When it comes to Christmas one of the best gifts you can receive is a good book.

With some suggestions for your consideration Sean was joined by David O’Callaghan Children’s Category Manager at Eason 

Great Irish Science Book –

Professor Luke O’ Neill, illustrated by Linda Fahrlin

The must have family gift for Christmas. Hugely educational, wonderfully informative and illustrated. Education by stealth of the highest order.

Kids LOVE space & Science and that is a fact!

How Will Santa Find Us? –

Shane O’ Brien & Stephen Rogers

A wonderful gift in aid of the homeless charity Focus, this poignant tale illustrated by some rock stars of the Irish Illustration World all brought together by Stephen Rogers & Shane O’ Brien is a great gift for people of all ages!

Shooting For The Stars –

Norah Patten , illustrations by Jennifer Farley

A unique look at the life & training of an astronaut from Dr. Norah Patten from Ballina, Co. Mayo as she seeks to become Ireland’s first astronaut.

With loads of scientific facts and fascinating info about an astronaut’s life. This is another wonderful gift idea.

Noodle Loses Dad –

Sarah Corbett Lynch

A very mature and exceptionally well written tale dealing with bereavement & life-changing matters for young people.

Sarah's debut book 'Noodle Loses Dad' tells the emotional story of the titular character facing a a life-changing disruption: the loss of a loved one, moving houses and becoming part of a blended family.

Tiny & Teeny –

Chris Judge

Small is oh so beautiful in this fantastically realized world & celebration of all things small. Judge, as ever has delivered a most wonderful tale that is full of so much colour & beauty.

GIFT IDEAS :

Prisoners of Geography : Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps –

Tim Marshall with illustration by Gracie Easton & Jessica Smith

A gift edition for children of Tim Marshalls’ bestselling non fiction adult book. Looking at how geography has shaped the world of politics whether it’s how U.S. became a superpower, why are some countries rich and some poor? Again this is a timely book for inquisitive minds of all ages. Lavishly produced too.

My First Book Of Birds –

Zoe Ingram

One for the junior nature lover in the family. This beautifully produced & illustrated book is perfect for sending the kids out into the garden to try spot some of these popular birds.

Back up by surprising facts & answers. Highly recommended.

No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference Gift Edition –

Greta Thunberg

What an amazing year for this fearless child warrior. TIME Person of the Year. This gift edition of her now bestselling book is the perfect gift for the small activist in your life.

SUPERIOR FICTION

It would be remiss NOT to mention those perennial bestsellers Jeff Kinney – “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Wrecking Ball” & David Walliams “The Beast of Buckingham Palace” as these will be sitting head & shoulders above most books published this autumn.

However, now firmly rising through the ranks of younger fiction

Dog Man – Fetch 22 –

Dav Pilkey

is now a firm favourite amongst kids (especially boys) aged 7-10.

It’s important to note that this ONLY landed last week so is a must have last minute addition to book stockings everywhere.

Little Women –

Louisa May Alcott

Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy are about to be reborn on to our screens through the cinematic class of Greta Gerwig with Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh amongst many other.

The hype has truly begun & people are getting very excited for this. Sales of the book have exponentially grown in the last few weeks, as the Stephen’s Day release date gets nearer.

Definitely slots in to the Read It Before You See It gift idea for Christmas.

His Dark Materials Complete Collection –

Philip Pullman

Obviously with the TV series enthralling most people on a Sunday eve, this is the perfect time to introduce strong young readers, teens & fantasy fans of all ages to this classic series of fiction. With the Book of Dust series also out in the world, there is never a better time to get introduced Lyra, Daemons, The shady Magisterium & the city of Oxford

Children Of Virtue & Vengeance –

Tomi Adeyemi

A most brilliant YA novel LEGACY OF ORISHA series.

This is the follow up to Children of Blood & Bone, a fantasy series with a strong background of African Mythology, I absolutely adore this series. With a most brilliant ability for world building, Adeyemi is a literary star to be reckoned with.

Virtue & Vengeance is securely placed as my holiday read this year.