February's RTÉjr Book Club is a celebration of the enrichment books can bring to our lives. This month's recommendations are all about stories that celebrate a love of books.
Are you a dedicated bookworm? A lover of wordplay and puns? Or, do you dream of one day creating your own stories? Or perhaps you need a bit more convincing of the magic of the written word, and prefer to choose your own adventures instead?
Whether you are a dedicated or improving reader, there are lots of books to help you enrich or sustain your love of reading.
The list below is a selection of fiction and non-fiction stories from our Bookworm Beginners recommended reading list which will be available for free download from mid-February via the Children's Books Ireland website.
Reading Time: A Tummy Time First Words Book for Babies, Mama Makes Books, 12pp ISBN 9781739774868
An innovative new book ideal for newborns, this concertina style book is designed to be propped up and enjoyed while babies have their tummy time. The boardbook is an ideal size and nicely sturdy to prevent it falling over easily when folded out, the foldable design also makes it useful and practical for parents to bring along while they are on the move.
Featuring brightly coloured and high-contrast spreads with images of trains, trees and dogs, there is so much to engage inquisitive babies. The highpoint is of course, a special mirrored page where babies will be able to see their own face reflected. Certain to nurture a love of reading from an early age, this is an innovative way to introduce the youngest of readers to books. (Age 0–2)
Choose Your Own Story: Once Upon A Fairytale by Natalia O'Hara and illustrated by Lauren O'Hara, Macmillan, 40pp ISBN 9781529045789
Can you imagine anything more enchanting than a picture book in which you create your very own adventure? This clever storytelling concept, more familiar in fiction for older readers, translates perfectly to the picture book format, as we venture through a stunning imaginary world taking unexpected turns and meeting a myriad of unusual characters.
Illustrations rich in colour and character capture the essence of vintage European classics, whilst appearing fresh and relevant for a new generation. Like a magical pathway through a sunlit woodland, readers are led through scenarios which can be changed on a whim, leaving them eager to explore and expand their story. A dynamic reading experience destined to nurture a love of reading and storytelling. (Age 2–4, 5–8)
The Book Who Wanted to be Loved by John Bittles and illustrated by Rebecca Elliott, No Alibis Press, 36pp ISBN 9781838108144
When a lonely book becomes impatient to be bought by the right customer, it takes matters into its own hands. Setting off from the bookshop, the little book ventures into the outside world, determined to find someone to share its stories with. Rebecca Elliot's illustrations have a retro feel, with her selected palate contrasting the warm and cosy atmosphere of the bookshop with the cold unknown of the outside world.
The images of the bookshop and the staff there will be familiar to any regular customers of No Alibis, the beloved Belfast independent bookshop, while maintaining a universality that all bookshop-lovers will resonate with. A reminder of the importance of supporting local bookshops, which are a safe haven for so many. (Age 5–8)
Special Delivery: A Book's Journey Around the World by Polly Faber and illustrated by. Klas Fahlén, Nosy Crow, 32pp ISBN 9781839942099
Here's a stunning book for anyone who has ever been curious about where their books have been before they arrived in their hands! Special Delivery takes readers on a fascinating tour behind the scenes of the publishing world. It guides us through every single step, from publication to when a book reaches a shop, including all the people involved in this voyage.
The details in the illustrations are wonderful; the artwork is bright and beautiful, and there are just enough facts to engage little readers without overwhelming them. Illustrated fact books are excellent for visual learners and those who aren't interested in fiction. A fantastic resource for home learning or a classroom library. (Non-fiction, Age 5–8, 8–10)
Ten-Word Tiny Tales by Joseph Coehlo and illustrated by various artists, Walker Books, 56pp ISBN 9781529502688
It's one thing to tell a good story with thousands of words, to build fantastical worlds and characters over the course of a novel. It’s an entirely different thing to achieve this same goal within a ten-word limit. In this beautifully produced hardback, UK Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho succeeds in presenting twenty unique tiny tales, accompanied by stunning illustrations from a wide range of artists.
Most of these stories lean in a mildly eerie direction, perfect for those in search of light spooks. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read and the artwork is nothing short of excellent. A triumphant collaboration between writer and illustrators, this is a truly unique read for all ages. (Age 5–8, 8–10)
Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express by Gareth P. Jones and illustrated by Louise Forshaw, Little Tiger, 216pp ISBN 9781788954495
Have you ever fancied your chances at cracking an unsolvable mystery? Now is your chance! Detective Klaus Solstaag, a yeti investigator, and his assistant board the Transylvanian Express, headed towards the castle of vampire Count Fledermaus. But when fellow passenger, Night Mayor Franklefink, mysteriously disappears, it's up to the duo to solve the case.
An immersive choose-your-own-adventure story with a mysterious twist, this story places the reader at the centre of the action. In total control of the narrative, the reader can select from hundreds of different paths to take and to solve the mystery themselves. An interactive mystery that is ideal for reluctant readers who need an attention-grabbing book. (Age 9–10, 10–12)
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.
Visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more.
And you can look back on earlier RTÉjr Book Club editions here!
