Childrens books

EMBRACING the multi-cultural society we live in, Alanna Books, a small independent UK publisher, has responded to the need for sharing language.

Where better to start than with the very young. Is breá le Lúlú an Leabharlainn by Áine ní Cuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw (€9.50) features a little coloured girl and her mother as they visit the library and enjoy the choices of books and the people they meet. The simple story, as Gaeilge, and with delightfully child-friendly illustrations, will appeal to under-fives. However, the innovative inspiration is the attached CD which tells the story in 24 other languages.

Peepo Pirates by Yooji Um (Caterpillar; €8.35 HB) is a pop-up book for small fingers to explore. Lift those flaps and you never know if a laughing pirate or an exotic creature will jump out. The simple storyline takes the seafarers on a journey to a pop-up finale on an island tableau. Active fun for age three and up.

Who Stole the Mona Lisa? By Ruthie Knapp, illustrated by Jill McElmurry (€7.10) is the story of the theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait of the lady with the enigmatic smile. Narrated by Mona Lisa herself, she describes the true story of the night in 1911 when Vincenzo Perugia, cuts her from her frame and props her up to gaze at her in his home. After seven months he tries to sell the portrait. Not a clever move! Highly recommended for aspiring young artists age eight and upwards.

Lost in the Desert by Elizabeth Kay (Barrington Stoke; €5.90). Spoilt teenage Max is sent to boot camp in the Gobi desert. His rage stems from the fact his wealthy parents have little time for him. Max runs away. However, the desert is an alien place and he collapses. He awakes to find a young girl tending to him. She takes him to her family tent, where Max gradually finds the real meaning of family life. This strong story will satisfy the reluctant teenage reader.