Mayo author features on 2026 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards Shortlist

Mayo native, Kevin Moran, has been named on the 2026 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards Shortlist announced by RTÉ’s Rick O’Shea at a special event held in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.

Originally from Castlebar but now teaching in Dublin, Kevin’s début book, The Doomsday Club, blends adventure, fantasy and humour as school students Jack, Conan and Yash make a strange discovery in the school yard.

Speaking at the announcement, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland said: “This year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist has something to delight every kind of reader. There are stories steeped in Irish mythology, tales of bravery and resilience and books that will move you to tears or make you cry laughing. It’s wonderful to see how children’s literature and publishing in Ireland is evolving through this diverse, excellent shortlist. Our warm congratulations go to the authors, illustrators and publishers whose wonderful work we are so proud to champion.”

When asked what being shortlisted meant to them, Kevin Moran said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland awards, especially alongside so many incredible writers and illustrators. As this is my début, the recognition really means a lot. I’m very grateful to the judges for their time and care, and I would like to offer particular thanks to the junior judges, whose enthusiasm for stories make this honour even more special.”

The shortlisted titles will be in contention for six awards at the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards ceremony on Monday, May 18, taking place as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin. The awards include the prestigious KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year, alongside categories celebrating excellence in fiction and illustration, and the highly-coveted Junior Juries’ Award, which is selected by young readers from across the island of Ireland.

Children’s Books Ireland is also recruiting young readers across the island of Ireland, including in Mayo, to participate in its Junior Juries’ programme. School classes, youth groups, book clubs and early childhood settings can register at the Children’s Books Ireland website, make a selection of suitable titles from the shortlist and send their feedback and scores to Children’s Books Ireland. The winning artist will accept the Junior Juries’ Award on May 18.

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