IRISH LANGUAGE:These offerings in Irish contain more than a little animal magic, writes Victoria White
FUTA FATA, a small, independent press based in Connemara, has been bringing out idiosyncratic sound recordings and books for children in Irish for some years now. Gugalaí Gug, its collection of children's nursery rhymes, is still going strong in homes and classrooms around the country.
This Christmas its publishing activity has been expanded, with a range of beautifully produced books for children and young people. Three titles are translations into Irish of picture books in English. There can't help but be a little hesitation in welcoming these subsidised books, which could be read in English by every single child who will read them in Irish.
Eileanór, an Eilifint Éagsúil(€13.95) and Frog sa Spéirare both American books, however, and not otherwise published here. The stories, one about a baby elephant who wants to be the same as everyone else, the other about a baby frog who wants to be different, are standard issue children's tales of the kind of which The Ugly Ducklingis perhaps the finest example.
They are beautifully translated from the English version of Eric Drachman by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, taking on a whole new life in Irish. James Muscarello's illustrations are stunning, particularly his very green, grinning little frog. The accompanying CDs are major selling points, in lively, idiomatic Irish. Young Oisín Ó Fátharta is a joy as the little animals.
An Oíche Dhorcha(€9.95) was first published this year by Little Tiger as The Dark, Dark Night. Futa Fada came to an agreement to publish a co-edition, type-set by the Irish publisher, but printed by Little Tiger. It's a cost-effective way to go.
The story of a frog - Futa Fada seems to have a thing about frogs - who explores the scary reaches of the dark night with a lamp and his friends, a mouse, a hedgehog and a rabbit - is sumptuously illustrated by Jane Chapman.
Mac Dhonnagáin again does a version of the original, by M Christina Butler, which really kicks. Martin Waddell's Good Night, Little Bear, published in Irish by An Gúm as Oíche Mhaith, a Bhéirínis, however, a stronger evocation of the immensity of the night when you're small.
Wholly home-grown, however, is the pacy guide to the hit TG4 series for teenagers, Aifric,subtitled "an leabhar oifigiúil leis an eolas ar fad ann" (€14.95). The kids in the series and the book manage to be as Connemara as Valley girls are Valley and convince completely with their spots and their love affairs. "Bí mar thú féin i gcónaí," Aifric advises the girls, and you nearly believe her.
Written by a young woman, Dara Jauch, the book is an all-colour, magazine-style mix and perfect for any teen who watches the series, or who would respond to a prod to watch the new series, going out this month.
• Victoria White is an author and journalist