#DiscoverIrishKidsBooks New Releases for October. For ages eight to eighty. We have a bumper crop of new Irish titles by authors from Antrim to Cork hit book stores and libraries this month.
Covering everything from Hauntings to Rugby and Biodiversity. This is a round-up of some of the best new books from Irish authors and Illustrators this month. Compiled by award-winning and best-selling Irish Author Triona Campbell.
For older kids and teens look out for…
Crying Wolf
Author James Butler
For Ages 15+
A new urban thriller from the award winning Kilkenny author of 'Dangerous Games'.
Teenager Joey lives with his aunt and is trying to move forward with his life and his relationship with Sharon, his girlfriend, who has started studying at Trinity College. But everything starts to unravel when Joey’s step Dad, Vinnie, arrives back in town and the local gang boss Quinlan kidnaps Joey to lure him out.
Adding more complications - a crooked cop has now turned up dead. All of which leave Joey with no choice but to confront the painful past he hoped to forget.
Black Gables
Author Eibhlís Carcione
For Ages 10+
Rosella’s mother has lost her memory and her family have returned to Black Gables where she grew up. Hoping that her old home might trigger her memories. But all is not right at Black Gables―in fact everything is wrong as Rosella attends the villages creepy school. Expect sinister teachers, ghouls, hauntings in this spooky heartwarming book from Cork author Eibhlís Carcione.
The World Between the Rain
Author Susan Cahill
For Ages 10+
An exciting debut from talented Cork Author Susan Cahill.
It's the week before Halloween and Marina’s turning thirteen. Missing her dead father and alone since her mother’s mysterious deep unending sleep began, Marina is sent to live with her mysterious grandmother. While there she is told about the strange world that exists between the ever falling rain in the West of Ireland. A haunting watery world full of strange creatures, demons, gods and dream makers. Meanwhile, in our world the strange sleeping sickness that first began with Marina’s mother has taken over. Will Marina come back in time to save her and the others? Can she survive the world between the Rain?
The Great Irish Biodiversity Book
Author Éanna Ní Lamhna
Illustrated by Barry Falls
For Ages 9+
Louth Wildlife expert Éanna Ní Lamhna takes us on a trip through Irish wildlife habitats – from bogs to beaches and woodland to grassland. Discover how habitats work and which creatures and plants to look out for in each one, from the very rare to the most common, all brought to life with the beautiful illustrations of Barry Falls.
The Forest Yet to Come
Author Sam Thompson
Illustrated by Anna Tromop
For Ages 9+
The final instalment of the Wolfstongue Saga from the award-winning Belfast based author Sam Thompson.
The Forest is endless and filled with savage wolves. The human settlement stays safe inside its walls - but two children, Sally and Faolan, long to know what lies beyond. One day a stranger arrives. His name is Reynard: trickster, storyteller, secret-keeper. He can show the children the way through the Forest, but the journey will be more dangerous than they imagine.
There are worse things in the world than wolves, and the fox has one final trick to play.
Juniper’s Christmas
Author Eoin Colfer
Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
For Ages 9+
A brand-new Christmas classic adventure from best-selling Wexford author (and An Post book Awards Author of the Year nominee) Eoin Colfer. A story about the science behind the magic of Christmas, set in North London and the North Pole.
It’s been ten years since Santa Claus performed his Christmas duties, but when Juniper Lane discovers the mysterious Niko, who lives in her local London park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly, she steps into a Christmas story like no other.
When Juniper’s mum goes missing and the park comes under threat from an ambitious park keeper, Juniper enlists Niko, who is surely Santa Claus, to help.
As the countdown to Christmas begins, Juniper must find her mother, restore the festive spirit, bring to life the true magic of the season and learn to ride her very own reindeer. A thrilling Christmas story for readers aged 9+.
Haunted Ireland: An Atlas of Ghost Stories from Every County
Author Kieran Fanning
Illustrated by Mark Hill
For Ages 8+
Wicklow Storyteller Kieran Fanning takes us on a visit to every county in Ireland through 32 spooky stories. From well-known hauntings like The Ghost of Loftus Hall and The White Lady of Kinsale, to lesser-known sightings like The Black Pig of Kiltrustan and Father Hegarty’s Phantom Horse, there’s a story and a site to discover wherever you are in Ireland!
This is a beautifully presented book that features a map of all the story locations so you can carry out your very own ghost tour – or stay safely at home poring over the stunning illustrations done by Dublin artist, Mark Hill.
Ireland’s Call: Six Nations Success
Author Paul O’Flynn
For Ages 8+
A book from Corkonian Paul O’Flynn. This is the gripping story of Ireland’s 2024 Six Nations campaign, for young readers. The latest book in Paul O’Flynn’s popular ‘Irish Sporting Legends’ series. It recounts the highs and lows, on and off the pitch, of the Irish Teams battle for Six Nations glory.
Can they shake off the disappointment in France? Who will fill inspirational Captain Johnny Sexton’s boots and lead the team? And can they overcome all obstacles to become back-to-back Six Nations champions?
The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore
Author Síne Quinn
Illustrated by Dermot Flynn
For Ages 8+
A collection of Irish fairy folk tales. This book will enchant lovers of the mystical, the magical, and the occult, and comes from Dublin Author, Síne Quinn.
Seal-skinned selkies, fair mermaids and the silver-tongued Charmer are all in this new book of fifteen remarkable fairies. These are the lesser-known heroes and villains of Irish folklore, from tiny leprechauns to enormous giants, trickster spirits to slippery shape-shifters. All inspiring tales from the Irish National Folklore Collection illustrated by Dermot Flynn.
Milly McCarthy and the Christmas Calamity
Author Leona Forde
Illustrated by Karen Harte
For Ages 8+
Best-selling Cork author Leona Forde and Dublin illustrator Karen Harte are at it again in this amazing Christmas themed instalment of the Milly McCarthy series.
It’s coming up to Christmas and Milly’s class is prepping for their end-of-term performance. This year they’ve decided on a festive concert, so they can each showcase their favorite talent. Milly can’t wait to take part - though she never anticipated quite such a starring role and really, it was totally NOT her fault that she literally brought the house down.
The stage is set for a truly festive fiasco for our favorite cailín from Cork!
And that’s it for October’s new books for older readers and teens! All of the above are newly released this month and available in local libraries and bookshops across the country.
For more book recommendations check out Discover Irish Kids Books or give them a follow on Instagram or X.
Discover Irish Kids Books round-up graphic by Bex Sheridan.
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 to highlight and celebrate Irish kids and teen books.
And don't forget that we have the RTÉjr Book Club every month, encouraging young readers to pick up a book!
