Irish Words for Nature by Manchán Magan, illustrated by Steve Doogan
For little learners, age 0-2
The creators of Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature have produced an attractive board book, with simple Irish translations for animals, birds, fish and insects. The black-line illustrations will captivate tiny readers, while footnotes on word etymology will intrigue parents. (Gill, €10.99)
Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers
For dreamers, age 5-7
On the 20-year anniversary of Jeffers’ debut, How to Catch a Star, comes a new addition to the bestselling boy and penguin series. Here, Jeffers introduces a new friend, and takes them on a beautifully illustrated rescue mission to the North Pole. (Harper, €15.99)
Over the Red Brick Chimney by Una Leavy, illustrated by Shannon Bergin
For reading together, age 5-7
The migration of geese to Ireland is animated in this charming new picture book. When “Little Goose” gets lost in a storm, Finn and his mum, who live in the house with the redbrick chimney, must help her. Featuring onomatopoeic language and magical wintry illustrations. (O’Brien, €13.99)
The Great Irish Biodiversity Book by Éanna Ní Lamhna, illustrated by Barry Falls
For young nature lovers, age 8+
With its oversized, hardback, vividly illustrated format, it’s easy to see why the “Great Irish” series is a perennial hit. In this year’s offering, wildlife expert Éanna Ní Lamhna takes readers through Irish bogs, beaches, woodland and grassland, to discover how habitats work. (Gill, €21.99)
The Forest Yet to Come by Sam Thompson, illustrated by Anna Tromop
For fantasy fans, age 8+
This third instalment in the Wolfstongue Saga tells of Sally and her brother Faolan growing up in a fairy-tale land where they do not belong. Benevolent spirits protect the village, but it is to the forest, where savage wolves prowl, that they must journey to find the secret of their origin. (Little Island, €8.99)
Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
For those who believe in magic, age 9+
Eleven-year-old Juniper realises the mysterious man living in her local park might be Santa, in this festive adventure that touches on issues of homelessness. A typically Colfer-esque cast of characters features, including a neighbour who always believed in Santa, a young reindeer in training and a cut-throat crime boss out to steal Santa’s magic. (Harper, €18.85)
Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher, illustrated by Dermot Flynn
For adventurers, age 9+
In this new verse novel, Fia and her reindeer, Solas, set out on a quest across prehistoric Ireland to negotiate for the return of the sun after years of endless winter. Flynn’s illustrations move the reader from darkness into light. (Puffin, €15.99)
[ Children’s fiction: Ghost stories for Samhain and tales of female fearlessnessOpens in new window ]
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
For romantasy fans, age 15+
This first instalment of the City of Fantome series is perfect for romantasy-loving teens. Doyle sweeps readers into an enemies-to-lovers romance, featuring two rival assassins in a deadly game of revenge, in the dark underbelly of a beautiful city. (Simon & Schuster, €12.99)
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