Discover the best Irish books of 2026 on Ireland AM
Our CEO Elaina Ryan visited the Ireland AM studio this morning to recommend a range of brilliant children's books as featured in our latest reading guide The Best Irish Books of 2026.
In need of new reads or some inspiration? We've got you covered! Our brand-new guide is filled with timeless tales for toddlers all the way up to teens, aged 0–18 years old. With 100 featured books and an additional 100 titles also recommended to inspire further reading. All titles are from Irish or Irish-based authors and illustrators as published in 2026 in English and as Gaeilge. And with mid-term coming up later this month, it's the perfect time to dive into a great Irish book.
You can pick up the Best Irish Books of 2026 reading guide in your local bookshop, library or download it for free now!
I Am Not A Dog by Peter Donnelly (Gill Books)
From the very first page, our canine narrator insists ‘I am NOT a dog!’ As the story unfolds, comparisons with different dog breeds reveal why this scruffy little character feels he could never measure up. The repetitive structure works well, building anticipation as readers begin to question why the narrator is so determined to deny the obvious. This is a playful picturebook with a gentle message about recognising your own worth, sparking conversations about self-esteem, individuality and celebrating what makes each of us unique. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
Newton is Floating by Eoin McLaughlin and Matt Hunt (Magic Cat Publishing)
In a world without gravity there are many unexpected consequences – when Newton the dog is asked to sit, he lifts up into the air! First, Newton’s funny antics show what gravity is good for, then comes the science bit. An interactive section full of questions, infographics and factoids tells readers everything they need to know about gravity. This colourful and engaging picturebook is perfect for any child who is curious about how the world works. (Non-fiction, Age 5–7)
Scare B’n’B by Catherine Doyle and Rachael Dean (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
When the parents of feuding step-siblings Ted and Frankie inherit the derelict Tartarus Hall, the children must work together to eliminate its spirit residents, who are intent on thwarting the family’s plans to create a boutique hotel. With a colourful cast of exquisitely drawn spirits, led by the fame-hungry duke, and a plot that rips along at breakneck speed, the story is both enthralling and superbly entertaining. There are LOTS of spooky stories publishing this Autumn, and we’ll be back in October to take you through a full selection of ghosts, ghouls and witches! (Age 8–10, 10–12)
The World According to Sharks by Christian Talbot and Sophie Hodge (Puffin)
The World According to Sharks takes a much-feared animal and makes it likeable, even accessible. Divided into eight chapters, answering questions through shark news, interviews and fact or fin-tasy sections, the book invites interaction and memorable moments. The writing and artwork go together swimmingly – on every page dead-pan humour, puns and fun illustrations bring the science and behaviours of the species to life. Hodge’s playful art guarantees that visual learners are not left behind in a book that also includes scientific terms. It’s some-fin special! (Non-fiction, Age 8–10)
Give Me ‘Til Midnight by Oran Doyle (Everything With Words)
Harmony notices things. A school dropout, she spends her days working in her mam’s café, cooking fry-ups for regulars and staring out the window. That’s how she notices Liam, the self-proclaimed ‘King of Dublin’. That’s how she realises Liam is stuck in a time loop. Harmony convinces him to give her until midnight to break him out of his eternal Thursday. This is a heartwarming story about love, family and friendship, with a unique, exciting view of Dublin. Poignant, emotional yet, at the same time, a hilarious read. (Age 12–14, 15+)
Dearg by Máire Zepf (Futa Fata)
Set in Belfast and inspired by the real-life Irish language movement An Dream Dearg in the North of Ireland, Fionn is a young girl trying to find her voice in activism. But after a traumatic incident, she learns just how powerful speaking up can be and how much bravery it takes. A powerful verse novel aimed at older teens, this is groundbreaking in Irish language publishing. Content warning – there is a sexual assault in this book which some readers may find distressing; contact details for relevant support services in both Northern Ireland and the Republic are included in the book. (Verse novel, Age 15+)
