Nine titles by writers and illustrators from Cork feature in a new free guide launched by Children’s Books Ireland, showcasing the best and brightest of Irish publications for young readers in 2026 across fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and verse.
The national charity that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading is encouraging parents, guardians and teachers to make time for ‘reading for fun’ with the launch of ‘The Best Irish Books of 2026’ reading guide, as children return to term-time routines this September.
The guide features reviews in English and as Gaeilge and includes books for all ages up to 18, including titles by authors from Cork such as ‘Lá Breithe Eoinín’ written by Murieann Ní Chíobháin (Futa Fata); ‘Disaster Dad: Animal Antics’ written by Donncha O’Callaghan (Eriu) and ‘Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama’ written by Leona Forde (Gill Books).
READING FOR ENJOYMENT
In their recently published ‘Children and young people’s reading in Ireland’ report, Children’s Books Ireland found that 23% of children and young people read for fun on a daily basis and this rises to 46% amongst those whose parents are daily readers. As we settle back into school routines this month, the charity hopes that families and classrooms will continue to carve out time to read for enjoyment and help more children to see themselves as readers.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “For some children, the summer holidays may have been spent devouring as many books as possible, but for others, the return to school might also be a return to reading. We have to be careful that families don’t conflate the two, and that there is time for reading just for fun in children and young people’s lives. The enjoyment of reading is essential if our children are to become lifelong readers and reap the benefits that come from this.
“It sounds like something very simple but international research into the educational, health and wellbeing benefits of reading for fun prove it can be a superpower that sets children up for life, making them happier, more confident at school and more likely to succeed in later life. At Children’s Books Ireland our mission is to ensure that every child has an opportunity to unlock that superpower.”
‘BEST IRISH BOOKS’ GUIDE
As part of their mission, Children’s Books Ireland empowers parents, guardians and teachers in to introduce young readers to the best Irish books available, through free resources like their annual ‘Best Irish Books’ guide.
Ryan says it’s important that children in Cork can access stories that reflect their own lived experience and the rich culture and diversity of life in Ireland, but finding those stories still proves difficult for some.
“Our guide is a free resource available to all, it’s a map to help discover a great Irish book and a support to those seeking to foster or reignite reading for fun for the children and young people in their lives,” she said.
‘The Best Irish Books of 2026’ reading guide is available as a free download at www.childrensbooksireland.ie. Free copies are also available in participating bookshops and in libraries nationwide.
