Little Island to publish rugby picture book by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard
Little Island Books have announced the forthcoming publication of a picturebook co-authored by Irish rugby legend Gordon D’Arcy and bestselling author Paul Howard. Illustrated by Irish Book Award-winning artist Ashwin Chacko, Let’s Play Rugby! will be published in early 2025 to coincide with the Six Nations tournament. World rights in all languages were acquired directly from the authors by publisher Matthew Parkinson-Bennett.
Let’s Play Rugby! puts the reader in the boots of a young player navigating a rugby match, inviting them to throw the book over their head for a line-out, push against the opposition pack in the scrum, and weave their finger through players to score a try.
Gordon D’Arcy won two Six Nations medals with Ireland, three Heineken Cups with Leinster, and toured with the British and Irish Lions. Post-retirement he teamed up with legendary Irish humorist Paul Howard, author of the perennially bestselling Ross O’Carroll-Kelly series, the Aldrin Adams children’s titles, and holder of the record for most Irish Book Awards wins. The pair’s initial collaboration, the rugby-themed Gordon’s Game trilogy, made the bestseller lists in each of the three years of their publication.
Gordon said that with three young children he’s covered the whole spectrum of children’s books.
‘I love sitting down to read with them whenever I can. I felt there was an opportunity to mix the energy of sport with the incredible imagination of younger children in a really fun way. A quick chat with Paul and I knew we were off again. Let’s Play Rugby will create plenty of fun moments for families all around the world. Ashwin has been amazing in bringing my vision to life.’
Paul said he was delighted that Gordon asked him to be involved in this project, especially after working with him on the Gordon’s Game series.
‘I really loved his idea for a book aimed at a younger audience that would teach them the basics of rugby while also keeping the reader active – running, jumping and kicking. It’s the kind of book that I would have loved to have had as a sports-mad child. I’m a huge fan of Ashwin’s work, too, so I’m thrilled to get to work with him.’
Little Island’s Parkinson-Bennett said that it’s a creative concept which engages the young reader while getting them moving and active as well.
‘Ashwin’s bright and kinetic illustration style is the perfect fit. Rugby fanatics who are keen for the children in their lives to engage with their passion will love this book!’
Let’s Play Rugby will be published by Little Island in February 2025.
