Sometimes, before you’ve even read one word, a book can be pure joy to hold in your hands.
This is particularly true of Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children, published by Little Island and illustrated by Lauren O’Hara.
Aside from the genius of Oscar Wilde’s writing, the other reason this book brings such delight is Lauren O’Hara’s illustrations.
With a dreamlike quality that perfectly captures the fairytale character of Wilde’s world, her artwork is mesmerising. Soft and gentle, charming and fascinating, it is hard to take your eyes off the images, as there always seems to be something new to see.
Lauren is able to capture a full range of emotions – the happiness of children playing, the frustration of the student, the joy of fireworks and, even in moments of sadness (such as at the end of The Selfish Giant), beauty.
The stories themselves are classic fairytales. One of the best things about this book is that you don’t need to read it from beginning to end. You can dip in and out, choosing the stories you want to read. That said, the tales are so intriguing that many readers will want to move from one to the next without stopping.
Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children is a real work of art as well as a celebration of Oscar Wilde’s storytelling, and it will draw a whole new generation of readers to his wonderful stories. With Lauren’s enchanting illustrations, this book really is a must-have for everyone!
Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children is published by Little Island (2025)