Mercier Press’ Christmas Guide to Children’s Books

Here’s a list of our best-sellers that are sure to put a smile on their face this holiday season.


Childrenโ€™s Book Of Irish Folktales by Kevin Danaher

A magical compilation of Irish folktales, complete with stories of whimsy about ghosts, goblins, fairies, witches and more! This strange and wonderful series of tales is sure to excite any child interested in folklore or fairytales alike, as well as those who enjoy a little mystery too.

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The Friendship Cup: Palestine to Ireland by Winnie Clark

An important and moving story,ย The Friendship Cupย follows Irish and Palestinian football clubs, and the friendships that form between them despite the barriers of borders, culture and conflict. It teaches vital lessons, and each book sold will help support the Al Helal Football Academy in Gaza, making it a pertinent and great pick up this Christmas.

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Fionn Mac Cumhailโ€™s Amazing Stories by Eddie Lenihan

The beloved characters ofย Fionn Mac Cumhailโ€™s Amazing Storiesย dive deep into the world of the enchanting Irish of old. With Alan Clarkeโ€™s perfect illustrations to accompany them, these previously lost classic stories are sure to keep the children spellbound in Fionn Mac Cumhailโ€™s quirky adventures.

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Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent by Alan Early

An epic story set in Dublin, as Arthur uncovers the mysteries of what lies beneath the city. Incorporating Irish Viking heritage, Arthurโ€™s quest to quell the World Serpent is sure to keep the kids (and even the adults) on the edge of their seats this Christmas!

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An Tรญogar a Thรกinig Chun Tae by Judith Kerr

The beloved illustrated classic, now translated into Irish.ย An Tรญogar a Thรกinig Chun Taeย serves as a perfect gift for the smallies learning Irish at home, with its charmingly simple writing and lovely illustrations making it essential for anyone looking for a heartwarming read in the winter season.

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Giolla na Leisce: Leabhar Pictiรบr by Barry Wilkinson

Translated into Irish, the 1969 timeless classic ofย Giolla na Leisceย retells the story of โ€˜Lazy Jackโ€™; a boy whoโ€™s never able to get things just right, yet still manages to strike it rich. A witty and wholesome tale, perfectly accompanied with lovely illustrations to make it a must-have for any child at home who loves a picture book.

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Ionbhรก by Gillian Browne, Mark Brennan, Pat Dolan & Cillian Murphy

Ionbhรก, a pick for some of the older kids, is an amazing reflection on empathy and how important it is in this age. With contributions from Michael D. Higgins, Hozier, Cillian Murphy and more,ย Ionbhรกย is the perfect tool to teach healing and the power of empathy for the season of giving. As Cillian Murphy put into words himself โ€˜We need empathy in schools just as we need empathy in the world right nowโ€™. All proceeds go to the Activating Social Empathy education program.

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We welcome you all at The Mercier Press Bookshop at St Luke’s Cross in Cork City should you wish to look at our extensive range of books to choose from this Christmas. We are open late every day from 12th December until the until the 23rd December. We thank you for choosing to support Mercier Press and independent Irish publishing this Christmas.

Written by Michael Laffan