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Adventures, magic and the wonders of the natural world await as Sarah Webb picks her favourite titles of 2021 for young readers
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his year there were more than 140 books for children by Irish writers or illustrators, an all-time high. From the hundreds of children's books I've read this year, I've selected my 50 favourite picture books and novels, with lots of Irish books included, and my favourite gift books. Happy reading!
PICTURE BOOKS EOINÍN by Muireann Ní Chíobháin and Róisín Hahessy (Futa Fata) An Irish language board book about a small lamb who is trying very hard to fly his new kite. The bright, warm illustrations are perfect for age 2+ MAYBE by Chris Haughton (Walker Books) Set in a fiery red and purple jungle, Maybe is the story of three little monkeys who are told to beware of the tigers in the mango field but are determined to go there regardless. A future classic. Age 2+ A SPOOKTACULAR PLACE TO BE by Úna Woods (The O'Brien Press) A little Dublin vampire travels around Ireland, looking for spooky places, but in the end finds
there's no place like home. Stylish illustrations. Age 3+ FINN'S FIRST SONG by Gerry Daly (The O'Brien Press) A glorious book about a baby whale who has to find his mother with the help of various sea creatures. Bright, fun illustrations. Age 3+ UP ON THE MOUNTAIN by Peter Donnelly (Gill Books) The story of a family nature walk collecting leaves, listening to birds and watching squirrels. A gentle book with strong, colourful illustrations. Age 3+ LOOK, PUPPY! by Mary Murphy, illustrated by Victoria Ball (Walker Books) Naming a puppy is a big responsibility and this book is a charming look at the pleasures and
perils of doing just that. Warm, atmospheric illustrations. Age 3+ A HUG FOR YOU by David King, illustrated by Rhiannon Archard (Penguin Sandycove) Inspired by his son Adam's "virtual hug", as seen on last year's Late Late Toy Show, King's text and Archard's illustrations combine to produce
a very special book indeed. Age 4+ WHEN I SEE RED by Britta Teckentrup (Prestel) "I'm furious. I'm seeing RED. I'm filled with rage. A storm's ahead." It's not often you find abstract expressionism in a picture...