Children
Picture Books The Dog Who Lost His Bark By Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P.J. Lynch Walker Books, €10.49
Uplifting and engaging collaboration by two Irish Children’s Laureates about a boy, a rescue dog and the healing power of music.
The Way Home For Wolf Rachel Bright Orchard €18.19
When Wilf the young wolf gets separated from his pack in a blizzard, a host of Arctic animals help him find his way home. Bright’s lyrical verses are perfectly complemented by Jim Field’s stunning illustrations.
Billy And The Beast Nadia Shireen Jonathan Cape €9.79
Shireen’s characteristic humorous prose and bold illustrations are on display in this tale of Billy and her sidekick Fatcat who must keep their wits about them when they encounter a Terrible Beast in the woods.
The President’s Cat Peter Donnelly Gill Books €14.99
He misplaced his glasses last time around, and now the President has returned to the Áras after his summer holidays only to realise he has left his cat in Kerry!
This Book Just Stole My Cat! Richard Byrne Oxford €16.79
More cat shenanigans. Youngsters will delight in this hilarious interactive book as they are encouraged to tickle the pages in order to rescue Ben’s cat and the other characters who have vanished between them.
Dragon Post Emma Yarlett Walker €13.90
An adorable story about Alex, who is shocked to discover a dragon under his stairs and writes to the fire brigade and others asking for advice. Their responses are included in beautifully realised replica letters tucked into envelopes throughout the book.
Chapter Books The Snowman Michael Morpurgo Puffin €18.20 (5+)
The War Horse author gives words to Raymond Briggs’s iconic Christmas story for the first time to mark its 40th anniversary. Morpurgo’s delightful tale is enhanced by Robin Shaw’s black and white illustrations in the style of Briggs’s originals.
The Legend Of Kevin Philip Reeve Oxford €11.99 (7+)
Legendary author/illustrator duo Reeve and Sarah McIntyre kick off a new series with this laugh-out-loud story of Kevin, the slightly plump, biscuitloving, flying pony who is blown on to the balcony of Max’s high-rise flat during a storm.
The Storm Keeper’s Island Catherine Doyle Bloomsbury €9.80 (9+)
Celtic legends inspire this tale about the magical Arranmore island and the menacing force within, which is awoken by the arrival of Fionn. Doyle’s vivid characterisation and evocative descriptions of the wild landscape impress.
Secrets Of A Sun King Emma Carroll Faber €9.80 (9+)
A gripping adventure story set around the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. When a package arrives from a missing Egyptologist, Lil must travel to Egypt to return it and stop a pharaoh’s deadly curse.
Blazing a Trail: Irish Women Who Changed The World By Sarah Webb, illustrated by Lauren O’Neill The O’Brien Press €16.99 (12+)
From pirate queen Granuaile to former President Mary Robinson, these are the inspirational stories of Ireland’s female trailblazers.