"Alexandra didn't like being called Alexandra.
'It's too long,' she said to her mum."

Four very short stories about the everyday life of a little girl by Ireland's first Children's Laureate Siobhán Parkinson.

Alexandra loves swinging and splashing and her bright red shoes. And her mum. She doesn't much like having her hair washed though, and she definitely does not like the dark. 

These warm stories by Ireland’s first Children’s Laureate were originally broadcast on RTE’s The Den and are great for reading aloud to children aged 4+.

PRAISE FOR ALEXANDRA

‘This is an utterly delightful collection of stories about the daily life of a small girl. Clearly told, the stories evoke a genuine voice and appreciation of a child’s world view. Gentle and yet full of action and humour, Alexandra brings to mind the Alfie stories by Shirley Hughes, with the economy of language and the rhythm and pace built into the stories.

The illustrations are beautiful, perfectly matching the stories’ intent with their black and white washes, containing just a hint of red throughout that really allows them to shine.

The simplicity of expression in the pictures and the writing work hand in hand to create a book that will be cherished and read again and again and again. Perfect for sharing and for new readers. I just loved it!’ – Mary Esther Judy, Inis Magazine

“These stories are delightful and Betera’s illustrations glow” – Niamh Sharkey, Laureate na nÓg.

Siobhán Parkinson was Ireland’s first children’s laureate, Laureate na nÓg. She has been writing books for children for ages and ages. And ages. She also enjoys helping other writers to polish up their books so that they are extra fabulous. She lives in Dublin and writes most days in her attic–study. In her spare time, she admires her grandsons, bakes bread and is learning Italian. Her favourite thing to look at is the sky.