Irish Bedtime Reads for Children

The Moon Spun Round by W. B. Yeats

‘This sumptuously illustrated book complements the carefully selected works of W.B. Yeats, which include poems, stories, a letter from childhood, and an account of his daughter Anne’s childhood memories.

Including unpublished work, this gorgeous book draws on Yeats’s preoccupation with magic, fairy lore, place, family and childhood. A mystical and magical tone pervades the collection and will enthral younger readers.’

This Book is Not a Bedtime Story by Eoin McLaughlin

 ‘Despite the title of this book, it is a bedtime story. It is a brilliant tale that reassures children, makes them laugh, and prepares them for a peaceful night’s sleep. This book is told by a group of monsters who think they’re terrifying, but they’re not – they’re cute and cuddly. They try their hardest to scare you – in a haunted house, creepy wood, ghostly ship and darkest dark, but each time they fail! The problem is, these monsters aren’t at all spooky. They’re a bit silly. And a bit cuddly. They share the insecurities and worries of us humans, and all they want is a cosy, snoozy good night’s sleep.’

The Adventures Of Shamrock Sean by Brian Gogarty

‘Follow Sean as he goes fishing, finds a magical wishing well and watches a chick magically hatch. Shamrock Sean is a lively leprechaun from the West of Ireland who loves fishing and digging in his garden, but you won’t find the crock of gold there. Most of all, this loveable leprechaun likes to lend a helping hand. But, no matter what he does, poor Sean always seems to land in BIG TROUBLE!’

Best Loved Irish Legends by Eithne Massey

‘Stories from long-long ago, part of an ancient oral tradition, handed down from generation to generation and written down by the Christian monks of medieval Ireland.’

A Dublin Fairytale by Nicola Colton

‘Once upon a time, there was a little girl called Fiona who lived in Dublin. But Dublin is full of colourful characters and creatures from the fairytale realm. Often not seen or heard of, they reside in some of Dublin’s most famous locations and landmarks! Fiona’s on a journey to Granny’s house ….but who’s that following her through the streets of Dublin? Travel across the city with Fiona and her fantastic friends in this modern Dublin fairytale.’

The Night Time Cat And The Plump, Grey Mouse A Trinity College Tale by Erika Mcgann

‘On a dark, dark night, in a peaceful library, there is an old, beautiful book. Looking out from the book’s pages is a plump, grey mouse. When the clock strikes twelve, the little mouse hops right off the page and begins his magical exploration of Trinity College. The mouse, however, is not alone: Four furry paws with very sharp claws follow him from the book into Trinity College. This sharp-clawed cat is hungry and in search of the plump grey mouse. Follow the night-time cat, Pangur Ban, as she searches Trinity College for the plump grey mouse. Along the way, she asks for help from various figures in Trinity College, from Jonathan Swift to the Queen of England and Oscar Wilde to Count Dracula. Will Pangur Ban catch the plump grey mouse, or will this mischievous mouse evade capture? This is an enchanting tale full of adventure and discovery.’