Since then the book has been read by so many readers and is often used in schools here and overseas to help children understand the tragedy of Ireland’s Great Hunger. Following eviction the three children must leave their cottage and set off on a courageous journey across a ravaged countryside to find their aunts. The book surprised us, as young readers not only here in Ireland but all around the world lost themselves in the story of Eily, Michael and Peggy’s fight to survive during Ireland’s Great Famine. Book covers are so important and I am so fortunate that Donald not only illustrated ‘ Under the Hawthorn Tree’ but also my other books in The Children of the Famine series-‘ Wildflower Girl’ and ‘ Fields of Home.’ Donald Teskey is now one of Ireland’s most renowned artists with his incredible evocative landscapes. My publisher Michael O’Brien of O’Brien Press had commissioned the artist Donal Teskey to not only design the book cover but also the chapter head illustrations. I always consider the hawthorn (the fairy tree) a lucky tree! It was published in the month of May, a very special time as all across Ireland the hawthorn trees are covered with white snowy blossom. I still remember the feeling of excitement and nervousness as after working with my editor Ide Ni Laoghaire, the book was sent off to be printed.
It is hard to believe that it is thirty years since the publication of ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’.
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