Why Not Read...
Kicking On
'the story bounds along authentically from match to match'
Irish Examiner
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Siobhán Parkinson
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Having grown up in Galway and Donegal, Siobhán Parkinson has lived most of her adult life in her native Dublin. She studied English literature and German at Trinity, and went on to take her doctorate in English literature. She has worked for many years as an editor, a profession that very closely resembles that of writing. She concentrates more on her writing these days, but is also a very active member of the writers-in-schools scheme, and she gives workshops in creative writing and talks on her work in all sorts of situations. She has held various writing residencies and has been co-editor of Inis -- The Children's Books Ireland Magazine. Her books have won numerous awards and been translated into lots of languages, her favourites being Latvian, because it is so different, and Japanese, because it is back to front.
Apart from reading and writing, she is very fond of eating and sleeping. Her favourite place is bed. Obviously, she is not a cross-channel swimmer. She is a big fan of the Great Indoors, including crackling fires, warm rugs and lots of candles. Her ambition is to be old, so that she can sit in a chair all day and eat chocolate and nobody can expect her to go out to work.
Her husband, Roger Bennett, is a woodturner and teacher, and her son Matthew is almost grown up. Being her son didn't do him too much harm, he claims, but time will tell.
Her first two books, The Dublin Adventure and The Country Adventure, were aimed at the 6-9 age group and were very well received. Her third book for the same age group was The Leprechaun who Wished he Wasn't.
With her fourth book, Amelia, Siobhán wrote for the older age group, 10s through young teens. Amelia was an immediate bestseller and was shortlisted for the 1994 Bisto Award. The sequel, entitled No Peace for Amelia, was published in October 1994, and also became a bestseller. Siobhán also wrote All Shining in the Spring, a non-fiction account of a baby who died. Written from personal experience, it is intended for children, families and carers involved with the situation of the death of a small child.
Sisters ... no way! was published in October 1996. A modern story of very reluctant step-sisters, written for the young teen market, it has become a bestseller. Sisters is designed as two books in one, each book telling the story from the other sister’s point of view. It won the Bisto Book of the Year award in 1997.
Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) was published in October 1997 and was described by Robert Dunbar as 'one of the best Irish children's books we've ever had'. It won a Bisto Merit Award.
Siobhán's next book, The Moon King, also won a Bisto Merit Award and was on the iBbY Honour List 2000, in Ireland's first year as a member of iBbY. It was selected for use in the Ireland in Schools project in British schools.
Breaking the Wishbone saw another move in Siobhán's writing. It is a gritty story of the challenges facing four homeless teenagers in modern Dublin. Call of the Whales , was shortlisted for the Reading Association of Ireland Award 2001. Animals Don't Have Ghosts is the sequel to the popular Cows Are Vegetarians .
Her novel The Love Bean has been described as 'a great comedy romance' and tells the story of two parallel love triangles between twin sisters and a foreigner, set thousands of years apart.
Her latest book for young readers The Henny Penny Tree was named one of the Top 30 Children's Books of 2008 by Robert Dunbar in the Irish Times.
In May 2010, Siobhan was awarded the ultimate honour when she was named the first ever Laureate na nÓg by President Mary McAleese.
Links
Siobhán's personal website
Wikipedia page for Siobhán
Interviews
Researching Call of the Whales
Writing Sisters ... no way!
Extracts
The Henny Penny Tree
Littlest, Middling and Tall One
The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn't
Extract from Chapter 3: A Gremlin in the Works
Amelia
Chapter 1: Teatime in Kenilworth Square
No Peace for Amelia
Teatime in Casimir Road
Sisters
Ashling's Diary: Wednesday 2nd April
Cindy's Diary: Wednesday 2nd April
Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe)
Chapter 1: Persuading Elizabeth
The Moon King
Chapter 2: Dandelion Girl Meets the Banshee (or Not)
Kate
A chapter from 'Kate'
Breaking the Wishbone
Samantha
Resources
The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn't
Teaching ideas for second class from O'Brien Reading Programme
Amelia
Teaching guide from O'Brien Teaching Guides Collection 1
Teaching ideas for fifth class from O'Brien Reading Programme
No Peace for Amelia
Teaching ideas for sixth class from O'Brien Reading Programme
Teaching guide from O'Brien Teaching Guides Collection 2
Sisters
Teaching guide for Sisters ... No Way! from O'Brien Teaching Guides for Second Level Schools.
A study unit written by Pam Orford for Ireland in Schools and the Key Stage 3 National Strategy is available on the Staffordshire Learning Net
Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe)
Teaching ideas for fifth class from O'Brien Reading Programme
Teaching guide from O'Brien Teaching Guides Collection 1
Text units and two resource units developed by Ireland in Schools and the Key Stage 3 National Strategy are available on the Staffordshire Learning Net
The Moon King
Teaching ideas for fifth class from O'Brien Reading Programme
Teaching guide from O'Brien Teaching Guides Collection 2
A workbook for use in year 6 by Susan Lyme-Wright for Ireland in Schools and the Key Stage 3 National Strategy is available on the Staffordshire Learning Net
Call of the Whales
Teaching ideas for sixth class from the O'Brien Reading Programme Supplement
Teaching guide from O'Brien Teaching Guides Collection 3
Kate
Teaching guide to the novel by Peter Heaney
Breaking the Wishbone
Teaching guide for Breaking the Wishbone from O'Brien Teaching Guides for Second Level Schools.
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Books (select cover or title for more information)
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Animals Don't Have Ghosts
(pb)
A witty and engaging account of a visit to the weird and wonderful city of Dublin, where Michelle's country cousins struggle to understand the curious local customs.
'... a freshness and a sense of humour ... which is very appealing'
School Librarian
'Action packed'
Parent and Teacher
'Michelle in Animals Don't Have Ghosts was declared "really good" by my seven-year-old who loved the story of know-all Michelle and her country cousins, Dara and Sinead, who have a day out in Dublin, taking in the Natural History Museum, St Stephen's Green and a shopping centre with escalators.'
The Irish Times
'This is a pleasant variant of the 'town mouse, country mouse' fable, set in modern Dublin.'
Inis - Children's Books Ireland
'Set in anecdotal chapters, the dialogue between the cousins is bouncy and entertaining, making this a good starter read-alone.'
The Sunday Tribune
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The Henny Penny Tree
(pb)
A new tale in a traditional style – perfect for parents who would like to introduce their children to Irish legends and traditional stories.
Panda Legends 1
'a delightful read … lovely pen illustrations'
Inis
Editor's Choice - 'There isn’t one word too many in this brilliant retelling of a traditional tale. It is funny and fast, and simultaneously modern and timeless. Lisa Jackson’s illustrations serve the words admirably; they are fresh and full of energy and bring an extra touch of modernity and quirkiness to the text'
CBI's Bookfest - Recommended Reading Guide
'O'Brien Legends series provide an exciting introduction to Irish legends for the young child. They are guaranteed to capture and sustain the interest of the emergent reader'
InTouch Magazine
Robert Dunbar’s Top 30 Children’s books of 2008 - 'A traditional story is given a sparkling retelling: great fun!'
The Irish Times
'A familiar story to some that is retold with wit, verve and a contemporary feel.'
Irish Independent
'O’Brien Panda books are one of the best places to start reading full-length books by yourself. Now, having built up a library of new children’s literature, the O’Brien Press have decided to give traditional Irish tales a re-working for the same 5+ age group in a new sub-series called Panda Legends'
Evening Echo
'Reads like an old Irish tale and even has some old fashioned magic in it'
Books Ireland
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The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn't
(pb)
Laurence is a leprechaun who has been small for 1100 years and is sick of it! He wants to be TALL. He wants to be cool. Then he meet Phoebe, a large girl who wants to be small.
'A crock-ing good read'
The Longford News
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Amelia
(pb)
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
'Parkinson's greatest achievement ... other than her ability to create credible characters and to tell a well paced story ... is to provide, as backcloth, a portrait of an era in Irish social life when all former certainties are under threat.'
Children's Books in Ireland
'A very substantial novel set in the Dublin south of 1914, encompassing the place of the Quakers in the society of the time, the imminence of war, the manner in which people can be dropped when their fortunes diminish, and the resoluteness of the main character, young Amelia Pim, in the face of adversity.'
Sunday Press
'Amelia gives a tremendous insight into the way things were for the well off and the not quite so well off. It presents clearly the difficulties that arise when one is suddenly thrown into a new situation. But Amelia learns fast. A well-written and sensitive story.'
Books Ireland
'This is the first book about Amelia Pim, a wilful, intelligent, resilient character with real capacity for growth and moral strength.'
The Big Guide to Irish Children's Books
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No Peace for Amelia
(pb)
It's 1916 but Amelia Pim's thoughts are on Frederick Goodbody and not on the war in Europe. Then Frederick enlists. The pacifist Quaker community is shocked but Amelia is secretly proud of her hero …
'In the end, it is hope and courage which are the mainstays of this compelling novel.'
The Echo
'... set in that turbulent place, Dublin in 1914, and is all about loss and adjusting which, of course, is what adolescence is all about.'
Sunday Independent
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Sisters
(pb)
... no way!
Cindy, a with-it and cynical young teen, still traumatised by her mother's recent death, is appalled when her father falls in love with one of her teachers, a woman with two teenage daughters of her own ...
One of the 'Top ten Irish books from cradle to college, recommended by Celia Keenan'
Sunday Business Post
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Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe)
(pb)
Beverley, Elizabeth, Kevin, Gerard and his cat visit the mysterious Lady Island, expecting some adventure and a little danger. But nothing prepares them for their encounter with the strange inhabitant of the island.
'It would be hard to overpraise this book. The characters are drawn with sensitivity and humour, the story, the stories within a story, are compelling, the location is fresh and vivid, and the novel is quite beautifully written. In the very best sense, it is an old-fashioned tale.'
Peter Hollindale, The School Librarian
'a magical and funny adventure about growing up and knowing yourself.'
RTE Guide
'Not only one of the best Irish children's books of the year, but I honestly think one of the best Irish children's books we've ever had, full stop ...It's an amazingly clever book.'
Robert Dunbar, The Gay Byrne Show
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The Moon King
(pb)
A young boy creates his own world to try to cope with his traumatic past.
'... a superb book. It explores the world of foster care and damaged children as it follows the story of Ricky, an abused child, who is settled in foster care with the noisy, vibrant Kelly family. Ricky has turned inward, and hides himself ... Ricky's thoughts are presented in the disjointed inner-speech of a wounded child, with his thoughts in a different typeface from the narrative text. This is an adventurous book, and a brave choice of topic for both author and publisher.'
Children's Books in Iraland
'Original and fascinating story . . . stylishly and thematically, Parkinson's novel credibly demonstrates the power of the imagination to reshape and transform experience'
The Irish Times
'A sensitive portrayal of a child's struggle to rebuild his life'
Best Books
'Siobhán Parkinson is a cunning and practiced hand at storytelling, and getting under her characters' skin, and this is a dead cert for readers from ten upwards'
Books Ireland
'written sensitively and beautifully, The Moon King is sure to be another winner'
Dublin Echo
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Call of the Whales
(PB)
An adventure story set in the endless days of a freezing Arctic landscape, with a haunting presence in the form of the magnificent bowhead whales.
'I loved this book ... Family relationships are warmly drawn, and Siobhan Parkinson cleverly extends the book's range to deal with environmental issues such as whaling and international intervention in indigenous ways of life. She can put both sides of the argument with heartfelt simplicity ... This is a good read for anyone over 10, but it would also be a good class reader as it sets out a clear ideal for world citizenship.'
School Librarian
'A captivating coming-of-age tale with a distinctive narrative voice'
The Irish Independent
'An adventure with attitude'
The Irish Times
'[Parkinson's] reputation as one of Ireland's most talented story-tellers for the young can only be enhanced by this powerful yet wistful work, a work which will illuminate the imaginative lives of its readers, no matter what age.'
Books Ireland
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Kate
(pb)
Set in the competitive world of Irish dancing, Siobhán Parkinson's latest book will delight girls from aged 10 upwards.
Engaging from the very beginning, with plenty of light-heated banter, home-spun philosophies, and phrases that many young readers will recognise from older generations of their own families. All the characters are precisely realised, and no matter how small their part, are wholly believable. Kate is an uplifting and enjoyable read for girls between 9 and 11, no matter their interest or not in dancing.
Books Ireland, Summer 2007
'A lovely book to share with grandparents who will find much to discuss about life in an era when choices for women were extremely limited.'
Bookfest, CBI
'I highly recommend Kate . . . the charming and evocative tale of a girl who loves Irish Dancing'
Sarah Webb, Irish Independent
'A warm and earthy tale of ambition in the face of poverty'
Irish Examiner
'This is an authentic, engaging story....with a very definite sense of time and place.'
Inis
'The easy flow of the narrative and clever banter sweep readers into this story.'
Horn Book Magazine
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Breaking the Wishbone
(pb)
Four homeless teenagers face the reality of living rough in a Dublin squat. A gritty contemporary novel with powerfully drawn characters, from a multi-award winning children's author.
'It is at times heartbreakingly sad and very funny, but wholly credible.'
Children's Books in Ireland
'A very tough story but one which you don't want to put down'
Mary Finn, RTE Guide
'Breaking the Wishbone is the novel as documentry ... it does not seem like a novel at all: the result is a venture of high risk, but one the succeeds magnificently'
Robert Dunbar, The Irish Times
'This is a hard-hitting novel dealing with a situation which is becoming increasingly common among young people today.'
Joan Lombard, Northern People
'This is exactly how young homeless people are, how they sound, how they react, how they cope with their situation, living in a culture permeated with drugs, deprivation, violence, and still managing to make some sort of a life for themselves and to find some hope. The book is very funny and at the same time heartbreakingly sad, but above all it is absolutely accurate.'
Sr Stanislaus Kennedy (President, Focus Ireland)
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