Ten Years of The Children’s Book Festival

October 14^th 2005 - 0515 hrs, A Lonely Poet boards a train taking him from Cork to Dublin…

OK, this is a slight exaggeration. I wasn’t lonely.  I was alone, due to my wife being unable to join me on my journey.  I was however too excited as I was travelling up to Dublin to give my first ever session for the Children’s Book Festival, the annual, countrywide celebration of Books and Reading, for DunLaoghaire-Rathdown Libraries.

It is now over ten years since this happened and I have done The Children’s Book Festival every year since then and it is the reason I really look forward to October.  The Joy I derive from boarding a Train on a brilliantly Autumnal day with the intention of sharing things I’ve created with a wonderfully receptive audience, who I hope enjoy it as much as me, is such that I find it difficult to put into words.   But nevertheless, the Joy is immense and it is down to this wonderful festival.

It started with me just reading my Poems to the Children, but it has grown to include Songs with me and my guitar and now I’m illustrating for the Children and getting them to illustrate too. Every Session is different, and the Audience participation sections are a total joy & splendidly received.

Thanks to this Festival I have been all over the Country of Ireland, as well as DunLaoghaire-Rathdown,  I’ve been to:

Westmeath, Cork City, Cork County, Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin, Mayo, Kilkenny, Clare, Monaghan, Donegal, Kildare and many more great places.

I’d like to Thank all the Library Services, and Librarians, that have facilitated me and allowed me to share my Art,  and I’d also like to send a Thank you to the organisation that created and puts on this wonderful festival, Children’s Books Ireland.  Also I'd Like to Thank Eileen O'Sullivan, who was Cork City Children's Librarian in 2005.  She gave me my first performance as part of Cork 2005, which made way for my sessions with the Children's book Festival.

This year, on the day of the tenth anniversary of my first performance, 14^th October, I was Reading, Drawing & Singing at Westmeath Libraries.  My Wife, who has also been a participant for this festival, came with me this time, and we decided to make a bit of a break of it.  We stayed at Hodson Bay, Hotel on Lough Ree, and had a most relaxing time, Bird Watching and Chilling out at this most scenic of places…  In the middle of this was two wonderful performances of Songs, Verse and Illustrations for the Children of Westmeath…

Looking forward to next year’s festival…

More information on the Children's Book Festival, please use the following link: http://www.childrensbooksireland.com

Here’s a Few Photos from various Children’s Book Festivals through the past ten years…

New Picture Books - Four Wacky Tales & The Dog Of Edward Aloysius Grey

This Blog has been neglected far too long...

I shall now make amends by telling you all about my latest writing and illustrating Exercise...

Four Wacky Tales – Written and Illustrated by Paul H. Tubb

Out now from Emu Ink comes four tales in one handy collection from the Creative Mind of Comic Poet and Humorous Illustrator Paul H. Tubb…

Each of the four tales are hilarious, illustrated, rhyming stories, that feature odd characters and even odder scenarios.

All four are perfect antidotes to boredom for Children of all ages.

The four tales are:

Ten Princesses – Prince Edwin doesn’t want to be Prince, so he comes up with a plan to change his position, but he needs help to achieve it.

The Dog of Edward Aloysius Grey – Take a trip through the mind of a Crazy Canine. (Also Available in Paperback at the Link Below)

Scaring Jeremiah – An Old man tells scary stories to Children, but there is one Child he’s unable to scare. He wants to scare this Child so much that he comes up with an unorthodox idea to help him… Will it work?

Jeremy Doesn’t Like Jam – Jeremy has to convince his Jam obsessed mother that he doesn’t share her passion for Jam, but she just won’t listen to him. Who will she listen to?

All four narratives are available individually to rent from Emu Ink, or to purchase as an entire collection. Click on a links below for more information.

   

Here is a picture of me with my new paperback version of the Dog of Edward Aloysius Grey

200 Years Since the Birth of Mr Lear

As a practitioner of the art of turning the world upside down using verse and illustrations, it would be churlish and infantile of me, especially during his bicentennial year, not to recognize the Debt I owe to Mr. Edward Lear…

The debt I owe him is not a question of influence, I love reading about the exploits of toeless Pobbles and Cross Species Weddings, but if I’d never had read a single word written by Mr Lear I’d still owe him the debt, for the simple reason that no one is as synonymous with Nonsense Literature, Nonsense Verse and Nonsense pictures as Edward Lear.

Theodore Geisel may have examined life through the wrong end on the telescope, but the telescope was set up and polished by Mr Lear and for this, I am forever grateful…

So this year is 200 years since Edward Lear’s birth and numerous events are in the planning.

There are two wonderful sites dedicated to Lear’s work and other nonsense writings and I would suggest all pop along to take a look. To those unfamiliar with Mr Lear’s work, these sites are great places to become acquainted… The Sites are:

http://nonsenselit.wordpress.com/about/

And

http://leardiaries.wordpress.com/

Events planned for the bicentennial are also listed within the first Blog….

And if you’re wondering what the fuss was about, let the following video point you in the direction of some wonderful Nonsense…

Children's Book Festival 2011

Nonsense poetry in libraries, whose crazy idea was that? Add in silly songs, classes of children and audience participation and it sounds like an unworkable idea that is destined to fail and be shunned forever…

Except it does work… for the 7th year in a row, I’m doing just that at the annual celebration of all things literary, The Children’s Book Festival 2011.

This year I visited three separate areas of the country. Two of the areas are well known and have been well visited by me over the years, these areas being Cork City and DunLaoghaire/Rathdown, and then there was the totally new, refreshing and wonderful experience that is Co Westmeath Libraries.

The Libraries visited in order were:

Shankill Library (DLR)
Cabinteely Library (DLR)
Castlepollard Library (Westmeath)
Bishopstown Library (Cork)
Tory Top Library (Cork)
Douglas Library (Cork)

A Wonderful time was had by me and I hope the Children, Teachers and Librarians are able to say the same. My wife was able to attend for the DunLaoghaire Libraries so I was able to obtain visual proof that the event happened, and although we travelled to Cork together, she had her own storytelling to do, so the other libraries only have photos taken by my phone and do not feature anyone within them.

But, again, I had a great time and I am upset that, although there are still events until next week, my CBF is over again for another year…

My Website contains further details if anyone should want to view it, www.paulhtubb.com.

Please see below for photographic evidence…
Thank you.


Me Singing in Shankill Library (Photo by Daria Walsh)


Reading poetry in Cabinteely (Photo by Daria Walsh)


My Lonely Guitar in Castlepollard Library


Display welcoming me to Tory Top Library

Picture Book Picnic

July 16th 2011 is the date of the Dublin Unesco City of Literature Picture Book Picnic. The venue is the Wood Quay Venue, Dublin 8, and I, Paul Tubb, will be taking myself, my guitar and my poetry books to entertain those who are there.

Yes... I am part of the entertainment for Dublin's Picture Book Picnic and I am over the moon at this.

I shall be Singing some of my songs and Reading some of my Dublin based creature-poetry for around 15 minutes.

It is a free event, but tickets must be sought at the Gutter Bookshop, Temple Bar.

Further information can be found here.

Can't wait...

Dublin's Lesser Spotted Creatures

In Dublin’s fair city, the girls may be pretty but the creatures that reside there are as strange as can be… So with this in mind poet/humorist/singer-songwriter, Paul Tubb has decided to document these creatures, using rhyme and pictures, in this collection of Nonsensical verse.

So come and learn about creatures such as: the Quinklesaur, The Kwalaguppy, the Ape like creatures who spend their time playing Subbuteo and many others?

A laugh-out-loud funny collection which introduces you to aspects of Dublin you will, until now, have been unaware of. This wonderful book is suitable for Children of all ages.

ISBN No: 978-1-908024-22-0

The Book can be purchased using the button above, Signed and for an introductory offer of €7.95 saving €2, or more information, and a poem from the collection, can be found here

Cheers
Paul.

Dublin's Lesser Spotted Creatures

In Dublin’s fair city, the girls may be pretty but the creatures that reside there are as strange as can be… So with this in mind poet/humorist/singer-songwriter, Paul Tubb has decided to document these creatures, using rhyme and pictures, in this collection of Nonsensical verse.

So come and learn about creatures such as: the Quinklesaur, The Kwalaguppy, the Ape like creatures who spend their time playing Subbuteo and many others?

A laugh-out-loud funny collection which introduces you to aspects of Dublin you will, until now, have been unaware of. This wonderful book is suitable for Children of all ages.

ISBN No: 978-1-908024-22-0

The Book can be purchased using the button above, Signed and for an introductory offer of €7.95 saving €2, or more information, and a poem from the collection, can be found here

Cheers
Paul.

Quentin Blake

Whilst waiting for the Children to enter Raheny Library for my recent reading there (See here) I spied on the Shelf, ‘Quentin Blake’s book of Nonsense Verse’ and decided to pick it up and have a flick through… Two of my favourite things in one book, Nonsense Verse and Quentin Blake’s Illustrations.

My first memories of Quentin Blake, were not the Roald Dahl books. In fact when Quentin Blake started illustrating Roald Dahl Stories and Rhymes, I was a teenager and supposedly to old for Roald Dahl (Though you are never to old for Roald Dahl.)

I remember a collection of books about a detective called, Agaton Sax. Now the fact that he was a detective is all I can remember about the stories except, the wonderfully quirky illustrations which were added by Mr Quentin Blake. The drawings seemed so different and more fun than the other books and I’ve been a fan of his ever since. I was overjoyed when he became Children’s Laureate. I would love for him to illustrate one of my poems.

A friend of mine when seeing my book told me that my illustrations reminded him of the Roald Dahl illustrations, and I took it as a massive compliment, (Although Mr Blake may be insulted.)

I’ve toyed with the idea of sending Mr Blake my collection of verse, but I’m not sure of my intentions of doing so. Would I like to be included if a new or updated collection of ‘Quentin Blake’s book of Nonsense Verse’ becomes available? Well of course I would but I’m not sure how likely that is. Maybe I just want to inform him how much he influenced someone who didn’t want to be an illustrator and became one simply to add pictures to his own work… Who knows the reasons I have, I’ve not yet sent a copy to him and he probably receives so many books mine won’t make a difference…

I’ll just stick to enjoying the Illustrations already available.

Purchase a signed copy of my Collection of Nonsense Verse

Click The Button Above, to purchase a copy of my Book, 'Please Do Not Encourage This Nonsense by Purchasing This Book', for the sum of €6 + €3 postage and packaging. Please enter in any message you require the author to write.

Dublin, Unesco City of Literature and Dublin's Lesser spotted Creatures

Oh, Dublin’s Fair City, a place that I call home and some other people call, ‘Let’s pretend Paul doesn’t live here.’

Well this place that I call home is now a UNESCO City of Literature a title much deserved because of the rich Literary history the city has, from Joyce, Wilde, Gogarty, Flann O’Brien through to the many wonderful writers of today.

I, as a sort of Literary figure who lives here, am overjoyed by this turn of events not merely because, coincidentally, I have recently been working on a collection of Nonsense Verse based around nonsensical/mythical creatures that are to be found within Dublin. The Collection is under the title, 'Dublin's Lesser Spotted Creatures'.

I am currently looking for a publisher for this, but in the meantime I offer up this example for you in the hope that it is enjoyed by all who stumble on this vast wasteland that is my Blog.

Thank you.

Subbuteo Playing Primates

A Monkey in Glenview, *
Whilst eating Irish Stew,
Said, ‘I think I’ll play Subbuteo today.
Although playing by one’s self
Is bad for one’s Health
“For 2 or more” the instructions clearly say.
So when I’ve finished this stew
I’ll know what I’ll do
And I believe it is the best decision
I’ll contact a Chimpanzee
I know who lives in Dalkey,
I’m sure he’ll provide excellent opposition.’

* In Tallaght

New Ukulele and Clip

Hi,

I got a new Ukulele for Christmas from my wonderful wife. This will hopefully make travelling on Buses a bit easier...

I decided to record my new toy and the result can be viewed underneath... Hope it is enjoyed.

Christmassy Verse 2

The Beard that saved Christmas

Mr Turnwinter’s beard
Is exceptionally famous hair.
The beard is worshipped and beloved
By Children everywhere.
Because one year it saved Christmas,
When accidentally
Santa shaved his beard off and needed
It replaced quickly.
Santa felt naked without his beard
It distinguished him.
He couldn’t leave the North Pole
Sporting a beardless Chin.
So he sent his elves on a mission
To find a look-a-like who’ll
Lend Santa their beard and restore
The jeopardised Yule.
So they found Mr Turnwinter
Who had based his look
Upon that of St Nicholas
After reading a book.
And he was happy to oblige
St Nick’s request
And Christmas therefore was restored
And Santa went on with his quest.
So things turned out well and
It wasn’t as bad as was feared
And on the cover of every magazine now
Is Mr Turnwinter’s beard

Christmassy Verse 1

Polly the Christmas Panda

Whilst Juggling 7 Kumquats
On a cold December night.
I got the inspiration about a
Poem I should write,
About an iconic Christmas figure
Who is overlooked a lot,
But I consider her the best
Christmas icon we have got.
We always hear of Santa Clause,
The Grinch, Scrooge Ivy and Holly,
But it seems we do ignore
The Christmas panda Polly.
Yes Polly the Christmas Panda, she’s
As Christmassy as can be
When it comes to spreading joy
No one’s as good as she.
She wears her Christmas clothing,
And does her Christmassy things
And all those Christmas Carols
Are the only things she sings.
We need to hear more about her
I hope you all agree
I hope this poem balances out
The ignoring that we see.
So whether your name be John,
Stacey, Tony or Amanda
Let us never forget about
Polly the Christmas Panda.

Another mention for my book.

The magazine, 'Carousel: The Guide to Children's Books' has given my collection of poetry a brief mention.

I am very pleased with what was said about it. 'Delightfully Ridiculous'

Proudly Boring Simon Cowell to Tears

Official Launch of My Poetry Collection

Press Release for Book Launch
Saturday 16th May 2009
Baldoyle Library, Fingal






Poet/Humorist/Singer-Songwriter Paul H. Tubb has recently put together a collection of his most Ridiculous Rhymes and illustrations, and decided to call it, ‘Please Do Not Encourage This Nonsense by Purchasing This Book: Poems by Paul H. Tubb’.

The Book, a delightfully funny collection that will make even the most disheartened person forget about the state of the world today, is being launched officially on 16th May 2009 at Baldoyle Libraries, Baldoyle, Fingal between the hours of 1400hrs and1500hrs.

It would mean a lot to the poet for you to attend, there will be readings from the book, Refreshments, Copies of the book there for purchasing and signing and Paul may even bring his Guitar and play a song or more.

For further information contact the poet himself @ pttheumrst@hotmail.com or by phone at 085-1407298.

Collection of Poetry Available...

My Poetry Collection that I have been going on about constantly since October 2008 is now available for purchasing.

Comic/Nonsense verse suitable for Children of all ages... Further information can be found by clicking the link below...

I'm going to be on the Radio

Oh and another thing...

I am currently over the moon as I will be on the Radio tomorrow.

I have been asked to appear live on 'Laughter Tracks' on Dublin City FM 103.2. The show runs on Tuesdays from 3:00-3:30pm. I will be singing songs and reading poems from my upcoming collection.
You can find out more about Dublin City FM and listen live to it by going to the website www.dublincityfm.ie.

For those living in Ireland you can tune in to 103.2 FM

I Have a Book Coming out

Hi,

If anyone is interested I have a new collection of Poetry Coming Out...

Published By Trafford, The Collection is Entitled:
'Please Do Not Encourage This Nonsense By Purchasing This Book: Poems By paul H. Tubb'
And it can be described as 23 Poems Not about Football, 11 that are about Football and 5 limericks. These have been put together, with some illustrations, into a handy book form so that they can be read at anyone’s leisure. Funny Rhyming poems that will delight Children of all ages. Poems about subjects such as Strange Christmas’s, Tone Deaf Dentists and the worlds worst stuntman among others.

Hopefully the Book will be available early in the new year, but more information can be found at www.trafford.com and to be informed when it will be released just press the link below...

No Excuse

My, it has been a long time since I've Blogged... And I have no excuse as to why...

It's not as if I can use the excuse that I have nothing to say, as I never have anything to say... most of my blogs are about nothing in particular...

Although there is lot's going on in my life at the moment... Many Stand-Up gigs and I have a full Children's Books Festival coming up in October...

Oh well I'll try and do better in future... Any way, I've been messing around with a digital camera and this is what I have come up with...

Hope it is enjoyed...