The Alychemyst By Michael Scott
 |
The Alchemyst
Author: Michael Scott Published by Doubleday Children’s
A fantasy adventure narrative that follows the destiny of 15-year-old twins, Josh and Sophie Newman, who are the subjects of an ancient prophesy. Of its kind but different, this flamboyantly stylish work succeeds in weaving a mesmerizing and energetic plot around a structurally impressive mythological framework. Although intertextually complex, it is a story whose vivid descriptions of worlds and events enable the fantasy and the realism to connect.
|
The Black Book of Secrets by FE Higgins
 |
The Black Book of Secrets
Author: F E Higgins Published by Macmillan Children’s Books A work that contains the dark secrets of the inhabitants of the remote village of Pagus Parvus. Subtly reminiscent and worthy of a writer like Dickens, this strikingly original and superbly plotted tale introduces readers to two of the most memorable literary protagonists of recent times, apprentice Ludlow Fitch and pawnbroker Joe Zabbidou. Grim but not pessimistic, this is uncommon storytelling, offering a liberating but hopeful exploration of the complexities of human nature. |
Discover Art by Jessica O'Donnell
 |
Discover Art (at the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane)
Author: Jessica O’Donnell Published by Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane A unique and aesthetically pleasing publication that introduces its readers to the impressive collection of art exhibited at Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane. In a clear and lively style, this well-researched work manages not only to inform its readers about modern and contemporary art history but also to present its information in a way that children will enjoy by suggesting fun activities and practical projects to fire the imagination |
Gaiscioch na Beilte Uaine le Caitriona Nic Sheain agus Andrew Whitson
 |
Gascioch na Beilte Uaine
Caitríona Nic SheáinIllustrator agus Andrew Whitson Published by An Snathaid Mhor A retelling of an old Irish story about a warrior who, to prove himself a worthy suitor, must complete a number of trials. Although it enchantingly tells its story through a verbal text that poetically imbues the narrative with a magical atmosphere, it is the distinctive and quintessential character of the visual text that makes this picture book a beautiful work of art. This is a story that will continue to be retold as it is read and reread by both children and adults like |
The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson
 |
The Last of The High Kings
Author: Kate Thompson Published by The Bodley Head
A work of fantasy that centres on the choice Jenny, daughter of JJ Liddy, must make between a life in the world of humans and a life in the world of Tír na nÓg. Distinguished by the psychological depth of its characterization, its impressive use of dialogue, and – above all – the ease of its storytelling, this is fiction that not only explores the complexities of family life in an unsentimental and honest manner but also emphasizes the fact that fantasy, at its most accomplished, exists in a symbiotic relationship with reality.
|
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
 |
The London Eye Mystery
Author: Siobhan Dowd Published by David Fickling
The detective story of brother and sister Ted and Kate’s attempt to solve the mystery of their cousin Salim’s disappearance. Enthralling at the level of story, this convincingly written narrative draws the reader in with its beautifully stylish and textured language, its clever and light use of symbolism, and its unpatronising humour so as to emphasize the importance of connecting with others in life. A traditionally structured novel, this is a sustained and fully realised thriller for young readers
|
The Thing with Finn by Tom Kelly
 |
The Thing with Finn
Author: Tom Kelly Published by Macmillan Children’s Books The story of a young boy named Danny and his journey of self-discovery in the aftermath of the death of his twin-brother Finn. Cathartic and redemptive, this incredibly courageous narrative is told with such sensitivity that it manages to poignantly sustain pathos through moments of great humour. To journey through this layered narrative – in the company of a character who is sure to haunt the imagination long after the book has been read – is to recognise this unique publication as a modern classic |
Titanic 2020 by Colin Bateman
 |
Titanic 2020
Author: Colin Bateman Published by Hodder Children’s Books
A futuristic tale that chronicles the adventures and discoveries of stowaway Jimmy Armstrong, aboard a new, and supposedly unsinkable, Titanic. Though it convincingly develops relationships between its central characters through episodes of humour and sadness, this well-conceived narrative is characterized, chiefly, by the adventurousness of the twists and turns in its plot, the subtlety of its cultural and literary references, and the innovative nature of its storytelling.
|
The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers
 |
The Way Back Home
Author and Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books
A picture book that tells the story of the relationship between a boy and a friendly Martian, who meet after the boy crash-lands on the moon while flying his aeroplane. The stylish quality of the illustration is the principal characteristic that defines this aesthetically pleasing literary artefact. Told from a child’s perspective, and developed through the structural dualism of strangeness and familiarity, the work’s deceptively simple verbal and visual texts are an enchanting celebration of the transformative power of the imagination
|
Wilderness by Roddy Doyle
 |
Wilderness
Author: Roddy Doyle Published by Scholastic Children’s Books
A work that tells the stories of brothers Tom and Johnny, on an adventure-holiday in Finland, their half-sister Gráinne, at home in Ireland, and their respective mothers. Poetically weaving together alternating but parallel narratives, this is a work that concerns itself with both physical and psychological journeys into wildernesses: those places and situations where one confronts desolation and truth. Categories of adult and children’s fiction aside, this is a rarity in publishing: a novel in the true sense of the word, a work that transcends itself.
|
Your Subscription:
[SUBSCRIPTIONS]
|
Resources 
