Aileen Crossley has been shortlisted in the IDI illustration category for her debut picture book Henny is Stuck (Little Door Books)
Aileen Crossley has been shortlisted in the illustration category for an Institute Designers Ireland award with her debut picture book, Henny Is Stuck (Little Door Books). Aileen is a Dublin-based illustrator, animator, and motion designer, and her work combines a love of printmaking and lithography with retro style illustration.
The Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) is the largest and oldest association of Irish design professionals, and longest established creative forum in Ireland. IDI is committed to advancing the value and impact of design – inspiring, supporting and learning from one another along the way.
Aileen said is was a great honour to have been shortlisted. “It has been a long labour of love for me and such a joy to be finally able to bring the story of Henny to children and parents everywhere. This means so, so much to Henny and I.”
Henny is Stuck was long-listed for the Unpublished Picture Book Exhibition in 2020 and 2021, and was a finalist at the 2019 Bologna Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition. With an illustration style honed and developed over years in a lithographic print studio, the loveable characters are brought to life in a tale of friendship, determination and bravery.
Alan Windram, Publishing Director of Little Door Books said that after meeting Aileen at the Bologna Book Fair in 2022 they were very keen to work with her.
“We love her stylised illustrations, which have a truly engaging look and quality to them. The fun story is a tale of little Henny, a chick stuck in her shell, it’s all about conquering your fears, friendship and determination. A story full of heart and warmth, something we all need to hear right now.”
Henny is a baby chick, she is sweet and fluffy just like her friends. But unlike her friends, Henny has one tiny problem. Henny is stuck in her shell.Yes, her tiny legs and her tiny wings peep out. But Henny is most definitely stuck. Follow Henny on her journey as she and her friends try to solve her problem and along the way end up saving the day.
