Children's Books Ireland: The Reading Matters guide, and new books for October
Eoin Colfer, Leon Diop and Judi Curtin: three authors recommended by Children's Books Ireland this month
At Children’s Books Ireland, our mission is simple: every child a reader.
Recently, we launched our ‘Reading Matters’ campaign, accompanied by the publication of our annual reading guide.
Through ‘Reading Matters’, we’re highlighting the hundreds of excellent books out there for young readers, and their importance in developing creativity, empathy and understanding.
We are truly lucky to have such an abundance of talented authors, illustrators, and publishers in Ireland who share our mission, and October is another month packed with great new releases including poetry, sport, history, myths and legends.
(Usborne).
It’s bedtime for Betsy, Bella, Benjamin and Billy as Daddy Bear gathers his cubs to get them ready for a snooze.
Five snuggly blankets invite young readers to interact with the story, discovering the baby bears snacking, playing and even reading under the covers to avoid going to sleep.
A board book that both grown-ups and children can enjoy about the all-important wind-down before bedtime (2+).
(Futa Fata).
Scéal deas gleoite é seo! Luna and Sol find it hard to agree on a bedtime story, but luckily Mam is there to read them the story of Gealach, the moon, and Grian, the sun, whose differences send them to opposite ends of the world.
Endearing and beautifully illustrated with intricate details for readers to spot, this an enjoyable and accessible story for both confident and improving Irish speakers (5+).
(Little Island Books).
Aiming to open magical doorways into other worlds through poems of nature, friendship, conflict and simple pleasures, this collection is a breath of fresh air.
Combining some familiar Irish poems from well-known poets with new poetry from debut and emerging voices, the editors have taken care to gather poems that speak to one another as well as to the reader.
Ashwin Chacko’s illustrations enliven the text and are a true high point of this captivating journey through Irish poetry (8+).
(The O’Brien Press).
Set in the early 1900s, Sally and her sister Bridget set out from Cork across the ocean to begin a new life in New York.
This historical fiction, highlighting the resilience needed by migrants attempting to build a new life, forge friendships and start from scratch in a new country, sees Judi Curtin at her best.
Sally and Bridget’s story is both tenacious and gentle as they navigate what it means to be an Irish immigrant in America (9+).
(The O’Brien Press).
This second, thrilling instalment of Alex Dunne’s award-winning series does not disappoint.
Picking up some months after rescuing her baby brother from the Sídhe, Cat and her friend Shane meet the bewitching Becca.
Soon, they find themselves caught up in a plot to reclaim the god Dagda’s harp of power from the mythical island of Hy Brasil.
effortlessly blends Irish mythology with the challenges of modern life in a narrative that is equal parts adventure, warmth and humour (9+).
(Red Shed).
This large-format compendium introduces readers to a history of sport in Ireland.
From the history of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to the foundation of the GAA, with golf, rugby and horse racing in between, this comprehensive guide will appeal to a multitude of sports fans.
Spotlighting Ireland’s greatest athletes both past and present and bursting with surprising facts, this is an ideal read for the sporty child in your life (10+).
(Walker Books).
When evil Prince Delbayne claims the throne of Lagin for himself using dark magic, he sets his stepbrother Prince Lir on a dangerous quest of rescue to the dragon Lasvarg’s keep.
With only his wit and resourcefulness to protect him, Lir’s bravery soon reveals the truth behind Delbayne’s plans to thwart the true claimant to the throne.
A carefully crafted traditional quest from two of Ireland’s former Laureate na nÓg, this is a tale that will have you lost in time (10+).
(Gill Books).
Anyone who has ever thought that history is boring simply needs to read this book.
Highlighting unusual and oft-forgotten Irish people and animals, this book is a delight.
Including both the fact and fiction that surrounds each figure, Dungan does an excellent job of acknowledging the grey areas of where historical figures can be remarkable, but also problematic, with a light touch and a lot of humour. A fascinating read (11+).
(Little Island Books).
Busting the myth that being Black and Irish is a new identity, debut authors Leon Diop and Briana Fitzsimons share the stories of Black and Irish activists, creatives and community leaders who have shaped Ireland through the years.
This non-fiction read investigates what it means to be Black and Irish while affirming and celebrating the achievements of the Black Irish community. It is heartening to finally see an empowering book such as this on Irish shelves, a must-read for every Irish person (12+).
While many know October as spooky season and the Irish as the purveyors and inventors of Halloween, I think the autumn is the best time to delve into ancient tales of myth and legend. Fortunately, there are a number to choose from this month.
(Nosy Crow)
In her first collection of short stories for younger readers, Northern Irish-Kashmiri poet Nikita Gill places an emphasis on intergenerational storytelling in this charming book of Indian animal fables passed on to her by her grandmother.
Written in a style that lends itself well to being read aloud, these tales would make for beautiful bedtime reading, while Chaaya Prabhat’s illustrations also make this book a feast for the eyes (9+).
(HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Ellen Ryan’s expert storytelling and Conor Merriman’s exquisite illustration tie together in an engaging and affective exploration of masculinity in Irish mythology.
These stories are of extraordinary Irish gods who were healers, champion hurlers, farmers, hunters, poets and even had pet dogs with magical farts.
One thing is for sure — Irish mythology should not be confined to the past, as there are many lessons to be learned, even now, from the gods in these stories (12+).
(Wide Eyed Editions)
Passed down through the generations from Viking times, Norse mythology already be familiar to some readers.
But beyond Thor and Loki, there are many gods and goddesses to explore, including Frigg, the queen of the goddesses, Tyr, the god of war and Freyja, the goddess of love and desire.
Stories of giants, monsters and mythical beings also find a place here, with striking illustrations adding to the playful and mysterious tone of this collection (13+).
The Reading Matters reading guide highlights 286 titles published in 2023, bringing together the best in children’s and Young Adult publishing across a variety of formats, from fiction and non-fiction to poetry and graphic novels.
Spotlighting the excellent books created by authors, illustrators and publishers on this island, Irish titles are marked with a shamrock symbol throughout.
Reviews are in English and as Gaeilge, with cover artwork commissioned from the Irish illustrator, Róisín Hahessy.
- Ruth Concannon is the Publications Officer 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 in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.
- To find out more see the Children’s Books Ireland website, childrensbooksireland.ie.
