After all the Easter egg hunting, it's time to sit down with a good book and we have a treasure trove of new releases for younger readers (& their care givers) from fish to a wild detective. From classic Lola and Larch to the President. Here are some of the best new books from Irish born or based writers and illustrators hitting book shops and libraries this month.
Compiled by award-winning and best-selling Irish Author Triona Campbell.
For Younger Readers look out for…
Don't Trust Fish - Age 3+
Author Neil Sharpson/ Illustrated by Dan Santat
Published by Andersen Press
A laugh-out-loud picture book all about fish and how we absolutely must not trust them, is out this month from Dubliner Neil Sharpson. Filled with deadpan humour it comes illustrated by New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Dan Santat.
Have you ever noticed that fish spend all of their time under water? What are they plotting down there? And did you know that a group of fish is called a 'school’? Exactly what are they learning in these ‘schools’? We must find answers. But one thing’s for sure. Whatever you do: Don’t. Trust. Fish.
Laugh along as you learn lots of fishy facts from a very suspicious narrator, who believes that there’s something more than a bit fishy about fish… Prepare to laugh, learn, and maybe even look at your pet goldfish a little differently.
Taking The Long Way Home - Age 3+
Author Jake Hope/ Illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald
Published by Scallywag Press
Another Dubliner with a new book out this month is illustrator Brian Fitzgerald working with Lancashire author Jack Hope.
Normally Zarah and her brother are collected from school by their dad, who rushes them home taking every shortcut. But today, Uncle Jerome is collecting them, and he takes them on 'The long way home'. Reluctant to go further than necessary, the children complain at first, but are soon caught up in amazing adventures, as their uncle gets them to use their five senses to conjure up a world of fun and imagination. Birds become pterodactyls, ripples in the water become crocodiles ... they soon realise that the best adventures only happen on the long way home!
A Little Birdie Told Me - Age 3+
Author Tarsila Krüse
Published by The O’Brien Press
Born in Brazil and Irish at heart Tarsila Krüse releases a super new book for those aged 3+ this month: A little birdie told me. A perfect party themed read.
There's going to be a party! All the birds are going, from the little robin to the graceful swan. There’ll be games, and dancing and cake – and someone very special is coming! Who could it be?
The Presidents Sticker Activity Book - Age 4+
Author Peter Donnelly
Published by Gill Books
Award winning Dublin author Peter Donnelly is back with another Presidents book – this time featuring stickers.
From spot the difference to mazes, colouring and join the dots, vacationers and staycationers alike will be happily entertained. Best of all is a pull-out full-colour poster featuring new art from Peter Donnelly, plus two pages of fantastic stickers to create your own scene.
The Nightmare Club: The Wolflings Bite - Age 5+
Author Annie Graves/ Illustrated by Glen McElhinney
Published by Little Island Books
This is writer Deidre O Sullivan’s first of two new books being released this April for Little Island under the pen name Annie Graves (especially written for ages 5+).
The Nightmare Club is a sleepover that is definitely not for wimps. Annie Graves is your host, and she only invites guests who can tell really creepy stories.
In the Wolflings Bite, Jessie is nuts about her cute little Wolfling toy. But her brother has heard rumours about Wolflings that can move even without being switched on. They can even turn nasty and bite. Read it, if you dare – but hang onto your nose!
Lola and Larch Mend a Magic Mess - Age 7+
Author Sinéad O’Hart/ Illustrated by Rachel Seago
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd
Lola and Larch is a Magical series with a heart-warming celebration of friendship at its core. All the books are funny and magical and this latest one is no exception. It's the perfect series for readers who like fairies, magic, and very naughty rabbits!
Magical adventures in a forest full of fairies with everyone's favourite human-fairy best friend team, Lola and Larch await as they uncover a threat to the forest where the fairy clan lives. Wicked Fairy Euphorbia Spurge is trying to knock down the stone circle and steal all its magic for herself! Can the best friends save the forest and Larch's village before its wild magic is released?
The Nightmare Club: Help! my brother’s a Zombie - Age 5+
Author Annie Graves/ Illustrated by Glen McElhinney
Published by Little Island Books
Did you ever hear that telling a nightmare makes it fade away? It doesn’t. Not here anyway. Welcome to the Nightmare Club’s Halloween Sleepover. You might not last till morning.
This is the story Jack told. His older brother Stephen was a great friend … until he started to change.
His smell.
His face.
His friends.
His diet… a perfect thrilling read for ages 5+
Arabella Pepper: The Wild Detective - Age 8+
Author E.R Murray/ Illustrated by Monika Pollak
Published by Natural World Publishing
When Arabella Pepper – nature lover, islander and Wild Detective – moves to the mainland with her family and her pet crow, Blue, her world falls apart. Making friends is difficult in busy, noisy Greytown, and Arabella’s new neighbours, the Pinch family, become instant enemies who will stop at nothing to get rid of Blue. Pets are going missing all over town, and for the first time, Arabella has a case she’s struggling to solve. To make matters worse, Mum and Dad are arguing and Arabella is worried her family is growing apart
Faced with losing everyone she loves, can Arabella use her Wild Detective skills to solve her toughest mystery yet, keep Blue, and reunite her parents before it’s too late?
A story of friendship and bravery, the adventures of Arabella and Blue will keep you on the edge of your seat and steal your heart.
And that’s it for new releases for younger readers this April (now available in local libraries and bookstores throughout 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 the RTÉjr Book Club every month with our friends from Children's Books Ireland - encouraging young readers to pick up a book!
