For some years now, Mary Arrigan's eccentric granny - Mamo - has been delighting children with her ungranny-like escapades. This time around, in Mamo ag an Sorcas (An Gum, £4.95), she doesn't just "go to" the circus. As those of us familiar with Mamo have come to expect, before too long she "is" the circus. The clowns and various other performers are none too pleased - but children will adore these latest adventures of Mamo. Superbly illustrated by the author, the text is simple enough for the early reader - or indeed, for the parent whose Irish might be a little rusty.
Oche na Stoirme by Una Leavy. Illus. by Peter Utton. Translated by Gabriel Rosenstock Originally published as Harry's Stormy Night, Gabriel Rosenstock's translation - Oche na Stoirme (An Gum, £4.95) - into Irish does full justice to Una Leavy's original text. As the storm gathers momentum and causes a power cut, we can practically hear the wind howling around the house and the tips of the branches tapping on the window. Peter Utton's illustrations add to the atmosphere - the coziness around the fire and the eeriness of the huge shadows cast by the candlelight. A excellent read for 7-10 year olds.
Chead Naionra & Mo Chead Leabhar Faoi Ainmhithe by Edwina Riddell Particularly suited to the pre-school child, Edwina Riddell's picture books are ideal for parent-child discussion. Mo Chead Naionra (An Gum, £2.95) covers all aspects of playschool and with its practical vocabulary will keep you as well informed as your child. Did you know that "taos sugartha" is the Irish for playdough? If not, and if your child is attending a naionra, this book is a must!
Equally well-illustrated, Mo Chead Leabhar Faoi Ainmhithe (as above)covers a range of simple vocabulary relating to everyday birds, insects and animals. An ideal gift for the 2-4 year old.
James Riordan takes us through the life and death of Hercules Dha Shaothar Deag Earcail (An Gum, £6.50). The great classical hero was renowned for his strength. Even as a small child he succeeded in killing two snakes sent by the goddess Hera to kill him. Backed by Christina Balit's magnificent classical illustrations, we read of the 12 "labours" set for him by his stepbrother.
As always with An Gum, the translation is uncomplicated and free-flowing. A good read for anyone with an interest in the classical world.
In Micilin I bhFolach by Jill Dow Micilin is the smallest and weakest of seven piglets and young Aonghus is given the job of bottle-feeding him indoors. Soon Micilin is strong enough to rejoin the litter and all is well until, one afternoon, the door of the pigsty is left open and the piglets escape. One by one, they are found - all except Micilin. in I bhFolach would be Particularly suited to 6-9 year olds.(Trans. by Seosamh O Murcha from An Gum, £3.50) Aine Ni Ghlinn