Irish Book Awards: Shortlisted Children’s Books
It’s that time of year again – the An Post Irish Book of the Year Awards shortlists have been announced. And as ever, the calibre of children’s books is excellent, with two categories dedicated to titles for tiny (and not so tiny) tots. Here’s a round-up of the nominees.
Book of the Year, Junior Category
Kids aged 4+ will love Evie's Christmas Wishes, by Ireland’s first Laureate na nÓg (Children’s Laureate) Siobhán Parkinson, with illustrations by Shannon Bergin. Evie makes a series of wishes as she gets ready for Christmas, but she’s still surprised when they start coming true! Maybe... by Chris Haughton (3-7 years) is a delightful cautionary tale. The little monkeys have been warned not to climb down to the mango tree, as there are tigers about. But they really like mangos! There's a Ghost in this House (4-8 years) is a unique and innovative book by Oliver Jeffers. Turn the transparent pages to explore the haunted house, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Also nominated:
A Hug for You - David King (illustrated by Rhiannon Archard)
Puffling and the Egg - Erika McGann & Gerry Daly
Up on the Mountain - Peter Donnelly
Book of the Year, Senior Category
The shortlisted titles for older kids are just as impressive. Ross O’Carroll-Kelly author Paul Howard’s Aldrin Adams & the Cheese Nightmares (6-9 years, with illustrations by Lee Cosgrove), is the hilarious tale of a little boy who realises he can enter other children’s dreams, once he’s eaten enough cheese before bed. In Lily & the Lissadell Ghost by Judi Curtain (8-12 years, with illustrations by Rachel Corcoran), housemaids Lily and Nellie join forces with their friend Maeve (Countess Marcievicz’s daughter), to discover if the house really is haunted. Meanwhile, Sarah Webb’s The Little Bee Charmer of Henrietta Street (9-12 years, illustrated by Rachel Corcoran) is a charming lesson in Irish history. It’s 1911, and Eliza and her brother Jonty are in for a shock as the family relocates from leafy Rathmines to the rough and ready tenements of Henrietta Street!
Also nominated:
Mr Spicebag – Freddie Alexander (illustrated by Helen O’Higgins)
The Summer I Robbed a Bank - David O’Doherty (illustrated by Chris Judge)
The Shadows of Rookhaven - Padraig Kenny (illustrated by Edward Bettison)
Those are just the shortlisted children’s titles, discover the full list of Irish Book Awards nominees. And as ever, we want to hear from you! Find us on social and let us know yours and your family’s favourite Irish books, using #ReadersWanted.