Mary Poppins review: A practically perfect masterclass in storytelling for the stage
Theatre: This thrilling Cameron Mackintosh-Disney show capitalises on PL Travers’s original story, which has so much more to offer than the films
Eilish Fisher on how a winter morning walk in the isolated hills around Glenmalure inspired her to write for children
Fisher’s award-winning book for children, Fia and the Last Snow Deer, was inspired by the wilds of her Wicklow home, and her love of poetry and mythology
Peter Pan review: Gaiety panto takes off with dizzying ensemble numbers and breathtaking effects
Theatre: The annual extravaganza, written, choreographed and directed by Daryn Crosbie, features terrific performances from the Billie Barry Kids
Best new children’s fiction: From Christmas fun to deliciously dark magic
As children start to count down the days until Santa’s arrival, these books will help to both distract and inspire
Rapunzel at the Helix, Dublin, review: strong storytelling and effortless inclusivity
Theatre: There are no special effects, no grand coup-du-theatre, but there are oodles of old-fashioned charm
Sam Thompson: ‘I really don’t think there is a distinction to be made between writing for adults and writing for children’
Thompson’s new book, The Forest Yet to Come, is part of the Wolfstongue saga, which began as a direct response to his son’s difficulty with speech
Children’s fiction: Ghost stories for Samhain and tales of female fearlessness
Spookiness stalks the landcape of young people’s literature in the run-up to Halloween, while Irish myths inform several new works including the stunning debut Fia and the Last Snow Deer
Hamilton in Dublin: The action barely pauses long enough to let an ecstatic audience applaud
Theatre: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artful history of the establishment of the United States is also a showcase for some exceptional performers’ talents
Tim Minchin: ‘I don’t think I am a very edgy guy. I’m a married dude with kids and no addictions’
Matilda composer and lyricist has already achieved musical-theatre hero status, and his poetic graduation addresses have now become a book
Best new children’s fiction, from a crime-fighting duck to an inspiring introduction to art
The Tall Man by Mary Cathleen Brown; Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune by Chris Judge; Cath Howe’s Muffin and the Shipwreck; Olivia Hope’s Little Lion Girl; This Book Will Make You An Artist by Ruth Millington; and First Term at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson
Wicked review: The brilliant Laura Pick and Sarah O’Connor shine in this top-quality production
Theatre: Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s musical features evenly matched leads who reach impossible notes with vigour and expression
Children’s reads: From superbly conceived non-fiction to a fitting capstone for a wonderful career
Timely offerings from Jen Breach, Sarah Webb, the late Kate Saunders, Sarah Bowie, Erika McGann and Atinuke
Wild Atlantic writers: the vibrant aesthetic of the Whole Wild World bus was ‘shaped with the input of children’
The Whole Wild World bus will ferry our finest children’s authors and illustrators along the west coast
Best new children’s fiction, from a fairy disguised as a rabbit to a boy who turns into a dinosaur
Valuable offerings from Edwina Guckian, Sinéad O’Hart, Shane Hegarty, Jen Wallace and more
Aladdin review: A show-stopping Genie finally brings Disney’s stage musical fully to life
Theatre: Yeukayi Ushe’s commanding turn earns a fourth star for what is otherwise a merely serviceable adaptation of the animated film