Books for children...
Angela McAllister
Frances Lincoln €14.90
This features 52 stories from around the world, with myths, legends and fairy stories matched with days of international importance. Inevitably, the St Patrick’s day story has man versus the little people.
Donal spots a fairy who points out where the gold is hidden and promises not to interfere with the cabbage which Donal has marked. When Donal returns with his spade he finds all the heads of cabbage with similar marks.
For St George’s day the story details a knight who defeats a beast called the Basilisk when he discovers its weak link by observing him close his eyes while drinking. When the knight affixes a mirror to his helmet the monster is destroyed by its own reflection.
There are some well-known favourites like Persephone, Jonah, Androcoles, The Little Red hen, and, while the willow tree weeps in one story in pity for the crucified Jesus, it doesn’t fare as well in another charming tale of why some trees never need to shed their leaves in winter. Age 9+
All by Gill Vickery
Bloomsbury €5.80 each
The White Lace Gloves sees Alex visit Golden Bay for the first time. It is not a happy visit as her cousin Maisie takes an instant dislike to her and bullies her.
However, when Alex visits Franklin’s Emporium she meets an eccentric character who allows her to wish for anything she wants- provided her wish is in verse form. Naturally her wish would have some element of revenge for all the bullying, but Alex is shaken by the consequences.
In The Pet Shop Mystery Alex and her family now live in Golden Bay, so visits to Franklin’s Emporium are more frequent. However, bringing home an invisible cat from yet another weird stall in the Emporium creates havoc in her parent’s house.
Delph is smashed and tempers frayed. Alex tries her best to undo whatever spell has been put on the cat. Both fun stories are full of eccentric characters, splendidly illustrated by Aleksie Bitskott. Age 8+
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
