Let's not forget

Now that the dust has settled on this year's Bisto Book of the Year awards I thought that it might be a good time to make my own list of books that didn't win and which should not be forgotten, as can so often happen when awards are handed out. So here is my aide memoir, in no particular order.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne (David Flicking Books €16.50). The horrors of the Nazi concentration camps seen through the eyes of a nine year old boy whose father is one of the administrators. Not a book for nine year olds but a book that, by its very simplicity of style, emphasises the enormity of the crimes committed.

Angels without Wings by Mark O Sullivan (Wolfhound €5.10). Still in the world of Nazi Germany where a writer is being forced to cooperate with the authorities to endorse their insanities. A blend of fantasy and historical fact that asks many questions about collective responsibility. A truly original narrative.

With Chocolate Moon by Mary Arrigan (Barrington Stoke €5.50) we return to our own times. Teenager Chris has to face the fact that his beloved grandmother is developing alzheimer's. The book offers no easy solutions and has an excellent sense of place and time. A book that will give teenagers and parents many things to think and talk about.

Second Fiddle by Siobhan Parkinson (Puffin €7.99) also deals, in a delightful, comic way, with contemporary problems of family break-ups and parental oddities. No stereotypes makes it even more refreshing.

For younger readers, Alfie Green and the Sink Full of Frogs by Joe O Brien (The O Brien Press at €7.95). When young Alfie acquires an old sink for his back garden he is faced with a huge invasion of frogs. The results are hilarious and full of surprises. Great illustrations by Jean Texier.

The Bad Wolf books by Liam Farrell (The Children's Press) The true story of how the poor wolf was the victim of those nasty little pigs. Terry Myler's illustrations greatly enhance the narrative. Some very good jokes for adults reading aloud.

Happy hunting. Lots of treasures to be found.

Tony Hickey