"As a deaf artist I am very excited that my illustrations are going to come to life and bring enjoyment and happiness to deaf and hearing children. It’s a wonderful idea and a dream come true for me."

Karen is a deaf artist and ‘A Birthday for Ben’ is her first illustrated book. She was born in Dublin and educated at St Mary's School for Deaf Girls in Cabra, Co Dublin and Roslyn Park College. Alongside illustration, Karen’s other interests include sign language and photography.