Dublin City Libraries will be closed from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May 2025 (inclusive). Our online services will continue as usual. We will reopen on Tuesday, 6 May.
We are pleased to offer a wide range of children’s books as Gaeilge in our Cúinne Gaeilge in Cabra Library. I would like to give you a snapshot of the kinds of children’s books that are available for borrowing from the libraries.
Celebrate Science Week with Dublin City Libraries. There are a lot of books to enjoy from our TumbleBooks collection. Today we have chosen ‘50 Burning Questions’ written Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird.
Celebrate the Children’s Book Festival with Dublin City Libraries. There are a lot of books to enjoy from our TumbleBooks collection. Today, we have chosen ‘Golden Threads’, written by Suzanne Del Rizzo and illustrated by Miki Sato. Emi loves her stuffed fox but then a storm sweeps the fox away.
Welcome to the tenth entry of our blog series 'Lost in the Stacks' - with recommendations by Dublin City Libraries staff exploring our first-rate catalogue, links provided, nudging you towards making an inspired selection. This is brought to you by Jessica in Cabra Library. Cabra Library has two lively and dedicated Junior Book Clubs that meet once a month. Two titles are chosen, usually one fiction book and one graphic novel/non-fiction book. The best discussions involve differences of opinions about the books. We don't expect everyone to love all the books all of the time. Here are some of our stand out reads from 2019.Junior Book Club: age 7-9The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin ColferThis is a touching story about the bond between a boy and his dog. Oz the puppy has had a rough start in life, abused by his cruel owners. Can Patrick help him learn to trust people again? Patrick is having a tough time of his own; he misses his musician dad who is away from home a lot. This is an affecting read, with lots of sad and poignant moments, but ultimately with a satisfyingly happy conclusion. The beautiful detailed illustrations add emotional depth and warmth.The Wolves of Currampaw by William GrillThis large format illustrated book is published by the fantastic Flying Eye Books (also publishers of another book club favourite - the Hilda graphic novels by Like Pearson). Based on the real life story of the attempts to capture a wolf pack in 19th century New Mexico, this book has a lot of interesting historical detail and opportunities for conversations about wildlife conservation and preservation. We had a great discussion about the illustrations in the book (which range from full page spreads to smaller images) and they added atmosphere excitement to the story.Flotsam by David WiesnerThis wordless picture book is a joy from start to finish. When a boy on a beach finds an underwater camera washed on the seashore he decides to get the film developed and in doing discovers a delightful mystery. The illustrations are intricately detailed and fantastical, showing us a magical marine world. The book club really enjoyed discussing this book and sharing their thoughts about what was happening. Interestingly, the thing that puzzled them most was that cameras once upon a time had a roll of film that had to be taken to a special shop to be developed and turned into photographs!Me and Mister P by Maria FarrerArthur is fed up (and a bit jealous) of the attention his younger brother gets from his parents. When a friendly polar bear called Mr P turns up unexpectedly and insists on staying with Arthur and his family everything changes for the better. Arthur learns that just because his brother has different ways of behaving to other kids does not mean they cannot have fun together as a family and his parents do not love him any less. This is a lovely, gently humorous story that has a message of acceptance and tolerance without being too preachy or heavy handed.Nightlights by Lorena AlvarezThis beautiful graphic novel has the most enchanting illustrations I have seen in a long time, with jewel like colours saturating the pages and a whimsical drawing style that veers between sweet and sinister. The story is about Sandy, a girl who loves drawing, who makes a new friend outside school one day. Not all is what it seems however, and when her new friend Morfie becomes mean and controlling Sandy must use all her imaginative power to save herself.Junior Book Club: age 10-12The Guggenheim Mystery by Robin Stevens This ingenious mystery is a follow up to The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (1960-2007) and is based on her original idea. Robin Stevens is the author of the bestselling (and very popular with our library kids) series Murder Most Unladylike. This story follows the same central characters that were in The London Eye Mystery, as Ted’s detective skills and unique insight are needed to save his aunt Gloria from prison when a painting goes missing from the Guggenheim Museum. It is refreshing to have a neuroatypical central character in a children’s book and our book club enjoyed the mystery and fast pace of this story.Smile by Raina TelgemeierSmile is the story of what happened after 12-year-old Raina tripped, fell, and horribly damaged her two front teeth. The resulting dental trauma goes on for years, as Raina has to negotiate the perils of early adolescence with an ongoing array of braces and enduring orthodontic procedures. The drawing style is clear and expressive with a muted colour palette. The kids in the older book club are huge fans of Raina Telgemeier – I could have chosen any of her graphic novel memoirs, they enjoyed them all immensely.Beetle Boy by M.G. LeonardPrepare to learn some fascinating facts about beetles in this quirky adventure story that mixes just the right amount of science, adventure and fun. When his dad disappears from a vault containing a rare beetle collection it is up to Darkus to figure out what has really happened. Darkus makes an unusual friend when he Baxter, a rhinoceros beetle starts communicating with him.The Wishing Spell: The Land of Stories by Chris ColferTwins Alex and Conner’s world changes forever when they are given a special fairy tale book. The book is the entrance to a magical world called the Land of Stories where all the fairy tale characters live. However, getting back home is going to be harder than they think as they run into (and from) some of the nastier creatures like goblins, witches and trolls. This is an imaginative and entertaining read with great moments of humour and just the right amount of danger.El Deafo by Cece BellOffering a fascinating and authentic insight into a hearing impaired world, this is a sweet graphic novel, loosely based on the author’s own childhood, where the characters are depicted as bunnies. When Cece is four she loses most of her hearing after having meningitis. Later on, when she goes to school she has to wear a big hearing aid and sometimes the other kids are mean to her. Things change when she realises that her Phonic Ear can be like a superpower that allows her to listen in on the teachers - she likes to think of herself as a superhero called El Deafo. Our book club was particularly impressed with the way that CeCe’s hearing loss is depicted visually with text fading out and disappearing from speech bubbles.
This week, we are going to take a look at TumbleBooks, an online resource especially designed for the little ones in your life. TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach children the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by taking existing picture books, and then adding animation, sound, music and narration to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. This resource also includes National Geographic videos and games.(Example of National Geographic Videos)Available on TumbleBooks:Story Books: This option features animated, talking picture books for the younger reader. The reader has the option to automatically or manually turn the pages. Chapter Books/Read-Alongs: While this option does not include animation, the ebooks are narrated. They also include Chapter menus so that you can jump chapters, and a bookmarks and notes feature which are cookied onto your computer. Chapter Books also allow readers to change the colors of the background and text, as well as the font style, size, and line spacing. This helps to make the ebooks even more accessible to a wider range of readers. Videos are from the world renowned National Geographic! Simply click on "Watch Online" to watch the 2-5 minute clips on various topics. Most of these videos have been paired with ebooks as a way to introduce a topic! Featured is where teachers, librarians, parents, students, and TumbleBooks staff can recommended a book! It's a quick and easy way to find books on those rainy days! Puzzles & Games accompany each book and reinforce concepts from the books, allowing for a fun and educational learning experience. Language Learning is an easy way to access our French and Spanish titles! Non-Fiction contains a growing collection of non-fiction titles in subjects such as health, science, astronomy, biology, and nature.Playlist allows you to access the pre-loaded playlist. The eBooks play back-to-back just like a music playlist! In addition, you can create your own playlist! Simply click on the "Add to Playlist" button below a TumbleBook to create your own!(Example of Foreign Language eBooks)Access How:Website; Follow link below. To register; select the "My Cloud" tab, click where it says "Register" and enter your library card number and pin as your username and password.App; Select "Library" tab, in country box fill in "Ireland" (Note; state is NOT required), select Dublin City Council Public Library and enter your library card number. In main menu select "View by Detail" to add your favourite books to "My Favourites."URL: http://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/autologin.aspx?UserID=08Hezhy7Lfgp480vNdjp%2bw%3d%3d
The online resources featured in this week’s blog are ‘Who Else Writes Like…?’ and ‘Who Next…?’Both resources are compiled by two professional librarians of long experience, drawing on contributions from other librarians.To access either one of these resources, all you need is your Dublin City Public Libraries card.Just log in with your library card number at the links below, and then select Dublin City Public Libraries. ‘Who Else Writes Like…?’“I’ve read everything written by my favourite authors, what shall I read next?”Sound familiar? Well this online resource helps answer that dilemma. ‘Who Else Writes Like…?’ is an established reference web resource and reading promotion tool. It is designed to help anyone who enjoys reading fiction to expand the number of writers they read.With the click of a mouse, youi can browse by genre or go straight to an author of interest, check up on characters and series or the latest prize-winning writers, and follow the links to authors' websites for additional information.So click on 'Browse authors' to get started and discover a whole new world of fiction writers based on your favourite authors.https://www.whoelsewriteslike.com/ ‘Who Next...?’ is specially designed to help parents, teachers and librarians in encouraging children and young people to explore the world of reading. When children ask: “Who can I read next?” or “Who writes like my favourite author?”, the answers are here in ‘Who Next…?’ Writers of children’s fiction are listed with suggestions of other authors who write in a similar way, together with key book and series titles.You can browse:Four age groups: 5-7, 8-11, 12-14 and 14+Genre and themeGraphic novels, read out loud titles, short stories and titles for dyslexic or struggling readersPrize-winning children’s booksCountry of birth of authorsOther useful linksThis is an invaluable tool for parents, teachers and librarians to help children explore the world of reading. As the award winning author, Alan Gibbons, says “A reading child is a successful child”.https://www.whonextguide.com
Here is a small selection of stories available for young children to borrow at your local Library. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please ask a staff member. Check this page for regular updates.ColoursTales from Acorn Wood: Colours (Based on the Tales from Acorn Wood books by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler)My First Mr Men ColoursAlphabetABC by Kim SeboldCountingEaster Counting by Barbara Barbieri McGrathHugless Douglas Numbers by David MellingTales from Acorn Wood: Counting (Based on the Tales from Acorn Wood books by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler)ShapesMr Men Shapes by Roger HargreavesLife ExperiencesFeedingHow to Feed Your Cheeky Monkey by Jane ClarkeThis is me, EATING! by Neal LaytonBedtimeWhiffy Wilson, The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go to Bed by Caryl Hart and Leonie LordBedtime by Nicola Lathey and Tracey BlakeSpot Says Goodnight by Eric HillBig Enough For a Bed by Sesame StreetBath TimeWhiffy Wilson, The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Wash by Caryl Hart and Leonie LordTime for a Bath by Phyllis Gershator and David WalkerPotty TrainingPirate Pete’s Potty: A Ladybird Potty Training Book by Andrea Pinnington and Jo Dixon (for boys)Princess Polly’s Potty: A Ladybird Potty Training Book by Andrea Pinnington and Jo Dixon (for girls)It’s Potty Time by Tracey CorderoyIt Hurts When I Poop! A Story for Children Who are Scared to Use the Potty by Howard J. Bennett and M.S. WeberKnock! Knock! Who’s There? by Nick Pierce and ElissamburaNappy Duck and Potty Piggy by Bernette Ford and Sam WilliamsGetting DressedGeorge by Nicola SmeeFeeling SickBetsy Goes to the Doctor by Helen StephensGet Well Soon, Spot by Eric HillPrincess Polly’s Potty: A Ladybird Potty Training Book by Andrea Pinnington and Jo Dixon (for girls)Teaching MannersPirate Pete and Princess Polly Please and Thank You by Andrea Pinnington and Jo DixonThe Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson and Axel SchefflerSharing is Caring published by Dorling KindersleyGoing to SchoolHugless Douglas Goes to Little School by David MellingWhiffy Wilson, The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go To School by Caryl Hart and Leonie LordHolidaysMaisy Goes by Plane by Lucy Cousins List compiled by Maria Sheahan (Librarian, Ballymun Library)19th May 2017 See Also: Check out the full list of books read by Ballymun Library Baby Book Club and books read by Ballymun Library Toddler Book Club.Ballymun Library Book Clubs for Babies and Toddlers.
It’s never too early to introduce your child to a love of books. Dublin City Libraries holds a vast array of books suitable for all ages, even newborns!
It’s never too early to introduce your child to a love of books. Dublin City Libraries holds a vast array of books suitable for all ages, even newborns!