Children’s Books by Irish Authors – Favourites from The Tiny Human Library

The Tiny Human Library began back in early 2015, when I was pregnant on Luke (my first born). I started to add books, new and old to his newly hung bookshelves in anticipation of his imminent arrival.  Being a speech and language therapist, I have come to love lots of incredible children’s titles over the years, and during my first pregnancy I started picking up beautiful books in preparation for a little person reading them one day. I was adamant from the beginning that I wanted to instil a love of books and reading in whoever that tiny human would turn out to be and I am happy and proud to report, I didn’t fail. Luke is a lover of stories, a hugger of books and loves nothing more than a good story before bed. Olly is now starting to get in on the act and enjoys exploring board books, interactive books with puppets and bright colours. From time to time we will pick a few of our favourites to share with you, and this month we have chosen our favourite titles by Irish authors.

The President’s Glasses

by Peter Donnelly

I can’t convey just how much we love this book. Luke (who will be 3 in March) really loves this story. He finds all the elements of the book familiar and interesting which is why I love it so much. From the beautiful illustrations of O’Connell Street and Trinity College, to the hero pigeons, what is not to love? The story is simple, and the pictures captivating. The tale holds Luke’s attention from beginning to end with lots of great talking points in the pictures. The President’s Glasses captures the magic of Dublin in it’s colourful pages whilst telling a fun and timeless story.

Available from Gill books and bookstores nationwide.

Pigín of Howth

by Kathleen Watkins

Howth is where Michael and I got engaged so in fairness this book had me at the title. On further inspection though, this book is just bursting with beautiful illustrations and fascinating tales of an adventurous pig named Pigín. The book is split into three different stories, each as fun as the last. From GAA, to fairies and harps to the DART, this is another book which captures the magic of growing up in Ireland. The language and stories in the book are a step up from our other two books and are better suited to a preschooler or older.

Available from Gill Books and bookstores nationwide.

 

A Sailor went to Sea, Sea, Sea

by Sarah Webb & Steve McCarthy

Olly got a present of this book for Christmas from his god mother who knows well how much he loves a good song or nursery rhyme. As an adult who grew up in Ireland, this book fills me with warm fuzzy feelings of childhood and nostalgia. With the turn of each page I had an ‘aw remember this’ moment. A beautiful collection of rhymes you forgot you loved, to share with the next generation. Óró,Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile and Molly Malone both feature along with countless other classics. This book is suitable for all ages, because really it’s just reigniting songs and rhymes you probably already know. If you’re like me, you may just burst into song and verse which even kept my husband entertained!

Available from O’Brien’s Press and bookstores nationwide.