|
|
|
 |
| Book Reviews - Irish / Gaelic Books |
Current book reviews for this category are shown below.
You may add your own review if you wish. |
| Plight of the Wild Geese (Graphic Novel) |
Dermot Poyntz and Lee Grace
€14.99, Moccu Press
Full colour graphic novel. Based on The Williamite Wars in Ireland from the Siege of Athlone in 1691 to the Second Siege of Limerick in 1691, including the Battle of Aughrim. Also explores the fate of the Irish who left Ireland for France after the Treaty of Limerick in 1691, to fight for Louis XIV.
Exploring key events and figures in Ireland’s turbulent history, this is another valuable graphic novel from ground breaking Moccu Press that will help make Ireland’s history accessible to all, and attract reluctant readers and students of history. Available from Amazon and directly from www.moccupress.com |
| Taking Sides |
Brian Gallagher
€7.99, O'Brien Press
In the Dublin of 1922 with Civil War about to break out, working class Annie Riley is thrilled to win a scholarship to Eccles Street Convent School. A little frozen out by her old friends, yet not wholly accepted by all of her new classmates, she is pleased to be befriended by Susie O'Neill an easy-going girl from a much more comfortable background. Through Susie's brother, Annie meets Peter Scanlon, a neighbour of the O'Neill's and a pupil at Belvedere college. Having been radicalised by the execution of Kevin Barry, another Belvedere pupil, Peter becomes involved with the rebels who oppose the Treaty with Britain, and who are in conflict with the forces of the newly formed Irish Free State. As families and friends across the nation are forced to choose sides, and with Peter's conservative parents unaware of the dangerous role their son is adopting, Annie and Peter find their friendship coming under strain. Torn socially between her old friends and the exciting opportunities her new school presents, Annie is further confused when fighting breaks out on the streets of the city, with Irishmen now fighting other Irishmen. When Peter comes under suspicion from the police he asks Annie to cover for him. Reluctantly she provides him with an alibi, knowing that this also places her at risk of arrest - and with it the loss of her vitally-important scholarship. While all of the friends try to enjoy normal life - engaging in after-school classes, sports and concerts - there is no escaping the conflict that is rocking the country. Annie and Peter argue, but despite disagreeing with his secret activities as a messenger for the Die Hards, Annie keeps his secret. Annie's father, who drives a hackney that is often used by government officials, is targeted by the rebels, and Annie is kidnapped at gunpoint to force her father to co-operate in an assassination bid. Knowing that both sides have become increasingly brutal and ruthless, Peter is horrified when he learns of the danger that Annie now faces. Torn between his convictions and the debt that he owes to Annie, Peter has a stark choice to make. And when he risks everything for his friend, Annie too has to struggle with loyalty and the notion of informing on a friend, when other peoples' lives are in the balance.
The second thrilling novel from Brian Gallagher, author of the hugely popular - Across The Divide. Taking Sides is a vivid portrayal of a torn city and divided loyalties and is a perfect class novel or accompaniment to historical studies, for children aged 10 years and over. |
| Thar An Trasnán |
Áine Ní Ghlinn
€6.99, O'Brien Press
Cluiche peile ag rang a sé. Buachaillí in aghaidh cailíní.
Deir na múinteoirí nach bhfuil ann ach spraoi!
Dar le hEoghan, áfach, tá i bhfad níos mó ná sin i gceist! Bród! Onóir! Stádas na mbuachaillí!
Thar an Trasnán is a hilarious new story and second in teh Scéal Eile series; a fantastic new resource for schools, libraries and children across Ireland. The SOS Series provides the perfect challenge for seven years and over for first language Irish speakers, and for 10 years and over for second language Irish speakers. |
| War of the Two Kings (Graphic Novel) |
Dermot Poyntz and Lee Grace
£13.50, Moccu Press
Second offering from the new Irish graphic novel team at Moccu Press that brings the Williamite War in Ireland to life in full graphic novel glory. It covers the war from James II’s landing in Kinsale in 1789, the Siege of Derry, Battle of the Boyne, and Siege of Limerick in 1690. Exploring key events and figures in Ireland’s turbulent history, this is another valuable addition that will help make Ireland’s history accessible to all, and attract reluctant readers.
Available from Amazon and directly from www.moccupress.com |
| Curse of Cromwell: The Siege (Graphic Novel) |
Dermot Poyntz and Lee Grace
£13.50, Moccu Press
Ireland 1650 - After Cromwell's lightning campaign the previous year, he is now marching his army in two columns bound for Kilkenny & Tipperary. Having ravaged Drogheda & Wexford, giving quarter to none, he marches on Clonmel with the expectation that the town will surrender immediately.
Mission Clonmel is garrisoned by 1,500 seasoned Ulster Pikemen under the command of General Hugh Dubh O'Neill. They intend to sell their lives dearly to the Parlimentarians, who are bent on exterminating the Catholic Irish.
Winner of the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award 2010, this
46 page full colour Irish historical graphic novel, is suitable for ages nine years and over.
Exploring key events and figures in Ireland’s turbulent history, this is another valuable graphic novel from ground breaking Moccu Press that will help make Ireland’s history accessible to all, and attract reluctant readers and students of history. Available from Amazon and directly from www.moccupress.com |
| Irish Legends for Children Colouring Book |
Pat Hegarty
€4.99, Gill & Macmillan
Children will love this colouring book with a difference! There are fifteen traditional Irish stories to read and then colour in, making it a book to treasure. There is something for everyone, from cautionary tales of cunning leprechauns to the thrilling exploits of great Irish heroes.
|
| The Story of Tomás Mac Curtáin |
Fionnuala Mac Curtáin
€9.99, Mercier Press
Tomás Mac Curtáin, a dedicated family man, took an active role in the War of Independence. Originally from Ballyknockane in County Cork, his love of the Irish language and culture led him to become involved with the Gaelic League, the Irish Republican Brotherhood and the Irish Volunteers.
A dedicated father and husband, he was in command of the Irish Volunteers in Cork during the 1916 Rising in Dublin. He was shot dead by British forces on 20 March 1920. This short biography will open up this fascinating figure to younger readers and is part of a new Irish Heroes for Children series from Mercier Press.
Fionnuala Mac Curtain is the grand-daughter of Tomás Mac Curtáin and lives in Cork. |
| Tales of Irish Enchantment |
Patricia Lynch
€19.99, Mercier Press
A charming, newly illustrated collection of some of Patricia Lynch's classic children's stories.
Tales of Irish Enchantment is a collection of six of Patricia Lynch’s classic children’s stories, told with the imagination and warmth that she was renowned for, and brilliantly illustrated by Sara Baker.
From the heroic tale of Cuchulain to the humorous story of The Kingdom of the Dwarves, this lavishly illustrated edition revitalises the age-old legends of Ireland, as exciting and entertaining today as when they were first told.
Also included are Midir and Etain, Finn MacCool, The Long Life of Tuan MacCarrell and The Voyage of Maeldun.
|
| The Easter Rising |
Gill & Macmillan
€18.99, Gill & Macmillan
This interactive and pop-up journal tells the story of the 1916 Easter rising through the eyes of a young Dublin boy whose father is one of the minor members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
A valuable introduction to the characters and events of a critical episode in Ireland's history, including a wonderful facsimile of the Proclaimation of the Irish Republic.
Exceptionally well designed, it boasts a range of character and landmark pop-ups, factual accounts, descriptive information and explanatory asides, linked together by a narrative that bring the story to life for young readers. |
| Favourite Irish Legends |
Best Loved Tales from Ireland
£8.99, Gill & Macmillan
A bumper collection of Ireland's favourite legends for children, including: The Children of Lir, The Brown Bull of Cooley, Deirdre of the Sorrows, The Salmon of Knowledge and a host of other legends of Oisin, Setanta, Fionn and the heroes of Irish Irish mythology.
|
| A Pocket History of Ireland |
Joseph McCullough
£4.50, Gill & Macmillan
Encompassing stories of some of Ireland's best known characters as well as key moments in Ireland's past, this pocket history recalls the country's struggles through dark times, its successes, its people and places. The wealth of Irish culture and tradition is described as well as the key events and people that have shaped the country today.
From prehistoric times to the present day, this comprehensive history presents the story of Ireland in bite-size chunk, and is an indispensable guide for all the family in an attractive and practical format. |
| Professor Murphy's History of Ireland |
Duncan Crosbie
€12.99, Gill Macmillan
Guided by the cartoon figure of Professor Murphy, children are brought from earliest pre-historic Ireland through to Ireland in the 21st century. Each chapter contains 2 double-page spreads, carefully divided into easily digested smaller sections. The book is illustrated in full colour throughout and includes: -
1 Prehistoric Ireland and the coming of the Gaels
2 New ideas and invasions, 5th-10th centuries
3 Confusion all around, 10th-11th centuries
4 The shock of the Normans 1169-1254
5 Irish Revival, 14th to 16th centuries
6 Rebellion, Plantation & more Rebellion 1590-1641
7 To Hell or to Connaught, 1641-1685
8 Protestants in charge, 1660-1790
9 Revolution & Famine, 1790-1850
10 Nationalism on the march, 1848-1914 (i)
11 Nationalism on the march, 1848-1914 (ii)
12 War of Independence & the Irish Free State, 1916-1923
13 Partition & republic, 1923-1960s
14 Economic & social liberation, 1960s – present
15 The Troubles and their resolution, 1960s – present
|
| Best-Loved Irish Legends |
Eithne Massey
£12.99, O'Brien Press
Stories from long, long ago, part of an ancient oral tradition,
handed down from generation to generation and written down by the Christian monks of medieval Ireland.
FAVOURITE LEGENDS FROM ANCIENT IRELAND:
The Salmon of Knowledge
How Cú Chulainn Got His Name
The Children of Lir
The King with Donkey’s Ears
Fionn and the Giant
The White Wolfhound
Oisín
These traditional Irish legends are brought to life with stunning, full-colour illustrations that are ideal for readers aged four years plus, or for reading aloud. |
| Blood Upon The Rose: Easter 1916 The Rebellion That Set Ireland Free |
Gerry Hunt
€12.99, O'Brien Press Graphic Novel
The rebellion that set Ireland free, told as a graphic novel.
The 1916 Easter Rising was an attempt by a small group of militant Irish republicans to win independence from Britain. It was the most significant rebellion in Ireland. Though a military failure, it set Ireland on the road to freedom from Britain.
The book covers the story from the early planning to the final executions and includes the tragic romance between Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford.
Following on from the success of political graphic novels such as Maus and Persepolis, this is accessible, informative and insightful history at its best.
|
| Ultimate Guide to Hurling, The |
Gavin Mortimer
€9.99, Gill & Macmillan
Want to know how to score goals like Henry Shefflin? Or save them at the other end like Damien Fitzhenry? Top tips throughout the book show how everyone can improve their playing skills. Learn how to perfect catching skills and how to carry the sliothar on the hurley. Improve tackling skills including the block, the hook and the side pull. Learn how to get extra height and length on the sliothar. Learn what the referee, umpires and linesmen do and what their signals mean. |
| Feach Agus Abair: Na Chéad Fhocail |
Flashcards Pack
€9.99, Gill & Macmillan
Teach young children Irish using fun and colourful flashcards!
These sturdy flashcards are a great way to help young children learn simple Irish vocabulary in an enjoyable way.
Each pack contains cards for 29 words and an instruction card with ideas on how to use them.
|
| An Chéad 100 Focal Gaeilge |
Gill & Macmillan
€9.99, Gill & Macmillan
Teach your child their first words as gaeilge with a beautifully illustrated book with over 100 essential first words to read and pictures to look at and talk about.
This book will help children take their first steps in learning Irish and help build basic Irish vocabulary of common household objects, toys, games, food and animals.
|
| Designs from the Book of Kells |
Judy Balchin
€8.99, Gill & Macmillan
Inspired by the illustrations and ornamentation in the Book of Kells, this book gives step-by-step instructions to the modern crafters seeking to re-create the ornate swirling motifs typical of Christian iconography and Insular art.
JUDY BALCHIN has previously written two bestselling books. She writes for many craft magazines and is a well-known designer for various kit manufacturers. She lives and works in Kent. She is the author of Celtic Glass Painting.
|
| Hide and Speak Irish |
Catherine Bruzzone & Susan Martineau
€9.99, O'Brien Press
Hide and Speak goes further than most picture word books. It offers an effective and simple way to learn over 130 key Irish words following the tried-and-tested method of 'look, cover and speak'.
Using the two wipe-clean flaps at the back of the book to cover the words or the pictures, you can practise speaking or writing the words as many times as you want.
The book is organised into 15 popular themes including farm, school, family, colours and food.
An enjoyable and practical way to learn the first essential words in Irish!
|
| Secret of Kells, The |
Tomm Moore
€12.99, O'Brien
History, myth and legend collide in this full-colour illustrated storybook of the animated feature Brendan and the Secret of Kells.
Twelve-year-old Brendan’s life in the monastery at Kells is not very exciting until Aidan arrives. Suddenly life is one big adventure. In the forest Brendan is rescued from wolves by Aisling, a mysterious green-eyed girl. In the cave of the Dark One, he risks his life to steal the eye of the serpent god, Crom Cruach.
Meanwhile Aidan is keeping a secret that will become Brendan’s biggest challenge, and the Vikings get nearer and nearer ...
This exciting story is brought to life through stunning visuals and includes a section of facts about the real Book of Kells.
Teaching Resources: free to view and download -
Education worksheets for primary schools from www.thesecretofkells.com
Education worksheets for secondary schools from www.thesecretofkells.com |
| Cá bhfuil Murchú? |
Anne Donovan
€5.95, O'Brien Press
Is cairde maithe iad Ruairí agus Murchú.
Ach lá amháin ní raibh Ruairí ábalta Murchú a fháil in áit ar bith.
Chuardaigh Mamaí agus Daidí agus Ruairí gach áit.
Ach ansin fuair siad glaoch teileafóin: an bhfuil Murchú faighte?
Murphy is Rory’s best friend.
Every day they play together.
But one day Rory cannot find Murphy. Mam and Dad and Rory search everywhere.
Then a phonecall comes – has someone found Rory’s best friend?
SOS 15 Red Flag: For readers aged 8 years plus.
|
| An Leabhar Mòr - The Great Book of Gaelic |
Theo Dorgan & Malcolm Maclean
€50.00, O'Brien Press
A 21st– century Book of Kells that brings together the work of more than 150 poets, visual artists, and calligraphers.
Scotland and Ireland share a mythology, a rich music tradition, languages and some history. Irish Gaels, known as Scoti, invaded Scotland in the 5th century and gave it their name. An Leabhar Mòr is a major artwork which renews the connection between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland and celebrates the diverse strands of contemporary Celtic culture.
A beautiful book featuring work from every century between the sixth and the twenty-first – contains the earliest Gaelic poetry in existence. One hundred visual artists respond to the poetry in a variety of media. Includes work by poets Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Máire Mhac an tSaoi and by artists Allan Davie, Will Maclean and Rita Duffy among others.
|
| Irish Myths and Legends |
Felicity Trotman
€18.99, Gill & Macmillan
Enjoy four traditional Irish stories in this unique retelling of these wonderful legends. The dazzling illustrations by Pat Moffat, popups, flaps and other interactive elements make this a book to treasure for readers of all ages.
Featuring The Salmon of Knowledge, Fionn and the Dragon, The Children of Lir, and The Giant from Scotland. |
| Little Croker |
Joe O'Brien
€7.99, O'Brien Press
'How do you play every game?' yelled Mick.
'Like the All-Ireland final!' cheered the whole dressing room.
Danny Wilde wants one thing more than anything else in the world and that’s to get his GAA team, Littlestown Crokes, to the top of the League.
But when things go horribly wrong, can they make it after all? Danny comes up with a brilliant plan, but needs a whole lot of help to make it work...
The first title in a fantastic new GAA fiction eries from the popular author of Alfie Green - with real boy-appeal!
With convincing and authentic action on the pitch and a unique GAA theme that will appeal to reluctant readers aged nine years and over. |
| Ultimate Guide to Gaelic Football |
Gavin Mortimer
€9.99, Gill & Macmillan
Want to know how to score goals like Peter Canavan? Or how to save them like Diarmaid Martin? Top tips throughout this book show children how to improve their playing skills.
· Learn how to perfect hand and fist passes
· Improve tackling skills including the shoulder charge and slapping the ball from an opponent’s hand
· Practise punt, hook and penalty kicks
· Learn what the referee, umpires and linesmen do and what their signals mean
|
| Story of Ireland, The |
Brendan O'Brien - Illustrated by Cartoon Saloon
€19.99, O'Brien
The O’Brien Press is one of the few Irish publishers willing to take a
chance on ambitious illustrated projects – think of their award-winning
poetry collection, ‘Something Beginning With P’ (2005). The Story of Ireland
is another O’Brien Press book which is bound to win praise from children and
adults alike. Written in a lively, informal style its attractive pages are
full of informative facts broken down into child-friendly, bite-sized
pieces, ideal for internet savvy modern youngsters. From Celts to the Celtic
Tiger, it’s a rollercoaster ride through Irish history.
The excellent illustrations by Cartoon Saloon, a group of highly talented
young artists and animators based in Kilkenny, are full of witty, authentic
detail. Their work has an almost child-like exuberance and I particularly
like the delicate, wafting verdigris ‘statue’ heads and the chubby American
tourists in tartan trousers outside the GPO, both in the ‘Statues with a
Story’ chapter. There are also maps and photographs, old and new. Every
household in Ireland should have a copy, not to mention libraries and
schools. I can’t recommend it highly enough. A triumph! [SW]
SEE ALSO: www.cartoonsaloon.ie
|
| Éasca Péasca |
AINE NÍ GHLINN
€6.95, CLÓ UÍ BHRIAIN/THE O’BRIEN PRESS
Féachann Niamh agus Aonghus ar Mharie-Claire, an au pair nua, is cuireann
said seift le chéile chun fáil réidh leí. D’éirigh leo fáil réidh le
seachtar au pair roimpi is tá Marie-Claire ‘petite’ is óg go leor. Ach, ní
ghnáthbhean óg í Marie Claire, mar a fhaigheann an bheirt amach. Tá an
cinéal scéal seo coitianta i litríocht pháistí is níl tosach an leabhair
ró-iontach. Feabhasaíonn sé de réir mar a théann sé ar aghaidh is tá críoch
taitneamhach is éagsúil ag an scéal. [TÓD]
|
| Faery Nights Oícheanta Sí |
Mícheál Mac Liammóir
€6.34, O'Brien Press
These lively stories, written in both Irish and English, tell of the extraordinary goings-on of ancient Ireland's festival nights. Written in the style of a seanchaí, this enchanting collection is in the very best tradition of fairy tales.
Mícheál Mac Liammóir (1899-1978) founded the Gate Theatre in Dublin with his partner Hilton Edwards in 1928. For fifty years afterwards their names were by-words for style in Irish life.
|
| An Tain |
Colman O Raghallaigh
€10.00, Clo Mhaigh Eo
This is the story of Cuchulainn, Queen Meabh and the cattle-raid in which the brown bull of Cooley was captured, and it's told in graphic novel format. It's an ancient, familiar tale of smouldering jealousy, greed and war, given a contemporary twist with snappy dialogue, racy illustration, high colour and high drama. Seo e leabhar eile san sraith "The Cartoon Saloon" atá tosnaithe ag Colman Ó Raghallaigh chun léitheoreach san Gaeilge a spreagú dosna daoine óga agus atá maraon leis an tradisiún "Bandes Dessinés" a bhfuil comh tréan sin san bhFrainnc. Seo é insinnt thar bharr don scéal iontach sin An Táin Bó Cuailgne and tógtar beocht nua don scéal lena learaidi briomhar on ealainteoirí an Cartoon Saloon. |
| Irish Tales of Mystery & Magic |
Eddie Lenihan
£14.50, Mercier Press
A stunningly illustrated compilation by seanchaí Eddie Lenihan, which will charm, entertain and amuse children of all ages. From the story of Fionn McCumhaill’s bunions, to the Fianna’s concern over their rotting teeth, these stories tell of the adventures and bravery of the ancient Irish heroes in the face of scary and spooky challenges. |
| A Dublin Christmas |
Dan Boyd
£9.99, Mercier Press
On the day before Christmas Eve, two children, Niamh and Michel Clery, are accidentally separated from their parents while shopping. They discover a passageway down to Santa’s wonderland, which unbeknownst to Dubliners, has been under their city streets since the Ice Age slid the entire North Pole south, millions of years earlier. There, they go on a guided tour of the Wonderland by Santa himself, they discover the ‘truth’ about various Dublin landmarks, they learn about Santa’s amazing network of helpers that help him pull off the ‘impossible’ and Niamh, with her level-headed computer genius, manages to save Christmas! It is at the end however, that Santa’s Magic becomes most apparent, when his gift to the whole family is revealed. With their priorities straight, the Clery family know more than most ... that things in life aren’t always what they seem to be. |
| Mo Mhadra Beoga |
Patrick Deeley
£6.49, O'Brien
Ba bhreá le Jenny madra dá cuid féin. Ach is trioblóid an madra seo!
Bíonn sé ag tochailt sa ghairdín i gcónaí!
Bíonn sé i dtrioblóid i ‘Scoil na Madraí'!
Cad a dhéanfaidh Jenny? Sos 12 |
| An Buachaill Bó |
Gillian Perdue
£6.49, O'Brien
Is breá le Conor a chulaith Buachalla Bó.
'Yee Haw!' a deir sé.
Láha in airde!' Is í culaith Conor an rud is fearr ar domhan.
Ach an mbeidh sé ábalta í a chaitheamh ar scoil?
When Conor's parents give him a present of a cowboy suit he wants to wear it all the time. At school Conor is teased for his cowboy outfit, but he doesn't care. Then the other children in his class think it's great fun and they want to dress up too. So their teacher decides that all the class may dress up on Fridays. Even Teacher dresses up – as the sheriff - Conor and his cowboy suit started it all! Sos 13
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
Buy Now!
