There are some absolutely fab picture books for the little ones and adults alike out there. Here’s a few pointers!
AGE 0-4
Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton
Possible my favourite Chris Haughton book to date …. This is a Sleep Ninja book which constantly has YAWNs scattered throughout the text!
A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston
Beautifully illustrated text from two people at the top of their game. It is a stunning book for Book Lovers everywhere.
My First Gruffalo Puppet Book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
The perennial bestseller gets the puppet treatment which will make a fantastic addition to Gruffalo libraries everywhere.
King Baby by Kate Keaton
Absolutely hilarious story of a baby, his poor poor parents and a tale of warning – you won’t always be king!
Pigín of Howth by Kathleen Watkins & Margaret Anne Suggs
The most perfect granny purchase in the history of Granny purchases. Based on tales Kathleen used to tell her grandchildren, now beautifully illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs
AGE 5+
Rover & The Big Fat Baby by Roddy Doyle
First Rover book since 2004, Roddy is back with the brilliantly funny Rover & The BFB.
The usual mayhem, messin & chaos ensues. Oh and POO!
Judy Moody & The Bucket List by Megan McDonald & Peter H. Reynolds
One of my favourite characters in the 5-8 arena. Judy Moody’s 11th book is another winner for young girls. Fab role model who just gets better and better.
Dogman by Dav Pilkey
From the author of Captain Underpants, this brand new comic book series is about a detective who is yes – a Man with the head of a dog. Absolutely crazy and brilliantly fun. A must have for all Underpants fans
Historopedia by Fatti & John Burke
Following on from the hugely successful & popular “Irelandopedia”, this year offering looks at History and again is a perfect fountain of knowledge on Irish History. “Education by Stealth”
AGE 9+
The Midnight Gang David Walliams
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 11 Double Down Jeff Kinney
Clover Moon by Jacqueline Wilson
Danger REALLY is Everywhere by David O’ Doherty & Chris Judge
Absolute No-Brainers, must have for any 9 Year Old+ . Bestsellers!
Mistletoe & Murder by Robin Stevens
This tale from The Detective Society and Murder Most Unladylike series has a Christmas spin on it. Robin Steven’s 1920’s set books are very Nancy Drew like as the young female characters attempt to solve many foul murders.
Timmy Failure Totally Catastrophic Boxset
Timmy Failure Book 5 : The Book You’re Not Supposed To Have
By Stephan Pastis
I LOVE Timmy Failure. Anyone with a motto of “Failure is an Option” has to be respected. However … he IS the worst detective ever who somehow keeps surviving with his Polar Bear sidekick as his aid.
Time After Time by Judi Curtin
Time travel tale from Ireland’s answer to Jacqueline Wilson set in the 80’s. Nostalgia for older folk and possibly quite unbelievable for the younger folk.
A Series Of Unfortunate Events (1-13) by Lemony Snicket
Originally published in 1999 this series is about to find a whole new audience as the Netflix as Neil Patrick Harris takes over the role of Count Olaf which was previously attempted by Jim Carrey in the 2004 movie.
Brilliantly depressing, dark and containing some amazing Black Humour.
Teens / Young Adult
Some great books of all types and genres for this age group from some brilliant Irish Authors :
Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden
(Award Winning 1st book in a series)
Iron Man The Gauntlet by Eoin Colfer
(Iron Man set in Dublin for a Teen audience)
Flawed by Cecelia Ahern
(Cecelia’s first foray into this market is a Dystopian set tale of brutal regimes and bravery)
Needlework by Deirdre Sullivan
(Brilliant. Harrowing. Dark. Beautifully written.)
Finally
Star Wars Galactic Atlas by Star Wars
With the release of Rogue One, Star Wars is again en vogue. This beautifully illustrated Atlas of all the various worlds is a must have for SW fans of all ages. Think Irelandopedia with a Star Wars slant!
