Find the next book your child asks to read again

Practical guides to children’s books for every age, with a special shelf for Irish authors and stories as Gaeilge.

A bear and a rabbit sit on a rug sharing an open picture book in a cosy room with a bookcase and a moonlit window

Pick a book by looking at the shelf

Choose a spine. Each one opens a guide with hand-picked titles, why they work, and how to share them.

By age

By topic

Top 20 children’s books right now

The books children are asking for this month. Tap a title for the plot, the age it suits and what to read next. See the full list or meet the authors.

What makes a good children’s book?

The best children’s books are the ones a child asks for again tomorrow. That usually comes down to a few simple things: language that sounds lovely out loud, pictures that reward a second look, and a character a child cares about.

We pick books that read well aloud, hold up to the fiftieth reading, and suit the age they are written for. Our guides give you the author and illustrator, a plain-English reason each book works, and a tip for sharing it.

Whether you are buying a first board book, stocking a classroom shelf, or looking for something to tempt a reluctant reader, start with the age guides and follow the links.

Every age has a shelf of its own, from chunky board books to gripping adventures.

Irish books for Irish children

Ireland has a long, proud tradition of storytelling, and today’s Irish writers and illustrators are among the most loved in the world. Children here can grow up with stories about places, words and characters that feel like home.

The Irish landscape has been inspiring storytellers for centuries.

Christmas books for children

The most popular Christmas books for every age, from lift-the-flap board books to festive novels, plus ideas for a book advent calendar and a calm Christmas Eve box.

Christmas stories are best shared by the tree.

Reading tips that really help

You do not need to be a performer or a teacher to raise a reader. Five minutes of cuddling up with a book beats a lecture about reading every time. These guides keep it simple.

Frequently asked questions

What age should children start reading books?

From birth. Babies love the sound of a familiar voice, and sturdy board books with bold pictures are a good start from the first few months. Reading together every day builds language long before a child can read alone.

How do I choose a book for my child’s age?

Treat the age on the cover as a guide, not a rule. Pick a topic your child already loves, read the first page together, and see whether the words and pictures feel comfortable. Our books by age guides list tried-and-tested options for every stage.

How long should I read with my child each day?

There is no magic number. Many educators suggest around 10 to 20 minutes of shared reading a day, but a regular habit matters more than the exact length. A short story every night is better than a long session once a week.

Are there children’s books in Irish?

Yes. Irish-language publishers such as An Gúm and Futa Fata produce picture books, early readers and novels, and many popular English-language stories have been translated into Irish. See our guide to Irish-language children’s books.

Where can I get children’s books for free in Ireland?

Your local public library is the best place to start. Membership is free, and many libraries also lend ebooks and audiobooks through apps such as BorrowBox. Read more in our guide to children’s books and your local library.

When should my child move from picture books to chapter books?

When they can follow a longer story and want to know what happens next. There is no need to leave picture books behind, though. Many older children still enjoy them, and reading chapter books aloud to your child is a great bridge.