Cork Authors Shine in National Children's Reading Guide

Cork-based authors have been recognised in Children's Books Ireland's prestigious 'Best Irish Books of 2025' reading guide, showcasing the county's remarkable contribution to children's literature.

The annual guide, launching on Monday, 15th September, features Cork talent across fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels, from toddler tales to teen adventures. Among those celebrated are Anna McQuinn for Zeke Goes to the Marketand Lulu Moves Home, E.R. Murray's Arabella Pepper: The Wild Detective, and Willy Sliney's Draw with Will.

Other Cork contributors include Olivia Hope (The Lonely Only Dinosaur), Jen Wallace (Dino Mode Activated), Leona Forde (Milly McCarthy's Wild Atlantic Antics), Kel Menton (A Fix of Light), Emma Larkin (Feile: A Twin Power Adventure), Sheena Menton (Pablo and Splash), and Caroline O'Donoghue (Skipshock).

Elaina Ryan, Children's Books Ireland CEO, said:

"At Children's Books Ireland our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland. What better way to do that, than to bring together a collection of brilliant books that appeal to so many interests and ages?"

The guide celebrates 100 featured books plus an additional 100 recommendations, covering readers aged 0-18 years. Reviews appear in both English and Irish, with editors' choices marked with stars and debut authors highlighted throughout.

Ryan added:

"We're so proud to include a host of artists from Cork in this reading guide. We believe it's essential to champion the hard-working authors and illustrators from across the island, as well as those who have made their home here, creating art for children and young people and enriching our proud literary culture."

The guide features a specially commissioned cover by illustrator Linda Fährlin, whose recent work The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Irish Lighthouses was shortlisted for the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards 2025.

Fährlin explained her sea-inspired design:

"Children's Books Ireland has collected a diverse treasure trove of the best titles for children and young people to enjoy, so of course, each animal or character has their own favourite book too!"

Cork's strong showing reflects the county's growing reputation as a creative hub, with local authors spanning genres from detective stories to dinosaur adventures. The recognition comes as Ireland's children's book sector continues to flourish, with Cork writers increasingly making their mark on the national stage.

'The Best Irish Books of 2025' will be available in bookshops and libraries nationwide from Monday, with free digital copies downloadable from the Children's Books Ireland website.