Ruth Concannon, Publications Manager with Children's Books Ireland, is here with another KIDS Book Club full of great, recommended reads.
This time it's a small selection of the best books of 2026 so far...
If you're looking for some back-to-school reading inspiration, then look no further – the Children’s Books Ireland annual reading guide is here! The Best Irish Books of 2026 is a celebration of books by Irish authors and illustrators as published this year.
With a beautiful cover designed by illustrator Grace Enemaku, The Best Irish Books of 2026 features 100 brilliant titles for young readers of all interests. From début artists to our Laureates na nÓg, it is a treasure trove of talent from the island of Ireland.
The full guide spans ages 0–18 years, there are so many stories to choose from in English and as Gaeilge with editors’ choices denoted with a star and début authors marked with a megaphone throughout the guide.
Below you will find some of our favourite books from the guide aimed at readers aged 0–12 years.
Lá Breithe Eoinín by Muireann Ní Chíobháin, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy, Futa Fata, 12PP, ISBN 9781915684448
Leabhar nua lándaite sa tsraith seo a leanann Eoinín agus é ag baint súp agus spraoi as an saol. A bhreithlá atá ann sa cheann seo, agus is gá cúnamh a thabhairt dá chairde canadh dó! Iarrtar ar an léitheoirín gníomh a dhéanamh sula mbogtar ar aghaidh chuig an gcéad leathanach eile. Tá coinneal le séideadh agus straois mhór le déanamh! Leabhar cairtchláir deas a thaispeáinfidh don leanbh céard a tharlaíonn ag cóisir lá breithe, ar bhealach gleoite séimh.
Eoinín is celebrating his birthday, can you help him to prepare for his celebrations and blow out his birthday candles? (Aois 0–2)
A Wexford Fairytale by Amy Devereux, illustrated by Lauren O’Neill, The O’Brien Press, 32PP, ISBN 9781788495561
When a beast visits Bláthnaid’s local library she realises he might not be as scary as he seems and joins him on an adventure to find the witch who cursed him. Their journey takes them all around Wexford – from the Opera House to Hook Lighthouse and beyond. Each location is beautifully illustrated and a sincere tribute to Wexford and those who call it home.
Bláthnaid’s story teaches us that there is often more to people than meets the eye and that taking time to talk to someone without judgement can lead to new friendships. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
Newton is Floating by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Matt Hunt, Magic Cat Publishing, 40PP, ISBN 9781911766391
In a world without gravity there are many unexpected consequences – when Newton the dog is asked to sit, he lifts up into the air! First, Newton’s funny antics show what gravity is good for, then comes the science bit. An interactive section full of questions, infographics and factoids tells readers everything they need to know about gravity.
This colourful and engaging picturebook is perfect for any child who is curious about how the world works. (Non-fiction, Age 5–7)
Lúiscín: An Caitín is Craiceáilte ar Domhan! by Jamie Smart, translated by Fearghas Mac Lochlainn, Cló Iar-Chonnacht, 200PP, ISBN 9781784443085
Is peata teaghlaigh é Lúiscín a chruthaíonn círéib iomlán i ngach stiallghreannán. Bainfidh léitheoirí sásamh iontach ón ngreann atá le fáil sna sonraí beaga. Tá a fhios ag Smart go díreach cathain painéal a líonadh go hiomlán agus cathain íomhá amháin a úsáid chun scéal grinn a insint. Tá an téacs bríomhar agus íosta, rud a oireann go foirfe don leagan amach. Thar a bheith seafóideach, thar a bheith craiceáilte, thar a bheith taitneamhach!
The Irish language translation of Jamie Smart’s Looshkin will delight young readers with plenty of humour. (Úrscéal grafach, Aois 8–10)
Nadia Islam, On the Record by Adiba Jaigirdar, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi, Hodder Children’s Books, 320PP, ISBN 9781444973471
Having grown up in the USA, eight-year-old Nadia’s views, fears and preconceived ideas of another country are explored when her family decides to holiday in their home country, Bangladesh, for the first time. Jaigirdar’s first book for middle-grade readers deals with important issues, such as cultural differences, climate change, the Muslim faith and observing Ramadan for the first time, in a thought-provoking way, broken up by the warmth, humour and squabbles of family life. (Age 8–10, 10–12)
The Skidderwolves by Ciara O’Connor, illustrated by Sarah Horne, Gill Books, 256PP, ISBN 9781804584163
The Skidderwolves attracted tourists to Shoak Village due to their nightly runs that send electricity into the air, until they disappeared after a terrible accident – or did they? Chaos ensues when Rory brings what he thinks is a harmless antique to school that turns out to be a Skidderwolf comb. What has Rory’s dad got to do with all of this? It is up to Rory to find out.
O’Connor’s début will keep readers hooked from the start, while Horne’s black-and-white illustrations amplify the adventure. (Age 10–12)
For more from Children's Books Ireland visit their official website here - www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Manager for Children's Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child's right to develop a love of reading.
She says: "Our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books. We share our expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. We support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through our work."
See more from the RTÉ KIDS Book Club here!
