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.
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