Age 0-4

That Is NOT A Good Idea! By Mo Willems

Mo Willems, author/illustrator extraordinaire (Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus) ….

New book is a subversive tale, done with classic silent cinema style images and illustrations, involving a fox, a duck and a trio of nervous chicklets. Brilliant and funny.

Octopus’s Garden by Ringo Starr (yep, that Ringo Starr)

Illustrated by the man behind Aliens Love Underpants (Ben Cort) … this beautifull version of “The Beatles” Octopus’s Garden come with a free audio CD of Ringo reading the story and a never before heard version of the song.

Walker Eireann – Classic Children’s Picture Books As Gaeilge

This very successful series from Walker Books sees the release of 4 more classics  : You’re All My Favourites, Tiny Little Fly, Farmer Duck and On the Road with Mavis & Marge). Beautiful books in their own right … now with the added bonus of being translated into Irish.

Age 5-8

Oliver & The Seawigs by Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre

Fantastic collaboration between an author at the top of his game storytelling wise and an illustrator whose pictures on the page are barking mad and loony in the best possible way. Highly imaginative tale about Home and the high seas, with some brilliant creations, like the Sea Wigs of the title.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Brilliant series for 5-8 year olds …. About two comic obsessed fourth graders who accidentally make turn their megalomaniac principal into their favourite superhero Captain Underpants. This is the first book again in the series, but in beautiful full colour. For pre wimpy kids …. And he’s only gonna get bigger as a phenomenon.

Classic Irish Myths, Legends & Heroes

Oisin/Tir Na Nog, Granuaile/Pirates , Cu Chulainn, Children of Lir & The Salmon of Knowledge. This bind up of Poolbegs In A Nutshell series is the perfect gift for younger kids who wish to learn about Irish myths & folklore, in a easy, simple and well put together way.

Age 9-12

Goth Girl by Chris Riddell

Beautifully illustrated and lavishly produced book about a young girl (bit of a loner) living in a huge haunted mansion but with no friends. When she befriends a ghostly mouse called Ishmael and tale of mystery and strange goings on develops. Ab Fab Stuff !

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 8 – Hard Luck

Book 8 in the worldwide phenomenon …… this is the one that involves heartbreak. So successful, it has spawned a hugely successful genre and series of alternative Wimpy’s (Big Nate Boy with the Biggest Head in the World, Timmy Failure, Dork Diaries, Star Wars Jedi Academy)

Demon Dentist by David Walliams /Roald Dahl Heroes & Villains

The Original of the species and the new world order. Roald Dahl’s Hero & Villain’s is exactly what is loved about him. His heroes are children who defy the odds and overcome the worst of situations …. While the Villains who are predominantly grown ups …. Are a who’s who basket case of a line up ! David Walliams has turned himself INTO the new Roald Dahl, and his latest book has been his most successful yet. Like Dahl, he talks up to kids, rather than down … and again, a lot of his villains are of an older nature. His world domination continues this year as he also has a picture book for younger kids “The Slightly Annoying Elephant” , illustrated by Horrid Henry’s Tony Ross!

Teenage / Young Adult

As if to prove the popularity of the Teenage / Young Adult genre ALL the following titles are coming as movies in the next year

• Divergent 
• Fault In Our Stars
• Maze Runner
• VampireAcademy (Director of Mean Girls / Writer of Heathers)
• Book Thief (to star Geoffrey Rush & Emily Watson)
• The Hobbit
• Spook’s Apprentice

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

NEXT BIG THING This is the final book Veronica Roth’s “Divergent Series”. Set in a futuristic Chicago, where society has been divided into Factions …. Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave) and Erudite (the intelligent). At age 16 on Choosing Day , they are asked to either stay in their current faction with their families OR choose another faction over their families. Written at a breath taking speed, this wholly original series is a roller coaster book of nerves and action. Unputdownable. Movie is coming next March from the company behind Hunger Games, Director of Limitless, and has Shailene Woodley & Kate Winslet in the lead roles.

Fault In Our Stars  by John Green (or ANYTHING by John Green)

John Green has become a worldwide sensation through his Video Blog (over 1 million followers) and through his understanding of the teen world and coming of age tales. “Fault in our Stars” is a truly devastating book, a beautiful thing that has, through word of mouth taken the world of Teenagers by storm. A tale of two teens in love, who meet in a Cancer support group. This is a heart breaking, soul warming story. John Green is one of the most important writers for a current generation of Young Adults. While the protagonists are teenagers the book is not just for teens …. The crossover potential already exists and with the movie coming next year , he will only get bigger. Please Please Please read it … in fact, if you have an older teenager who hasn’t read any of his books, I’d highly recommend them ALL   J