Review by: Úna Nic Cárthaigh
When we meet Molaí, she is feeling sad and in need of a break from her phone and the digital world. The Lus na mBan Sí, or Foxglove Fairy, comes to help settle her mind by taking Molaí and her dog on a special journey through nature to remind her of the beauty of the natural world around us. The journey starts up high in a tree where the tree dogs, or squirrels, fly. From here they go down to the long grass, fish on a bridge, race on dolphins’ backs and sit on the roof gazing at the moon at night.
This is a special story told with musical, poetic Ulster Irish by Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde. Aileen Crossley, a fine-art artist, has an exceptional and distinctive artistic style which makes this book really stand out. The illustrations were all made by hand and printed as coloured lithographs. There are just three or four colours on each page which adds to the core theme of the book in quietening things down and simplifying life. The unique style reminds me of the style of picture books in the 80s and I love the freshness and simplicity of it.
Aileen Crossley says she was inspired by visits to her grandmother in Wexford when she was younger as well as the interesting placenames and magical terms that we have for plants and animals in Irish. She plays on these words and cleverly picks animals whose Irish names give a different image to what they are. For example, the ladybird or ‘Bóín Dé’ is represented as a small cow. Instead of seeing a dolphin we see a ‘muc mara’, or a sea pig. Instead of a stoat, we see a ‘seanbhean uasal’ or an old gentlewoman! Instead of the foxglove, we see a little fairy or banshee bringing Molaí on her tour. There is a glossary at the start of the book to show these names and interpretations.
The story is written in a multi-sensory way in the sense that the Lus na mBan Sí encourages Molaí (and the reader) to use her senses to connect to the natural world. For example, she says “the light will touch your face”, “take a break and listen”, “say hello to the ladybird”, drink tea, throw a net, fill a bucket, dance with the crabs, look at the moon. As the journey progresses, it is clear that Molaí is becoming more at ease and happier in herself and the foxglove fairy reminds her of the benefits of spending time in nature. There is relief to be felt as she says “you will let out a gentle sigh”, there is gratitude “give thanks to the day”, and the Lus na mBan Sí gives Molaí some sage advice when she tells her “a problem shared is a problem halved”.
There is a big hug from the foxglove fairy at the end to remind Molaí to call on her if she feels sad or overwhelmed again and that they can always return to where the tree dogs fly.
Molaí is peaceful and content at the end of the book and readers will feel the same. An Áit a nEitlíonn na Madaí Crainn is a lovely book to prompt discussion on anxiety and overwhelm, and to explore the calming power of nature, all told through beautiful Irish and truly unique illustrations.
