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Here are some of the most popular titles borrowed by you in 2022, our book-loving Dublin City library members. It’s great to see the One Dublin One Book choice, the Dublin Literary Award winner and some short-listed titles making the list. And always great to see Irish writers featuring so strongly as well.

We invite children to delve into the world of Ebony Smart, a 12-year old girl whose world has just changed forever  - a new home in Dublin that is full of secrets, a magical book that unlocks the mystery to her past and a mysterious boy called Zach who befriends her – for the Citywide Reading Campaign for Children 2016.The campaign is run by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and Dublin City Public Libraries, in partnership with Mercier Press, and runs from January to March 2016.The Book of Learning by E.R. Murray is a story of mystery and adventure, and will appeal to both girls and boys of 9 years and older. There will be author visits to branch libraries as well as city-centre based events to promote the campaign, which encourages children to read for pleasure. The book features many well known Dublin landmarks such as Glasnevin Cemetery, the Botanic Gardens, the Natural History Museum, the National Library and Saint Stephen's Green.An t-Ardmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh said: "The Book of Learning is a book that will enchant and engage boys and girls from aged 9 upwards, and I encourage children and their parents all across the city to read it and to visit their local Dublin City library to find out more about the fun events taking place. Is scéal draíochtach é a bheadh taitneamhach do éinne thar 9 mbliana d’aois.""I'm delighted The Book of Learning has been chosen for this year's Citywide Reading campaign, especially since Dublin is so central to the story." says E.R. Murray. "I wanted to capture the city's essence in an adventure story that was both magical and mysterious – so get ready for wildcats, enchanted books, underground lairs, and shark submarines! I can't wait to meet lots of young readers at events in the New Year – after all, it's the readers that bring stories to life and make writing so worthwhile."Details of the campaign will be available in early January here and at www.dublincityofliterature.ie. The project is funded by Dublin City Council's Library Service and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

There were some 400 children in the audience at a special 'Moone Boy' event in Dublin's Liberty Hall yesterday (14th October). Chris O'Dowd and Nick V. Murphy, co-authors of 'Moone Boy: The Fish Detective' were there entertaining the children and reading from the second in the hilarious illustrated series inspired by the Sky TV series they co-wrote.The event was organised by the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature Office in conjunction with Dublin City Public Libraries.'Moone Boy: The Fish Detective' is just about to be published and will soon hit the shelves in our branch libraries across the city. The first in the series, 'Moone Boy: The Blunder Years' is available now! View photos from the Liberty Hall event, featuring Nick V. Murphy, Chris O'Dowd and Cormac Kinsella (Repforce), in the slideshow below:Story Synopsis:Martin's parents are strapped for cash: it's going to be a budget Christmas this year. So Martin plans to buy his own presents - and attempts, unsuccessfully, to get a job. Padraic puts in a word for him with his Auntie Bridget, who runs the local butcher's shop. But her shop is struggling as the fish shop across the road undercuts her and Bridget just can't compete. No one knows how the owner, Francie Feeley, does it - especially since he doesn't seem to employ anyone at his fish factory. No one goes in; no one goes out - it's a mystery.Intrigued, Martin decides to go undercover and find out the truth, like a fish-mole - or fish detective. Martin infiltrates the factory and discovers that Francie is illegally employing a gang of Brazilian fish-gutters. They're a lot of fun and one of them, Fabio, becomes Martin's good friend. But when Martin is exposed as a spy, he has to choose which side he's on. Will Christmas be ruined for the whole of Boyle?

Dark days, and even darker nights - autumn is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. You might already have a toppling pile of books beside the bed, or sitting on a bookshelf just waiting for you to pick them up and bring the story to life by opening that first page. But if you are finished everything interesting in your 'to read' pile and are looking for a good book to keep you company over this mid-term break, perhaps you will find inspiration in the work of some of the authors who have been visiting Dublin City Libraries during October for Children's Book Festival. Some, like Judi Curtin are very well-known and don't need any introduction from me, while others, like Michael Carroll, who writes science fiction / fantasy novels, are less well-known, but equally engaging writers.If you were lucky enough to be at Cabra Library or Drumcondra Library to meet popular author Judi Curtin, you will have heard all about how she started writing and how moving schools often as a child helped her become observant and made sure she always had good stories to tell. Judi's most recent book is 'Leave it to Eva' the third book in the 'Eva' series. There are seven books in Judi's earlier 'Alice and Megan' series, as well as a cookbook, so no need to run out of your favourite reads.Younger children will enjoy the 'Alfie Green' series by Joe O'Brien, who visited Rathmines and Kevin Street Libraries, and older fans of Joe's work might try 'Beyond the Cherry Tree' a novel of fantasy, adventure and magic. Another author who visited libraries in during October is Debbie Thomas, whose book 'Dead Hairy' is quite hilarious. Children who met Debbie in Donaghmede, Coolock and Ballyfermot Libraries were also let in on the secrets of Debbie's new book 'Jungle Tangle' which isn't even in shops or libraries yet - but keep an eye out!During week two of the festival we had a visit from Che Golden, who travelled from England to meet children in the Central Library, Rathmines Library and Terenure Library. There were plenty of questions for Che and we learned how her writing was inspired by her childhood visits to Blarney in Co. Cork to visit her grandparents - and we also learned exactly how little an author gets paid for each book sold (a lot less than you would think). Che's book, The Feral Child, is the first of a trilogy - and the first part is so exciting I can't wait for parts two and three.Week three of the festival was the busiest week, starting with visits from environmentalists Éanna Ní Lamhna and Don Conroy. Many of Don's books, such as 'The Anaconda from Drumcondra' and the 'Draw with Don' series are still available in libraries, and Éanna's book, 'Wild Dublin' has something to offer all ages - along with great photographs. You can also download a free copy of Éanna's brilliant resource for primary school teachers 'Wild Things at School' published by the Heritage Council.Eithne Massey writes for many age groups so she has something for everyone - for younger readers there's 'The Dreaming Tree' and 'Best Loved Irish Legends' while for older readers Eithne's fantasy novels (with an historical theme)  include 'The Silver Stag of Bunratty' and, her latest, 'Where the Stones Sing'. You can also view a list of Eithne's own favourite children's fantasy books. During the same week, the fabulous Cressida Cowell entertained over 400 children from schools all over Dublin - with her tales of Vikings and Dragons. 'How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel' is the tenth in the hugely popular 'How to Train Your Dragon' series - if you haven't tried them, now's your chance! Perfect for boys and girls aged 8+.In week four we had visits from Nicola Pierce and Jean Flitcroft. Jean has written two books in her 'Cryptid Files' series; 'Loch Ness', which is set in Scotland and features the hunt for the famous Loch Ness Monster and 'Mexican Devil' which introduces us to El Chupacabra - a mythical monster from Mexico. Nicola Pierce writes historical fiction with a slight fantasy element in 'Spirit of the Titanic' a book that views the unfolding of the Titanic tragedy through the eyes of the ghost or spirit of Samuel Scott, an apprentice who was killed while helping to build the Titanic in Belfast docks.The last official Children's Book Festival visit will be from science fiction / fantasy author Michael Carroll to Ballymun Library on Hallowe'en, Wednesday 31st October - the very last day of the Festival. Michael has written many novels and short stories for children, teenagers and adults as well as stories for comics like Judge Dredd and Futurequake. During these visits he will be talking mostly about the 'New Heroes' series; 'The Quantum Prophecy', 'Sakkara' and 'Absolute Power', all available from your local library. The full list and their American as well as English titles is available here. If you are between 10 and 14 and enjoy fantasy and science fiction books, come along to Ballymun Library on Wednesday 31st at 3pm for a great opportunity to listen to and chat with a real writer about how he writes, what inspires him, and also what inspires you and tips for writing your own stories.So, loads of great ideas for new books to explore. Still not inspired? Drop in to your local library and browse along the shelves of great booksIf you find the perfect book for you - why not share by letting us know all about it? All replies to this post suggesting a good children's read for these Autumn days will be entered in a draw for a newly published book by an Irish author (I'm keeping the title a secret until I get those entries in - so start suggesting now).

Dublin City Public Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature today, Tuesday 17th January, launched 'Children Save Dublin', the city’s first ever children’s citywide reading project.Similar to the highly successful Dublin: One City One Book festival, but aimed at children from 4th and 5th classes, children across Dublin will be encouraged to read, talk about and have fun with the same book over January, February and March 2012.The book chosen is 'Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent' (links to catalogue), by first time Irish writer Alan Early, a new and fresh voice in Irish writing. Arthur Quinn is one of the most exciting new adventure stories published in Ireland in the last few years and was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards 2011. Fast paced and thrilling, this is a book which will get Dublin children excited about reading and has been described as Harry Potter - Dublin style.The book is set in the Dublin of today, featuring the Metro North tunnels while harking back to Viking mythology as the children unleash a Viking god. The action takes place on the streets of Dublin and the project gives plenty of scope for activities which will spark interest in the book and reading itself.Children are encouraged to attend associated events in city libraries and schools during the mid-term and afterwards as part of the project. Children can also engage online with the author via a special interactive website which includes games and a blog related to the story. Alan Early will visit schools and libraries during the three month festival, engaging with the children and helping them discover the secret of how to defeat the World Serpent!The project will conclude with an exciting event taking place at Connolly Station as part of St. Patrick’s Festival in March. A serpent- themed train will host a variety of children’s activities including workshops, fun question and answer sessions with the author and much more!

Author Conor Kostick has just been nominated by Ireland for the prestigious international award The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. 'It's very flattering', Conor told me when I met up with him on one of his visits to Cabra Library to meet young readers. 'I'm really proud of the honour and very proud of the association with Astrid Lindgren herself. In Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren created one of the most delightfully irreverent and independent characters in children's literature; this creation was connected to the fact that Astrid Lindgren herself was a radical humanist and opponent of violence. There is a humanist philosophy at work in my books and maybe they (the nominating bodies) picked up on that. I'm extremely proud to be associated with her legacy.' Conor Kostick lives in Dublin and his 'day job' is teaching Medieval History in Trinity College. 'Epic' was his first novel, and this was followed by 'Saga' and 'Edda', making up the Avatar Chronicles trilogy. These novels are very popular with children from age ten to early teens. I've recommended the first book 'EPIC' to many young readers and they have gone on to recommend it to their own friends - you can't get a better endorsement than that!Conor also wrote a book for younger readers, 'The Book of Curses' in the Forbidden Files Series. This is soon to be joined by 'The Book of Wishes' which Conor describes as his 'good twin book' to the 'Book of Curses' - it's is a bit scary, but fun too. It's not in shops or libraries yet, but it will be soon, so keep your eyes open - or reserve a copy at your local library.The other Irish nominee for 2012 is storyteller Eddie Lenihan. Writers and artists from other countries who have been nominated this year include; Micael Rosen, Quentin Blake, Shirley Hughes, Eric Carle, Allan Ahlberg, David Almond, Margaret Mahy and Meg Rosoff. As Conor says, 'To be awarded a place on the list of nominees is a real honour'.Conor's books are published in Ireland by O'Brien Press and are available (as they say) from all good bookshops and to borrow from branches of Dublin City Libraries.My recent interview with Conor will be published in the next issue of Classmate magazine - a Dublin City Council publication which is distributed free to all primary schools in Dublin City. I also hope to include that interview in a forthcoming article on this blog - so keep logging on.

No, this post hasn't anything to do with Alice in Wonderland - I just couldn't resist the lame pun (I'm a tabloid sub-editor in an alternative life). The 'curious ear' I refer to is the RTE radio programme The Curious Ear, part of RTE radio's Documentary on One. The Curious Ear team were at the Central Library on Monday 10th October to record a visit by Irish children's author Brian Gallagher and his young readers and listeners. Brian has just published his second historical novel for young readers, 'Taking Sides' set in Dublin during the Civil War. The book is an exciting read, following the fortunes of a group of young friends, as they get caught up in a Civil War that tears families and a country apart.Brian's first novel for children, 'Across the Divide', tells the story of the 1913 Dublin Lockout, as seen through the eyes of two young people from different areas and backgrounds. This book has been very popular and was chosen as a One Area One Book in the Marino area earlier this year. Both novels are published by O'Brien Press and are available, as they say, from all good bookshops, and of course, from your local library. Brian Gallagher also met readers in four other libraries; Ringsend Library, Charleville Mall Library, Pearse Street Library and Phibsboro Library, as part of the Children's Book Festival 2011. I was in Phibsboro Library on Wednesday 12th when Brian was talking to a group of children and adults about writing 'Taking Sides'. Brian read out the Prologue to the book, where twelve year old Peter Scanlon smuggles a gun through an army checkpoint in his rugby kit bag. Peter is on his way home from a rugby match for his school, Belvedere College, when the gun is slipped into his bag by a member of the rebel forces. A 'hold your breath' story for all of us, but it had a particular appeal to three young listeners in the library that night - all first year students in Belvedere College themselves, though in 2011 and not in 1922.  Here's hoping nothing quite so terrifyingly exciting happens to them on their way home from a match!And that's one of the great things about both Brian's books - they are set in the past, but they are set in a real and still recognisable Dublin.  Areas of the city featured in the books include Glasnevin, Broadstone, Drumcondra and O'Connell Street - then known as Sackville Street. Like most people my age (and no, I'm not telling!) I grew up reading books set mostly in the United Kingdom - especially historical novels - and while I enjoyed many of them very much, it's great to get the opportunity to read about our own past in such an enjoyable way. If you enjoy Brian's novels, and are hooked on the history, O'Brien Press have provided teacher's resource notes on their website for 'Across the Divide', and extra information on the Civil War era covered in 'Taking Sides' can be found on the Ask About Ireland website, including actual archive film footage from the era.