Portsalon author Isla McGuckin features among best Irish titles for of 2026
Oakie by Isla McGuckin features in The Best Irish Books of 2026 reading guide by Children’s Books Ireland
A book by Donegal author Isla McGuckin features in a new free guide showcasing the best and brightest of Irish publications for young readers in 2026.
Oakie is a reassuring story about change, worry and the natural world.
The book is described as a tender and beautifully illustrated story about a boy, his tiny tree and the worries that can grow when life changes.
McGuckin’s debut picture book, April’s Garden, received multiple awards and widespread recognition for its sensitive handling of grief, and is regularly included on recommended book lists. Isla believes stories have the power to open hearts, change minds and make the world a better place.
The Best Irish Books of 2026 reading guide, launched by Children’s Books Ireland this week, includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and verse.
Children’s Books Ireland is the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading.
It is encouraging parents, guardians and teachers ‘reading for fun’ with the launch of The Best Irish Books of 2026 reading guide as children return to term-time routines this September. The guide features reviews in English and as Gaeilge.
In the recently published Children and Young People’s Reading in Ireland report, Children’s Books Ireland found that 23% of children and young people read for fun on a daily basis and this rises to 46% amongst those whose parents are daily readers. As we settle back into school routines this month, the charity hopes that families and classrooms will continue to carve out time to read for enjoyment and help more children to see themselves as readers.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “For some children, the summer holidays may have been spent devouring as many books as possible, but for others, the return to school might also be a return to reading. We have to be careful that families don’t conflate the two, and that there is time for reading just for fun in children and young people’s lives. The enjoyment of reading is essential if our children are to become lifelong readers and reap the benefits that come from this.”
As part of their mission, Children’s Books Ireland empowers parents, guardians and teachers in Donegal to introduce young readers to the best Irish books available, through free resources like its annual Best Irish Books guide.
Ryan says it’s important that children in Donegal can access stories that reflect their own lived experience and the rich culture and diversity of life in Ireland, but finding those stories still proves difficult for some.
She said: “Our recent research found that almost one in four respondents didn’t know if they had any books by Irish artists in their home and 50% of parents and guardians feel it’s a struggle to find something appropriate for their children to read.
“Our guide is a free resource available to all, it’s a map to help discover a great Irish book and a support to those seeking to foster or reignite reading for fun for the children and young people in their lives.”
The Best Irish Books of 2026 reading guide is available as a free download at www.childrensbooksireland.ie. Free copies are also available in participating bookshops and in libraries nationwide.