Children’s Books

SLEEPY ME by Marni McGee, illustrated by Cee Biscoe (Little Tiger; €7.10 padded cover). From reading a book with his Daddy, we follow Baby Bear’s bed routine from brushing teeth to bidding good night to the moon and stars and into cosy bed. With simple rhyming text and wonderful illustrations, this is a loveable bedtime treat for toddlers.

Wanda and the Alien by Sue Hendra (Red Fox; €7.10) Wanda befriends an alien who has crash-landed in the woods; she helps him repair his ship. But her friends hide in fear of the strange creature. Of course, all ends happily. A subtle story of how someone who is ‘different’ can be embraced into friendship.

The Real Rebecca by Anna Carey (O’Brien; €7.99). Teenage Rebecca Rafferty is happy enough that her mother writes adult books, but when teacher Mrs Harrington begins expressing her admiration of Mum in class, Rebecca is mortified. Matters take an enigmatic twist when Mum becomes secretive and is found reading teen magazines. Rebecca and her usually squabbling sister unite to understand this. When all is revealed, the sisters’ embarrassment rises several notches. With a cast of credible characters and told with a typical teenage blend of humour and angst, this is a laugh-aloud treat for age 10 and upwards.