Fallen Star Stories

The winners of this years' CBI Awards were announced today at a ceremony held in Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin. The 26th award for CBI Book of the Year 2016 went to Sarah Crossan for her amazing YA novel One , which chronicles a year in the life of conjoined twins, Grace and Tippi. Placed under constant medical and psychological evaluation and homeschooled until the age of 16, they now have to attend school for the first time in their lives. Written in verse, this is an insightful look at difference, acceptance, individuality and friendship. One was also given the Childrens Choice Award, presented to Crossan by students of Kings Hospital School Palmerstown and St Brigids National School Glasnevin. This makes Crossan the fourth author to win both. (The Childrens Choice Award is by far my favourite as it voted for by young readers across Ireland!) There are 4 other awards given at the Book of the Year ceremony. And the winners are: Lauren O'Neill, receiving the Honour aw

This (literally) just in! Irelands new Childrens' Laureate; Laureate na nÓg; has just been announced. I offer, along with the rest of the book world in Ireland, my sincerest congratulations to the one and only PJ Lynch. PJ Lynch is the fourth Laureate na nÓg, having been handed his 'baton' by the outgoing Laureate, Eoin Colfer. He is the illustrator of over 20 incredibly beautiful books. He won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice, initially for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, written by Susan Wojciechowski and also for When Jessie Came Across The Sea, written by Amy Hest. His most recent book The Boy Who Fell Off The Mayflower, was both illustrated and written by PJ. As he was crowned Laureate na nÓg today, PJ told off his plans for the next 2 years; “Being named the new Laureate is one of the proudest moments of my career. I want to explore the magic that happens when words and pictures come together. My theme as Laureate na nÓg will be “The Big Picture” – I

So many books! Here's a few more published so far this year that I think are exceptional reads; delightful and funny or atmospheric and evocative...and sometimes, a bit of both: Rose Campion and the Stolen Secret author: Lyn Gardner Nosy Crow (April 2016) ISBN: 9780857634863 Mystery and mayhem in the setting of a Victorian London music hall. Rose was left as a baby on the steps of Campions' Palace of Varieties. It is the only home she has ever known and she loves it with all her heart. But, of course, she still wonders who she really is and what happened to her mother. Now, a sinister plot and murder threaten to destroy the Palace. Rose needs all her acquired skills as a performer and help from her friends and family as she delves into a very shady past in order to save her home. If you are a fan of Jacqueline Wilsons' Hetty Feather series, or if you love mysteries and detective dramas, this is the book for you. Intrigue, abduction, blackmail...wow! (10+) Little

The Branford Boase Award shortlist for 2016 was announced recently, but before I show you the list, let me just recap as to what the award is all about. The Branford Boase award is considered one of the pivotal awards in childrens literature. It is awarded annually to the author and editor of an outstanding debut novel for young people. and has a hugely impressive track record in identifying those with a special talent at the very start of their career. For example, Meg Rosoff, winner of this years' Astrid Lindgren Memorial Prize (considered the worlds' most noted prize in childrens' books) one the Branford Boase Award for her first novel, How I Live Now in 2005. Frances Hardinge was named the Branford Boase winner exactly 10 years ago, and has gone on to win many accolades, including being named as the overall winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award this year for her incredible, The Lie Tree. I could go on and on, but basically, if you are even listed for the Branfor

Once upon a time in 2010, I posted this small essay written by a friend of mine, Kevin Whelan. Kevin has great enthusiasm and support for childrens' reading. We are always discussing what is new out in childrens' books, what we think of it and, most importantly, what the readers are saying. This post is one of the top 3 'hits' on Fallen Star Stories, and it's one I go back to when I feel in need of support and energy as a childrens' book enthusiast. (We all need a boost every now and again, and sometimes it does feel like I'm talking to myself....but not after reading this.) I thought I'd post it again here, as a reminder to me, to you, my dear readers and as a 'thank you' to Kevin. You have touched a lot of lives with this post. In fact, you have touched 14,490 lives, Kevin. Well done! WHAT TO TELL SOMEONE WHO ‘HATES’ READING                           By Kevin Whelan When I was a child (not a ‘kid’: as my nephew Ciaran Whelan always re