A Little World of Ants is my debut picture book, published by Two Hoots in April 2024. The book encourages connection to the tiny creatures we find outside, replicating the experiences of outdoor explorations with tactile flaps and bold colours. The book was developed with the Two Hoots team after I was awarded the Macmillan Prize for Illustration in 2021.
Meet some adorable ants! This lift-the-flap adventure about ants and how they live comes from Cara Rooney, the winner of the Macmillan Prize for Illustration.
With simple language and charming, brightly coloured-illustrations full of funny details, A Little World of Ants is an instant hit with young children. Encouraging exploration and a deeper understanding of these intriguing insects, it’s the perfect gift for any child, especially those obsessed with nature and the miniature world of minibeasts.
a little world of ants is now released! buy online here or in bookshops all over.
a little world of ants
reviews + press
Books for Keeps - Review
“‘Where will you explore?’ the reader is asked at the end, and this book is sure to empower the child whose world encompasses what they see at their feet or at their fingertips. This book is a joy from start to finish.”
Just Imagine - Review
A Little World of Ants is a colourful, lift-the-flap book, enticing early years children to find out about ants and what they get up to. Within this nonfiction picturebook the reader is offered insights into what goes on below and above ground for these industrious little creatures…
A Little World of Ants is certainly one that can be accessed by 3-5 year olds and would be a popular addition to a book corner or minibeast topic.”
Lancashire Post - Review
“Little ones will be flipping and flapping with delight when they turn the pages of this busy and beautiful picture book from prize-winning debut talent Cara Rooney. An author and illustrator whose work portrays her own fascination for the natural world and childlike curiosity, Rooney explores the life of ants in the most colourful, vibrant and hands-on way.
So get ready to meet some adorable ants in this entertaining lift-the-flap adventure which uses simple language and charming illustrations full of comical detail to tell the story. Ideal for encouraging exploration and a deeper understanding of these intriguing insects, A Little World of Ants is full of imaginative storytelling and pictures, and intriguing flaps, and is sure to be an instant hit with young children.
The ideal gift for any nature-obsessed youngster who loves the amazing world of minibeasts.”
Mini Travellers - Review
“Welcome to the world of adorable ants in this gorgeously fun work of non-fiction for younger readers...
We love how this book provides fun details and engaging snippets of information about these clever insects and yet also encourages a love of the outdoors and is perfect for inspiring a love for the little things and the wonder of the world. A super work of non-fiction for any little nature lover, particularly those with an interest in mini-beasts.”
Armadillo e-zine
“A wonderful world of discovery awaits and by giving it an interactive feel with the flaps to lift and so much information to take in it is certain to be a hit with younger readers… I would love to see it appear in the non-fiction sections of libraries everywhere…
The bright and child-friendly illustrations are engaging with flaps to lift, holes to poke fingers through and plenty of spotting to do. Make sure you pay close attention to everything you see; you might need to use that knowledge for a search and find surprise at the end of the book.”
Piccolo libri - Review
“This book is not only informative, but also an invitation to experience nature fully and consciously. An invitation to observe, discover and marvel at the creatures that surround us. An invitation to collaborate, just like ants, to achieve common goals and create a better world.
Reading this book means diving into a fun and engaging learning experience. Children will learn about ants and their incredible world, while developing their observation skills, curiosity and respect for nature.”
upcoming and ongoing ant events
World Book Day Ants Reading + Workshop
The Hub Library, Dundee
Thursday 6th March 10.30am
Free but requires booking at hub.library@leisureandculturedundee.com
the story of a little world of ants
I began developing my idea for a picture book about ants during my final year of university.
I was in the midst of writing my dissertation, which was about creating a collection of toys for children to encourage fascination for nature. The theme of nature connection fed into my illustration work too, as I was intent on creating work that could result in empathy for the creatures we share our world with.
Through the book, I wanted to replicate the nature explorations I loved outside as a child, like lifting rocks, through tactile interactive experiences.
I graduated during lockdown in 2020, so the book was shown in these digital mockups in Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design’s online degree show.
macmillan prize for illustration
I was delighted to be awarded the Macmillan Prize for Illustration 2021 for Ants and so excited to be in contact with Chris Inns and Suzanne Carnell.
Chris Inns, art and design director at Macmillan Children’s Books and chair of the judges, said:
“Cara’s wonderful illustration immediately caught the judges’ attention. The use of a bright, but not obvious, palette of eye-catching colours and bold compositions, evocative of Matisse, made this book stand out in a very strong field. Cara’s stylish work produced an instant, positive and unanimous reaction, spreading smiles across the judging panel’s faces.
Cara also added flaps and mechanisms to her book, making it interactive and further encouraging exploration and discovery through play. This aspect was integrated impeccably, making the book friendly and accessible for the very young.”
Rooney added:
“I am so delighted and grateful to have won the Macmillan Prize for Illustration this year and am very thankful for the judges’ feedback on my book.
I have always had a fascination for the natural world and having loved interactive books and activity books since I was little, I wanted to create work that would combine children’s curiosity with playful formats, encouraging interaction with the reader.
This feels so surreal after admiring and being inspired by amazing previous winners of the competition and reading their beautiful published children’s books to my little brother and sister too.”
process
