Books for children

Shadow Snatcher by Lou Kuenzler (A&C Black; €7.10).

‘It was Halloween when Death came to my house.’ An enigmatic beginning like this immediately draws the reader into this spooky book. Aidan and his four-year-old sister Eva are alone when Death comes knocking at the door. He has come for Eva. Aidan has to outwit the spook to save his sister. Sinister, scary and funny, this is an irresistible read for age eight and upwards.

Walter Tull’s Scrapbook by Michaela Morgan (Frances Lincoln; €14.22) This is the inspiring story of a former Tottenham Hotspur footballer and war hero who faced adversity in both his careers. After his father died, Walter was brought up in a Hackney children’s home. After playing for some minor clubs he ended up as the first black outfield player in the English league. Even then, he was subjected to horrific racist chants in some grounds. The story is presented as a fictional scrapbook. His experiences seem very relevant in today’s era of multicultural premier division life. Suitable for age nine and upwards.