Northern Lights reading guide
With an introduction from Patricia Forde, Laureate na nÓg 2023–2026 and Frank Cotrell-Boyce, Children’s Laureate, the Northern Lights recommended reading guide aims to shine a light on talented authors and illustrators from the North of Ireland who create books for young readers.
Our Northern Lights reading guide features 44 books for ages 0–18 years and has a story to suit the tastes of every reader – from joyful picturebooks, thrilling adventures, historical fiction and contemporary stories providing glimpses of the North both past and present, and plenty of fantasy, fun, poetry and escapism.
The stories we read as young children can shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. We hope that these stories, bring joy, foster a strong sense of belonging and act as a useful starting point for educators and caregivers seeking to share stories created by artists from Northern Ireland with the young readers in their lives.
Across Northern Ireland, a crew of gifted writers and illustrators is at work – weaving stories in Irish and in English that sparkle with warmth, wit, and heart. They are creating worlds where young readers can see themselves reflected, and where every page invites curiosity and engagement.
– Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde
Every book included in this guide has been selected on the basis of excellence and includes reviews from titles published within the last five years in English and as Gaeilge. Further ‘Read Also’ titles indicate where readers can find more of the author/illustrators work, or similar books to explore. This is a curated list of 44 titles selected by our Publications Manager and with the assistance of our reviewers under the assigned theme. It is by no means an exhaustive list and we have tried, where possible, to include a spread of genres and artists.
Cover artwork: Mel Carroll
Overall production: Jenny Murray
Overall editor: Ruth Concannon
Eagarthóir Gaeilge: Conall Mac Dhonnagáin
Design: Fintan Wall
