New children's book guide available to Mayo readers

Children’s Books Ireland's new free children’s reading guide has been launched by Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde.

Launched at a Culture Night event on Friday, the ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ guide is available to download, or to pick up from bookshops across Mayo.

“Our children need to see themselves in books, whether they trace their lineage back to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, or have only recently arrived on our shores,” said Ms Forde.

Curated by Children’s Books Ireland, ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ spotlights authors, illustrators and publishers from or based in Ireland and features 200 titles, in Irish and English. 

The guide includes titles for readers up to 18 years old, including the latest books by authors such as Maggie O’Farrell, Manchán Magan and Sarah Webb. Also featured are début titles such as ‘Who Watches This Place’ by Amy Clarkin and ‘Into the Witchwood’ by Méabh McDonnell.

Speaking about the guide, Ms Forde called it ‘an essential resource’ for parents, carers, educators, librarians, booksellers and young readers across Mayo alike.

“It will definitely come in handy for anyone starting to think about gift-buying for young readers in the coming months!

“Why does it matter that the writers and illustrators featured call Ireland home? Because our children need to see stories that reflect their identities and surroundings, from artists who understand and can relate to their lived experiences. Children in Mayo need role models to pave pathways that will help them to realise their dreams. We see it in sport, we see it in theatre and film, and we need to see it in the realm of children’s books,” she added.

The ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ guide is available to download from the Children’s Books Ireland website. 

With 25,000 copies distributed across the country, it will be widely available free of charge through local libraries and participating bookshops in Mayo.