Una Woods

You may think you have a good grip on the unusual historical moments and happenings in Irish history, but I’m willing to bet this book will prove you wrong! Rachel Pierce’s collection of bedtime stories based on Irish history is a complete joy and surprise from start to finish, with sixteen amazing tales through time - many of which I had never heard of before. A collection that has it all; stolen hearts and record breaking ships, groundbreaking women and a series of explosions, there is even a story that will change the way you look at the humble pigeon.

Riley Cain enlists some literary magic to provide a countdown of poems for Halloween, in a book which is brightly written and vividly illustrated. Poems range from the lighthearted (a house inhabited by mummies and Banshees), to the wonderfully absurd (sweet-loving Vikings) to the genuinely haunting (The Phantom Highwayman).