Mayo author featured on 2026 KPMG children’s books Ireland awards shortlist
Mayo native Kevin Moran has been named on the 2026 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards Shortlist announced by RTÉ’s Rick O’Shea, at a special event held in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.
Kevin’s debut book, The Doomsday Club (The O’Brien Press) is set in Dublin and blends adventure, fantasy and humour as school students Jack, Conan and Yash make a strange discovery in the school yard. Kevin is a Primary School teacher in Dublin, and his debut title will also feature at the Ireland Only World Book Day on March 5.
When asked what being shortlisted for the awards meant to him, Kevin Moran said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland awards, especially alongside so many incredible writers and illustrators. As this is my debut book, the recognition really means a lot. I’m very grateful to the judges for their time and care, and I would like to offer particular thanks to the junior judges, whose enthusiasm for stories make this honour even more special.”
Speaking at the announcement, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland said: “This year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist has something to delight every kind of reader. There are stories steeped in Irish mythology, tales of bravery and resilience and books that will move you to tears, or make you cry laughing. It’s wonderful to see how children’s literature and publishing in Ireland is evolving through this diverse, excellent shortlist. Our warm congratulations go to the authors, illustrators and publishers whose wonderful work we are so proud to champion.”
The shortlisted titles will be in contention for six awards at the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards ceremony on Monday, May 18, taking place as part of the International Literature Festival, Dublin. The awards include the prestigious KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year, alongside categories celebrating excellence in fiction and illustration, and the highly coveted Junior Juries’ Award, which is selected by young readers from across the island of Ireland.
Children’s Books Ireland is also recruiting young readers across Mayo to participate in its Junior Juries’ programme. School classes, youth groups, book clubs and early childhood settings can register here and they can make a selection of suitable titles from the shortlist and send their feedback and scores to Children’s Books Ireland. The winning artist will accept the Junior Juries’ Award on May 18.