Little Beetle Press
Little Beetle Press is a publishing house specialising in children’s literature. It is based in Longford, Ireland, and was founded in July 2023 by Halyna Budilova, a Ukrainian author, songwriter and translator.[1] The company mostly publishes picture books, often multicultural as they promote Irish and Ukrainian culture.[2]
History
Creation
When the full-fledged war in Ukraine began, Halyna and her family fled from Kyiv to Ternopil. After a month there, the author moved to Ireland with her two sons, while her husband stayed in Ukraine, first to volunteer and later to serve the Ukrainian army.[1] In Ireland, Halyna continued writing for her children. She created small stories to teach them Ukrainian while they were not attending school.
Later in the year, Halyna started exploring options to start a small business, including local enterprise programmes. This led to the launch of Little Beetle Press in July 2023.[2]
Development
The publishing house’s books are held in libraries across several Irish counties and has been involved in literary and community events.[3][4]
Little Beetle Press has participated in national and international events, including London Book Fair and the Bologna Children's Book Fair.[5]
The work of the founder and publishing house has also been featured in Irish media, including radio programmes and cultural features.[6][7]
Publishing Focus
Children’s Books
Little Beetle Press creates interactive children’s books, often incorporating additional materials such as songs, activities and educational resources.
Bilingual Books
A significant part of the publisher’s work focuses on bilingual editions, particularly Ukrainian–English books supporting children living abroad.
Emotional Intelligence and Environmental Themes
Many titles focus on emotional development and environmental awareness.
Inclusive Formats
The publishing house produces inclusive formats such as Braille and dyslexia-friendly books.
Projects and Series
Little Beetle Press has developed several series including:
- Ukrainian Readers
- Emotional Explorers
- Eco-Tales of Giants
- A Wheelbarrow of Hugs
Activities
Workshops
Halyna Budilova conducts creative workshops for children and communities, including environmental storytelling and intercultural activities.[4]
The “Story of Us” project focuses on literacy and community engagement through storytelling.[8]
Collaborations and Events
Little Beetle Press collaborates with organisations such as Poetry Ireland and participates in literary initiatives including Writers in Schools.[9]
The founder has also taken part in literary programmes and festivals including Listowel Writers' Week.[10]
Founder
Halyna Budilova (born 1990, Kyiv) is a Ukrainian author, poet and songwriter.[11] She holds a master’s degree from Kyiv National Linguistic University.
Her work and personal story have been featured in international and Irish media.[1][12]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 YAKIMENKO Inna, “How a Ukrainian Mother and Writer Created Her Own Publishing House in Ireland and Is Changing the World of Children’s Books”, Ukraine Pulse, July 22, 2025. https://www.ukrainepuls.com/en/how-a-ukrainian-mother-and-writer-created-her-own-publishing-house-in-ireland-and-is-changing-the-world-of-childrens-books/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 RUBLEVSKA Roksana and SKIBITSKA Yuliana, “Supporting Ukrainian kids far from home: how author Halyna Budilova built Little Beetle Press in Ireland”, Yellow Blue, January 17, 2026. https://yellowblue.pro/vybrane/72-halyna-budilova-stvoryla-little-beetle-v-irlandii-dopomoha-dityam
- ↑ “Longford's own publishing house coming to Showcase Ireland 2026”, Longford Leader. https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/arts---entertainment/1988807/longford-s-own-publishing-house-coming-to-showcase-ireland-2026.html
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 “Language, creativity and warmth: Ukrainian book events in Longford Library”, Ireland Live / Longford Live. https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/longford-live/1340005/pictures-language-creativity-and-warmth-ukrainian-book-events-in-longford-library.html
- ↑ “Little Beetle Press at Showcase Ireland”, RollingNews.ie, 19 January 2026. https://www.rollingnews.ie/p/ms/asset/90741598
- ↑ “Ukrainian author in Longford launches new children's book”, Shannonside FM. https://www.shannonside.ie/podcasts/lets-talk/ukrainian-author-in-longford-launches-new-childrens-book-262205
- ↑ “Ukraine and Malawi – My Journey Home”, Shannonside Northern Sound. https://www.northernsound.ie/podcasts/my-journey-home/ukraine-and-malawi-254915
- ↑ https://www.littlebeetlepress.com/post/story-of-us-a-creative-workshop-series-supporting-literacy-inclusion-mental-wellbeing
- ↑ https://www.poetryireland.ie/education/writers-in-schools
- ↑ “Three Ukrainian events will be presented at Listowel Writers’ Week 2024”, Espreso TV. https://global.espreso.tv/ukraine-three-ukrainian-events-will-be-presented-at-oldest-literary-festival-in-ireland-listowel-writers-week-2024
- ↑ https://www.poetryireland.ie/education/writers-directory/halyna-budilova
- ↑ “Thank you Ireland: how Ukrainians feel two years on from the war”, The Times. https://www.thetimes.com/article/thank-you-ireland-how-ukrainians-feel-two-years-on-from-the-war-dk6sfj9nj
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