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Children's reading lists

8 of the best Irish children’s books and authors

A Hug For You

IRISH BOOK AWARDS' CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 
 
Nothing warms us up quite like a hug, but what can we do when we can't be together? 
 
This is the story of a new hug's adventure and the boy who shared it with the world. 
 
Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he introduced us to his Virtual Hug, a heart-shaped sign he carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way. 
 
 This picture book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. The virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world. 
 
_____________ 
 
'A gorgeous, moving book' Irish Times 
 
'A genuine ray of light' 2FM Breakfast

Irish Independent 50 Best Children's Books of 2021

It really is a book that warms your heart

David King (Author) David King is an Irish children's author passionate about telling engaging stories with heartfelt messages. He has worked in education his whole life and is a Doctor of Education. A Hug for You, the story of his son Adam's Virtual Hug, was a number one bestseller and winner of the An Post Junior Children's Irish Book Award in 2021. Sir Adam The Brave and the Moody Monsters will be published in 2022 He lives in East Cork with his wife and five children. Rhiannon Archard (Illustrator) Rhiannon Archard is a Welsh artist. She studied Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts and creates illustrations using gouache, watercolour, colour pencils, lino printing and ceramics. She has illustrated two books for children by David King: A Hug for You and Sir Adam the Brave and the Moody Monsters. She lives with her daughter in the Kentish countryside.

Nothing warms us up quite like a hug, but what can we do when we can't be together? 
 
This is the story of a new hug's adventure and the boy who shared it with the world. 
 
Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he introduced us to his Virtual Hug, a heart-shaped sign he carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way. 
 
 This picture book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. The virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world.

David King

Rhiannon Archard

Beautiful and inspirational . . . highly recommend

Paddy Donnelly, author of The Vanishing Lake

Adam's real-life exuberance shines from every page

A sweet and fun story which shows the importance of empathy

When a trio of moody monsters jeopardise the Wompie Wonder Fair and throw the kingdom into chaos, something has to be done. And fast! Enter Sir Adam the Brave! 
 
Join him on his quest to save the day and find out what's making those monsters so very moody!

David King

Books by David King

Articles featuring David King

8 of the best Irish children’s books and authors

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