This RTÉ KIDS Book Club, with thanks to our friends at Children's Books Ireland, spotlights new Irish authors. CBI's Publications Officer Ruth Concannon shares some recommendations.
Are you a reader who loves to be ahead of the curve? There are few things more exciting than a brand-new book except perhaps being one of the first readers of a brand-new author or illustrator!
If you are looking to discover a hidden gem before your fellow readers, we have you covered with this special book club focused on début artists. Below are some of our favourite début books by Irish authors and illustrators who are fresh voices in the world of children's books.
We have picturebooks to pique your curiosity in nature and inspire courage, adventure stories, selkie secrets, tales of giants and even a murder-mystery to solve!
At Children's Books Ireland, we are eager to make sure these new voices don't stay secret forever, so once you have found your favourite among them, be sure to share their stories with your fellow readers too.
Remember for more brilliant books for fresh new voices in children's books visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
That's It! Said the Dandelion by Nicola Reddy, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy, The O'Brien Press, 32PP, ISBN 9781788495899
Reminiscent of the work of Eric Carle, this picturebook replicates the lifecycle of the dandelion in a way that is accessible and engaging for very young readers. Simple in a way that looks effortless, this is the kind of picturebook that brings smiles to the reader as it tells a sweet and rather profound story in well-chosen words and lush images.
Dandelion changes and embraces each stage of her lifecycle, not just living in the moment, but also relishing each transformation. This collaboration between Reddy and Hahessy is delightful – a pleasure to read and to look at. The inclusion of dandelion facts at the end is a nice touch for those whose interest has been piqued by the story. (Age 2–4)
Moon Moon Can't Sleep! by Johnathan Sung, Bad Book Press, 40PP, ISBN 9781919273907
Moon Moon, a young wolf boy who usually has no trouble falling asleep anywhere, finds himself restless one evening. The reason for his sleeplessness quickly becomes clear: his beloved teddy, Eddy, is missing. Despite his own fears and uncertainty, Moon Moon bravely ventures into the dark intimidating forest to find him.
Bold and clean-cut, the illustrations provide natural depth to the story. The narrative balances suspense with comfort, creating a story that is engaging, imaginative and soothing for young readers. A playful, visually captivating and emotionally reassuring story. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
Secret of the Selkies by Laura Keohane, The O'Brien Press, 240PP ISBN 9781788495677
Lana feels that spending the summer with her grandparents at Carrig Cottage is essentially a banishment, rather than a chance to help her grandparents and get to know the place her mum and uncle Robert grew up in. That is, until she discovers a very special coat alongside her uncle's book of Aquatic Mythology. Selkies are intrinsic to Irish traditional folklore and this début story from Keohane is a lovely addition to the magical genre.
There are plenty of characters with great personality, especially the young selkies who take Lana under their flippers! I challenge any reader not to adore them and their undersea world. Ideal for a curious and adventurous reader especially one that enjoys myths and legends with an Irish twist. (Age 8–10, 10–12)
Heroes of Light and Shadow by Conor Forrest, The O'Brien Press, 288PP, ISBN 9781788495912
When Oisín overhears something suspicious on a school trip to the National Museum, he tries to warn the security guards of a planned break-in, but to no avail. That night he returns just in case something happens and his curiosity sets things in motion and turns his world completely upside down – finding himself in the midst of a centuries-old rivalry between two races of immortal beings fighting for dominance.
This is a thrilling adventure set against the familiar backdrop of Ireland's ancient mythology while remaining modern. In his début novel, Forrest manages to perfectly balance the strange with the familiar, the ancient with the new, all while peppering his storytelling with humour and heart. (Age 10–12)
The Thing About Giants by Christopher Galvin, Walker Books, 336PP, ISBN 9781529530841
Corman, a young giant, is on a rare trip to the Upside with his dad to forage for healing plants, vital for his ill little sister. With every step from home, they put themselves in grave danger from ruthless Giant Hunters as the humans in the city of Fathach are taught to hate giant-kind and use their bones for building their urban fortress.
When Corman loses his dad, this naive young giant must put his trust in Jacq, an injured trainee Giant Hunter, to find his way back and save his sister. Galvin has crafted a thought-provoking and wonderfully imaginative adventure. This story is heartwarming, with just the right amount of edge and real lessons to be learned about tolerance, honesty and kindness. (Age 10–12)
Murder at the Ivy Hotel by Emily Hourican, Scholastic, 304PP, ISBN 9780702344558
Meredith (12) and Macy (10) live in the Ivy Hotel with their mum, Sally, who is the general manager. But with new owners on the horizon cutting costs and creating fears around job loss, the hotel and the family they have created among the staff is in jeopardy. Add to this a mysterious guest's death that causes chaos and it's up to the sisters and their friend Colin to not only crack the case but also save the hotel they call home.
A murder-mystery with a whodunnit slant, the hotel's building itself is a distinctive character, with secret staircases, locked doors and hidden panels. This cosy crime novel is an entertaining read ideal for fans of Robin Stevens's Murder Most Unladylike series. (Age 10–12)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Manager 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 on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books.
CBI share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. They support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through their work.
