Louth author launches new ‘best of Irish’ reading guide for children

Erika McGann, from Drogheda, features in a new reading guide, from Children’s Books Ireland, which spotlights the best Irish books of 2024 to date. McGann read from ‘What is a Peachick?’ and signed copies for eventgoers at the launch of ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ at a Culture Night event in Dubray Books in Dublin on Friday.

Curated by Children’s Books Ireland, the reading guide spotlights authors, illustrators and their publishers from or based in Ireland and features 200 titles, in Irish and English, for readers aged 0–18 years.

Published for children aged 2-4, ‘What is a Peachick?’ is a picturebook featuring bright illustrations and unusual characters. The book encourages young readers to explore some of life's mysteries such as 'what is a peachick' and what other vegetables could be a chick too?

Speaking at the launch, Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, said: “Our children need to see themselves in books, whether they trace their lineage back to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, or have only recently arrived on our shores. This reading guide is an essential resource for parents/carers, educators, librarians and booksellers in Louth and of course, our young readers themselves! And it will definitely come in handy for anyone starting to think about gift-buying for young readers in the coming months!

“Why does it matter that the writers and illustrators featured call Ireland home? Because our children need to see stories that reflect their identities and surroundings, from artists who understand and can relate to their lived experiences. Children in Louth need role models to pave pathways that will help them to realise their dreams. We see it in sport, we see it in theatre and film, and we need to see it in the realm of children’s books.”

The ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ guide is available to download from the Children’s Books Ireland website. With 25,000 copies distributed across the country, it will be widely available free of charge through local libraries and participating bookshops in Louth.