It's time to #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks with these new releases for July! Here's a round-up of some of our favourite super summer reads from Irish authors and Illustrators compiled by award-winning and best-selling Irish Author Triona Campbell.
There are so many brilliant new books out this month. From picture stories to a new instalment in the Lola & Larch series, and, not forgetting a thought-provoking YA novel from Chris Ricketts. There's a lot to cover, so let’s get started.
For Younger Readers look out for…
The Dog Who Danced on The Moon
By John Boyne, Illustrated by Ashling Lindsay
For ages 4+
This is a beautifully illustrated rhyming bedtime story.
Jeremy dreams of journeying through space, but nobody believes in him...Nobody, that is, but Maxwell, his incredible dancing dog who encourages him to reach for the stars. The pair embark on an out-of-this-world adventure - but when they are faced with an incoming comet catastrophe, it takes bravery, daring and a little bit of dancing to save the day.
The Dandelion’s Tale
By Margaret Anne Suggs
For ages 5+
An allegory about immigration for care givers and young readers. The dandelions - who are seen as just weeds - are forced to move on when confronted with tools, machines and potions.
As they float, they take their hopes with them, going on a remarkable journey to find a peaceful place to re-seed and settle.
Lola and Larch - Save The Sunshine Spell
By Sinéad O’Hart/ Illustrated by Rachel Seago
For ages 6+
A big favourite in our house. This is another book in the fabulous Lola and Larch series of early chapter books (focused on family, friendship and naughty fairies).
Evil Euphorbia Spurge has sent bad magic across the forest and it's turning all the plants wild! Lola's granny is thrilled because her garden is looking lush, but Larch is sure she saw a courgette wave and smile at her - and they're not supposed to do that, are they? It's time for Lola and Larch to head into the forest and grapple with a green-fingered fiend!
And for Older Readers & Teens…
Someone’s Been Messing With Reality
By John Hearne
For ages 9+
When Martin Ryan sees a video of his father flying unaided through the air, he realises everything he believed about his life has been a lie.
Now his parents have disappeared and Martin discovers something weird brewing in the disused mines of the seaside village where he lives. Something glowing. Something ... egg-like.
Someone's definitely been messing with reality. Martin and his friends must do whatever they can to defeat the aliens that threaten the entire human race. Even if it means stealing cop cars, blowing up the mines and turning a paddling pool into a fighter aircraft.
You Don’t See Me
By Chris Ricketts
For ages 15+
This is a compassionate YA story about a trans teenager, by an advocate for trans issues from Irish publisher Little Island Books.
In this novel, Ros has finally found Eddy, the girlfriend they’ve always wanted. But Ros can’t tell her the truth: that Ros is trans, and wants to live in a male body.
After a party Ros’s classmates "discover" they are a lesbian – but the inaccurate label is hurtful. Ros knows only one thing will make them happy. But telling the world a truth you’ve hidden all your life is scary. Maybe it would be easier to live a lie? The homophobic comments are already bad enough.
And if the truth comes out – what is Ros’s next move? And what will happen when Eddy finds out?
And that's it for July! All of the above are available in local libraries and books shops around the country.
See you next month for another round up of new releases from Irish Authors and Illustrators (and August will definitely be a HUGE month for new Irish kids and YA releases with some stunning debuts in the mix).
For more book recommendations check out Discover Irish Kids Books or give them a follow on Instagram or X.
Triona Campbell is the Author of 'A Game of Life Or Death’ and ‘The Traitor in the Game’ and part of the team at #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks – a campaign which aims to highlight and celebrate Irish Kids and teen books.
Discover Irish Kids Books round up graphic by Bex Sheridan.
