Top 10 children's books for Christmas 2018
by Shane Hegarty
As Meath Library Services Writer-in-Residence in 2018, and writer of the Darkmouth fantasy-adventure series, I had great fun travelling the county meeting young readers, teachers and librarians and heard recommendations and discovered new books. There are plenty of brilliant Irish authors now making it at home and abroad, and so many fantastic stories to pick up from writers all over the world, but some really stand out when you’re looking to spend those book tokens – or visiting the local library.
Starting with some for the very youngest reader, here’s a selection of great books for young readers.
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
This picture book is 10 years old but has become a massive hit thanks to a viral video of a Scottish granny cracking up with laughter as she reads it to her grandchild. It piles on the silliness with every page and will delight kids and adults alike.
The President’s Cat by Peter Donnelly
The bestselling follow up to the hugely popular The Presidents Glasses, this picture book is a delight for the very young readers and those reading to them. Left behind on holidays, the cat crosses Ireland on the way home to the Áras and the pictures are bright and full of fun details.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Pilkey is the writer of the hilarious Captain Underpants series, and this superhero series takes the form of George and Harold’s comic books. With six books in the series already – and a film on the way - this is great for newly independent readers or those who sometimes find reading a challenge.
Rugby Spirit by Ger Siggins
With rugby so big at the moment, kids are really enjoying Siggins’s series of books based on the sport. They feature school troubles, big matches, ghosts and mysteries.
The Stormkeeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle
Another young Irish author who’s having big success, Catherine Doyle has written a magical, enchanting and poignant story centred around Arranmore Island – where eleven-year-old Fionn faces supernatural challenges, as well as some much more closer to home.
Nevermoor: The Trails of Morrigan Crowe by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crowe is a cursed child, doomed to die on her 11th birthday – but is taken away in time and ends up in a magical world where she must face a sequence of trials. With the second book, Wundersmith, just published, this is a great read for those who’ve already devoured Harry Potter.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
With the film on its way in 2019, Eoin Colfer’s worldwide bestselling series is getting new spin-off books. But a lot of new readers will now discover the twisty, funny, exciting series about the master criminal and a world of magic.
A Place Called Perfect by Helena Duggan
Described as perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton Kilkenny-author Helena Duggan has picked up lots of award for nominations of late. Perfect is a very weird town, and Violet is the girl who tries to get to the bottom of why. The second book in the series is The Trouble with Perfect.
Death in the Spotlight by Robin Stevens
Detective stories are a big thing in kids literature these days, and Robin Stevens is the queen of the genre. Although influenced by the golden age of detective fiction, these mysteries have some very modern themes and excellent central characters kids will identify with.
Blazing a Trail: Irish Women Who Change the World by Sarah Webb and Lauren O’Neill
This beautifully-illustrated Irish Book Award winner shines a light on some of the great women in Irish history, including some that have been overlooked. There are explorers, writers, inventors and pirates. With some incredible lives – such as the brilliant surgeon who posed as a man - the life stories are fantastic reads for girls and boys.
