
This event is presented with author Sadhbh Devlin and illustrator Brian Fitzgerald
Children must be accompanied by an adult, tickets are required for adults & children.
The Bear Who Had Nothing to Wear | Workshop
4 p.m. | Pugin Hall | €10 (Carers free) | for age 5+
Most teddy bears let their owner decide, but Albie would not, for a bear has its pride. Albie is a well-dressed teddy bear with an outfit for every occasion – from fairy to pirate, cowboy to elegant city gent. Come and hear illustrator Brian Fitzgerald read from The Bear Who Had Nothing to Wear (written by Jeanne Willis) and create a brand new character with their own unique style! Teddies of all kinds are very welcome to come.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
Bring Your Teddy Bear
RECENT PUBLICATIONS:
Bunny’s Most Fabulous Vacation Ever! (Red Comet Press, 2024) for age 4-8 years
The Rattlin’ Bog with Jessica Law (Barefoot Books, 2024) for age 3-7 years
Gealach agus Grian with Muireann Ní Chíobháin (Futa Fata, 2023) for age 5-8 years
The Bear Who Had Nothing to Wear with Jeanne Willis (Scallywag Press, 2023) for age 3+
Be Thankful for Water with Harriet Ziefert (Red Comet Press, 2022) for age 4-8 years
RECENT AWARDS/ NOMINATIONS:
Winner: Gradam Réics Carló, 2023 (Amuigh Faoin Spéir)