Bookworms Ahoy: Best Children’s Books of 2013

Adventures, magic  and imagination-fuelled stories - We were spoiled for choice when it came to books this year, and we saw a fantastic selection of children’s books come onto the market. From the many exciting book releases, we've selected some lovely stories that we think that the young ones will enjoy at bedtime! Here are our favourites: Mise agus an Dragún by Patricia Forde and Steve Simpson Publisher: Futa Futa (Galway) Written as Gaeilge, this charming story follows a young bear who dreams of hunting dragons and heading off on an adventure. His imaginary journey takes him all over the world, flying high in the sky and into space, chasing a magical dragon! It’s a beautiful tale that captures the imagination. Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton Publisher: Walker (London) This lovely and colourful book tells the story of a dog called George. George tries to do his best and be good but the world seems against him at times! When he’s left alone he gets up to all sorts of mischief but he’s soon sorry and tries to make amends. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers Publisher: Philomel (US) When young Duncan discovers that his crayons have had enough of his shenanigans, he must try and figure out how to make them all happy again and do what they do best! A fun tale that's full of humour. Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld Publisher: Chronicle Books A magical story about a dream train whose compartments are filled by animals, race cars and ice cream. Sweet tale for kids with big imaginations. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan Publisher: Dial For the older child, this is an interesting and moving take on discovering the true meaning of family and coping with loss. Willow Chance is a 12-year-old who love nature and finds comfort in counting by sevens. Her world is tragically turned upside-down when her parents die in a car crash but it's not about tragedy. The book triumphs in its story of battling through grief, in an endearing story like no other.