Great news today that author and illustrator Chris Haughton has been named the new Laureate na nÓg - Ireland's Children’s Literature Laureate. He is the author and illustrator of several children's books and will hold the position until 2029 and succeeds Patricia Forde as the eighth Laureate na nÓg.

Kidlit people: If you are seeing discourse about Mac Barnett and “94.7 crud” I beg you to read this, by somebody who not only actually read the book but also understood the passage in question, a bar cleared by almost nobody else commenting on it: readingmiddlegrade.substack.com/p/make-belie...

Mac Barnett Is Right. Mac Barnett Is Also a Snob.

On Make Believe, the 94.7 percent quote, and what rigorous criticism of children's literature actually looks like.

readingmiddlegrade.substack.com

Shout out to everyone who is doing their best these days to shop small when they can, support their public library, and build community 💓 These actions add up, and do not go unnoticed! We are grateful for you!

Happy Book Birthday to...The Bookshop Sisters by Sarah Webb: historical fiction matched with a tale of two sisters & the importance of books & bookshops; adventurous, funny, poignant;one to read again & again. It is a joy! @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/05/04/t...

’Those from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minority groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals have been and continue to be disproportionately targeted and affected by the administration’s policies and, as such, are most vulnerable to serious harm when traveling to and/or within the United States.‘

Dr Emma L Briant 🇬🇧 in 🇺🇸 w/ 🐕@emma-briant.co.uk · 3mo ago

Wow... 2026 World Cup Travel Advisory www.amnestyusa.org/blog/2026-wo...

This. The work IS the learning. Imagine thinking you can pay less attention to something and learn more.

Liam Hogan@liamhogan.bsky.social · 3mo ago

An argument I keep hearing re: promoting AI use in third level institutions, is that it will free up students to work solely on analysis/higher order thinking rather than having to do the reading. Thus displacing the process of *learning* with a fleeting and illusory ‘efficiency’.

"Children as young as 4 are being forced to repeatedly appear in court and provide updates on their case, at times without legal help, within a matter of weeks. "Children are feeling 'enormous pressure' and some wet their pants when they have to go to court..." www.cnn.com/2026/04/28/p...

Exclusive: Trump moves to accelerate deportations of migrant children in US custody | CNN Politics

The Trump administration is taking steps to accelerate the deportations of migrant children in US custody amid White House pressure to quickly move kids through the system, according to administration...

cnn.com

🌊🌊 GIVEAWAY 🌊🌊 To mark three months since the publication of Shorelines, I'm giving away a goodie bag, which includes a: 🧜‍♀️ Signed & dedicated copy of Shorelines 🐚 Iron-on seashell patch ✨️ Ceramic shell trinkets 🕸 Fish-net tote bag 📖 Shorelines bookmarks

Happy May Day & Beltaine Blessings. Full moon tonight...and I have a May Day iris...first bloom of the season. #MayDay2026 #BeltaineBlessings

The €2m Mr Higgins gifted back to the State comprised of €1,310,491 in Oireachtas and Ministerial pensions and €689,474 in pay over the last 14 years www.independent.ie/irish-news/p...

Michael D Higgins returns €2.6 million in salary and allowances to the State of Ireland

Michael D Higgins has returned €2.6 million to the Exchequer over the course of two terms as President of Ireland.

independent.ie

Secret of the Selkies by Laura Keohane:a long, lonely summer, an unexpected adventure into the waves: an old legend made new again; full of heart &happiness; exciting, captivating, bold and brave…a most magical adventure. @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/28/s...

The Case of the Disappearing Double by Brian Gallagher pitch-perfect pace, intriguing, absorbing, bold, with a huge helping of heart & empathy; just a fabulous mystery. Read this book…in fact, read them all. @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/27/t...

It says a lot about the US media when somebody gets shot in a building full of journalists and the conspiracy theories are easier to find than the news.

Piper At The Gates Of Dusk by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay: returning to the world of Chaos Walking in a new series; exceptional, compelling, thought-provoking, world-shattering; complex & simply breathtaking @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/20/c...

Finders of Silverthorn Forest: The Faraway Adventure by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrator, Laura Catalán: story of deep friendship, family ties, adventure & nature; utterly enchanting, imaginative & full of wonder & charm. @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/16/o...

While in Limerick, there were pretty little bunches of cowslip gathering along the pavement. Back home again, the wild primroses have popped up again, as have a cluster of honesty. #wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social

The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson: a poignant & much welcome return to Marinkas' world; profound, exciting, adventurous, magical & wrapping us in a blanket of life with all its’ wonder. Poignant & simply beautiful. fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/t...

The ‘school shooting industry’. Imagine having a mass shooting at a school just once, and your country’s response being anything other than This Must Never Happen Again, Ever.

NPR@npr.org · 11mo ago

The effort to keep schools safe from mass shooters has ballooned into a multibillion dollar industry. Companies are selling school districts assurance with high-tech products.

From The Top, Sally Flynn by Méabh Collins: Sally Flynn, dramatic teen, takes us on a true-to-life, theatrical adventure encouraging you to be exactly who you are; funny, vibrant, full of heart & thoroughly enjoyable. @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/06/f...

Happy Easter, Ostara Blessings, and a joyous Spring. 🐇🐣🌸

Happy Publication Day to... What's That Spooky Sound? by @gerrydalyart.bsky.social: the storm leaves a mystery to be solved;charming tale of friendship & bravery; delightful,heartwarming, & filled with little surprises. @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/04/02/w...

Heroes of Light and Shadow by Conor Forrest: ancient Irish legends brought into the real world: a gripping, exciting exploit; cleverly written, fast-paced, head-spinning sometimes & intriguing. @theobrienpress.bsky.social #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/03/31/h...

"There is a particular kind of exhaustion that does not come from long hours alone. It comes from paying attention." Mind yourselves, people. And each other. Good article, by the way.

Eoghan Daltun 🌍@irishrainforest.bsky.social · 4mo ago

"If you are trying to protect life on Earth, you are working in an era defined by loss." As with climate scientists, many on the frontlines fighting for the living world are suffering a mental health crisis. It's *vital* we mind ourselves, and each other. www.butlernature.com/2026/03/22/t...

Ah, clocks...remember clocks? Well, the clocks go forward tonight. So if you have them, change them. I make it a little ritual. It's nice. #clocksgoforwardtonight #clocksgoforward2026 #itsthesimplethings

Daily Bear: LB has a picture book of happiness: A Friend For Tiny Ghost by Tatyana Feeney: charming, sweet, cheerful, w/ a subtle message about being observant & friendship. It really is delightful & a great book to share. @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/03/26/a...

Magic is everywhere.... Small Magics by @alexdunnewrites.bsky.social : intriguing adventure of family, friendship & magic; full of action, danger, hope & heart, enchanting, unexpected, captivating. I absoloutely adored it! @theobrienpress.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/03/23/m...

TRUMP: "Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!" #ProudBlue #Pinks #SheShed #VoteOutRepublicans

Today is the day! The balance between day & night, light & dark is here. From this point, the daylight grows longer. And by some quirk of the weather, the sun is shining down on Ireland. Happy Spring Equinox and Blessed Ostara to you all! 🏵🌼🌸 (artwork designed by the ArtfulHare) #springequinox2026☀️🌱

Tatyana Feeney’s heartwarming new picture book will be launched next week at Antonia’s Bookstore, all welcome!

Daily Bear: LB has a brilliant story for you here! 4 little bears run & hide & dive across the forest. Big Bear Is Coming! by Anuska Allepuz: engaging, endearing & super fun family romp; gentle, delightful, completely joyous. @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social fallenstarstories.wordpress.com/2026/03/18/u...