Five titles by Waterford authors have been included in a new guide showcasing some of the best Irish children’s books published in 2026.

Children’s Books Ireland has launched its Best Irish Books of 2026 guide, featuring publications for young readers across fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and verse.

The five Waterford titles featured are:

Irelandopedia: Colours by John Burke.

Lá Breithe Eoinín by Muireann Ní Chíobháin.

The Amazing Jam by Shona Shirley MacDonald.

Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert by Sarah Bowie.

Bilal agus Cócó by Áine Uí Fhoghlú.

The guide contains reviews in both English and Irish and includes books aimed at children and young people up to the age of 18.

Its publication comes as research from Children’s Books Ireland found that 23% of children and young people read for fun on a daily basis.

That figure rises to 46% among children whose parents are themselves daily readers.

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said families should continue to make time for reading outside of school.

‘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,’ she said.

‘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 organisation’s research also found that half of parents and guardians feel it can be difficult to find appropriate material for their children to read.

The Best Irish Books of 2026 guide is available as a free download, while copies are also available through participating bookshops and libraries nationwide.