At the beginning of December 2024, the results of the competition for the best children’s book entitled. ‘Clairvoyants’, organised by the publishing house Dwie Siostry (Two Sisters) were announced. The book, which I have been working on for almost a year with Anthony D. Kelly, was among the 37 best entries and qualified for the exhibition. The book tells the story of the Fleadom flea circus. We are creating the illustrations and writing the text. Our project was chosen as one of the most interesting projects out of 554 submissions! Drawing on our dual interests in illustration and circus culture we have delved into the unusual universe of Flea Circuses to develop a visually rich and vibrant world.
Does the name Fleat say anything to you? Brad Fleat? He’s a very famous flea actor, a great rival to Tommy Flea Jones. Do you know how Pavarotflea sings? Have you ever watched Fleas Brothers? Have you read Moby Fleak?
À propos! A book on whales, ‘Moby Dick’, became a very serious stimulus for us. While reading, In chapter 104, I suddenly found this sentence: “To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be who have tried it.” How that upset me! We rebelled and, together with Anthony D. Kelly we set to work on the book.
Fleadom is a raucous, fun fueled journey through life at an extravagant Flea Circus. In this magical setting, fleas, animals and humans all collaborate as equals to perform wondrous and reality defying stunts. Under our little big top we learn that creatures and people don’t have to be big in size to be important or to do amazing things.
Rich with tiny details, hidden meanings, and historical and cultural references, this is a book that invites parents and children to delve into its pages and explore its magical world again and again, each time finding some new and interesting details that elaborate on the colourful universe within.
Small and unusual wonders do exist when we pay careful attention to the world around us. For example, I invite you to consider a flea learning to juggle on a unicycle, and then tell me you are not impressed.
We are happy to share a cover and two illustrations with you.
To see wonderful works of Anthony D. Kelly: