This month's RTÉjr Book Club, with thanks to our friends at Children's Books Ireland, is written by Ruth Concannon. Let's see what amazing reads she has in store for us this time out...
2024 has been an exciting year for Irish authors and illustrators so far. We have seen plenty of new books across fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and poetry from Ireland's best and brightest. But always of particular excitement to readers at Children’s Books Ireland HQ, are the wonderful new voices who bring a breath of fresh air to Irish children’s books every year.
In 2024, we have had brilliant boardbooks, a Goldilocks retelling, some dinosaurs set loose on Cork and three stunning stories of fantasy and magic. With a promising start, we can’t wait to see more from these début artists.
Below is a selection of some of our favourite debut books from 2024, for more exciting reviews from Irish authors and illustrators check out our website www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
Look Out! Hungry Lion: A Hide-and-Seek Flap Book by Paul Delaney, Kumusha Books, 12pp ISBN 9780008612672
Hungry Lion is on the prowl through the pages of this vibrant boardbook, seeking a snack hidden in the jungle. Readers are invited to lift-the-flap in search of the creatures that Hungry Lion is about to pounce on, no creature is safe – from the monkey swinging in the trees, to the elephant hiding in the long grass.
The engaging hide-and-seek nature of the story helps to build tension that will thrill little ones as Hungry Lion stalks his prey. High-spirited, deep-toned illustrations make Delaney’s boardbook debut an ideal choice for toddlers. (0–2)
A Cork Fairytale by Amy Louise O’Callaghan, The O’Brien Press, 32pp ISBN 9781788494151
The three bears enlist the help of Goldilocks to find presents for a special occasion in this charming fairytale retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears set amongst the backdrop of famous Cork landmarks. The bright and colourful illustrations beautifully capture the fun and excitement experienced by Goldilocks and the three bears as they travel around Cork city and county.
Expert local detail illustrated in the drawings on each page lends itself to a fun exploration of some famous Cork landmarks that will engage readers and provide lots of talking points. (Age 2–4)
Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace, illustrated by Alan O’Rourke, Little Island Books, 112pp ISBN 9781915071491
When Rory eats a dinosaur pie his mum cooks for dinner, he never expects that the side effects would cause him to turn into an actual dinosaur! Rory quickly realises that being a dinosaur is not as brilliant as he thought it would be, as he stomps around Cork city trying to find a way to become himself again.
The book’s conversational writing style means young readers will feel as if Rory himself is having a chat with them and O’Rourke’s illustrations strikingly capture some of Rory’s overwhelming moments in school as he learns to cope with his ADHD. With lots of laugh-out-loud moments, but also great twists and turns, this book is sure to have young readers on the edge of their seats. (Age 5–8, 8–10)
Starminster by Megan Hopkins, HarperCollins Children’s Books, 288pp ISBN 9780008626891
Escaping a life of solitude in a lonely rhubarb shed, eleven-year-old Astrid is thrown into a new life. In London Overhead, the sky city populated by winged Librae, Astrid waits for her own wings to appear as she navigates new friendships, a new school and many questions. Hopkins’s excellently detailed world-building shines throughout the story, with plenty of space for readers to discover the whimsical cityscape of London Overhead.
Starminster does not shy away from difficult topics, the author’s exploration of inequalities within the Librae world usefully creates space for readers to consider real-world inequalities. An entertaining read populated by a diverse cast that sets the stage well for future books. (Age 10–12)
Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siobhán McDermott, Hodder Children’s Books, 368pp ISBN 9781444970142
In a village above the sea cloud, twelve-year-old orphan Zhi Ging fights to become a Silhouette – an apprentice to the immortals. Faced with a continual series of challenges where she must prove her worth, Zhi Ging discovers more about herself than she could have ever expected.
But where there are magical properties, mystical creatures, other worlds and immortality, there is, of course, evil lurking in the shadows. A spreading dark force threatens Zhi Ging’s world, and it becomes inextricably linked to her own existence. As the first book in the series, this story launches Zhi Ging along her path to fulfil her destiny in an ultimate quest to save her world. (10–12)
Into the Witchwood by Méabh McDonnell, The O’Brien Press, 256pp ISBN 9781788493857
Rowan is a young witch with a problem and a plan; Rowan’s mother is missing, and in order to save her, she must enter the dangerous Witchwood. When Rowan, her sister Lila and their new friend Farid enter the Witchwood, they must rely on one another in order to survive, and their bonds deepen and grow.
This action-packed story is rooted in the relationship between Rowan and Lila. The two siblings complement each other and, as they journey together they learn important lessons within the Witchwood. A tense, dramatic novel that leaves the reader wanting more. (10–12)
Children's Books Ireland
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Officer for Children's Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading.
Their mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland. See www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more.
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