Children’s

Shooting for the Stars – My Journey to Become Ireland’s First Astronaut Norah Patten, illustrated by Jennifer Farley The O’Brien Press €16.99

On course to become the country’s first astronaut, Norah Patten has written this fun and fascinating book about exploring the cosmos through space travel, life without gravity and becoming an astronaut.

123 Ireland! Aoife Dooley Little Island Books €11.20

For infants to four-year-olds, this is a lighthearted and imaginatively illustrated counting board book which introduces all things uniquely Irish to baby readers.

The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland Carys Bexington Macmillan €17.99 3+

It’s Santa who ventures down the rabbit hole in this magical mash-up of two muchloved stories. A true Christmassy delight.

Read This Book If You Don’t Want A Story Richard Phillips Tilbury House €19.99 5+

A laugh-out-loud tale about a book that doesn’t want to tell a story. Eric Zelz’s pictures, above, are a hoot.

Mr Gumpy’s Rhino John Burningham Jonathan Cape €17.99 5+

This posthumous treat from John Burningham sees the return of a character we first met almost 50 years ago. Mr Gumpy takes home an orphaned rhino whose transformation from baby to mischievous companion is heartwarming.

Be More Bernard Simon Philip S&S €17.99 2+

Bernard the bunny has always tried to fit in even though he doesn’t dream of carrots. One day, he unleashes his inner disco diva at the bunny ball. Kate Hindley’s illustrations, below, bring Bernard to life.