New Children’s Book Releases – Perfect as Christmas Gifts!

New Children’s Book Releases – Perfect as Christmas Gifts! | AD

In my opinion, Christmas and birthdays are not complete without new books! I love books myself and am raising three children who love to read too. They usually wish for some more new books for their birthdays – they are clearly living by my motto that you can never have too many books! – and I usually surprise them with a few books that I have chosen too. Gifting books to children is a great way to encourage the love of reading. In this blog post, we will look at some new children’s book releases from Little Island – perfect if you’re looking for some ideas for children’s books to gift this Christmas.

Dino Mode Activated!

First up, a funny book for children aged 7+. After the success of Jen Wallace’s book Dinosaur Pie, she’s back with another hilarious and moving dinosaur adventure. In Dino Mode Activated! we join Oleg. Oleg’s new camera is not like a regular camera. There are no instructions nor buttons but somehow it seems to know exactly what Oleg wants it to do.

On a camping trip with friends Rory and Daria, Oleg and his friends discover the camera’s most special function – Dino Mode. Now, dinosaurs or all sizes are running around the campsite and there’s a nosey professor poking around too. Time for Operation Hide the Dinos!

The book is fun and easy to read and has illustrations by Alan O’Rourke througout which is ideal for the intended age group.

The Cloud Kingdom

Next, a stunning book written by Máire Zepf with gorgeous illustrations by Andrew Whitson. The Cloud Kingdrom is inspired by Irish myth and legend but full of completely new tales. We meet ghost dragons, magical hats, a dream-weaving giantess and more in this fabulous story collection. 

Each story has its own chapter which is the perfect length for a children’s bedtime story. Every page is colourfully illustrated which really helps bring the stories to life.

Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children

Next, a book with stories that are not new but loved classics. Oscar Wilde published a collection of bedtime stories for children back in 1988. Six of these classic tales are now available in this new beautiful collection with illustrations by Lauren O’Hara.

In Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children, you will find the following stories:

• The Selfish Giant
• The Happy Prince
• The Devoted Friend
• The Nightingale & The Rose
• The Remarkable Rocket
• The Young King

The Experimenters

The Experimenters: Luke and Ruby’s Scientific Sleepover by Shane Bergin, with illustrations by Sayani Mukherjee, is an interactive story with hands-on science fun included!

The story is about Luke and Ruby who are heading to Nanny and Grandad’s house for a sleepover during their mid-term break. When there, they discover their grandparents’ old science notebooks. Together with their grandparents, they discover the role that science plays in the world around them, the everyday stuff. They learn fun things (as does the reader!) and create their very own new science notebook where they write down everything they learn. 

It’s a really sweet and charming book, recommended for readers aged 7+. It’s full of fun science facts and experiments that children can do at home too.

Making It Up as You Go Along

Last, but not least, Making It Up as You Go Along: A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories teaches children how to write their own stories.

In this fun and practical guide by Patricia Forde and with engaging illustrations by Mary Murphy, children learn how to write stories of their own. Young aspiring writers will enjoy advice from some of Ireland’s most beloved authors and discover some of the most important parts of creating a captivating story. This includes how to find that spark inspiration, tips for crafting and developing twisty plots, how to create interesting characters, guidance on how to build spectacular new worlds, and much more. This helpful guide also includes imaginative exercises and accessible explanations of writing terms.

Collaboration.