Last Minute CHILDREN'S BOOKS Suggestions

Last Minute CHILDREN'S BOOKS Suggestions

Naoin agus An Airc By Michael McCarthy, translated by Gabriel Rosenstock. An Gum Hardback €7.50 Ages 2-4

The Noah story retold in verse translated into Irish by Garberil Rosestock. Brilliant illustrations. A book to keep.

Ages 2-4

Sleep Tight Little Bear By Martin Waddell Illustrated by Barbara Firth from Walker Books  €15.50 Ages 5-8

Latest in the Little Bear series. Now he is growing up. Wonderful illustrations by Barbara Firth. Cuddle and read.

Ages 9-11

Penny the Pencil By Eileen O'Hely Illustrated by Nicky Phelan Mercier Press €8.99

Penny the Pencil is bought by eight year old Ralph and enters the intrigues of the pencil case world. Great idea, great fun .

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception By Eoin Colfer from Puffin €16

Does a new Artemis Fowl novel need a recommendation? No and his adoring fans will thank you for this present.

Drumshee Chronicles: Doomed to Died. By Cora Harrison from Mentor Books €6.95

Nessa's parents die. The Vikings are coming. What is the future for Nessa and Fintan, her fiancée? This series just gets better and better. A must.

Ages 12-14

The Bull Raid by Carlo Gebler from Edmont €15.50.

Vivid, re-telling of the Tain without any spurious updating. Great introduction to the saga.

Ages 15 +

Fallen Star By Joan O'Neill fromHodder Children's Books 7.50

Fine, thought provoking story of pregnant teenager, Stella, who is sent to the notorious Magdalen Laundry and fights to keep her baby. Folks, if you think you have a tough life, read this.

Hell-bent By Anthony McGowan from Random House €12. 50

Banished to Hell for being involved in an accident when he was three times over the limit Connor has to figure a way out of being sentenced to eternal boredom. Darkly funny and yet a timely opportunity to consider the tragedy of young men on our own roads.

Tony Hickey