Fallen Star Stories

It's official! Today is the publication day of Molly and the Lighthouse by Malachy Doyle, exquisitely illustrated by Andrew Whitson; published by Graffeg Ltd! I have been waiting to wish a very Happy Book-Birthday to this, the third book in the wonderful Molly stories (fourth, if you count the special download colouring/activity book, Molly and the Shutdown...which I do. Wonderful story!) And it was well worth the wait! In case you haven't been reading them, here's a little catch-up: Molly lives on a very small island with her Mum, fisherman Dad and a wonderful collection of island residents, including her best friend, Dylan. Their life may seem quiet enough, but so far they have faced ferocious storms, helped a stranded whale, been caught in the covid_19 shutdown on their isolated little island home; all while displaying great fortitude and a fantastic sense of empathy and community. And now...there's trouble at the lighthouse. MOLLY AND THE LIGHTHOUSE author: ...

In an interruption to my regular posts of journeys in books for this strange summer holiday season, I have to take a moment to celebrate probably the most iconic book illustrator/author working in the world of childrens literature today: A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHIRLEY HUGHES!!! Born on 16th July, 1927, Shirley Hughes has written more than 50 books and illustrated over 200 books, which have sold more than 11.5 million copies worldwide. (You would be hard-pressed to say that you have never seen her work.)  In 1997 (for Dogger ) and again in 2003 (for Ellas' Big Chance , her own interpretation of Cinderella), Shirley Hughes won the Kate Greenaway Medals for Childrens Book Illustration. In 2015, she won the inaugural lifetime achievement award from Booktrust. Her illustrations are timeless and heartwarming, capturing glimpses and moments of life in a style that is instantly recognisable; uniquely her own. While best known for her illustrations; she began in the 1950s-1960s ...

Previously: With summer holiday plans changing dramatically, travel limited and 'stay-cations' looking like the norm this year, lockdowns and home/online-schooling are leaving us all in need of a break; especially the young people in our lives. Social distancing and isolation are causing a new and different type of stress, but I have to say, the kids have been real heroes. They need to be uplifted now more than before; they need to know there are still adventures to be had, friends are still out there and life is still vibrant and exciting.   Books offer many opportunities for young people (well, all of us really) to "get away from it all" and experience life in the realms of the imagination. Whether you're crossing the border into an unknown, magical land, delving into the depths of an historical world or looking at your own surroundings under unusual circumstances, books make any holiday or stay-cation memorable. Here are a few of my very best recommendation...

With summer holiday plans changing dramatically, travel limited and 'stay-cations' looking like the norm this year, lockdowns and home/online-schooling are leaving us all in need of a break; especially the young people in our lives. Social distancing and isolation are causing a new and different type of stress, but I have to say, the kids have been real heroes. They need to be uplifted now more than before; they need to know there are still adventures to be had, friends are still out there and life is still vibrant and exciting. While most of us will be enjoying the familiar surrounds of our local area (we still have to stay safe!), books offer a brilliant opportunity to "get away from it all." Here are a few of my very best recommendations for teens and YAs to escape into this summer: Helen Corcorans' debut novel The Queen of Coin and Whispers offers a fantasy journey into a medieval kingdom of political intrigue, duty and honour. When idealistic young Quee...

Over the lockdown period here in Ireland, there has been a lot going on at Childrens Books Ireland, the national organisation for childrens' literature in Ireland. Much of this, of course, has been happening online and coming to us in our homes...the awards, a new Laureate na n'Og, the changing of the guard in the reviews editorial staff...it's been a busy time. Within all the shifts and changes, CBI has managed to produce its new edition of Inis Magazine. (No easy feat, I assure you.) Now, here's the mega-exciting news about this edition. It is the 60th issue of this fabulous resource for kidslit bibliophiles and.... it's only available online! This issue is one you simply have to read. Throughout the 46 pages of articles, editorials and of course, the book reviews, you will see all the activity that has taken place behind the scenes in our time at home here in Ireland. Included is a very interesting article by Kim Harte on "The Impact of Covid_19 on th...