Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist revealed

Undated handout photo issued by Waterstones of the front cover of Solo by Grainne O'Brien which is shortlisted for a Waterstones children's book prize. Issue date: Thursday February 5, 2026. PA Photo. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 26. Photo credit should read: Waterstones/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

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A picture book that questions the trustworthiness of fish; a retelling as Gaeilge of Puss in Boots; a teenager living with Tourette’s and a science-fiction YA novel that takes the reader on a train journey to a world of different time zones – these are just four of this year’s 10 shortlisted publications for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.

The shortlist, which also features stories on neurodiversity, life after a terrorist attack and grief following the loss of a parent, was announced by Rick O’Shea at a special event in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “This year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist has something to delight every kind of reader. There are stories steeped in Irish mythology, tales of bravery and resilience and books that will move you to tears – or make you cry laughing. It’s wonderful to see how children’s literature and publishing in Ireland is evolving through this diverse, excellent shortlist. Our warm congratulations go to the authors, illustrators and publishers whose wonderful work we are so proud to champion.”

The shortlisted titles will be in contention for six awards at the ceremony on May 18th as