Here at Cúirt Literary Festival, we love all things books and literature! With Saint Patrick’s Day around the corner and spring well and truly underway (fine stretch in the evenings, isn’t there?! ), we decided to compile a list of what we believe are excellent recent releases in children’s literature. We hope this list inspires and occupies your children during these beautiful spring evenings. Read on to find out all about our Paddy’s Day Limerick Competition! The winner will receive a whopping €200 cash prize!
Reading List for Kids
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Break the Mould by Sinéad Burke
This beautifully illustrated book couldn’t have emerged at a better time – amid the most turbulent year in recent history, the release of Break the Mould offers a beautiful narrative for young people to be inspired. Children must be reminded of theirimportance in the world,despite the current global madness. Break The Mould emphasises the importance of recognising individuality and uniqueness, focusing onbuilding self-esteem of all children, regardless of their race, nationality, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, orsocioeconomic background.
During unprecedented times, parents may find themselves concerned by the amount of screen time confronting their children. This novel gives avoice back to young people who might have become lost in the chaotic realm of life online.
Sinéad Burke is an author, teacher, advocate, activist, and a British Vogue cover model.
This beautiful story reflects upon Sinéad’s own experiences throughout childhood, presenting a moving guide to young readers on finding their way in the world and not being afraid to stand out from the crowd. Burke’s book celebrates differences, and encouraging young readers to be proud of exactly who they are.
“There are so many people in this world - 7.53 billion to be exact. But there is only one of me and one of you. It’s easy to think we are not good enough, or that our nose is too big, or wish we could be more like our friends. But the world would be different without you. You are enough just as you are...”
Break The Mould is an inspiring, heart-warming read, guaranteed to make a lasting impression upon young readers. Cúirt honestly cannot recommend this excellent book enough – it is a perfect addition to your child’s spring-time reading list!
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FING by David Walliams
No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams’ most recent release, FING, will not fail to have your children in stitches of laughter with each turn of the page. The new children’s novel is a fabulously silly story about The Meeks, illustrated by the wonderfully talented Tony Ross. Myrtle Meeks has everything she has ever wanted. She has every toy in the universe, but she still wants what she can't have; a FING! This request leaves her parents facing one major conundrum; what on EARTH is a FING? Mr.and Mrs. Meeks would go tothe ends of the earth to make their precious daughter happy.However, the task at hand is extremely complicated.
This novel brings the reader through the twists and turns of the quest to find a FING, leading Myrtle’s parents through the depths of the jungle where the rarest of monsters can be found. But will they ever find a FING?
A hilarious and fun story, described by the author himself as his “funniest book” yet, FING is a must-read for all young Walliams fans.
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Is There Anybody Out There by Dara O Briain
Clever kids who love science fiction will find this book fascinating, as it draws a parallel between fact and fiction, making it both an intriguing and educational read. Dara O Briain is not just one of Ireland’s most celebrated comedians; he is also a qualified space expert. In this book, O Briain shares his knowledge, delivering the information in a child-friendly, understandable way.
Is There Anybody Out There includes fun and informative chapters about the creation of the Earth, the Solar System, the search for other planets, and the possibility of aliens existing in space. Alongside the book’s scientific facts runs the hilarious story of Clara and her cat, Sputnik, as they accompany the reader throughout the story’s narration. The book finishes with a gripping twist, which is guaranteed to wow young readers and turn them into real-life space experts!
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The Bee is not Afraid of Me; A Book of Insect Poems
This stunning collection of poems is the perfect addition to the reading list of children with interest in biology, insects, and the environment. The poems in this anthology will take the reader away from a world of screens and bring nature to life before their very eyes. This collection is both informative and inspiring, guaranteed to delight the young reader and inspire creativity.
Included in the compilation are poems by Maureen Anderson, Celia Berrell, Stephen Bone, Susan Byrne, Sharon Dalgleish, Anneliese Emmans Dean, Robert Ensor, Imogen Forster, Rebecca Gethin, Chrissie Gittins and many more! Edited by Fran Long and Isabel Galleymore
‘These gorgeous and educational poems evoke a sense of wonder’, Dr Sarah Beynon, founder of The Bug Farm.
With the longer, brighter evenings and the bumblebee and ladybirds making an appearance, what better time for a young reader to immerse themselves in this delightful collection of poetry?
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The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
The Hatmakers is the first installment in a spellbinding new series of magical stories, encompassing the mysterious Cordelia’s life. Cordelia comes from a long line of magical genes. Her family weaves magic into everything they create. Within her world, Cordelia crafts items such as hats, cloaks, watches, boots, and gloves from magical ingredients. This is a rare skill, and only a few exceptional families remain with the ability to do use this kind of magic. Cordelia’s father is in charge of collecting the magical ingredients to add to the creations. However, when his ship becomes lost at sea during an expedition, Cordelia is determined to find her father. In the background, tensions stir, and a magical war begins…
A thrilling, enchanting read with more twists and turns than could ever be imagined, The Hatmakers will have young minds exploding with imagination.
Cúirt’s Super Springtime Cúirt Limerick Competition
The competition is open to four age groups: Under 10’s, 10-12, 13-17 and 18+
Email entries to [email protected] or share your entry on Facebook, Insta & Twitter, using #CuirtComp.
The winner from each category of the competition will receive a €50 cash prize.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday 21st March at 5p.m.
How to write a Limerick:
A Limerick consists of five lines and is usually comical and entertaining. The first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables. The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables.
Limericks often begin with: “There once was a...”
Cúirt International Festival of Literature is excited to announce the date for the 2021 programme launch of the festival, taking place online Thursday March 11. The programme will be available to view on the website from Thursday 9am. A live stream with Cúirt Director Sasha de Buyl will take place on the day. A new website and logo will be unveiled alongside the programme.
“Through our festival every April and our year-round programme of engagement, we nurture a community of readers interested in the world, creating a space for conversation, debate and reflection.”
#Cuirt2021
Tune in on our social media page for a #StPatrickTakeover on March 17th 2021 for more St Patrick's Day festivities!
