Fog Island itself, with its steep stairs, and its stone building (later revealed as a ruin) at the summit, reminded me of Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula, which was home to a sixth-century monastery. It references an Ireland of the past, both in story and artwork, the sort of quasi-legendary 'islander' Ireland found in the children's fiction of such authors as Walter Macken or Eilís Dillon. Originally published in Switzerland as Der Nebelmann, this recent (2012) story from Tomi Ungerer was conceived as a tribute to Ireland, where the French author/artist makes his home for part of the year. Did they dream the Fog Man? The answer comes unexpectedly in the form of a long hair in their soup.

They make their way home through a storm, but their story is met with disbelief, when they finally make land. Awakening the next day, the children discover themselves in an old ruin, with no sign of their host. Here they meet the Fog Man, an ancient islander who creates the fog in his enormous, well-like boiler, and who gives the children shelter for the night. Music and laughter are a reknowned part of Irish life, and in Fog Island, Tomi captures the joy of a rural Irish community when Finn and Cara are returned to them safe and sound.Set on Ireland's rocky west coast, this recent picture-book from Tomi Ungerer is the story of siblings Finn and Cara, the children of a local fisherman and boat-builder who get blown off course while out in their currach, and land on the mysterious and much feared Fog Island. Tomi was really proud of this idea, which harks back to his interest in geology and minerals as a young man in Strasbourg. Fog Man explains that he creates the fog using magma from the earth’s core. His generosity to these strangers reflects the welcoming attitude of Tomi and Yvonne’s new neighbours when they first arrived to Ireland.

Tomi wrote Moon Man, one of his most beloved books, in honour of his fascination with the moon, and Fog Island is a paean to the fog.įog Man is the mysterious sole inhabitant of Fog Island, who offers Finn and Cara food and shelter when they arrive unexpectedly on his doorstep.

Since moving to Ireland, the interaction of the moon, the fog and the sea near his home has captivated him. Throughout his life Tomi has been inspired by the moon. Final illustration for Fog Island, ink and pastel on tracing paper.

Fog island tomi ungerer