Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without giving lots of lovely new Irish books to the children in my life. This year there are so many brilliant new books by Irish children’s writers to choose from that I know will keep everyone happy.   Many of this year’s favourites are published by Irish publishers which is a real bonus

‘Over the Red Brick Chimney’ by Una Leavy with illustrations by Shannon Bergin  is a really beautiful picture  book  about  a little goose that gets lost and injured from the flock as they migrate to winter in Ireland . Finn and his mother find her and help to look after her and get her ready to fly again.

‘Twas the Match before Christmas’ by Julianne McKeigue with illustrations by Brian Fitzgerald is one that I know all the GAA Supporters and young footballers in my family will love.  A Funny and colourful story as Santa and his crew of reindeers and elves decide to play a big Christmas Eve match in Croke Park stadium.  

The Great Discovery by Peter Donnelly is a wonderful picture book by one of Ireland’s foremost children’s writer and illustrators.  This time we return to the Dead Zoo with Mr Gray and a brand new discovery.  All Peter’s books have been a huge hit in our family with The Presidents Dog a great favourite. 

‘Milly McCarthy and the Christmas Calamity’ by Leona Forde with illustrations by Karen Harte

Milly from Cork is back with big plans for the class Christmas  school show, but as often happens with Milly things can go wrong!! This is perfect for Wimpy Kid fans but with a great Irish heroine.

The Lost Dogs: by Patricia Forde.

This will enthral and entertain all young dog lovers with a great story of being lost, and the quest of three dogs to try to find a new home and owner. 

‘I see the Moon and the Moon sees me’ is the latest in the beautifully colourful illustrated collection of rhymes and songs by Sarah Webb and illustrator Paul Delaney.  Perfect for all ages and a joy to share with the ones you love.
Along with all my book recommendations I want to give a big a shout out to ‘The Borrowers’ in Dublin’s Gate Theatre   which is brilliant and totally entertaining. We loved it and it was adapted for the stage by my friend Charles Way who has also adapted ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’. A great cast, new songs and clever staging of this children’s classic make it well worth a trip to the theatre.