Dr Hibernica Finch’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals

 'My own curiosity has led me to explore as much of the world of Irish animals as could possibly be done in a polite fashion.'

Dr Hibernica’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals celebrates the diversity and wonder of Ireland’s fauna. She examines the tiny Eurasian pygmy shrew to the enormous killer whale – with exquisite zoologically correct illustrations and light-hearted prose.

Dr Hibernica Finch is a rare bird. She's as odd as a three-spined stickleback with four spines and as elusive as the pygmy shrew. But she knows more than a thing or two about bats and badgers, butterflies and basking sharks.

In her compendium of Ireland's most compelling animals, you will find gorgeous illustrations and lots of curious information. Did you know there are lizards in Ireland, for example? Or that Irish badgers are friendlier than you might think? Or that sea urchins have something in common with hedgehogs? 

There's so much to find out!

PRAISE FOR COMPELLING COMPENDIUM

‘Dr Finch is the greatest zoologist that Ireland never had, a fictional character created by Rob Maguire to showcase the stunning illustrations of Aga Grandowicz, whose pencil sketches bring expressive life and detail to Irish wildlife of air, land and water. An open mouthed robin sings itself off the page. An Irish hare stands erect, alert for danger. A natterjack toad curls its tongue around a bumblebee. Maguire’s text is clear and concise, but Dr Finch’s adventurous spirit crucially ensures the book is never dull. This is a stunning production from Little Island that would be welcomed by any adult seeking a coffee-table centrepiece, as well as any young reader who loves the natural world.’ – The Irish Times

‘Maguire offers light-hearted and accessible prose, while Grandowicz’s illustrations are both vivid and zoologically precise. Amusing and informative, this compendium is perfect for families, schools and libraries’ – Inis Reading Guide, Children’s Books Ireland

‘A treasure of a book for keeps’ – Evening Echo

‘Brimming with fascinating details and essential facts about amazing creatures great and small from white-tailed bumblebees to killer whales. Aga Grandowicz’s exceptional illustrations are a perfect complement to Rob Maguire’s engaging and informative text. This talented pair have created a truly beautiful book with old-world charm, featuring twenty-eight compelling creatures. A wonderful book to be read over and over again, and sure to be a classic!’ – RTÉ Junior

‘A children’s book with a real wow factor… the text is hilarious and yet fully informative and the many, many pictures are irresistible… It will enchant the young person in your life. Or just buy it for yourself!’ – The Meath Chronicle

‘A beautifully designed and illustrated book filled with fun facts… A great resource for anyone passionate about animals, facts and exploring the fauna of Ireland’ – Colleen Jones, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators

‘A stunning ode to Irish animals. The text, narrated by a fictional Irish naturalist, is perfectly pitched for young readers and the illustrations are eye-wateringly good’ – The Irish Independent roundup of Best Books of 2018

‘An amazing book with riveting information and first-class illustrations’ – The Sunday Independent

Rob Maguire hails from Bray, Co.Wicklow, and has worked as a musician, a script supervisor, a journalist, a blogger and a bookseller. Now an advertising copywriter, Rob spends his time coming up with madcap ideas – such as writing a book about animals, despite being allergic to them.

About the Illustrator

As a child, Aga Grandowicz always wanted to be a vet or an ichthyologist (a scientist who studies fish), but she changed her mind before she started college and became an art director and a graphic designer instead. Originally from Gdynia in Poland, she’s been living and working in Dublin since 2006. She is happiest when drawing furry animals and old trees or designing corporate identity.