This year’s selection of children’s books features stories with universal themes, cute dogs and reindeer, superb illustrations, and iconic Irish settings, says Emmet Arrigan

One, a verse novel about conjoined twins, by Sarah Crossan has been named Ireland’s Best Children’s Book.

A 26-year-old man is to appear in court today charged with the murder of an 18-year-old girl in the North and the attempted murder of her sister.