Four Wicklow Artists Join Those Celebrate in The Best Irish Books of 2025

Pictured: Author-illustrator Alan Nolan & Elaina Ryan of Children’s Books Ireland with Grace, William, illustrator Linda Fährlin, Gian and author Sadbhh Rosenstock

Four Wicklow writers are among those featured in The Best Irish Books of 2025.

The new reading guide from Children’s Books Ireland, launching next week on September 15th, showcases 200 outstanding titles for young readers, from toddlers to teens.

The Wicklow artists highlighted are:

• Sadhbh Devlin for her book, Oíche Mhaith and translation of Gruaig Áine, written by Eoin Colfer;
• Alan Nolan for his book, The Grand Central Cinema Club
• Marilyn Taylor and Alan Nolan for their book, 17 Martin Street
• Eilish Fisher for her book, The Waters and the Wild.

Children’s Books Ireland says the guide is designed to inspire a love of reading across the country, with titles in both English and Irish. Elaina Ryan, Children’s Books Ireland CEO says:

"Our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland. What better way to do that, than to bring together a collection of brilliant books that appeal to so many interests and ages?

“From débuts to our Laureates na nÓg, ‘The Best Irish Books of 2025’ celebrates the wealth of talent on the island of Ireland. As well as the 100 featured books, an additional 100 are also recommended to inspire further reading.

“We’re so proud to include a host of Wicklow artists in this reading guide. We believe it’s essential to champion the hard-working authors and illustrators from across the island, as well as those who have made their home here, creating art for children and young people and enriching our proud literary culture.

“This reading guide is your map. We encourage everyone to journey through its pages to find their next great read, in English or as Gaeilge.”

The guide is free in bookshops and libraries nationwide, and also available to download at childrensbooksireland.ie.