Published 15.12.2025
by Kids’ Own
by Kids’ Own
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A children's arts organisation and publishing house.
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on a remarkable year at Kids’ Own. Together, we launched six new books and ran a wide range of creative projects, working with children and young people from many communities, including Traveller children, refugee and asylum-seeking children, those with a parent in prison, children experiencing homelessness, and groups exploring climate action, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. Across every project, our focus remained on supporting children to express themselves, share their stories, and engage with creativity in meaningful ways.
Across the year, our publications showcased the creativity, voices and lived experiences of children across Ireland and beyond, offering young readers the opportunity to encounter the world through the perspectives of their peers.
Keep Up Hope is a moving and honest book created by children who have, or have had, a parent in prison. Through words and images, the book shares children’s experiences with sensitivity and courage, offering understanding and connection to readers who may be facing similar circumstances.
Take Care, accompanied by a teacher resource, provides practical guidance for schools supporting care-experienced young people. Developed through close collaboration with educators and partners, the book supports empathy, awareness and meaningful conversations in school settings.
Jellyfish & Eggs brings together bilingual stories and artwork by Ukrainian, Irish and international children in Bundoran. The book explores ideas of belonging, home and community, reflecting the shared experiences and creative connections formed through the project.
I Can Run Free offers creative prompts for children and families to explore, observe and respond to the world around them. Rooted in outdoor engagement and playful exploration, the book encourages curiosity, creativity and connection with place.
Lamp the Kevs celebrates family histories, cultural diversity and the Cant language through art and storytelling. Created with children, the book highlights the importance of language, heritage and identity in shaping how children see themselves and their communities.
The Keeper of Rights, accompanied by an audiobook, presents engaging stories that centre children’s rights and perspectives. Developed in partnership with the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, the book supports children to better understand their rights and how they can be exercised.
This year also saw the reprint of Through the Eyes of Traveller Children, revisiting the voices and creativity of Traveller children and making this important work available to a new generation of readers.
Each title invites readers to encounter children’s stories, creativity and insights in ways that are thoughtful, respectful and engaging. All of these books were developed through significant national partnerships, including with the Ombudsman for Children, IPRT, EPIC, the National Museum of Ireland, Respond Housing, the Toy Show Appeal and others.
None of this work would be possible without the continued support of our funders, partners and collaborators. We extend our sincere thanks to the Arts Council of Ireland for their ongoing support, and to everyone who worked alongside us throughout the year. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to sharing children’s voices and creating meaningful opportunities for children to tell their stories.