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Research shows that reading to babies, toddlers and young children can make a real difference to their future well-being. We are a nation of storytellers and book lovers and the Growing Up in Ireland longitudinal study shows that around 80% of Irish infants (nine months old) are read to.
For babies and toddlers, their reading experience begins
The experienced booksellers at Halfway up the Stairs want to
Local grandmother Mary Tyrrell adds, “The book boxes I’ve got for my newborn grandchildren and other small relatives have been a big hit with their parents and, in time, with the little people themselves.
Getting ready for lift off…
atest press release from Trish at Halfway Up The Stairs, issued 
on Tuesday, June 17th 2025…
atest press release from Trish at Halfway Up The Stairs, issued 
on Tuesday, June 17th 2025…Children’s bookshop Halfway up the Stairs in Greystones has launched its Gift of Books First Library boxes, a range of carefully selected books for babies, toddlers and young children.
Research shows that reading to babies, toddlers and young children can make a real difference to their future well-being. We are a nation of storytellers and book lovers and the Growing Up in Ireland longitudinal study shows that around 80% of Irish infants (nine months old) are read to. 
This is good news for young children!
Reading to young children is officially good for them. According to a recent survey conducted via Opinions.ie by MS Readathon about children’s reading habits, they found that 75% of parents reported increased creativity and imagination in children who read regularly.
Research published in 2023 by BookTrust (UK) on the benefits of reading shows that children who read are more likely are more likely to be happier, healthier and experience better mental wellbeing and self-esteem; are more likely to do better at school and make progress across the curriculum; and are more likely to develop empathy and creativity.
For babies and toddlers, their reading experience begins 
on the knee of a caring adult in their lives.
on the knee of a caring adult in their lives.“Babies love books and as well as increasing empathy, language skills, concentration, imagination and creativity, reading together deepens the bond between the reader and the baby, each book a shared mini-journey that lasts and lasts. Healthy as broccoli, moreish as strawberries, books are solid gold for kids!’ Mary Murphy, Good Night Like This
The experienced booksellers at Halfway up the Stairs want to 
support parents, grandparents and all those who share books with children, hence the idea for The Gift of Books was born! The Gift of Books helps build an outstanding first library for babies, toddlers and young children.
support parents, grandparents and all those who share books with children, hence the idea for The Gift of Books was born! The Gift of Books helps build an outstanding first library for babies, toddlers and young children.The team at the award-winning bookshop has selected their favourite enduring and modern classics, both Irish and international, which are presented in a beautiful gift box.
Pic: Ger Holland
