Introduction
Age 5-8 years old is an exciting time for young readers. At this stage, many are starting to read on their own. They are being introduced to lots of books at school but they also need plenty of encouragement at home.
Some Tips for 5-8 year olds
Remember that reading with and to children is very important at this age. Even if they are able to manage a book by themselves they will still benefit from reading with an adult. They will still enjoy books being read aloud to them and it's an enjoyable way to spend time together. Pictures are very important for this age group. Illustrations will help draw the young reader in and help them understand the text. They will continue to enjoy the picture books they were introduced to at a younger age and will take pride in being able to read the text themselves. Books with short chapters and familiar vocabulary help them to enjoy reading and feel a sense of achievement when they reach the end of the chapter and the end of the book. Where possible, let children decide themselves which books they would like to read and help them to find books related to their own interests and past times. You may not like all of the books they select but remember - it's important to support their choices. It is also important that there is a range of books that is easily accessible at home. Most young readers at this age will particularly enjoy stories that involve lots of humour and poke fun at familiar figures in their lives. Parents, teachers, librarians and grandparents: watch out!
Download our complete list of recommended reads for 2009 here - age_5-8
Download our complete list of recommended reads for 2008 here - ages_5-8_guide_2008
Our Top Reads for 2009:
MAOLÍOSA NÍ CHLÉIRIGH MAISITHE AG RÓISÍN CURÉ TURAS GO MAIGH EO
AN GÚM 2008, b6.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857917437
Scéal bríomhar fantaiseach é seo do pháistí óga. Tá an prós i bhfoirm rannaireachta, agus ní mór aire faoi leith a thabhairt do na léaráidí spreagthacha greannmhara. Bainfidh an léitheoir nó an t-éisteoir sult as
an leabhairín gleoite seo.
MAEVE FRIEL ILLUSTRATED BY JOELLE DREIDEMY TIGER LILY: A HEROINE FOR ALL SEASONS!
STRIPES Publishing 2009, £4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847150844
This third Tiger Lily book finds our feisty heroine in The Middle of Nowhere. This is a sparkling story packed with rich language and references.
TOMM MOORE, RETOLD BY MARY WEBB THE SECRET OF KELLS
THE 0'BRIEN PRESS 2009, b12.99 (HBK) ISBN 9781847171221
Brendan's bubble of monastic life at Kells is burst by the arrival of a master illustrator from Iona clutching the book he is illuminating. Illustrations blaze from the page in The Secret of Kells.
ART Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN MAISITHE AG ANNIE WEST HANNAH SA CHRANNTEACH
CLÓ MHAIGH EO, b8.00 (PBK), ISBN 9781899922482
Léimid filíocht sa leabhar seo a bhfuil téamaí éagsúla comhaimseartha inti. Cabhraíonn na léaráidí daite le tuiscint an léitheora ar an ábhar. Úsáidtear rithim go cliste sna dánta sa leabhar seo.
THE O'BRIEN PRESS BRIDGES SERIES
Olanna's Big Day, Natasha Mac a'Bháird
b7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847171719
The Dreaming Tree, Eithne Massey
b7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847171580
The Romanian Builder, Peter Prendergast
b7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847171054
I Won't Go to China, Enda Wyley
b7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847171597
New full-colour series celebrating Ireland's ethnic and cultural diversity. These four stories explore some of the many different experiences of children from a variety of cultural backgrounds living in Ireland today.
Our Top Reads for 2008
RODDY DOYLE, ILLUSTRATED BY FREYA BLACKWOODHER MOTHER’S FACE
SCHOLASTIC, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781407107073
NOVEMBER 2008
This warm and exquisitely illustrated story tells us of a young girl called Siobhán who is desperately trying to cling on to memories of her deceased mother, while being brave in the face of loss. Roddy Doyle’s delicate story is in equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, and offers a tender glimpse of how we cope with losing a loved one on a day to day basis. A beautiful book that reminds us that, with time, some memories can bring joy and laughter instead of tears. Age: 5 – 8 years
SIOBHÁN PARKINSON, ILLUSTRATED BY LISA JACKSON
THE HENNY PENNY TREE
THE O’BRIEN PRESS, €5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780862789664
Great Uncle Fergus gives Littlest a copper coin. Not as good as the gold and silver he gave her older sisters Tall One and Middling. Or is it? There isn’t one word too many in this brilliant retelling of a traditional tale. It is funny and fast, and simultaneously modern and timeless. The family dynamics are pure Parkinson. Lisa Jackson’s illustrations serve the words admirably; they are fresh and full of energy, and bring an extra touch of modernity and quirkiness to the text. Age 5 – 8 years
ANDY STANTON, ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID TAZZYMAN
MR GUM AND THE DANCING BEAR
EGMONT, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405241793
SEPTEMBER 2008
This is the fifth book in the hilariously funny Mr Gum series and the best yet. This time it involves a depressed dancing bear, a mad pirate captain and a hot-air balloon. The baddies are more evil and gross than ever, but Polly is up for the challenge. While spinning a totally eccentric and totally unpredictable plot, Stanton still manages to infuse his text with poetry, of the nonsensical kind of course. What a feat! What a treat! Age: 5 – 8 years