THINK of subjects like dark matter and genetics and the sound of music doesn't naturally come to mind but Belfast-born composer Deirdre Gribbin can hear the melody in almost anything.

So, that's that then.

THE dangers of social media, dementia, sexual identity, transgenerational friendships and the power of a hug are among the Themes explored in the children's groups shortlisted for this year's KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards.

FOLLOWING Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's implemention of a 16-day closure of all schools, colleges, universities and childcare facilities across the Republic in an unprecedented lockdown sparked by the coronavirus outbreak, parents in Northern Ireland are awaiting similar measures to be introduced here.

Q: I'M pregnant with my first baby, and as the birth gets closer I'm worried about things that might happen during labour – am I likely to scream or swear a lot, and will I poo as I push? What if I just can't push enough? Are these common worries? A: Midwife Marie Louise, a hypnobirthing teacher and author of the new book The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond (Vermilion, £14.

NEVER in my life have I placed my faith in politicians.

MOTHERHOOD can be painted as a near-perfect state of being, where stylish mothers dote on beautiful, clean and calm cherub-like children.

WHEN you've got young kids, it can seem like a constant cycle of back-to-back bugs.