Our Preschool & Picturebooks category usually covers books for the 0-6 age group – but every child has different needs so do check out the Young Kids section too if you can’t see something that works for you! We’ve independently chosen our favourite titles to sell in our bookshops and online. And remember – we offer Free Postage in ROI on orders over €30 – just choose the Free Postage option at checkout.
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'Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...' The traditional and much-loved Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore, beautifully illustrated and published as a charming picture book for children to enjoy year after year. A magical rhyming story to share together on Christmas Eve, or for older children to read on their own as they wait for Father Christmas. ISBN 9781474906432 -
Chris Haughton's heart-warming story of a little lost owl in a gorgeous board book edition!The award-winning debut title from Chris Haughton, the acclaimed author-illustrator of Oh No, George! and Shh! We Have a Plan, this is the heart-warming story of Little Owl - who must be more careful when he is sleeping... Uh-oh! He has fallen from his nest, and with a bump he lands on the ground. Where is his mummy? With the earnest assistance of his new friend Squirrel, Little Owl sets off in search of her, and meets a sequence of other animals. Yet while one might have his mummy's big eyes, and another her pointy ears, they are simply not her. Chris Haughton's striking colour illustrations follow Little Owl on his quest. Which of his new friends will lead him back to his mummy? In a gorgeous board book edition, this is the perfect read-aloud book for little hands to hold. Great for Ages 0-5. ISBN 9781406344257 -
Charting the journey of a little lost owl, a heart-warming and reassuring read from one of the most exciting new voices in children's literature. The award-winning debut title from Chris Haughton, the acclaimed author-illustrator of Oh No, George! and Shh! We Have a Plan, this is the heart-warming story of Little Owl - who must be more careful when he is sleeping... Uh-oh! He has fallen from his nest, and with a bump he lands on the ground. Where is his mummy? With the help of his new friend Squirrel, Little Owl sets off in search of her, and meets a sequence of other animals. Yet while one might have his mummy's big eyes, and another her pointy ears, they are simply not her. Chris Haughton's striking colour illustrations follow Little Owl on his quest. Which of his new friends will lead him back to his mummy? Great for Ages 0-5. ISBN 9781406333831
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Once upon a time, hidden deep in a valley in a magical land far away, there was a very tall tower. And trapped at the very top of that very tall tower there was a damsel in distress! The only problem is... the damsel is not in distress. She keeps telling the narrator that she's perfectly fine. The "terrifying beasts" in the moat are a family of ducklings. The "prickly brambles" are her rose garden. And the "wicked old witch" is actually her grandma! But the narrator just won't listen. When a scary, fire-breathing dragon comes to visit, it's up to the damsel to take charge of her story and save the day for everyone... Characterful illustrations transport readers to the magical world of the damsel's kingdom, and easy to read text is perfect for young readers. Great for Ages 3-6. Published 6th April 2023 - Order Now. ISBN 9780711275171 -
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, 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. With beautiful quirky illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Nicola Colton. Great for Ages 0-6. ISBN 9781788491310 -
Welcome to the world of Leaflings, the secret guardians of the trees. Among the branches and roots of some of our planet's most important inhabitants, live the leaflings. These tiny creatures protect trees and help manage their interactions, their cycles and tell their stories. In A Field Guide to Leaflings, meet leaflings from all over the world and the trees they live with. Travel from an ancient holly tree in Ireland, to a cherry blossom in Japan, and climb to the highest branches of a giant redwood in California. The leaflings will show you how trees breathe, make food, support many forms of life and what they mean to people all around the world. Great for Ages 3-6 ISBN 9781783425228 -
Fans of A Dublin Fairytale will be enchanted by this contemporary take on the Hansel and Gretel fairytale set in modern-day Galway. Features locations such as the Spanish Arch, Salmon Weir Bridge and Eyre Square, as Sean and Grainne seek out the perfect present for their mother. They pack their lunch for the day and set out on their shopping trip. On their travels around the city, they meet a knight, a pirate queen and a fisherman. They share their delicious soda bread with each of these character, leaving a trail of crumbs everywhere they go. When a wicked witch tries to steal the present they have bought for their mother's birthday, these characters leap to their rescue, rewarding the kindness the children have showed them. In their hasty retreat from the witch's clutches, Sean and Grainne are lost in the city. Luckily, they follow their trail of breadcrumbs all the way home - just in time for the party! Great for Ages 3-6 ISBN 9781788492249 -
Two of the biggest names in children's publishing, Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell, come together in a new poetry collection. The poems in A Great Big Cuddle fizz off the page with sound and rhythm, energy and laughter, as Rosen captures in the most remarkable way what it means to be very, very young. A child's world with all its details and feelings - toys and games, animals and made-up creatures, likes and dislikes - is vividly conjured up in the most memorable, playful language, and Chris Riddell has produced some his most extraordinary pictures ever to bring this world to life. It's a book that will be enjoyed by the oldest grown-up and the youngest child - and a future classic. Great for Ages 3-6 ISBN 9781406373462 -
Nothing warms us up quite like a hug, but what can we do when we can't be together? This is the story of a new hug's adventure and the boy who shared it with the world. Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he introduced us to his Virtual Hug, a heart-shaped sign he carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way. This picture book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. The virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world. Great for Ages 0-5. ISBN 9781844885855 -
A fun and irreverent re-telling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Once upon a time, there was a prince who was looking for some excitement. Something thrilling. The kind of life found in fairy tales. He decides he needs to find his princess, so that he can have his happily ever after. Attending a series of balls in Limerick, he finally meets Limerella! The prince is certain he's found the love of his life, but Limerella's not so sure... Great for Ages 0-6. Published 10th May 2023 - Order Now. ISBN 9781788493741 -
From the creator of Penguin and the Tilly and Friends series comes a wicked, rollicking read-aloud which asks the question: Is a lion still a lion if he ... wears a hat? And carries an umbrella? Is a lion still a lion if he ... arrives at your door and invites himself in with a "How do you do?" (Isn't he polite!) And is a lion still a lion if he asks for a dance? What about when he licks his lips and says, "Oh yes, lunch would be lovely, thank you..." Is a lion still a lion then? "Dunbar's unexpected sense of humour make A Lion is a Lion every bit as original as Judith Kerr's classic" Irish Times "A deceptively simple and funny book" The Daily Mail ISBN 9781406382822 -
Sing, read and listen to ten fabulous songs by The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, in this gorgeous gift book-and-CD. Julia's fabulous songs are based on her much-loved, bestselling picture books with Axel Scheffler. The songs are every bit as irresistible as the original stories, and include many family favourites from Stick Man and Superworm to Tiddler and The Highway Rat. Julia's superb, witty lyrics are richly illustrated throughout with Axel Scheffler's glorious pictures. The accompanying CD features Julia Donaldson herself performing the songs, and will have the whole family singing and clapping along. A stunning hardback gift book for the whole family to treasure Lively, funny, hugely entertaining songs that children will want to listen to again and again The book also includes music scores for piano and guitar, so schools and families can play the songs for themselves. Great for Ages 0-6. ISBN 9780702307720 -
A majestic polar bear heads out on a mysterious walk in a dazzling, playful collaboration from an exciting pair of picture-book creators. Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human... where is he going? What does he want? Acclaimed author Mac Barnett's narration deftly balances suspense and emotion, as well as poignant, subtle themes, compelling us to follow the bear with each page turn. Artist Shawn Harris's striking torn-paper illustrations layer white-on-white hues, with bolts of blue and an interplay of shadow and light, for a bear's-eye view of a stark yet beautiful landscape. Simple and thought-provoking, illuminating and intriguing, this gorgeous story will have readers pondering the answer to its final question long after the polar bear has continued on his way. Great for Ages 0-6. ISBN 9781406399851 -
It's Mr Large the elephant's birthday and Mrs Large is planning a nice, quiet night in - a night for just the two of them. But even with the children washed and in their pyjamas before half past four, the night doesn't unfold quite to plan! With a foreword and gorgeous foil on the cover and spine, this is a beautiful book to treasure. Great for Ages 0-6. ISBN 9781406370720 -
A beautifully illustrated collection of nursery rhymes to treasure, and songs, poems and rhymes to share. Enjoy Irish favourites like 'Brian O'Linn' and 'I'll Tell Me Ma', classics such as 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' and 'Monday's Child', silly rhymes that every child will love like 'Beans', 'Pardon Me' and 'On Top of Spaghetti', as well as magical verses for children written by Oscar Wilde, Oliver St John Gogarty, James Joyce and others. ISBN 9781847177940 -
Sadness has come to live with me and I am building it a shelter. I am building a shelter for my sadness and welcoming it inside. A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness, a safe space where Sadness is welcome, where it can curl up small, or be as big as it can be, where it can be noisy or quiet, or anything in between. The boy can visit the shelter whenever he needs to, every day, sometimes every hour, and the two of them will cry and talk or just sit, saying nothing. And the boy knows that one day sadness may come out of the shelter, and together they will look out at the world, and see how beautiful it is. A poignant and heart-warming picture book exploring the importance of making space and time for our own griefs, small or large, sensitively visualized with David Litchfield's stunning illustration. Anne Booth was inspired to write this book by the words of Etty Hillesum, a Holocaust victim who wrote:'Give your sorrow all the space and shelter in yourself that is its due, for if everyone bears grief honestly and courageously, the sorrow that now fills the world will abate. But if you do instead reserve most of the space inside you for hatred and thoughts of revenge - from which new sorrows will be born for others - then sorrow will never cease in this world. And if you have given sorrow the space it demands, then you may truly say: life is beautiful and so rich.' (Esther 'Etty' Hillesum 15 Jan 1914 - 30 Nov 1943). Great for Ages 3-7 ISBN 9781787417212 -
Travel the globe on an inspiring journey through the animal kingdom. A Song of Gladness is a timely reminder of the beauty and importance of the natural world from two of today's most celebrated children's book creators. From a blackbird in a Devon garden to leopards in the African savanna, hibernating bears and chimpanzees high in the forest canopy, A Song of Gladness reminds us all of our connection with nature, and with each other, and the urgent need for us to join together in caring for the planet and every creature in it. Former Children's Laureate and CILIP Carnegie Medal winner Sir Michael Morpurgo's beautiful story is both moving and full of hope; the illustrations from twice CILIP Kate Greenaway-winning Emily Gravett are breathtaking. This gorgeous book is a classic in the making and the perfect gift for any animal and nature lover. Great for Ages 3-6. ISBN 9781529063325 -
In his moon-shaped park filled with silver moonlight, The Dublin Vampire wakes to the same familiar sight. 'I've spent so many years in this creepy old tree, Is there a more spooktacular place to be?' He agrees with his bat that it's time to explore - 'Let's go on an all-Ireland ghost bus tour!' A spooky bus tour around Ireland, with our favourite Dublin Vampire! He travels to well-known places all over the country, including St. Michan's church (where the mummies sleep!), Kilkenny Castle, the Hill of Tara (where the fairies dance and spraoi), and visits the giants at the causeway. But, when his travels are done, he decides that home is the most spooktacular place to be! Great for Ages 2-6. ISBN 9781788492850