At Children’s Books Ireland we champion diverse and inclusive books that best reflect the world, with characters of all genders and sexualities and families of all kinds. We believe that everyone deserves to see their story within the pages of an excellent book.
The Read with Pride reading guide 2026 contains 100 LGBTQ+ inclusive stories for young readers aged 0–18 with 100 recommended ‘read also’ titles for further reading.
We Can Be Mermaids is the story of the very special bond between a Dad and his five-year-old daughter Silver. Dad would do anything for Silver, even facing his biggest fear and learning to swim.
Being a newcomer can be tough, especially at a new school. Here, we explore the difficult emotions that accompany that first day, in a compassionate and supportive way. Without minimising the fear and apprehension a child may feel, pastel shades, simple design and a gentle rhythm in the text provide a comforting exploration of what to expect. Emphasis is placed on the faces and body language of a diverse cast of characters throughout. Each character is expertly illustrated to convey the emotional tone, making the shifts understandable to younger audiences.
This book considers a very well explored subject, namely the Great War, but from an entirely novel standpoint. It delves into the story of Fred Müller and his family and their harsh treatment as German immigrants living in England, during the period of 1914–1918, exploring how these events impacted their lives.
‘I loved you from the beginning,’ reads the love letter from the future that shapes Emma’s final year of high school and sets her on a new trajectory in all facets of her life.
Eleven-year-old Finn N.O. Hope is back for another instalment of cringe-inducing tales.
The Pumpkin Seed explores a sweet analogy between a newly blended family alongside the growth cycle of a pumpkin plant – a beautifully profound, yet simple concept.
Squad Girls follows four besties as they navigate their dream of playing sport and athletics professionally. Tara, Ríona, Sam and Penny each are passionate and driven about different pursuits, from swimming to dance, and they must face obstacles in putting in the dedication needed alongside school and other commitments.
In the latest instalment of this hugely popular series Milly sets up a dog walking business to convince her mam and dad that she is responsible enough for a dog of her own! So begins Operation Get Milly a Furry Friend, and what could go wrong? In fact, as with many of Milly’s adventures, it all begins very well, soon Milly’s new clients are calling her the Dog Whisper and bookings are flying in. But as the inevitable canine chaos ensues and Milly’s best laid plans begin to unravel into a laugh-out-loud read.
This compelling début novel follows Hope as she journeys from Dublin to the renowned Pavlovgrad Ballet School, to learn from some of the best teachers Russia has to offer. While this trip is a dream come true, it also brings many new challenges – language and culture differences, strict teachers, homesickness, and a great deal of uncertainty.
