An Irish Traveller folktale told by award-winning author Oein DeBhairduin, co-published by inclusive Irish presses Little Island and Skein Press

Illustrated by Olya Anima

"At night, as the slugs rested beneath the stars, the younger brother made plans for a new home."

                                An USBBY Outstanding International Book 2025

Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week 16th July 2023

BookTrust Book of the Month October 2023

BookTrust Northern Ireland Book of the day 4th October 2023

Drawn from the Irish Traveller storytelling tradition, DeBhairduin’s tale is a gentle allegory about identity, self-acceptance and different ways of seeing the world.

"Beautifully illustrated." — The Irish Times

"A beautifully illustrated picture book ... It’s a clever story about acceptance and celebrating, as the book says, “similarities and common connection”." — Sarah Webb, Irish Independent 

"A warm story of difference and commonality."   — Sunday Independent

"A beautifully illustrated refreshing modern-day Aesop’s Fable ... This sweet and unique picture book is rooted in the oral tradition of the Irish Traveller community and gently explores themes of belonging, community, friendship, acceptance, and feelings with a light-hearted and thoughtful touch." — BookTrust Northern Ireland

"In melodic prose, DeBhairduin weaves a tale about a time when no snails existed in the world ... Anima’s radiant illustrations illuminate fine details within vast landscapes in a gentle work about perspective and connection."  — Publishers Weekly

"I love this story." — The John Toal Show

"In a world full of prejudice, the message here is one of respect for all ways of life." — The Echo

"A gorgeous, elegant book, with a profound, unforgettable message." — Meath Chronicle

"The story deserves a place on every classroom bookshelf."  — Just Imagine

"The lyrical text shows the deep connection with the land that the slug brothers have, despite their difference. Lovely mixed media artwork complements this mystical connection with views of the lush greenery from the slugs’ point of view. Kids will enjoy following their translucent trails of slime as the story evolves. Caregivers will love the parable of inclusion."  — Youth Services Book Review

"The illustrations captured the slugs' emotions, making for a lighthearted and comedic visual to go with the deeper meaning of the story ... I appreciate this story's existence as a medium to bring awareness to a cultural group that was new to me." – YA Books Central

"This is a gorgeous book and hopefully not the last we hear of Oein and Olya." — Read and Reviewed

"With whimsical illustrations, I loved how this story inspires young readers to find commonalities and to celebrate differences." — Reading with Red and the Magpie

"I definitely learned something from this book ... This story points out that though we are different we can still find common ground. I believe that to be true ... The illustrations were good as was the story."  — NetGalley Review

"This is a beautifully illustrated telling of an Irish tale.'" — ***** NetGalley Librarian Review

"Lovely illustrations support the text and tell the story of how large the world is." — NetGalley Librarian Review

"Gorgeously illustrated." — NetGalley Librarian Review

Praise for Oein DeBhairduin's Why the Moon Travels

"A beautiful book, immaculately written in clear but inventive language AND Why the Moon Travels, the title story, may be the most beautiful of all the tales, a metaphysical love story and tragedy that echoes everything from Lorca to Ladyhawke." — Irish Times

"Life-affirming, luminous and lyrical, these vividly told stories of folklore, make the reader see nature — and the Travelling community in a new light." — Irish Examiner

"DeBhairduin is a born storyteller.And here is a book that extends its hands generously across a boundary. A gift to the settled community, it belongs in every school and household."— Children’s Book Ireland, Editors Choice

"DeBhairduin writes with extraordinary lyricism and deep passion." —  Books Ireland Magazine

Oein is from Galway. He loves stories, new and old, long-shared and freshly-told. It brings joy to his heart to read and tell tales from and about his community, the Mincéirí. He works in the National Museum of Ireland where he collect the objects and their stories that connect our past to our present and hopeful futures. He was gifted this tale and he’s sharing it with you, in hopes that it travels well.

About the Illustrator 
 

Olya is an artist-illustrator and visual storyteller. She holds an honours bachelor’s degree in animation and an honours master’s degree in children’s book illustration from Cambridge School of Art. Olya paints, illustrates books, and occasionally makes short animated films. One of her main sources of inspiration is the quiet mystery of the Irish countryside, especially along its western seaboard. Where, as Olya believes, live many magical creatures like fairies and elves.