Books Aren't Just for Christmas, You Know

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No, books aren't just for Christmas; they're for life! And the book gifts you gave or received are ones that will remain in your memories forever. I took a look at the childrens' books sold over this holiday season, and thought I'd share some of the bestsellers (from Dubray Books, Galway branch) that were not the ones that were heavily promoted or advertised. There are some pretty surprising entries here:

Pea's Book of Best Friends by Susie Day sold really well for me. This is a lovely, charming, quirky story about a young girl, Pea, whose mother is a best-selling author. They move out of their dingy little flat into a wonderful house in London and have to start new school and make all new friends. Delightful family drama!






Toby Alone by Timothee de Fombelle is always a favourite among young readers, and this Christmas season was certainly no different. It made the top 10...again!


Inkheart by Cornelia Funke... what can I say? It's one of my very favourites.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherine Valente... another favourite.. and it delights me no end to see so many, of all ages, enjoying this magical, unusual fairytale.




The Adventure Island Mysteries by Helen Moss (yes, all of them)even outshone the Enid Blyton books this year!

The Phantom Tollbooth is one contemporary classic that stays on my hit list year round. If you haven't read it yet, you really should!
 

 The Haunting of Charity Delafield by Ian Beck is the beautifully told story of a young girl living in seclusion in an old and mysterious house filled with secrets. Charity's only friend is her cat, who helps her uncover the mystery of what really happened to her mother.


The Speks made another strong showing this year. Their Nursery Rhymes w/CD is still a really big hit with young children and their families!

 



The Good Inventor by Charlotte Curley is new out, written by a local author and takes place in Connemara. A contemporary mystery/adventure with ancient roots, this book has caused a lot of excitement!


Mise Agus an Dragún by Patricia Forde/illustrated by Steve Simpson was not only the best selling book as gaeilge this holiday season. It also made the top 10 best sellers!
.... followed close behind by Ulchabháin Óga (Owl Babies) by Martin Waddell, translated into Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock.





Both Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent and Arthur Quinn and the Fenris Wolf by Alan Early were presented and accounted for in the bestsellers section of the childrens' department. And they well deserve to be! Great exciting adventure as our hero, Arthur Quinn, takes on Loki, that old Norse trickster god, once again. (Can't wait for the next book!)
Just a few here... but looking at the list, all I could think was WOW!
What books did you get for Christmas? What memories did you give?

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