It's been a record month for #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks, with 12 new titles from Irish born or based writers and illustrators hitting book shops and libraries.
From Monsters under the bed, to the treasures of Clew Bay these are a few of our brand new favourite heart-warming tales for little people and their care givers. Compiled by award-winning and best-selling Irish Author Triona Campbell.
For Younger Readers look out for…
Look Out! Hungry Shark & Look Out! Hungry Spider - Ages 2+ (Picture Books)
Author/ Illustrator Paul Delaney
Publisher: Kumusha Books
West Cork native Paul Delaney kicks off March with two super books for small people aged 2 yrs +. Hungry Shark is a fun, cheeky and vibrant lift-the-flap story about a shark at dinner time. While Hungry Spider features an arachnid on the hunt for food.
Each book comes with six spreads and five sturdy flaps, that are perfectly sized for little hands in a playful introduction to the food chain!
Wild Eyes - Ages 3+
Author/ Illustrator Bex Sheridan
Publisher: Natural World Publishing
Everyone at the #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks campaign has been so excited about this new release from fellow campaigner, Irish author and illustrator, Bex Sheridan.
This book invites young readers to step into the quiet magic of a little girl's garden, where her small, thoughtful actions ripple outward to make a meaningful difference. Wild Eyes follows the journey of a little girl who dedicates herself to tending her garden with care and determination. Along the way, she encounters a variety of challenges - from slugs nibbling her plants to a bee in need of rescue and a frog in distress.
Through her acts of kindness and resourcefulness, the girl demonstrates an understanding of how to nurture the world around her. Observing her every move is the Little Watcher, a mysterious wild animal hidden in the hedges, whose initial uncertainty gives way to admiration for the girl’s quiet wisdom.
Letters to a Monster - Ages 4+
Author Patricia Forde/ Illustrator Sarah Warburton
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
From Galway’s own Patricia Forde (also current Irish Children's Laureate) and award-winning illustrator Sarah Warburton comes an irresistible picture book that turns the idea of the monster-under-the-bed on its head! (and is sure to become a family favourite).
It's a dark and stormy night, and Sophie knows that there is a MONSTER hiding under her bed. So, like any sensible child, she decides to send him a letter:"Dear Monster, I know you are hiding under my bed. I hear you breathing. This is your last warning. Leave now or I will call THE MONSTER POLICE. I have their number. Yours truly, Sophie"As the letters fly back and forth, Sophie begins to wonder if Monster isn't as scary as she thought. What if he's the friend she's been looking for all along?
Cití Cearc - Ages 4+
Author Patricia Forde/ Illustrator Úna Woods
Publisher: Futa Fata
Another book from the unstoppable Patricia Forde - this time illustrated by Dublin illustrator Úna Woods. This is a charming picture book in Irish about Kitty the hen and her four beautiful eggs that are due to hatch.
First published in 2010, Cití Cearc was also the first original picture book published by Irish publisher Futa Fata. To celebrate the publisher’s twentieth year in business, Cití is back with a revamp that ensures it will find more readers!
Patricia Forde’s vivid characters and Úna Woods’ sparkling illustrations will charm young readers and grown-ups alike in this laugh-out-loud tale of a lovable hen who is inclined to jump to conclusions.
Fox & Son Tailers (World Book Day Edition) - Ages 4+
Author Paddy Donnelly
Irish born and Belgium based Paddy Donnelly is back with a world book day special from the O’Brien Press (and only available in Ireland).
Rory’s dad, Fox, is a tailer. The BEST in the business! Animals come from all over to have their tails made by him. Rory helps in the shop and one of his jobs is measuring the customers for the tails – which isn’t always easy! But Rory is bored of making the same old tails. He has his own amazing ideas…
Puifín Beag agus on Dorchadas - Ages 4+
Author Erika McGann/ llustrator Gerry Daly/ Translated by Muireann Ní Chíobháin
Publisher: The O’Brien Press
From Co Louth author Erika McGann, Dublin illustrator Gerry Daly and Cork native translator Muireann Ni Chíobháin comes this unique Irish language picture book Puifín Beag agus on Dorchadas.
Set on Skellig Michael, the story centres on a kind little puffling who loves her cosy underground bed and her smaller puffling friend who is afraid of the dark and cannot sleep in his little burrow. To help him the other animals of Skellig Michael share the reasons why they love the night-time. Can they convince little puffling’s friend to no longer fear the dark?
Ag Buzzáil sa Ghairdín - Ages 4+
Author Áine Ní Ghlinn/ Illustrator Mr Ando (World Book Day)
Another World book day special book is from Tipperary writer (and former Laureate na nÓg, "Children's Laureate") Áine Ní Ghlinn. This one featuring Bees illustrated by the brilliant Belfast native Andrew Whitson (Mr Ando).
The story follows Billí’s magical working day gathering nectar from all the beautiful flowers in the garden. This rhyming story of Billí, the hardest-working bee in the garden, is a tale that is sure to delight all eco warriors, big and small.
Meena’s Saturday - Ages 4+
Author Kusum Mepani/ Illustrator Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Kokila
Irish-born Yasmeen Ismail and California based Kusum Mepani team up in this charming slice-of-life story with a feminist message about a young Indian girl and her sisters managing a bustling house full of boisterous guests on a busy Saturday.
Saturday mornings have always started early for Meena. She and her sisters watch the sun rise while drinking chai before they clean the house and then head to the grocery store . . . while their brother stays in bed. As the guests arrive, including Meena's favourite cousins, the women crowd into the kitchen to cook. The doorbell rings nonstop as family, neighbours, and friends fill the bustling house.
Once fresh chapatis are made, dinner begins—for the men. But Meena spots an empty seat at the table and decides today is the day she makes an important change. This is the charming story of a family’s weekend ritual, a love letter to the gatherings of community and family, and an example of how changing long-standing traditions can start with just one person.
The One and Only You - Ages 4+
Author Shane Hegarty/ Illustrator Ben Mantle
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Skerries author Shane Hegarty and Brighton based illustrator Ben Mantle take an incredible trip across space and time in 'The One and Only You’ to discover just how special we are."In this whole wide world of people and animals, and plants and flowers, and oceans and lakes, and so, so many things, there is only one YOU." A heartfelt picture book about celebrating individuality.
Jenny Peckles Lays Eggs with Speckles - Ages 4+
Author Rachel Emily/ Illustrator Paul Delaney
Publisher: Farshore
A THIRD book this month from talented Irish illustrator Paul Delaney - this time working with UK author Rachel Emily in 'Jenny Peckles lays eggs with speckles’.
A rhyming adventure following Jenny and her chicken friends in a story that shows real life is always exciting for this bunch of intrepid chickens.
The Lost Treasure of Clew Bay - Ages 4+
Author Sarah Kilcoyne
Publisher: Gill Books
Irish-born and Berlin-based Sarah Kilcoyne is up next with a legendary tale.
Saoirse is visiting her grandad in rural Mayo when he tells her the story of a legendary pirate queen’s lost treasure, supposedly hidden in nearby Clew Bay. Inspired to search for it, she and Grandad’s dog Nessa take out the rowing boat and have an adventure around the islands, encountering all kinds of creatures on their travels, including a magical giant, who just might know exactly where the treasure is hidden.
When Saoirse wakes up back in her bed the next morning, she thinks it may all have been a dream – but a mysterious souvenir suggests otherwise...And that’s it for new releases for younger readers this March (now available in local libraries and bookstores throughout the country).
And that's it for new releases this March now available in local libraries and bookstores throughout the country.
For more book recommendations check out Discover Irish Kids Books - or give them a follow on Instagram or X.
Discover Irish Kids Books round-up graphic by Bex Sheridan.
Triona Campbell is the author of A Game of Life Or Death and The Traitor in the Game, and part of the team at #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks – a campaign to highlight and celebrate Irish kids and teen books.
And don't forget the RTÉjr Book Club every month, encouraging young readers to pick up a book!
