Sinéad O'Hart – författare

Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.The king's ravenkeeper and his daughter, Alys, are part of a long line of proud royal ravenkeepers and they know the ravens well. So, when Alys notices the ravens' feathers changing colour, she knows something must be done. Is it a message or a warning? Her father has a broken leg and is unable to make a long journey, so it’s down to Alys to take the message to the king and tell him of the ravens' change. Will the message become clear and will Alys be able to deliver it before it’s too late? This historical fantasy adventure is written by Sinéad O’Hart.Lime Plus/Band 11+ books provide challenging plots and vocabulary as well as opportunities to practise inference, prediction and reading stamina.Pages 46 and 47 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall.Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

For fans of Karen Foxlee’s Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy comes a rollicking debut about a young girl’s adventures in the far reaches of the icy north.   When Emmeline’s scientist parents mysteriously disappear, she finds herself heading for a safe house, where allies have pledged to protect her. But along the way, she is kidnapped by the villainous Doctor Siegfried Bauer, who is bound for the ice fields of Greenland. There he hopes to summon a mystical creature from the depths of the ancient glaciers, a creature said to be so powerful that whoever controls it can control the world. Unfortunately, Bauer isn’t the only one determined to unleash the creature. The North Witch has laid claim to the mythical beast, too, and Emmeline—along with a scrappy stowaway named Thing—may be the only one with the power to save the world as we know it. Can Emmeline face one of the greatest legends of all time—and live to tell the tale?

For fans of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy comes a thrilling adventure about a brave girl who finds a portal to parallel worlds, and must protect her secret from the evil forces trying to capture it.All her life, Tess has lived at Miss Ackerbee''s orphanage with her friends and her pet tarantula, Violet. But one day, a mysterious man named Mr. Cleat shows up and whisks Tess away to live with him. Before Tess leaves, Miss Ackerbee gives her a strange lens, and makes an even stranger admission: that Tess can travel to parallel worlds, and has been able to do so since she was found as a baby. Now, with her newfound abilities and the mysterious lens in tow, Tess must navigate life with Mr. Cleat and his nefarious housekeeper, who seem to be up to more than they let on. As Tess learns about the lens and its role in transporting her to other worlds, she discovers that behind Mr. Cleat''s oily smiles is a darker intention: one that could bring the world to its feet. Can Tess keep her secret from Mr. Cleat, and figure out what he''s up to? And what if the lens falls into the wrong hands? With the help of Violet and her friends from the orphanage, Tess can finally discover the truth about Mr. Cleat and, more importantly, herself.

"A real page-turner." - The Irish IndependentThe circus has seen better days, but for Bastjan it's home. He will do anything he can to save it, even if it means participating in a death-defying new act. But when that fails to draw in the crowds, the ringmaster makes a deal with a mysterious man by the name of Dr Bauer.In exchange for his help, Bauer wants a box that belonged to Bastjan's mother and came from her birthplace - the faraway island of Melita. Bastjan is desperate to keep his only memento of his mother out of Bauer's hands. And as he uncovers more about the strange objects contained within, he realizes it's not only the circus that's in terrible danger.A fast-paced and atmospheric fantasy adventure that can also be enjoyed as a prequel to the much-loved THE EYE OF THE NORTH, perfect for fans of NEVERMOOR, THE UNCOMMONERS and SKYSONG.Praise for THE EYE OF THE NORTH: "A charming, thrilling tale of adventure" - Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of THE GIRL OF INK AND STARS"O'Hart's writing crackles with imagination" - Jennifer Bell, author of THE UNCOMMONERS"A wonderfully exciting adventure" - Abi Elphinstone, author of SKYSONG

Mara and her dad have lived in their van for as long as she can remember. Whatever her father does to scrape a living has kept them constantly moving and Mara has never questioned it. That is until she uncovers a collection of notes addressed to 'the Tider', an individual responsible for harvesting lost time from people whose lives were cut short.But before Mara can question her father he is taken by a dangerous group who want to use his power for evil. With the very fabric of time and space at stake, it's down to Mara and her new friend Jan to find him before it's too late...A fast-paced, time bending adventure perfect for fans of A WRINKLE IN TIME, THE SECRET KEEPERS and SKY SONG.

AN IRISH TIMES BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2023An IRISH INDEPENDENT BEST IRISH CHILDREN'S BOOK 0F 2023An unforgettable adventure drawing on Irish folklore, from award-winning author Sinéad O'Hart.The seandraiocht - the Old Magic - isn't remembered like it once was. Its power is fading...When Rose is entrusted with a powerful stone by a Frost Giant, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. The stone can be used for great good or great evil, depending on its keeper. It leads Rose to discover the magic that runs through all of Ireland. A magic that is threaded together beneath the land: the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is under threat.Now Rose must keep the stone from falling into the wrong hands and embark on a quest to find its rightful owner and keep the magic alive . . .SHORTLISTED FOR THE AN POST IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2023A stunning new book for children aged 9 and up, drawing on Celtic folklore. Perfect for fans of Catherine Doyle and Ross Montgomery.[The Silver Road by Sinead O'Hart was featured as an Irish Times Best Children's Book of 2023 on 26th November 2023 and as an Irish Independent Best Irish kids' book of 2023 on 2nd December 2023.]

From the award-winning author of The Silver Road comes a new tale of contemporary Ireland and ancient myth . . .'An eerie, gripping 9+ adventure, with strong characterisation and deftly interwoven Celtic mythology.' Guardian When Ben and his family have to leave Dublin and move into the remote house where his mother grew up, he's not optimistic about what lies ahead. For him and his brother Fin, it'll mean fitting in to life with his aunts and a cousin he doesn't even know.But what Ben doesn't expect is that he will be drawn into the mysteries of the wild mystical landscape. He can sense its power, and he can see a light shining from the mountain on the horizon. Even stranger, crows are gathering, watching him and haunting his dreams.As Ben uncovers the stories of Ireland's mythical heroes and warriors that obsessed his grandfather right up until he died, Ben begins to wonder if there is more to the tales than pure fantasy. It seems like trouble is stirring - and will he have the power to face it?A powerful new book for children aged 9 and up, drawing on Celtic folklore. Perfect for fans of Catherine Doyle and Ross Montgomery.'Sword of the Sun completely swept me away! O'Hart's writing is rich, evocative and mysterious, but above all, total magic!' Jennifer Bell, author of Magicalia'Rich in Irish mythology, this is a wonderful, pacey book with an unlikely trio of heroes. It kept me hooked throughout to its action-packed end.' Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

From the award-winning author of The Silver Road comes a new tale of contemporary Ireland and ancient myth . . .When Ben and his family have to leave Dublin and move into the remote house where his mother grew up, he''s not optimistic about what lies ahead. For him and his brother Fin, it''ll mean fitting in to life with his aunts and a cousin he doesn''t even know. But what Ben doesn''t expect is that he will be drawn into the mysteries of the wild mystical landscape. He can sense its power, and he can see a light shining from the mountain on the horizon. Even stranger, crows are gathering, watching him and haunting his dreams. As Ben uncovers the stories of Ireland''s mythical heroes and warriors that obsessed his grandfather right up until he died, Ben begins to wonder if there is more to the tales than pure fantasy. It seems like trouble is stirring - and will he have the power to face it?A powerful new book for children aged 9 and up, drawing on Celtic folklore. Perfect for fans of Catherine Doyle and Ross Montgomery.

Ellora McGee is just like you and me, except she’s also a trainee banshee.

Magical adventures in a forest full of fairies with everyone's favourite human-fairy best friend team, Lola and Larch, for fans of Rainbow Magic and Isadora Moon. Lola can't believe her luck. The rabbit she's rescued in the forest is actually a rebellious fairy in disguise! But Larch has trouble on her tail. Evil Euphorbia Spurge wants to steal her magic! Soon it's a battle of wits and wands as the new friends take on the wildest fairy in the woods...With beautiful black and white illustrations throughout, Lola and Larch is a heart-warming, funny celebration of friendship. It's the perfect series for readers who like fairies, magic, and very naughty rabbits!"Giggles galore" Irish Examiner"Cosy adventure story, complete with O'Hart's trademark world-building and a dash of enchantment from Seago's atmospheric illustrations" Irish ExaminerLook out for more Lola and Larch!The adventures continue in Lola and Larch Save the Sunshine SpellLola and Larch Make a Winter Wish coming 24th October

Magical adventures in a forest full of fairies with everyone's favourite human-fairy best friend team, Lola and Larch, for fans of Rainbow Magic and Isadora Moon.Euphorbia Spurge has sent bad magic across the forest and it's turning all the plants wild! Lola's granny is thrilled because her garden is looking lush, but Larch is sure she saw a courgette wave and smile at her - and they're not supposed to do that, are they? It's time for Lola and Larch to head into the forest and grapple with a green-fingered fiend! Beautifully illustrated throughout, Lola and Larch is a heart-warming, funny celebration of friendship. It's the perfect series for readers who like fairies, magic, and very naughty rabbits!"A real winner" Irish IndependentHave you read Lola and Larch's other adventures?Lola and Larch Fix a Fairy Forest Lola and Larch Make a Winter Wish coming 24th October

Magical adventures in a forest full of fairies with everyone's favourite human-fairy best friend team, Lola and Larch, for fans of Rainbow Magic and Isadora Moon.When Larch wishes her human best friend, Lola, could understand what it's like to be a fairy, something amazing happens. The friends swap bodies! Now Lola has to learn how to fly and Larch has to act "normal" in a school concert. And a very bad fairy called Euphorbia Spurge can't wait to make the most of this magical mix-up!Beautifully illustrated throughout, Lola and Larch is a heart-warming, funny celebration of friendship. It's the perfect series for readers who like fairies, magic, and very naughty rabbits!"A real winner" Irish IndependentHave you read Lola and Larch's other adventures?Lola and Larch Fix a Fairy Forest Lola and Larch Save the Sunshine Spell

Magical adventures in a forest full of fairies with everyone's favourite human-fairy best friend team, Lola and Larch, for fans of Rainbow Magic and Isadora Moon.Lola and Larch uncover a threat to the forest where the fairy clan lives. Wicked Fairy Euphorbia Spurge is trying to knock down the stone circle and steal all its magic for herself! Can the best friends save the forest and Larch's village before its wild magic is released?Beautifully illustrated throughout, Lola and Larch is a heart-warming, funny celebration of friendship. It's the perfect series for readers who like fairies, magic, and very naughty rabbits!"A real winner" Irish IndependentHave you read Lola and Larch's other adventures?Lola and Larch Fix a Fairy Forest Lola and Larch Save the Sunshine Spell

Emmeline Widget has never left Widget Manor - and that's the way she likes it. But when her scientist parents mysteriously disappear, she finds herself being packed off on a ship to France, heading for a safe house in Paris. Onboard she is befriended by an urchin stowaway called Thing. But before she can reach her destination she is kidnapped by the sinister Dr Siegfried Bauer.Dr Bauer is bound for the ice fields of Greenland to summon a legendary monster from the deep. And he isn't the only one determined to unleash the creature. The Northwitch has laid claim to the beast, too. Can Emmeline and Thing stop their fiendish plans and save the world? A dazzling fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of ROOFTOPPERS, THE UNCOMMONERS and A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS