Bookshop Sisters

Sarah Webb is an award-winning children’s writer. She won Irish Book awards for Blazing a Trail: Irish Women who Changed the World (illustrated by Lauren O’Neill) and A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea: Favourite Rhymes from an Irish Childhood (illustrated by Steve McCarthy).Sarah runs creative writing clubs for young writers, reviews children’s books for the Irish Independent, programmes many children’s and family events and works part-time in a children’s bookshop. Passionate about bringing children and books together, Sarah was awarded the Children’s Books Ireland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Books in Ireland.www.sarahwebb.ie

Everything about this makes it a wonderful addition to the world of Irish children's books. Rosy Heron's enthusiasm for Children's Literature transforms the nook of Baggot Books that was overlooked - quite literally - by an orange window film, discarded food and a careless book referencing system. I loved the inclusion of Mary Lavin and Patrick Kavanagh, the introduction of book birthdays (how gorgeous!) and the sense of community amongst those who are lucky enough to work in Baggot Books. Rosy feels like a friend to the reader. She is a girl who is not afraid of life, who puts herself out there and tries to work on her flaws - such as not saying too much, if she can (!), in order to allow others the opportunity. There is personal growth, education about what life was like in Ireland in 1956, complicated family relationships, differing perspectives and the importance to stand up and be brave all weaved in throughout the story. I loved it. Sarah Webb has become an author whose writing is familiar to both me and my students. I look forward to introducing it to many others and championing someone who has long since championed Irish children's books. A wonderful book and I adored the cover by Lauren O'Hara ... The perfect match!