Double success for Birr illustrator
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Birr illustrator Shannon Bergin has recently had a double dose of success, winning the coveted Best Children’s Book of the Year award at the Irish Book Awards, while also gracing the cover of the RTE Guide Christmas edition for the second consecutive year.
Shannon’s win at the Irish Book Awards marks a significant milestone in her career. Having been nominated three times, this is her first win, recognising her stunning illustrations in 'Run Home, Little Fox', a heartwarming children’s book written by Tom McCaughren and Erika McGann.
A graduate of Limerick School of Art and Design with a BA (Hons) in Animation and Motion Design, Shannon grew up in Birr, where she developed her love for creativity.
"Growing up in Birr was really important in developing my career as an artist," she shared. "The art community here has always been supportive, and my friends and I were encouraged from a young age to pursue our creative passions."
Run Home, Little Fox tells the story of a little fox on a journey to find its way home, and Shannon's charming illustrations have been widely praised for their warmth and depth. Speaking about the book’s creation, Shannon said: "I actually never met or spoke to the authors until the book was finished. The publisher brings me the story, and I work with their art director to develop the illustrations. We send them back and forth, making revisions as needed.”
She said she was "completely over the moon" with her Irish Book Award win, and expressed her gratitude to all at O'Brien Press, to her co-creators Erika and Tom, and to all her supporters.
Shannon's success didn’t stop with the Irish Book Awards, as she has once again captured the festive spirit with her artwork featured on the cover of the RTE Guide Christmas edition.
This marks the second year in a row that Shannon has graced the cover of the hugely popular magazine.
The 2025 cover features a cosy and magical Christmas Eve scene, complete with two children and their furry friend peering out the window to catch a glimpse of Santa and his sleigh.
Shannon said "the cosiness, the warmth, and the magic" of Christmas is one of her favourite things to paint. She explained that this year’s cover is a blend of personal memories and the festive season’s joy.
"It’s a big mashup of everything and everyone I love. Books, crafts, puzzles, fairy lights on any available surface. [There's] my childhood dog Mouse, always keeping guard at the window, no exceptions for Santa. The blanket on the chair is something I’m currently crocheting, it’s taking forever, so this is my inspiration to finish it.
"The chair is from the most popular piece I’ve ever had, Uniquely Portable Magic, the sales of which kept me fed long before I got cool jobs like this. The gingerbread man is for Becca, the blue piece on the mantle is Jacob’s, the photo in front of that is my granny, and I had to include a wee train for Logan."
Shannon describes herself as an "avid doodler and tea drinker" and her award-winning illustrations are bright, bold and colourful and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The cover art on this year's Christmas RTE Guide perfectly captures the warmth of Christmas and radiates a sense of joy and wonder.
The Christmas edition of the RTE Guide is now available in shops nationwide.
To explore more of Shannon Bergin’s stunning illustrations, visit her website at www.shannonbergin.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook at Shannon Bergin Art.