Schools catalogue 2016 2017 by The O'Brien Press Ltd

for Schools 2016–2017 A comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to O’Brien Press children’s books and how to use them in the classroom

www.obrien.ie/schools

e’re always conscious of the changing needs of schools and of teachers. At O’Brien Press, we have the perfect set of books and FREE resources for you to teach the New Primary Language Curriculum. From stunning picture books to suspense-filled historical fiction, our selection of engaging, entertaining and challenging reads will foster a love of reading, thinking and speaking about books amongst your pupils.

CONTENTS FREE Teaching Resources 3 Black Flag – Picture Books 4 Orange Flag – Reading Level 5+ 6 Pandas 6 Yellow Flag Reading Level 6+ 7 Poetry 8 Leabhair Gaeilge 10 Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ 12 Historical Fiction 16 Themes – Animals, Adventure, School Life 21 www.obrien.ie/schools 24

O’Brien Press books are colour-coded with reading age flags. This guide indicates which flag is most appropriate for different ages for each educational system. Reading age flag

Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland

Black flag Picture books

Usable throughout the school (but especially Junior Infants)

Usable throughout the school (but especially Year 1 [P1])

Orange flag Reading level 4+

Senior Infants (also First Class)

Year 1 [P1]. Key Stage 1

Purple flag Reading level 5+

First Class (also Senior Infants, Second Class)

Year 2 [P2]. Key Stage 1

Yellow flag Reading level 6+

Second Class (also First Class, Third Class)

Year 3 [P3]. Key Stage 1

Red flag Reading level 8+

Third Class, Fourth Class

Year 4, Year 5 [P4, P5]. Key Stages 1 & 2

Blue flag Reading level 10+

Fifth Class, Sixth Class

Year 6, Year 7 [P6, P7]. Key Stage 2

Green Flag Reading level 12+

First Year, Second Year (secondlevel schools)

Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 (secondary schools). Key Stage 3

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

Older and more confident readers

Where Can I Find O’Brien Press Books? 1. BOOKSHOPS AND SCHOOL SUPPLY CENTRES: they all stock our books. If they do not hold a given title in stock, just ask, and they will be delighted to order O’Brien Press books for you. 2. THE INTERNET: There are lots of other choices online, such as www.books.ie, www.thebookdepository.com and www.amazon.co.uk as well as education sites such as www.schoolbooksireland.ie, www.easonschoolbooks.com and www.schoolbooks.ie. Or you can buy directly from www.obrien.ie. 3. SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES: All school and public libraries should have O’Brien Press books. If they do not have a title you’re looking for, they can order it for you. (If you do not have a school library, use our guide to 2 setting one up: see www.obrien.ie/SchoolLibrary)

4. BUYING DIRECTLY: Orders can be placed by post, telephone, fax or e-mail: The O’Brien Press, 12 Terenure Road East, Rathgar, Dublin 6 D06 HD27, Ireland Tel: +353 1 492 3333; Fax: +353 1 492 2777; E-mail: schools@obrien.ie Discounts: a discount of 10% and free postage is available on all class sets bought directly. Higher discounts are available for bigger orders.

Front cover illustration by Shona Shirley MacDonald from The Moon Spun Round. See page 8.

TEACHING RESOURCES

AVAILABLE FREE FROM WWW.OBRIEN.IE TEACHING GUIDES Are you choosing a new novel for your class? Or perhaps you are using O’Brien Press novels already. O’Brien Teaching Guides provide detailed suggestions for getting the most out of your chosen novel, with plot summaries, activities, discussion points and more. More Teaching Guides are being added all the time.

HUNDREDS of FREE activity sheets, created by teachers

for teachers, with the primary school curriculum in mind. Ideal for classroom use, with puzzle pages, suggested activities, language development and visual arts activities. www.obrien.ie/activity-sheets Féile Fever

ALFIE GREEN: A STRANGE NEW PLANT

Use the box to the side to draw a picture of what you think the plant will look like and write your description in the box below. Don’t forget to give the new plant a name. A DESCRIPTION OF ALFIE’S NEW PLANT ...

In order to make sure that they are being fair, the sportswriters try to score the contender’s skills against a set of agreed common skills that they think are important for a manager to have.

w w w. o b r i e n . i e

Danny ’s Hidden Words Help Danny to find these words in the box below

Bristles Teeth Toothbrush Park Pond

Monster Bury Picnic Loo Fetch

By Peter Heaney

By Peter Hean

RATIONALE & THEMES

ten) without explanation just prior to the decline in the Terriers’ fortunes. Rusty and Katie set off to attempt to draw Fintan out of retirement.

The Ballybreen Terriers under-12 hurling team has collapsed spectacularly. They have lost seventeen games in a row, their bainisteoir has resigned and most of the team have quit. Fintan’s Fifteen charts their return to glory, which is steered by determination, good humour and a restored belief in themselves. Spurred on by the efforts of Katie, the Terriers’ number-one fan; Rusty, a Brazilian-born hurling enthusiast; and Fintan, a brilliant coach whose selfconfidence has taken a knock, the team gathers a multicultural phalanx of players with wide-ranging skills and interests in order to regain their place at the top. The themes explored include: Bullying Determination Diversity Self-esteem Competition Sportsmanship Friendship Fairness Taking responsibility Loyalty

Hesitant at first, Fintan eventually agrees to become the team’s new bainisteoir (manager). He announces his return at a Poc Fada (long shot) competition, causing consternation to the Terriers’ bitter rivals, the Kilmore Killers. Katie’s cousin Rory, who has never held a camán before, manages to draw with Fintan in the Poc Fada by virtue of his golfing skills. He is immediately invited to join the new and reformed Terriers. As the Terriers continue to recruit players from other sporting disciplines, their confidence grows and their performance develops. They also realise how important it is to have fun on the pitch. The Terriers secure a place in the final of the Lonergan Cup – a competition set up by Fintan’s grandfather and which still carries his family name – against the Kilmore Killers. Their rivals employ bullying tactics to try to win, and their bainisteoir attempts to steal the trophy, which only he knows contains a valuable jewel. When Fintan is forced to take to the field on finals day, the Killers wilt under the galvanised determination of the Terriers, and the Lonergan Cup goes to the worthy winners.

There are five common skills that they will score each manager on and then each sportswriter is allowed to include one extra skill that they think is important too. In order to be as fair as possible, they usually ask some of the team players or supporters to complete a nomination form and you have been given the opportunity o complete a nomination form for Mick.

SPORTSWRITER’S MANAGER OF THE MONTH: MAY Nomination form Name: MICK WILDE Team:

LITTLESTOWN CROKES G.A.C.

TEAM PERFORMANCE

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME

You will need to work in groups for this activity. Perhaps different people in the groups could read different sections of the book to find evidence? When you have finished; the whole class could discuss the scores that the groups have given under the headings and compare them. Each of the groups could then explain their score and the reasoning behind why they awarded the score. You can use the nomination form on the following page:

SCORE OUT OF 10

EVIDENCE

People are a very important part of any story and many people important people have contributed to Ireland’s Story. Research someone who has made a contribution to the history of your own area. Detective Diarmuid has some advice to help you get started ... “Look for clues in the names of the streets or buildings in your local area. Are any of them named after someone? Is there a local park named after someone? These are usually good places to start ”

TEAM MOTIVATOR

Under each heading you will need to give a score out of 10 and provide evidence for your assessment. (You can include page numbers and a description of what Mick has done. Remember; the sportswriters will be suspicious if you award 10/10 for every section… you will need to provide good evidence…)

THE STORY OF IRELAND Statues with a Story: Activity 1

SKILLS

ORGANISING SKILLS

TACTICAL SKILLS (How did he use his players)

You might prefer to choose someone who is not very well known. They may even be still living. If this is so then it would be a great opportunity to write to them and ask them some good questions. When you have chosen the person you want to research, you will need to think about why you have chosen them and what effect you think that their contribution has made. Write a short description of the person you have chosen and the reasons you selected them in the boxes below.

BILLEOGA SAOTHAIR Billeoga saothair bunaithe ar na leabhar SOS: Fíor nó Bréagach, Aimsigh na Difríochta, Deir Ó Grádaigh, Rabhlóga … www.obrien.ie/billeoga-saothair

POSTERS, BOOKMARKS & DISPLAY MATERIAL E-mail marketing@obrien.ie today and we’ll send you a selection of colourful posters and bookmarks to brighten up your classroom or school library, completely FREE!

The themes relate easily to PSHE/PDMU requirements. This guide has divided the story into two sections, and the activities offer suggestions for developing its major themes.

Section 1 The Dust of Defeat pp5–57 SUMMARY

Brazilian Raymond ‘Rusty’ Arantes bemoans the impending collapse of the Ballybreen Terriers U12 hurling club after their seventeenth consecutive defeat. In school, listening to the legend of the first hurler, Cú Chulainn, Rusty had imagined himself imitating his hero with a camán and sliotar. But that was eighteen months and seven bainisteoirs ago, and now a clubhouse spat between the Terriers’ goalie and left-winger results in the current manager and half of the team walking out – for good. Left directionless and unable to field a team, Rusty, Katie and the few remaining players (along with the Terriers’ mascot, Ollie the dog) must come up with a plan to keep the team together. Katie and Rusty agree that they must enlist the help of a new bainisteoir to reverse the Terriers’ decline. Looking at an old team photo, Katie tells the story of their erstwhile star player, Fintan Lonergan, and his sudden and unexplained resignation

Check out this fantastic integrated Reading Programme based on over eighty books and make O’Brien Press books work for you. Find out more at www.obrien.ie/reading-programme Fintan’s Fifteen

Teaching Guide

Friend or Foe

WHO I HAVE CHOSEN

Specialised activity sheets for reluctant readers, developed by resource teachers. Available FREE at www.obrien.ie/discovery-challenge

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN THIS PERSON

ABILITY TO THINK UNDER PRESSURE

WRITER’S CHOICE OF SKILL

TOTAL SCORE Write one sentence to describe why Mick should be Manager of the Month

By Peter Heaney. Based on The Story of Ireland by Brendan O’Brien. © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

Based on the Danny’s Smelly Toothbrush by Brianóg Brady Dawson © Copyright reserved.The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

SUMMARY

Raymond ‘Rusty’ Arantes, originally from Brazil, has been a member of the Ballybreen Terriers U12 hurling club for a year and a half. He loves his sport and his club, but now it seems that the Terriers APPROACH are facing collapse after a succession of This is an enjoyable and entertaining defeats, resignations and desertions. read that tackles the sensitive topics of bullying, Rusty and Katie ‘Dinger’ Bell, a majorette sportsmanship and gamesmanship in an and the club’s most loyal supporter, are accessible way. It is easy for the reader to determined to keep the Terriers going. identify with both the characters and the Reminiscing over an old club photo, Katie issues. points out Fintan Lonergan, an outstanding The book uses comic strips and illustrations player who mysteriously retired (at age as well as the standard textual narrative.

This multimedia style adds a unique dimension to the story and helps to deliver the messages in a positive way. The story is a valuable prompt to the insidious impact of bullying. It creates an effective platform for discussion in class or small groups.

DISCOVERY CHALLENGE

ISBN 978-1-84717-173-3 pb

The Sportswriter’s Manager of the Month: May

A PICTURE OF ALFIE’S NEW PLANT

Explain any strange characteristics the new plant has as well as describing what it looks like. Will your plant be friendly or dangerous? Try to give as much detail as you can

Teaching Guide

Guide Teaching ey

is being g his father, who help in rescuin eers. Emer’s by the Volunt Irish Volunteers. held captive the fighting member of the m been injured in ated by a telegra own father has THEMES it hurts. mother is devast RATIONALE & knows how much nephew, a soldier , and Jack’s too, and she ing her that her on rages on in Europe help Jack. of inform has been injured She decides to The Great War safety Army, the for of the British s fear ate with the as a member many Irish familie When Jack’s classm trenches of disguises Jack South Western Front. fighting in the ent about Emer him to the hile, the their loved ones and escorts spiteful comm to Dardanelles. Meanw to Phelim makes a they manage es with Fianna explod where , Jack Belgium and the swells Union injury, alist fervour bigger Dublin his cousin’s back home, nation tion of father. lip of the much his the revolu g the rescue splittin with and rage, are not as a bloody climax eers surrender repercussions ally the Volunt his – Dublin. boy. But the in fate of Eventu ated the 1916 Easter l. However, as he had anticip and her severe for Jack ed. life returns to norma irrevocably provok d divides the city was t change he t conflic that been The agains father accepts the nation has friends and family week, 1916. to talk about people, setting events of Easter s warn her not Emer’s parent Jack, in by the each other. alism in front of to be the family ’s nation Jack, too, bonds refuse APPROACH s back to his dad. However, some battle, the case he report closely characters maelstrom of t with Emer is lively, and the sundered; in the finds that his contac Foe This story is very to stay friends hip endure. agree to. Friend or friends they of But relate links scrutinised. are easy to history nces. events in Irish s explored are: ers important of despite their differe Some of the theme terevin consid our national sense and aunt in Monas their that are pertinent to Courage ary of centen Emer’s uncle in the t as to stay overnight Friendship identity and relevan invite the friends hears voices sleep, ches. to approa Loyalty to house. Jack, unable nment 1916 y about a consig ion can be used talking discuss Responsibilit tairs downs Small-group y myths Emer’s uncle knowing that tanding and identif Identity of ‘supplies’; widen unders in the they mean he guesses that views identified Integrity is a nationalist, relate men and by rehearsing The activities s to follow the guns. He decide into a te a Discussion Points. and will facilita ing explosives SUMMARY unload PDMU PSHE/ them to ent easily argum story opens sees ch to the novel. He recalls Emer’s y, 1916: our turned street, warehouse. Easter Monda collaborative approa into four government has g down a Dublin divided the book and that the British with Emer runnin the loyalist This guide has pment soldiers’ bullets the arming of the a blind eye to modate the develo dodging English therefore it’s only parts to accom tanding to make it around Volunteer Force, students’ unders guns as desperately trying fate, we are Ulster of the story and side has some Unsure of her . er. fair that the other secret. corner to safety. events the summ cal us keep histori to s previo of to the decide well – and he then taken back the armed Jack, Ben, day the Emer, y, – Monda gang the who Back to Easter The Ellesmere Unit 1 he leaves to meet five young friends tion begins. As Gladys and Joan, insists that rous Dublin revolu eers, Emer’s dad osm of prospe Prelude to are a microc the 20th other Volunt a train to Ennis early years of her mum take society in the Pages 7–61 the danger in River Tolka. she and swimming in the relatives and avoid ined Century – are er, rescues stay with ver Emer is determ Howe a strong swimm . Emer, capital When kable link the to slip away SUMMARY and manages ing, an unbrea rebels in the to be involved Jack from drown Dublin. runner for the r and remain in en them. Emer Davey, a through a from her mothe is forged betwe flees capture and is tasked sharpening in Irish Volunteers, to help the rebels tensions are But political bullets. a group Emer offers e to the GPO. hail of British the friends meet ing a messag very ly Ireland. When g in the with deliver , things were s, she narrow months earlier are secretly trainin British soldier by who Nine t friends in that the rebels Caugh her of hts and life. Back home Dublin, it highlig nt. When Emer is escapes with her for her differe mountains above father pleads whose He en Jack, meets Jack. differences betwe father is a night, she Teaching Guide and Emer, whose a policeman,

By PETER HEANEY

Write a description of a new plant that Alfie has discovered. Give it a name and explain what type of soil it likes and what kind of weather conditions it prefers.

By Peter Heaney. Based on the Alfie Green books by Joe O’Brien. © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

Brian Gallagher

JOE O’BRIEN

Mick Wilde has been nominated as one of the contenders for the Sportswriter’s Award of Manager of the Month.

ISBN 978-1-84717-253-2 eBook ISBN 978-1-84717-657-8

Alan Nolan

REAL BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS

ACTIVITY SHEETS

Alfie has discovered many unusual plants in Arcania. They are often similar to plants we have here in our own world but don’t be fooled – some of them have very strange characteristics indeed!

Fintan’s Fifteen

7-631-8 ISBN 978-1-8471 -84717-755-1 eBook ISBN 978-1

Friend or Foe

COVER GALLERY An innovative way of introducing your class to creative visual arts, cultural diversity and language development. To view our incredible range of covers from Irish and foreign editions, go to www.obrien.ie/cover-gallery

THEMES At O’Brien Press, we realise that teachers need adaptable and versatile resources when choosing and using books in the classroom. That’s why we’re giving you an in-depth list of the different THEMES and TOPICS covered in our books, at all of the different class and reading levels, completely FREE! This unique thematic breakdown offers help and advice when selecting a book or novel, and enables you to get the most out of O’Brien Press books in the classroom. www.obrien.ie/schools/themes

YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARY Get great advice and suggestions on setting up and maintaining a fantastic library in your school. FREE at www.obrien.ie/school-library

Black Flag – Picture Books for Younger Readers Be ready for the New Primary Language Curriculum with O’Brien Press Picture Books! Base your successful oral language lessons on quality resources, stunning visuals, vibrant characters and suspenseful plot lines. Fiona is on a mission. She must stay on the path her Mam has drawn, passing Dublin’s most famous locations on her way to Granny’s house. However, Fiona often gets delayed, so you and your pupils will meet a host of colourful fairytale characters along the way!

‘Granny is sick,’ said Mam. ‘She needs her special witches’ brew to make her feel better. Will you go to the witches’ market on Moore Street and buy the things she needs to make it? Then you can take them to Granny’s house.’

‘Take this map and follow the path I’ve drawn on it,’ Mam said, ‘Don’t get delayed along the way. If anyone tries to talk to you, just tell them that you’re in a hurry.’

N EW

Follow Molly, her parents and her cat Mipsy on their journey in this gorgeous picture book that is sure to promote lots of discussion in your class.

Introduce your students to Brian and his band of brothers! Children love these visually stimulating texts which are exciting and silly in equal measure. They’ll also learn a little bit of history as well as how stinky and smelly giants were, and how Brian always saves the day!

Your students will adore this loveable leprechaun. With imaginative illustrations and rhyming adventures, you will be asked to read this again and again – so be warned!

See if your children can find Larry in locations all around Ireland. It won’t be easy: he is hiding in the middle of Irish dancers, traditional musicians, climbers, tourists, hurlers and many others. Engaging activity books for young and older readers.

‘Follow that stink!’ bellowed Brian.

The brave band of brothers set out to discover what had destroyed their village

... and caused such a stink!

A beautifully illustrated book is the perfect introduction to the world of reading, both in the classroom and at home.

Black Flag – Picture Books for Older Readers Real Resources for Oral Language Development Picture books are not just for infants. A well-chosen book can bring a class together, promote critical thinking and encourage real talk and discussion. These lavish large-format books will enhance engagement of your pupils and provide an excellent resource for fostering joint attention and reflective dialogue in your classroom. Explore the theme of adventure with this gorgeous take on Gulliver’s Travels. In clear, accessible language, with intriguing illustrations, your students will enjoy predicting what happens to poor Gulliver next, discussing the inhabitants of Lilliput, and what they intend to do with him!

A book to be treasured, this collection of Oscar Wilde stories with striking, original artwork can be enjoyed in your classroom just as it is, or as a stimulus for amazing visual arts lessons. ‘Both The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant provide a considerable body of work in English, Drama and SPHE for senior classes.’ – InTouch Magazine.

N EW

Stories of giants, dragons, fairies and princesses from Brittany, The Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. With large, accessible text, and beautiful illustrations, you and your class can enjoy each tale individually or all in one sitting – we don’t mind!

From the author of The Secret of Kells and Legendary Ireland comes a beautiful retelling of Irish folklore accompanied by stunning visuals. Each engaging legend takes 10-15 minutes to read, leaving plenty of time for reflection and discussion with your students about the story.

Orange Flag – Reading Level 4+ At The O’Brien Press, we know you need bright, colourful, engaging books for your younger readers. Panda Cubs helps with building confidence during these early stages of reading. Using simple text and everyday sight-vocabulary, they are ideal for supporting a child through their first steps in reading independently. ‘The O’Brien Panda Cubs series has all it takes to encourage reading.’ Irish Examiner

Purple Flag – Reading Level 5+ Children love these quirky characters and funny, heart-warming stories. With simple text and lively illustrations, the Panda series are perfect for emergent readers who need an extra push. They are also suitable for older readers who may have difficulties learning to read. Conor’s class are painting special pictures for a show. There are pictures of flowers, pets and friends but Conor’s canvas is different – it’s a mess! Or is it? Explore the theme of diversity with your students while reading about Conor’s spirited determination and individuality. ‘They are guaranteed to capture and sustain the interest of the emergent reader .’ InTouch Magazine

Activity Sheets

TEACHING RESOURCES

Don’t forget that when you choose an O’Brien Panda you get a whole teaching support package. Our Activity Sheets are created for teachers by teachers, with the primary school curriculum in mind. Our Reading Programme includes teaching ideas for 20 Panda books, all available for FREE online. www.obrien.ie/activity-sheets

Reading Programme

Our Reading Programme includes inter-disciplinary teaching ideas for twenty panda books. Available FREE at

www.obrien.ie/reading-programme

Yellow Flag – Reading Level 6+ Yellow Flag books take your emerging readers in hand and combine lively, silly and engaging characters with beautifully-penned illustrations to support them through their first books with chapters!

Lenny’s grandad isn’t like other grown-ups. He’s just a little bit mad – which means they go on great adventures together! In this book young readers can join Mad Grandad in dealing with a pesky robot that’s supposed to weed the garden but has other plans!

Have you got fans of Horrid Henry or Dirty Bertie in your class? The Mad Grandad books will be perfect for those children who love a bit of silliness teamed with hilarious characters that just keep getting themselves into trouble!

Watch out! Lenny and his Mad Grandad have bought a flying saucer and are about to shoot into space together! Getting into space is easy but getting home again – alive – is going to be a little bit harder! Space-mad students will really enjoy this instalment of the Mad Grandad series.

Alfie’s magical book gives him special powers and opens up a whole new wonderful world. Read about his adventures with his friend Fitzer, his journeys to Arcania, and how Whacker Walsh just can’t get the better of him!

Introducing

Irish Book Award Nominee

These beautifully illustrated, heartwarming stories are perfect for sharing in class or for independent readers.

M GLEN

EY L L A V ORE

LLEY A V E OR M N E GL

A wonderful series of fun and informative stories all about farming and country life! Ideal for younger readers and for reading aloud.

Poetry Take the guesswork out of the New Primary Language Curriculum. Enhance your students’ oral language development through poetry. Featuring the most visually stunning books in its range, O’Brien press has made it easier for you to choose appropriate texts for your class level – whatever their reading ability. Whether you aim to develop children’s listening or speaking skills or their powers of imagination, you can’t go wrong with one (or more) of these extraordinary collections. Bringing the spirit and beauty of Yeats’ writing to a whole new young audience! This illustrations in this sumptuously presented book build on Yeats’ love of magic, fairy lore, place, family and childhood – themes which will resonate with your pupils.

ABOUT THE EDITOR DR. NOREEN DOODY is Head of the Department of English at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. She carefully selected this collection for primary school children and it includes both iconic and unpublished poems by WB Yeats.

To a Squ ir

rel at Kyl

Come pl ay with m e; Why shou ld you ru n Through the shakin g tree As though I’d a gun To strike you dead ? When all I would do Is to scra tch your head And let yo u go.

e-na-no

Poetry

A beautifully illustrated collection of favourite nursery rhymes known and loved throughout Ireland. It includes favourite international, British and Irish rhymes as well as special Irish favourites your students will love to learn.

A gorgeous collection of specially commissioned poetry from leading Irish poets including Seamus Heaney, Thomas Kinsella and Máighréad Medbh. These quirky, quizzical and thought-provoking poems are suitable for children of all ages.

TEACHING RESOURCES Check out these Activity Sheets and lots more at www.obrien.ie/schools – free to view and download!

Leabhair Gaeilge An enjoyable and practical way to learn the first essential words in Irish! Age 6+: native speakers/Age 8+: others Hide and Speak Irish goes further than most picture word books. It offers an effective and simple way to learn over 130 key Irish words following the tried-and-tested method of ‘look, cover and speak’. Using the two wipe-clean flaps at the back of the book to cover the words or the pictures, users can practise speaking or writing the words as many times as they want. Hide and Speak Irish is organised into fifteen popular themes including farm, school, family, colours and food.

• • •

Wipe-clean flaps can be used over and over again Combines key words and picture prompts HIDE AND SPEAK IRISH also contains an easy to use pronunciation guide • Engaging, humorous full-colour picture spreads illustrate each theme ‘A good introduction to the language for children or adult learners.’ Evening Echo ‘Practical, simple and more fun for kids than it sounds!’ Books Ireland

GLAC

Sraith leabhar do léitheoirí óga atá maisithe go hálainn. Bealach fíorspreagúil í an tsraith seo leis an nGaeilge a shaothrú sa seomra ranga. Ais iontach í freisin do thuismitheoirí ar mhaith leo léamh na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn sa bhaile.

Leabhair Gaeilge

The second book in a vibrant and exciting Irish language series from The O’Brien Press for children aged 8+ (native speakers), 9+ (others).

ALSO IN THIS SERIES: ÉASCA PÉASCA

SCÉAL EILE books build on the success of the SOS series for younger readers and are perfect for developing Irish language skills in the classroom. Cluiche peile ag rang a sé. Buachaillí in aghaidh cailíní. Deir na múinteoirí nach bhfuil ann ach spraoi. Dar le hEoghan, áfach, tá i bhfad níos mó ná sin i gceist. Bród! Onóir! Stádas na mbuachaillí!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scríbhneoir agus léachtóir í Áine Ní Ghlinn. Tá trí chnuasach filíochta foilsithe aici. Bíonn sí ag scríobh freisin don dráma teilifíse Ros na Rún ar TG4.

Le Gabriel Rosenstock Léaráidí le Alan Nolan

Beirt chailíní agus beirt bhuachaillí, ceathrar a bhfuil misneach, fuinneamh agus samhlaíocht acu, sin iad na Bleachtairí duit. Níl aon rud is mó a thaitníonn leo ná cás deacair a réiteach! Tá torann aisteach aerach le cloisteáil i dteach duine de na bleachtairí. Cad atá ann in aon chor? An den saol seo nó den saol eile é? Pé rud é féin, ní ghlacfaidh na Bleachtairí sos ar bith go dtí go réiteoidh siad an cás! K c CMY

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Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ O’Brien Press Blue Flag books offer a wealth of adventure, fantasy and historical fiction from award-winning authors. These are stories to love – stories of friendship and family life, of teamwork and good-natured competition. Many of these books have won awards, have been translated into several languages and are hugely popular with primary school students and their teachers. These award-winning, hugely popular books are back in print! N EW

This well-known and loved, classic N EW novel by Tom McCaughren is available again to share with your class! Your students will join Sinna, Black, Tip, Vickey, Old Sage Brush and Fang in their spectacular journey through the city and countryside, as they rediscover what it means to be ‘as cunning as a fox’.

It’s illustrated! It’s about hurling! We love it! Sporting and non-sporting fans in your class will love this tale of triumph of the underdogs. A great book for exploring what it means to be on a losing team and how they might work together to win. It’ll keep your students in suspense until the very end! The Mighty Ducks meets GAA!

‘Despite not having the slightest interest in hurling, I thoroughly enjoyed this book … Alan Nolan uses a clever combination of story genre-text, cartoon and graphic novel to tell his story, which makes the overall experience of reading it very, very enjoyable’ CBI Recommended Reads

Award-winning author Tom McCaughren returns with a new instalment in his bestselling series! If there are nature enthusiasts in your class, they will love the latest instalment in this classic Irish series. Tom McCaughren’s first books have been translated into twenty languages, including German, Swedish, Japanese, Korean, French, Dutch, Danish and Latvian – a testament to how universal this series is.

Conor accidentally uncovers a prehistoric man who was flash-frozen in a block of ice, and life gets a bit too interesting! How long can Conor keep his huge, hairy (and rather smelly) new ‘uncle’ a secret from his mum, his teachers and a gang of ruthless scientists? A funny and engaging read your students will love, not least for its quirky illustrations. A great read.

“The lively illustrations add to the fun, celebrating the comedy and the action of the story … a good-humoured fish out of water story, Conor’s Caveman is an easy and enjoyable read.” The Looking Glass

Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ Sport Any sports fans in your class? Finding it difficult to engage them in reading? These novels would be a fantastic addition to your class library and, with free online resources available, have the potential to be an excellent wholeclass novel or series of novels that will engage even the most reluctant of readers. A fantastic rugby series that will thrill any rugby-mad youngster in your class!

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Gaelic Fo

Rugby

The Littlestown Crokes are playing well this season, but off the pitch, things aren’t so good.

Haunting History – Thrilling Tries – The fourth book in the Rugby Spirit series.

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Danny’s dad, the Crokes’ coach, is having a hard time – he’s worried about his job, and his friends’ daughter, Clara, is sick and needs an expensive operation. Between training, school and a fundraising football marathon, Danny Wilde and the Crokes will have a season to remember! ‘A sharply executed tale with plenty of humorous characterisations and some serious storylines thrown in.’ Inis magazine ‘One young sports obsessive I know sped through the story . . . “Will be enjoyed by all football fans ... would encourage the reluctant reader in upper primary school ... though mainly aimed at boys, there is enough to keep girls interested too” Inis magazine

Soccer

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From the author of the Alfie Green and Danny Wilde series, here’s the perfect novel for young soccer lovers!

Eoin and his new friends are taken on a trip to Twickenham to play and watch rugby. There, he meets a ghost: Prince Obolensky, a Russian who played rugby for England, scored a world famous try against New Zealand in Twickenham and later joined the RAF and died in WW2. “Vividly drawn, engaging characters and short, sparky chapters keep the action fast-paced in this absorbing story. It combines exciting sport tension, historical mystery and a ghost story.” BookTrust “If you have a young rugby fan in your life who hasn’t yet discovered this great series, drop everything and buy a copy now.” Lovereading4kids.co.uk

TEACHING RESOURCES Loads of free teaching guides are available on www.obrien.ie/schools – try them in your classroom today!

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Charlie Stubbs has one passion in life – playing football. He’s been in top form all season – even a scout from Man United has been keeping a close eye on him … until tragedy strikes. Charlie and his family make a hurried move back to Dublin to mourn the loss of his beloved grandfather who, Charlie discovers, was a great soccer player in his day. Charlie hears about The Legends’ Lair, and soon sets his sights on organising one more tournament on the legendary football ground.

-1-8 ISBN 978

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JOE O’

Guide Teaching HEANEY

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Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+

Literacy Association of Ireland Book Award – 2015 shortlisted

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After Evie Brooks’ mother dies, she is forced to go to live with her uncle Scott, a vet in New York City. Between the pets, their owners, Scott and his lawyer girlfriend, the summer quickly becomes a whirlwind of change and activity!

Star Club Book 1 Hannah in the Spotlight Hannah’s stuck at home over the summer babysitting her younger brothers and sisters. Boring! Until Meg moves in next door and together with her friends Ruby and Laura, the girls decide to form Star Club – a drama club of their own! That is until disaster strikes and Hannah finds herself torn between practising her acting skills and big sister duty. Or can she do both? This story, filled with fun and friendship, is a must-read for any drama-loving pre-teen!

... step right up, don’t be shy ... The latest instalment in this incredible magical series. Under cover of darkness a carnival arrives on the green in the centre of Dunbridge. It doesn’t take long for Grace and her friends to discover it is cursed ... “If you are looking for a quirky, exciting read with six strong female characters at the centre, then look no further.” Gobblefunked

Teachers – check out the videos of author Erika McGann with your class at www.obrien.ie

“Lively, genuinely funny stories … entertaining throughout … the character of Evie herself is the outstanding feature of these stories … excellent opportunities for class discussion and written work.” School Librarian Magazine

Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+

Teachers, buy these series for your classroom library! Your students will love these books from Ireland’s favourite children’s writer. N EW

Judi Curtin’s newest title

Molly and Beth are best friends and love spending time together. Out shopping one day, they need to avoid the most embarrassing encounter ever with Molly’s mum, and hide in a shop they hadn’t noticed before. When they leave by the side door, they know straight away that something isn’t right. Transported to the past, where mobile phones don’t work and the world feels very different, the girls get a chance to see the world through their parents’ eyes! Can they see what their own past might have looked like before finding their way home?

Alice and Megan “Girls and boys will warm to Judi Curtin’s funny stories about friendship...” The Sunday Independent

The Eva series “Funny, entertaining and a real page turner ... this book raises two very topical issues, treatment of the elderly in nursing homes and the rights of immigrants, which could be explored after a class reading.” InTouch

Alice in the Middle “The author’s portrayal of bullying is realistic and sensitive, and may well be of help to a child who is dealing with a similar situation of isolation.” Inis magazine

TEACHING RESOURCES Loads of free teaching guides are available on www.obrien.ie/schools – try them in your classroom today!

Every girl’s favourite author! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Judi Curtin is the best-selling author of the ‘Alice and Megan’ series. She is also the author of the smash-hit ‘Eva’ series. She has been nominated for the Irish Book Awards on numerous occasions. “Ireland’s answer to Jacqueline Wilson” Irish Independent

Historical Fiction up to 19th Century We have a wealth of novels for young people based on historical events that can be easily integrated into your planning for SESE. For a full list of children’s historical fiction by The O’Brien Press go to www.obrien.ie/childrens/history-through-fiction.html A fictionalised account of the life of James Lovett, son of Lord Dunmain, set in 1730s Dublin and colonial America. This is a fastpaced and intriguing story of adventure, friendship, mystery and survival against the odds. With a great cast of bandits, slaves and cruel and dishonest landlords in a rich historical setting, this will appeal to students and teachers alike.

A spectacular tour of Ireland’s History for younger readers which we’ve made even easier for you to use in your classroom. Check out all the innovative new teaching resource materials now available FREE from www.obrien.ie/the-story-of-ireland. Over 25 resources are available, including History Detectives, Saints and Pagans, The Celts and lots more. Children’s Book of the Year 2008 Reading Association of Ireland Award 2009

A thrilling tale of magic and warfare in Norman Ireland. April 1014. Dubliner Elva watches helplessly as her sister comes under the control of an evil queen. Dara marches towards the city as part of Brian Boru’s army, while Skari sails from the Orkneys to fight with King Sitric of Dublin. As the armies come ever closer to each other, no one knows what will happen when they meet to fight what has been called the last battle.

Derry. 1689. The city’s inhabitants resist all attempts by the King James’s men to storm their gates. Outside, the soldiers reckon the only effective weapon they have left is to starve them out ... ‘This novel is more than a mere history book or a retell. It is a well written and lively story … hooked me in from the first page and I think it would be very suitable for fifth and sixth class. Though the protagonists are male, I think female readers would also enjoy this universally relevant piece of historical fiction.’ InTouch Magazine

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Two kings: King James and King William One country: Ireland The aim: to take control It is 1690, and the battle draws ever closer … Another engaging novel from Nicola Pierce that will be perfect for use in the classroom!

EXPLORE IRISH HISTORY WITH O’BRIEN PRESS HISTORICAL FICTION FOR AGE 10+ Celtic Pre-History

Celtic Magic Tales (Celtic Ireland) Celtic Tales of Enchantment (Celtic Ireland) The Hunt for Diarmaid and Gráinne (Celtic Ireland) The Táin (Celtic Ireland)

Vikings & Normans Brian Boru (Vikings in Ireland. Novel and graphic novel available) Blood Brother, Swan Sister (Battle of Clontarf) Strongbow (Normans in Ireland)

14th Century The Silver Stag of Bunratty Where the Stones Sing (medieval Dublin)

16th Century Pirate Queen Granuaile: Queen of Storms (graphic novel) Red Hugh (English rule in Ireland, 16th Century)

17th–18th Century

Cave of Secrets (17th Century, pirates) Fugitives! (Flight of the Earls) Behind the Walls (Siege of Derry) 17th Century Kings of the Boyne (Battle of the Boyne) Black Wreath (aristocracy, Dublin city)

19th Century

Faoin Sceach Gheal (Irish famine) Fields of Home (Land War) Under the Hawthorn Tree (Irish famine) Wildflower Girl (post-famine emigration)

Historical Fiction Famine

Video

Bring fiction and history to life in the classroom Film treatment of the acclaimed novel, produced by Young Irish Filmmakers.

Children of the Famine Trilogy Ground-breaking, award-winning novels that take the reader into nineteenth-century Ireland. Under the Hawthorn Tree (also available in Irish as Faoin Sceach Gheal) is set during the famine and follows three children, led by Eily, the eldest, on a trek to find family in a desolate landscape. International Reading Association Award Reading Association of Ireland Premier Award Wildflower Girl follows Peggy’s emigration to America. Bisto Book of the Year Historical Novel Award Fields of Home focuses on Michael, working in a big house as tensions rise and revolution is in the air. ‘Vividly brings history to life for its readers … A hugely involving tale.’ Mad About Books

History, myth and legend collide in The Secret of Kells from Cartoon Saloon.

There are lots of author interviews, readings and other video resources available on www.obrien.ie 17

TEACHING RESOURCES With detailed summaries, a unit breakdown, discussion points, activities and group activities, our teaching guides are created by teachers for use in the classroom.

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By Liz Mor

her, Swan

Blood Brot

Sister

Historical Fiction 20th Century Suffragettes N EW

Mollie’s boring, middle-class existence is shaken when she finds a stash of leaflets demanding votes for women. Her sister Peggy has joined the suffragette cause! Mollie and her friend Nora begin by sneaking into meetings, but ultimately end up facing the question of how far a girl should go for her beliefs … A fantastic novel with strong female protagonists that would be ideal for use in the classroom!

1913 Lockout What happens when your best friend ought to be your enemy? Liam’s father, a mechanic, is a proud trade union member, while Nora’s father is a prosperous wine importer. When Jim Larkin takes on the might of the employers in 1913, resulting in strikes, riots and lockouts, Liam and Nora’s friendship is challenged and their loyalties torn.

Big Jim – Graphic Novel On 26 August 1913, the trams of Dublin stopped. Over the next four months, James Larkin would lead the workers of Dublin against William Martin Murphy and the Employers’ Federation in a conflict that would change the face of Irish society.

1913: Larkin’s Labour War – Graphic Novel Low-paid workers – under the leadership of Big Jim Larkin – organised themselves into Unions to insist on better conditions. The business world retaliated by locking them out of their jobs without pay … how long could they hold out?

‘… my eldest son loved graphic novels and flew through them. And these books explained (in colourful detail) Irish history that he needed to know about, for school and for life. This latest one, 1913 Larkin’s Labour War, which I found in the library last week, is his favourite of the lot.’ onthestripeycouchonasaturdaymorning.blogspot.ie

Journey on board the ill-fated Titanic in this thrilling adventure The ghost of fifteen-year-old Samuel Scott moves restlessly aboard the Titanic as she sails to her doom in 1912. An eyewitness to the final days in the lives of rich and poor, crew and passengers, this is Samuel’s story … ‘I was captivated by the writing and I couldn’t put it down ... The book is beautifully produced – the cover making it look like an artefact from the time with delicate illustration and patterned design by Dave Hopkins while Emma Byrne reproduces tickets, menus and telegrams throughout the book.’ NI4Kids

The year is 1914, and Amelia Pim will soon be thirteen. There are rumours of war and rebellion, and Dublin is holding its breath for major, dramatic events. But all that matters to Amelia is what she will wear to her birthday party ... ‘Hello, I read this book in school it is very fantastic. I love this book because I think Amelia learns that wealth doesn’t matter.’ Ciara on 4th May 2010

In May 1915, the ocean liner Lusitania sails from New York. It is rumoured to have spies on board. Thirteen-yearold stowaway Finbar Kennedy finds works as a deck-hand. He begins to understand what’s happening, but there’s nothing he or the crew can do. Then a torpedo from a german submarine hits ... ‘An excellent read for girls and boys alike. And I’m sure there are bits of history adults will meet for the first time too.’ Our Book Reviews

Historical Fiction 20th Century 1916 Easter Rising It’s not too late to bring the 1916 Easter Rising and its aftermath to life for your students! It’s 1916, but Amelia Pim’s thoughts are on Frederick Goodbody and not on the war in Europe. Then Frederick enlists. Her pacifist Quaker community is shocked, but Amelia is secretly proud of her hero. For her friend Mary Ann, there are problems too, with her brother’s involvement in the Easter Rising. What will become of the two young men, and what effect will it have on the lives of Amelia and Mary Ann? When Emer Daly saves Jack Madigan from drowning it seems that the two children will be friends for life. Eight months later, however, they are on opposite sides in a life and death struggle, when Dublin city is torn apart in the Easter Rising. With their young lives in turmoil, what will come first – friendship, family or loyalty to a cause?

A CHRONOLOGY OF IRISH HISTORY THROUGH O’BRIEN PRESS HISTORICAL FICTION FOR AGE 10+ 20th Century Spirit of the Titanic (1910s) Survivors (Titanic disaster) Across the Divide (1913 Lockout) Big Jim (1913 Lockout: graphic novel) 1913: Larkin’s Labour War (1913 Lockout: graphic novel) Amelia (suffragettes) The Making of Mollie (suffragettes) SOS Lusitania (World War I) No Peace for Amelia (World War I, 1916 Rising) Friend or Foe? (1916 Rising) Blood Upon the Rose (1916 Rising: graphic novel) The Guns of Easter (1916 Rising, World War I) War Children (Irish War of Independence) At War wIth the Empire (Irish War of Independence: graphic novel) Katie’s War (Irish Civil War) Taking Sides (Irish Civil War) A Winter of Spies (Irish Civil War)

It is 1916 and Europe is at war. From the poverty of the Dublin slums twelve-yearold Jimmy Conway is pulled between the British Army and the rebels in the Easter Rising. Bisto Book of the Year: Eilís Dillon Award

War of Independence Teachers, have your class novels ready to cover the centenary of the Irish War of Independence. These exceptional and involving reads will help your students see the struggles first-hand, through the eyes of children from 1918–1921. A sequel to The Guns of Easter, this book tells the exciting story of eleven-year-old Sarah (Jimmy’s young sister) and their family, who are involved in the spying activities of Michael Collins during the War of Independence. Sarah, a strong rebel herself, cannot figure out why her family is so neutral towards the war and why everybody is so secretive. Then she finds out the terrible truth – and she too carries secrets which could cost her her life.

Six stories, one set in Dublin and the others in the countryside, about children who get caught up in the War of Independence and suffer dire consequences. Bisto Book of the Year: Merit Award ‘Excellent collection ... They will impel their readers towards new questioning as to what “war” actually is.’ Robert Dunbar, The Irish Times

A graphic novel depicting the War of Independence, a gruelling guerilla war against British rule in Ireland that pitted brother against brother. Irish Book Awards: Short-listed for Best Irish-Published Book 2012

Historical Fiction 20th Century: World War II and after A CHRONOLOGY OF IRISH HISTORY THROUGH O’BRIEN PRESS HISTORICAL FICTION FOR AGE 10+

Irish Civil War Caught in the Irish Civil War, Katie has divided loyalties: her shell-shocked father fought in the First World War and wants peace, but others still want to fight for a united Ireland. ‘Well written and entertaining; it also gives an authentic historical perspective on the time’ The Irish Times

20th Century: World War II and after

Safe Harbour (World War II, London blitz) Secrets and Shadows (World War II, Ireland’s neutrality) Faraway Home (World War II, kindertransport) 17 Martin Street (World War II, Jewish children) City of Fate (World War II, Stalingrad) Stormclouds (Northern Ireland Troubles)

Dublin, 1922. Working class Annie Reilly is thrilled to win a scholarship to Eccles Street School. Through a classmate she meets Peter Scanlon, a student in Belvedere College. Peter sides with the rebels in the Civil War and carries messages for them. When Annie’s life is threatened, he has to decide where his loyalties lie.

In 1920s Canada, a summer of fun for three friends is destroyed by a frightening crime. Almost a century later, teenager Ciara Farrelly visits her dead grandfather’s Ontario home and tries to solve the mystery surrounding it.

Sophie and Hugh are left homeless when their house is bombed during the London Blitz. Their mother is seriously injured and their Dad is away fighting, so the children are sent to their grandfather in Ireland.

A web of secrets can risk lives … When Hetty’s family move to Martin Street, near Portobello bridge in Dublin, they’re not sure of their welcome. And next door, Ben’s family are not sure about their new Jewish neighbours: it’s The Emergency and they are suspicious of strangers.

Sakuru Medal 2014 (Shortlisted) When her home is destroyed in the 1941 Luftwaffe bombing, Grace Ryan moves in with relatives. There she meets Barry Malone, a boy from Liverpool. Barry begins to suspect their teacher Mr Pawlek of spying for the Nazis. But what starts as an exciting adventure puts their very lives in danger.

A home is bombed by a horde of enemy planes. A family has gone, with children left behind: This is the fate of five-yearold Peter and teenagers Yuri and Tanya. Having to leave school to fight the terrifying Nazis in WWII, and surviving the heat of battle: This is the fate of four classmates, Vlad, Misha, Anton and Leo. The battlefield is the city of Stalingrad, the pride of Russia.

Bisto Book of the Year Award Winner 2000 Two Jewish children are sent from Nazioccupied Austria to a refugee farm in Northern Ireland. Will they ever see their families again? Based on the true story of Millisle refugee farm in Ards, County Down.

Twins Dylan and Emma Goldman move from Washington to Belfast when their journalist father is sent to cover the turbulent early days of the civil rights movement. They become friends with Maeve, from the Falls Road, and Sammy, from a staunchly loyalist background. The complicated friendships prove lifethreatening when the simmering tensions in Northern Ireland erupt into violence in the summer of 1969.

World War II

Title Here

Themes Animals

Why use O’Brien books in your school? O’Brien books are real books. Written as fiction for young readers, they help students in your school make real connections with the real world. Why themes? We recognise that teachers have been using our books for many years, and this experience has informed our approach to using real books in the classroom. In response to requests from teachers, we have suggested some of the many novels dealing with themes ofanimals, adventure and school life. Don’t forget there are FREE teaching resources available for use with many of these O’Brien Press books. For a full list of themes and relevant novels for your class please visit www.obrien.ie/themes

Animal Life Are you using Animals as a theme this year? These O’Brien Press books will lend themselves easily to integration with SESE, SPHE and Drama.

Back in print. One of the most popular Irish wildlife stories of all time. Run With the Wind Series Bisto Book of the Decade winner The hugely successful Run with the Wind series introduces the world of Sinna, Black Tip, Vickey, Old Sage Brush, Fang and Hop-along and their troubles as they set out in search of the secret to survival.

Eagerly-awaited new book in the popular Irish wildlife series from bestselling author Tom McCaughren. Old Sage Brush and the foxes of Glensinna are forced on a perilous journey when danger threatens their home.

‘A wildlife winner for all ages’ The Sunday Independent

Literacy Association of Ireland Book Award 2015 (Shortlisted) After Evie Brooks’ mother dies, she is forced to go to live with her uncle Scott, a vet in New York City. Between the pets, their owners, Scott and his lawyer girlfriend, the summer quickly becomes a whirlwind of change and activity! ‘The stand-out aspect of this book … is how Agnew presents Evie’s grieving process … I would recommend this book … especially to any animal lovers, and encourage them to begin this series that is set to be as exciting yet thoughtful as this first book has proved to be.’ The Looking Glass

With the arrival of her father from Australia, Evie’s life is thrown into turmoil. Not only has she to contend with a new woman in Scott’s life, but now she has to face the prospect of a custody battle between her uncle and her father. Can Evie’s friends rally and convince her father to withdraw his application for custody? “Lively, genuinely funny stories … entertaining throughout … the character of Evie herself is the outstanding feature of these stories … excellent opportunities for class discussion and written work.” School Librarian Magazine

Themes Adventure

Title Here

Full of hope, fear, loyalty, battles, magic, mystery, action and adventure, you don’t have to look too far to find an O’Brien Press book that’s perfect for your class. These stories are equal parts exciting and exhilarating and will easily engage even the most reluctant readers in your class. Magic exists beneath our feet, if we only know where to look … An original celtic fantasy series set in the present day. Illustrations by the author capture the spirit of the story and are great conversation starters! ‘Deeply rooted in Irish mythology and legends … an astonishing debut … a dark, deep tale of destiny and loyalty of heroic proportion, a strong recommendation for fantasy readers; this will keep you on the edge of your seat … stunning’ School Librarian Magazine

‘Dark family secrets, tangled webs of greed: you’ll love this smuggling adventure story’ Helen Corcoran, Dubray Books

A story of immense bravery and daring, as Granuaile takes on the great Norman lords, smuggles weapons and mercenaries for the Ulster Gaelic O’Donnell and O’Neill clans and finally goes to confront Elizabeth Tudor herself.

Pirates and crooked rulers make seventeenth-century Ireland a dangerous place. Tom starts mixing with the wrong crowd in Roaringwater Bay and learns all about boats and smuggling – and secret treasure. And then Tom discovers the best-kept secret of all …

‘Engaging and quite accessible to younger readers.’ Books Ireland ‘An amazing story of courage, determination and cunning ... Her story is set in one of the most turbulent times in the history of our country and tells of the bravery amongst a people determined to survive.’ The Irish Examiner

The Milo Adventures Your reluctant readers especially will love this series of hilarious, cliff-hanging, supernatural adventures from Mary Arrigan. A definite must-have series for your classroom library.

CHAPTER THIRT

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MILO S PLAN Book 1 – When Shane’s gran digs up a weird ancient stone, best buddies Milo and Shane find themselves face to face with its owner − one dead angry druid. ‘A mystery misadventure which is as comic as it is spooky – a task not easily achieved … an amusing and absorbing start to what promises to be an exciting supernatural series … will work as a great introduction for young readers into Ireland’s history and heritage … endlessly engaging and entertaining … an impressive fusion of humour and fright’ The Looking Glass

‘A fun, gentle adventure for children of eight upwards, with lively and well-drawn characters’ School Librarian Magazine

Find titles for all themes at www.obrien.ie/schools/themes

either of us said anything – it was like we were waiting for him to wa ft along and glad to see us. be The room wa s pre tty messy, which was stra nge because Mister Lewis what Big Ell is a calls a ‘real tidy gentlem ‘What will we an’. do, Milo?’ wh ispered Shane, staying close beside me. ‘Dunno,’ I gul ped, picking up the hat. We stood ner vously togeth er, looking around the roo m.

Title Here

Themes School Life

There are subtle lessons on loyalty, friendship and seeing what’s really important in these school-based stories. Particularly useful as whole-class novels at the start of the school year, these stories are also a fantastic stimulus for your students’ imaginative, narrative writing. Erika McGann

Alice and Megan

Waverton Good Read Children’s Award 2014

“Girls and boys will warm to Judi Curtin’s funny stories about friendship ...” The Sunday Independent

‘Erika McGann’s debut novel is a scary scorcher of a story. Fast-paced narrative, quick-fire dialogue and dramatic climax ... for girls in the 9-12 age bracket, it’s a great read.’ Books Ireland

Grace and her four best friends, Jenny, Rachel, Adie and Una, are failed witches. But one night, they stumble upon real magical powers – and their notebook takes on a diabolical life of its own.

‘The multi-layered plot bounds along breathlessly, with crisp schoolgirl dialogue … the eccentric new characters make for an Irish Hogwarts, but the story is grounded in a believable school setting.’ Irish Examiner

Alan Nolan ‘McGann has created a satisfying, entertaining page turner. The girls’ relationships with one another are fun and feel realistic; the dialogue sparkles; and the scariness is lightened with humour, without it reducing the tension.’ booksforkeeps.co.uk

Book four in the magical series. Under cover of darkness, a carnival arrives on the green in the centre of Dunbridge. It doesn’t take long for Grace and her friends to discover it is cursed ...

These hilarious stories for girls and boys are great fun, with illustrations and cartoon strips. Plenty of giggles will keep them entertained, and remind your students just how much fun reading can be! Life could be better for Conor Corcoran. Class bully Damian Deegan is always teasing him about being small and having no friends – until Conor accidently unfreezes a huge, hairy (and rather smelly) prehistoric man. Suddenly, hiding his new friend from his mum, teachers and a gang of ruthless scientists makes life a little bit too interesting! Three school friends who, from their secret base under the school, solve crimes, right wrongs, unravel mysteries and nab evildoers – all on their lunch break! An exciting graphic novel for children of all ages. ‘Full of zany illustrations and snippets to grab readers’ attentions ... it certainly had my sevenyear-old laughing’ Sunday Independent ‘This is the perfect book for all young budding detectives ... and for every kid that dreams of escaping to another world instead of sitting in class!’ The Irish World

Find more books with this theme at www.obrien.ie/schools/school-life

www.obrien.ie Title Here Book Pages So you’ve picked your O’Brien Press class title. Here’s how www.obrien.ie supports your teaching! CASE STUDY! Run With The Wind by Tom McCaughren: www.obrien.ie/childrens/run-with-the-wind

Recommended reading ages are shown for all children’s titles

Awards won by the foxes of Sinna Most of our favourite titles are now available as eBooks. Buy directly or from any eBook retailer

Themes covered in the book: click on a theme for a list of other titles Books don’t write themselves! More about the author or illustrator

Run With The Wind

ISBN 978-1-84717-837-4 eBook ISBN 978-1-84717-857-2

Tom McCaughren Teaching Guide By Peter Heaney

Find out what the critics have been saying about Run With The Wind

RATIONALE & THEMES Surrounded by enemies and facing the extinction of his species, Black Tip, a dog fox is prompted to leave the Valley of the White Fox in the depths of Winter to search for the secrets of survival. Together with an assorted band of companions and lead by the blind fox, Old Sage Brush, they travel North, guided by the Great Brush constellation we know as The Plough. Facing and overcoming the dangers they encounter on their odyssey, they eventually return, with they own skills honed to a Spring that now holds promise for their survival The themes explored are: Courage Resourcefulness Hope Selflessness Friendship Loyalty Cruelty Human impact on the environment Co-existence

Browse a preview: see if the language level, type size, story and illustration will suit your classroom

assault on them and observe the impact he has had on the environment.

many seasons, hoping to persuade him to lead them.

Forced to cut their journey short and return, as Spring and the vixen’s cubbing instinct grows more insistent, they are deflated at their apparent failure to find the secrets of survival.

Old Sage Brush accepts their invitation to lead them and when Vickey reveals that he is blind, Fang and Black Tip offer to be his sight and strength as they set off to discover the secrets of survival.

However on their return to their valley, they begin to realize that the accumulation of their adventure has taught them that the secrets lie within themselves as they face the future, confident that their new found resources will sustain them in their battle for survival.

When Vickey and Fang have fully recovered, a meeting is held to discover the extent of their support among the fox population in the valley.

APPROACH The range and focus of the themes concerning the plight of the foxes and commenting on the environmental impact of man, suggest that a small group approach would be more effective to facilitate discussion and investigation.

Disappointed that only two agree to join them, Old Sage Brush leads them North to follow the constellation of the Great Running Fox in the heavens. Their group has attracted a reluctant additional member, Skulking Dog who follows them and when his behavior threatens to visit the wrath of man on them all, Old Sage Brush takes control and delivers the first lesson on stealth, cunning and teamwork.

Download FREE teaching guides with summaries, themes, discussion points and individual, group and class activities SUMMARY

Fearing the obliteration of his species from the relentless encroaching presence of mankind, the dog fox Black Tip seeks the wisdom of Old Sage Brush, a blind and aged veteran of many encounters.

Together they gather a small assorted following of dogs and vixens and set off North to learn the secrets of survival.

The guide has been sectioned into three modules to facilitate the thrust of the story.

Section 1 Old Sage Brush returns Pages 10 - 65

SUMMARY

DISCUSSION POINTS

Winter holds the valley in a bitter grip making foraging difficult for Black Tip, the young dog fox. Danger is all around in the presence of man and his dogs that seem determined to hunt the foxes to extinction.

There is so much more on www.obrien.ie/schools: videos, interviews, activities, etc. And it’s all FREE. Facing many dangers on the way, they are forced to develop and rely on an intuitive, wily and resourceful instinct in themselves, that they had been unaware of in order to grow as a team and survive.

Their journey takes them into the heart of man’s territory where they learn one of the reasons for the savagery of his relentless

Approaching a battery hen farm, he engineers a strategy that forces them to hunt as a team, securing enough food for everyone without arousing the suspicions of the hatchery workers, allowing them to rest and recover before moving to the next lesson.

Rescuing Vickey, a vixen and then fighting Fang for the right to be her mate, the three foxes decide to join forces to protect themselves from the onslaught of man.

Vickey recalls an ancient legend that predicts the secret of survival will be discovered in their valley, the land of Sinna and Black Tip sets off to find Old Sage Brush, a veteran of

(Read p20): Vickey is pleased that Black Tip has won but sorry that Fang had to lose. Black Tip is puzzled, knowing that in any contest someone always loses. Do you think that survival has to be about winning or losing? Could there be another way? (Read p32): Black Tip has to be careful not to be seen by the shooters, whose hunting has thinned the game available on the hillside. The shooters continue to hunt despite an abundance of food in their shops. Can we justify hunting

There are currently almost 50 O’Brien Press titles that have been quizzed and graded using the Accelerated Reading programme across lower, middle and upper years, with more on the way. Given the importance of Irish books to Irish schools, we are working with Renaissance Learning to ensure there are enough titles to choose from at all levels. Run With The Wind

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Teaching Guide