 | 1. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (Gift Book). This is one of the most beautiful books you will ever lay your hands on and it makes a wonderful gift for anyone and everyone in your life. It is a particularly special gift for anyone going through a tough time. You can also buy a limited edition tote bag here. |
 | 2. The Dead Zoo by Peter Donnelly (picture book, Irish). A beautifully illustrated and joyful book, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, told in one of Ireland’s favourite museums. Peter kindly dropped in to sign lots of copies!(Published September 2020). |
 | 3. Elsetime by Eve McDonnell (age 9-12, Irish) – we have dubbed this our book of the year! This historical novel is a page turner, with time travel, friendship, peril and humour thrown in too! Eve visited us on publication day, and signed loads of copies , and gave us some wonderful momentos! (Published September 2020). |
 | 4. Follow the Track all the Way Back by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Ben Mantle (Picture Book). We are donating €5 from the sale of each copy of this book to Greystones Cancer Support, in memory of little Oisin Linehan from Greystones, who sadly passed away recently, age 2. This was Oisin’s favourite book and it tells the story of a little train who gets lost but finds his way back to his parents. |
 | 5. The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle (age 9-12, Irish). This was the book chosen for our first (and only…so far) 9-12 bookclub. It is based in Arranmore, Co Donegal and is a clever, page turning adventure mixing magic and legend with sibling rivalry and a boy coming to terms with big changes in his life. There are two books in this series, with a third due to be published later this year. |
 | 6. Here we Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers (Picture Books, Irish). This is our go-to recommendation for a new baby present. It was written for his baby boy as a way to introduce him to Planet Earth. It is beautifully illustrated and conveys a message of kindness. |
 | 7. Boot by Shane Hegarty (5-8, Irish). The first in the series, this was the book we chose for our first (and only!) 7-9 bookclub. It tells the story of a lost robot, who only has two-and-a-half memories trying to find his owner. Funny and heartwarming. We were very lucky to have Shane come to visit us to sign the latest book in the series – The Creaky Creatures. |
 | 8. While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Polly Dunbar (Picture Book, Irish). A touching and perfect picture book for these times, very popular with grandparents, aunts and uncles. (Published June 2020) |
 | 9. Dog Man: Grime & Punishment by Dav Pilkey (age 5-8). The latest in the hugely popular Dog Man series, which saw us take in our highest number of preorders to date! There were squeals of excitement from many kids when this book arrived into the shop! (Published September 2020).
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 | 10. Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig by Emer Stamp (age 5-8) – the Pig series is the most popular series in the shop. Children love the mischief of Pig and his friends and the fact that there is LOTS of poo and farts! Emer was due to travel from the UK to launch her latest book “Pests” in April in Halfway up the Stairs but alas, this event was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
 | 11. A Place called Perfect by Helena Duggan (age 9-12, Irish). Helena very kindly came to visit St Laurence’s NS in Greystones in November 2019, and as you can see her book proved to be very popular! It tells the tale of a town that is not quite as it seems. |
 | 12. Rabbit’s Bad Habits by Julian Gough & Jim Field (age 5-8, Irish)- the first in the series, these books are both funny and heartwarming, and hugely popular! |
 | 13. All to Play For by Donn McClean (age 9-12, Irish). We were very excited to stock this great book by local author and sportswriter, Donn McClean. It is Donn’s first children’s book and it tells the story of Anna coming to terms with the loss of her father, new beginnings and lots of exciting sports action too. Donn visited us when the book was published and signed lots of copies! (Published August 2020). |
 | 14. What We’ll Build by Oliver Jeffers (Picture Book, Irish) who wrote this wonderful new book for his daughter. With glorious illustrations and quirky humour, this book carries a strong and important message about tolerance and love. (Published October 2020). |
 | 15. Only a Tree Knows how to be a Tree by Mary Murphy (Picture Book, Irish). A beautiful book celebrating our individuality and promoting tolerance. (Published March 2020) |
 | 16. Break the Mould by Sinéad Burke, illustrated by Natalie Byrne (Guidance, Irish). A guide on how to take your place in the world, this important book helps children to accept themselves and to be comfortable in their own skin. (Published October 2020) |
 | 17. Poppy & Sam’s Animal Hide and Seek by Jenny Tyler, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright (Baby & Toddler). A wonderful touchy-feely, lift the flap book with strong durable pages and exciting things to spot. |
 | 18. Have you seen the Dublin Vampire? by Úna Woods (Picture book, Irish). The cutest vampire takes a stroll through Dublin – with vivid illustrations and simple text, this book was a huge hit for Halloween and continues to sell really well. Again, we were very lucky that Úna came to visit and sign her gorgeous book (Published September 2020). |
 | 19. The Great Irish Science Book by Luke O’Neill (Reference, Irish). This oversized reference book contains incredible illustrations, easy to digest facts and is a book to be treasured. |
 | 20. Geansaí Ottó by Sadhbh Devlin, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy (Irish, Irish Language Picture Book). How wonderful to have an Irish Language book in our Top 20 bestsellers! A gorgeous book about a Mamó who keeps knitting jumpers for Ottó! Again, we were very lucky to have Sadhbh drop by to sign copies of her fab book! (Published August 2020) |
