Children's Books

The Christmas Song by Celia and Orison Carlile (Amazon; €4.80) This is a charming offering from a Fermoy-based writing team which sees young Emily so overcome by Christmas anticipation that she just cannot settle down and go to sleep.

Instead she rattles off Christmas songs not knowing that outside a gradually frustrated Santa Claus is waiting to deliver her gift. In a nice twist to the tale Santa is the one who falls asleep and when he wakes, to Emily’s great delight, he sings a special song for her. Words and music are included and the song can be heard on Celiacarlile.com. For the very young and the very young at heart.

If You Meet A Dinosaur by Paul Bright and Hannah George (Little Tiger Press; €13.20.HB) When Mummiesaurus lays a precious egg she becomes very protective as she carries it past all the other big creatures, shouting at them with all her might. But when she leaves the egg and goes for a walk — strange things happen! A big, happy book for age three and upwards.

I Want A Pet by Lauren Child (Frances Lincoln; €5.90). Designed for small hands this is the perfect mini book for the newly independent reader. A little girl wants a pet, but would prefer a lion, a boa constrictor, or even an octopus for fun at bath-time. A laugh-aloud story to share or read alone.

Spider Sandwiches by Claire Freedman and Sue Hendra (Bloomsbury; 8.30) is a quirky read for youngsters who like all things creepy-crawly and disgusting. Max’s penchant is for smoothies made from squidged grasshopper legs. With vibrant colours and satisfyingly repulsive creatures this is laugh aloud fun for age 8+ with strong stomachs.

Moon Forest by Patricia MacCarthy (Frances Lincoln; €14.30) is a night time trip through the forest. Who runs from the fox? What does the bright kingfisher seek? Beautifully illustrated with cool colours this is a fascinating glimpse of nocturnal animal life for age five and upwards.