St Brigid's Day has been and gone, so we can start looking forward to the new life that spring brings. On that note, Ruth Concannon from Children's Books Ireland has a baby-themed RTÉ KIDS Book Club for us with great reading recommendations.
It's February! Time to shake off the gloom of winter and leap with gladness into the vitality of springtime! With plenty of new life blossoming in nature, this month we couldn't help but think of potential newborn readers making their way into the world in 2026 – this one is for you baby!
Whether you are an expectant parent, an anxious sibling to be, a little passenger starting your journey of life or indeed an expert toddler ready to share your pearls of wisdom with a lesser-experienced newborn, we have the perfect book for you! This month’s selection of stories highlights gorgeous books to lovingly share with newborn readers and those who care for them. Don’t forget, nothing makes a better first gift than a book.
If you’re curious to find more books for the newborn in your life and older children too, you can check out our recommendations on www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
Amazing Baby by Alison Brown, Farshore, 32PP, ISBN 9780008529505
Amazing Baby is a rhyming celebration of babies, and all the magic, mischief and heartwarming moments that a new baby can bring. Part of a series, Brown highlights all the joy, excitement and change that a new baby creates, from late-nights and messy feeds to bath times, nappy-changes and beyond. Dubbed the 'Queen of Cute’ for her warmly cute and cuddly illustration style, here different animal babies and parents are rendered in the cosiest and sweetest style imaginable. These gorgeous illustrations, coupled with the gentle rhyme of the well-chosen words, combine to create a memorable and touching book to treasure. (Age 0–2, 2–4)
Today by Mark Wordsworth and illustrated by Ruby Wright, Flying Eye Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781838743420
Especially sweet for new parents or guardians, this beautiful picturebook captures the magic of a growing child and some of the many milestones little ones tick off in their early years. The illustrations add such warmth to the story, capturing the ordinary, yet extraordinary day-to-day life with a baby. The colour palette used is gentle and bright, like those tender newborn days and livelier days with a toddler. The wonder children bring to our lives is clear from the affectionate and reverent tone of the author, making it a perfect read-aloud story to share with the small people in your life. (Age 0–2, 2–4)
My Sister is a Treasure by Tracy Darnton and illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail, Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781471187711
After being told that her sister is a treasure, a little girl thinks about all of the wonderful things her sister could be, while also thinking about the harder parts of being an older sibling too. The characters are drawn with a range of expressions and emotions that are easy to relate to for young children going through the same journey. Colourful, imaginative and adventurous, this is the perfect story for children who are adapting to life with a new sibling. The main protagonist is a cheerful, honest, and animated little girl who shows young readers that their thoughts and emotions about adding a new sibling to the family are normal. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
Being the Biggest by Molly Mead and illustrated by Antonia Woodward, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781836004141
Navigating the arrival of a new baby can stir up a whole host of conflicting emotions for siblings. This narrator feels empowered at first – but despite being the biggest, there are times when the world still feels scary at times. Thankfully, Mum is on hand to empathise and reassure her that she’s not alone in her feelings. Emotional ups and downs are captured through a relatable voice, with plenty of internal dialogue punctuated by shorter snippets of speech. Woodward’s playful illustrations are similarly packed with colour and emotion. Touching and warm, this gentle picturebook is a reminder that we should all be more kind to ourselves during times of change. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
Little Passenger by Deirdre Sullivan and illustrated by Jessica Love, Walker Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781529507157
'Little Passenger. I have made space for you inside my heart.’ This line from Sullivan’s début picturebook perfectly captures the essence of this wonderfully heartwarming book. The first-person narrator speaks directly to the little passenger growing inside Mum, making this the perfect book both for pregnant mothers and for reading aloud to young children to help them understand what it was to love them before they were even born. The soft, whimsical watercolour illustrations bring the reader into the wonderful world of warmth and wonder that is waiting for a baby. The love that emerges from the pages is truly palpable. A true work of art from both writer and illustrator. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
A Crinkled Screaming Thing by Sarah Tagholm and illustrated by Ruby Wright, Andersen Press, 32PP, ISBN 9781839133688
Told from the perspective of the baby, Tagholm’s story is a realistic, yet positive account of life with a newborn. This story celebrates the vital role that an older sibling (Small Big One) plays in helping their infant brother or sister (Crinkled Screaming Thing) acclimatise to our multi-sensory world. The tone of the book is one of reassurance and acceptance. Wright’s playful images showcase the loving bond between Small Big One and Crinkled Screaming Thing, juxtaposing the bright yellow tones of the lively baby with the calming blue colours of the older sibling. A touching tribute to siblings. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Manager for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading.
Ruth says: "Our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books.
"We share our expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. We support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through our work."
