Foreshore Books is honoured to announce the forthcoming publication of My Brother Turned into a Crow!, a collection of lively poems for lively young readers (8–12+) by the late Irish poet Gabriel Rosenstock. The collection, acquired directly from Gabriel Rosenstock in 2025, will be published by Foreshore Books in Autumn 2026. Foreshore was deeply saddened to learn of Gabriel’s death on 6 April 2026 after a long struggle against cancer. Earlier this year, Gabriel spoke warmly of the forthcoming collection and his anticipation of seeing it in print. The publication of My Brother Turned into a Crow! will now stand as a celebration of his life, imagination and extraordinary contribution to children’s literature. Phil M. Shirley, Publisher-in-Chief of Foreshore Books, said: “As a publisher and poet, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to publish Gabriel Rosenstock. He was one of the most distinctive and imaginative voices in Irish literature. I was captivated by the English translations of his work and by poems such as Liadhain and Like an Owl. When we received the manuscript of My Brother Turned into a Crow!, I immediately recognised the originality, wit and wonder that have made Gabriel such a beloved writer. I was fortunate to speak with Gabriel earlier this year, and he told me how much he was looking forward to seeing the collection in print. That conversation has remained with me. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we are immensely proud to publish this remarkable collection and to help introduce a new generation of readers to his work.” Gabriel Rosenstock was one of Ireland’s most celebrated literary figures. A bilingual poet, haikuist, tankaist, novelist, children’s author, translator, critic and short-story writer, he authored, edited or translated more than 180 books during a career spanning several decades. Described by Hugh MacDiarmid as “a champion of forlorn causes”, Rosenstock was committed to fostering connections between minority cultures and languages. His translations from European and world literature enriched and invigorated Irish-language writing, while his own poetry drew inspiration from Irish mythology and folklore as well as literary traditions from Japan and India. Among his many honours were the Children’s Books Ireland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Books in 2023, an Arts Council Bursary in 2024, the Judges’ Award, and recognition through the Irish Book Awards. He was widely regarded as one of the foremost contemporary voices in Irish poetry and children’s literature. My Brother Turned into a Crow! showcases Rosenstock’s gift for combining humour, lyricism and imagination in poems that speak directly to young readers. Rich in wonder and invention, the collection reflects the qualities that made him one of Ireland’s most original literary voices. Photo: Máire Uí Mhaicín c/o https://portraidi.ie/en/gabriel-rosenstock/.
Foreshore has acquired FLAX: THE LEGEND OF TULA by Alison Jean Lester, author of the universally acclaimed novel Lillian on Life, translated into French, Italian and German. Foreshore will publish FLAX: THE LEGEND OF TULA, a Young Adult (YA) novel with the Foreshore Books imprint of Foreshore in autumn this year. “We are thrilled to have Alison Jean Lester join the Foreshore list with this incredible fast-paced dystopian-esque adventure,” says Phil M. Shirley, Publisher-in-Chief, Foreshore Publishing. “FLAX: THE LEGEND OF TULA further proves that Alison is a storyteller whose talent has no limits.” Lester’s speculative and adventurous YA novel takes place in an imagined country, but the story speaks to contemporary issues of autocratic power, colourism and homophobia, emphasising love. “The poetic form of writing is new and fresh,” Shirley added. “Readers will be blown away by the whole experience.” About FLAX: THE LEGEND OF TULA: Welcome to the world of Rakana, where those who are allowed to wear blue, the Governors, live at the Edge of the country, surrounding the Undyed population of the Interior. FLAX: The Legend of Tula is the story of the greatest change in the country’s history. When 16-year-old, Undyed Tula is surprised to find that she is pregnant, she knows that she won’t be able to keep her baby, because it is not her turn. The Blues control the population via the Count, keeping the numbers stable not by terminating pregnancies but by moving babies who are born out of turn to where they are needed. Tula is helped by her grandmother to escape, and, in seeing what she is not supposed to see in the world outside her hometown, starts gaining the Knowledge that she wants to pass on to her child. About Alison Jean Lester: Alison Jean Lester is the author of the novels Lillian on Life (Putnam Books (US)/John Murray Books (UK), 2015), which was also translated into French, Italian and German, Yuki Means Happiness (John Murray Books, 2017), Glide (Bench Press Books, 2021) and The Sound of It (Bench Press Books, 2022). She is also the author of the short-story collection, Locked Out: Stories Far from Home (Monsoon Books, 2007) and the memoir, Absolutely Delicious: A Chronicle of Extraordinary Dying (Bench Press Books, 2020). She is the product of a British mother and an American father, and speaks with an American accent but lives in England. Before moving to the UK she spent 25 years in Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore), the result of her BA in Mandarin (double-major with French) and her MA in Chinese studies and international relations.
The Irish writer on his new film The Green Fella, the challenges of novel writing versus filmmaking and his fascination with the American Civil War. David McCann, 51, is an author, filmmaker and amateur historian whose books include the coming-of-age novel A Boy Called Yank. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, he lives in the Ulster town of Enniskillen where the controversial Irish playwright Oscar Wilde went to school and the IRA carried out their infamous Remembrance Sunday attack. How would you describe yourself: as an amateur historian, a novelist, or a filmmaker? It’s a tough question because I have many interests. Primarily, I would consider myself an amateur historian, and that passion has naturally led me to pursue both book writing and filmmaking. When did you develop an interest in history and storytelling through writing or filmmaking? My interest in history was sparked in primary school, particularly by the American Civil War. I’ve always had a fascination with history, though I can’t pinpoint exactly why. Back then, I was captivated by the stories of the Union and Confederates, spending countless hours reading about them. Our local library was a fantastic resource, offering a wealth of historical books that inspired me further. Additionally, living through the Troubles at that time added a unique layer to my understanding of history, though I didn’t fully grasp its significance as it unfolded around me. So you grew up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland? Yes, I was born in 1972, which was the worst year of the Troubles. I lived through a war zone for about 25 to 30 years. Despite this, you chose to direct your creativity toward other periods in Northern Ireland’s recent history, such as the 1920s and 1940s. I’m not certain it was a conscious decision; perhaps I subconsciously want to forget the seventies and eighties. There are already plenty of books and films about that period. Instead, my natural curiosity leads me to explore earlier times. Set in 1943 Enniskillen, your novel A Boy Called Yank follows Conor Cleary, a boy whose life is transformed by the arrival of American troops stationed in the town to aid the Allies in their fight against Nazi Germany during World War II. What inspired your interest in Enniskillen during this pivotal time in history? My grandfather lived in Enniskillen during that time, and when I was a child in the 1970s, he would share captivating stories with me. This sparked my interest, prompting me to research the presence of troops in the town back then. I realised there was a compelling tale to be told, especially since my grandfather recounted some unique events he witnessed one night in town. This inspired me to incorporate those experiences into a fictional narrative. Tell us about your latest film project. It’s called The Green Fella and focuses on the Royal Irish Constabulary, with the main character being Sergeant Collins. This film is the fourth and final instalment exploring the partition of Ireland in the 1920s. We plan to film around Tyrone and Monaghan, hopefully in February and March this year, and we have access to several beautiful rural locations that evoke the 1920s. This historical period serves as the backdrop for the Troubles, during which the Royal Irish Constabulary was the police force in what was then a united country. In 1921, however, it was partitioned into two states: the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. What do you find more challenging: writing a novel or filmmaking? I find filmmaking to be significantly more demanding due to its logistical complexities and the challenges of scriptwriting. When I’m writing a story or a book, I can retreat to a comfortable space, immerse myself in music from that era, and read or watch documentaries to enhance my creativity. It becomes an enjoyable process. In contrast, filmmaking involves a lot of running around—searching for locations, coordinating with cameramen, actors, extras, and crew. Additionally, writing a script proves to be quite challenging for me. I believe I’m better at crafting stories for books than scripts. In fact, for this fourth film, which will be 50 minutes long, I currently have a professional scriptwriter assisting with the script. How long did it take to write A Boy Called Yank? Since it’s a relatively short story, the actual writing process took about four to five months. I had gathered the entire narrative from various people around the town, many of whom had connections to the American Army. It was a rich and compelling story drawn from real life, influenced by accounts from my grandfather and others. Their stories always resonated with me, making it clear that they needed to be captured on paper. While some elements are based on true events, there are also fictional ideas woven in from my perspective. For instance, I included General Patton in the story; although he was in town, I crafted a narrative that linked his time there with the fictional boy and the soldier I created. What else is happening for you in 2025? Apart from filming The Green Fella, we are discussing plans to relaunch A Boy Called Yank in the U.S. and Canada. This includes the possibility of a film adaptation and the development of a prequel. BUY THE BOOK An exploration of friendship and adventure. An unforgettable coming-of-age story of small-town adolescence and universal experience. Thirteen-year-old Conor Cleary lives with his mother in a cottage in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. With little contact with the outside world and nothing much to do, life is uneventful. Until one day the United States Army are posted in Fermanagh on their way to fight in mainland Europe during the Second World War, and Conor’s life changes forever. Genre: Historical Fiction/Young AdultFormat: 96 pages, paperbackISBN: 978-1-7393949-0-5 Add to Cart ABOUT THE AUTHOR DAVID MCCANN is a film maker and producer of two short films set in 1920s Ireland titled Sgt Collins RIC & The Green Fella. He has worked as a hospital porter and an Irish Police Officer
