Children's book reviews: 12 books for January with Children's Book Ireland

Make better reading habits a goal for the new year with these terrific titles

There is plenty of stories to find on the bookshelves, which will captivate even the most reluctant of readers.

If you know a young reader whose New Year’s resolution is to build better reading habits, then you’re in luck — the fresh start of 2024 has brought an abundance of new reads for children and young people.

January is a great time to make a positive change, and building up the habit of reading is always easiest when you have an amazing book to look forward to.

So without further ado, our first round-up of the new year — featuring musical heroes, snails in space, time travelling penguins, and meerkats ordering pizza!

Have You Heard of Harry Styles? by Úna Woods

Have You Heard of Harry Styles? by Úna Woods (Pat-Cake-Books)

There are likely very few people left in this world who haven’t heard of Harry Styles, making this boardbook a delight for fans young and old!

With lift-the-flaps to change Harry’s costume for performances, and interactive wheels to observe his signature dance moves, this clever boardbook from an Irish illustrator is engaging and informative — with an inclusive message of kindness championed throughout. (3+)

Rainbowsaurus by Steve Anthony (Hodder Children’s Books)

With echoes of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, two dads and their family march along a rainbow in search of the Rainbowsaurus. 

On the way, they meet a gaggle of colourful animals, keen to join in the fun and contribute to the chaos. A lively and inclusive story, fantastic for learning colours and animals with a “roarsome” conclusion. (4+)

Snail in Space by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Nadia Shireen (Simon & Schuster)

An uplifting and empowering story, Gail the snail is not content to stay in her lane and has set her sights on becoming the first snail in space! 

While the journey is not easy and the doubters are many, Gail is undeterred — setting out for space camp to make her ambitions a reality.

Bright and bursting with energy, this rhyming tale is the pick-me-up we all need at the beginning of a new year. (4+)

A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey

A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey (Nosy Crow)

When the fears of the rabbits, hens, and sheep become overwhelming, they flock to speak to a horse called Now — who offers them wisdom in their moments of panic. 

Now’s philosophy of focusing on the present where “at this moment all is well” inspires the animals to face their fears, secure in the knowledge that even the wildest of storms will always pass. 

A gentle, mindful story about embracing the power of Now. (4+)

Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

Fed up with the weather in Antarctica, Splash the penguin decides it’s time to get away for a holiday with his best pal Pablo. 

When the penguins stumble across Prof O’Brain’s Timebender machine, they think all their transportation issues are solved — unfortunately, Splash’s commands to bring the penguins “somewhere hot” results in a trip to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. 

Early readers keen to try a graphic novel will enjoy this funny adventure of two hapless penguins’ journey through time. (8+)

The Minute Minders by Mary Murphy (Pushkin Press)

Fidders are invisible to humans, but help them out in many areas of their lives.

There are the Listeners, who help with feelings; the Art Department, who match creative ideas with humans; and the Pet Department, who match animals with humans. 

Stevie wants to be a Truth Revealer, like her dad, but she finds it hard not to interfere with his cases — leading to a clash with the Minute Minders and a Special Assignment she and her father must complete. 

With soft pencil illustrations throughout, Murphy’s first longer book for older readers has the cosy feel of a new classic. (8+)

How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? Wild Facts About Animals and the Scientists Who Study Them by Brooke Barker

How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? Wild Facts About Animals and the Scientists Who Study Them by Brooke Barker (Faber & Faber)

Did you know that crows can remember human faces?

That bonobos hate bad smells? Or that each humpback whale has a unique tail pattern?

Showcasing different scientists and the creatures that they study, Brooke Baker’s graphic novel style illustrations fuse humour with intriguing science-based facts about animals — such as macaques, jaguars, and meerkats.

The lively approach to sharing information and the eye-catching title makes this book endlessly appealing for reluctant readers. (9+)

Stitch by Pádraig Kenny (Walker Books)

Reinvigorating the Frankenstein story for a younger generation, Stitch and Henry Oaf’s lives are disrupted when their creator — Prof Hardacre — passes away and his nephew takes over his laboratory.

When the young professor’s methods of furthering his uncle’s inquiries take a turn for the worse, Stitch and Henry Oaf make an escape for the outside world — unsure if it will welcome them.

 Kenny shines in creating well-rounded, tender characters that are endlessly loveable. With effective world-building, captivating imagery, and fun wordplay, this is a modern classic in the making. (10+)

Northern Soul by Phil Earle (Barrington Stoke)

Marv’s life changes with Carly Stonehouse’s arrival in school, and he will do anything to catch her attention.

Enter Otis Redding, The King of Soul and an answer to Marv’s prayers, helping guide him into Carly’s arms.

The only problem is that Marv’s version of Otis has a Yorkshire accent and an obsession with chips, and let’s just say his chat-up lines are not as smooth as his lyrics. 

Equal parts hilarious and cringe inducing, Marv’s attempts to “get the girl” with his imaginary sidekick are disastrously relatable. (14+)

Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain

Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain (Walker Books)

Set in Northern Ireland in 2018, on the cusp of the Repeal referendum, the lives of teens Mel and Sid are turned upside down when they experience an unplanned pregnancy after their first date.

Facing pressures on all sides, and with their own futures at risk, they try to figure out a path that’s best for them. 

McCaughrain is an undeniable talent and a force to be reckoned with, skilfully exploring all the facets of debates around reproductive rights, while leaving enough space for the reader to truly fall in love with Mel and Sid.

I predict this book will make a big bang this year — and rightly so. (15+)

Signed Sealed Dead by Cynthia Murphy (Scholastic)

True-crime obsessed Paige gets more than she bargains for when her family moves to her father’s hometown, where a series of murders in the nineties remain unsolved.

Unthinkably, a copycat murderer is on the loose — re-enacting the crimes of the past. When Paige uncovers a series of notes connecting her house with the murders, she is compelled to investigate further.

Tense, dramatic, and expertly woven, Murphy’s pacy writing is a magnet for teens who love a thriller. (15+)

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N Williams (Faber & Faber)

Set in Shakespearean London, Joan has been blessed by Ogun — a deity of the ancient gods of Orisha — and is skilled in creating and manipulating metal, landing her a coveted job at the Globe Theatre.

But when an ancient pact between the Fae and mortal worlds is broken, the streets of London become a danger to all. Combining Yoruba myths, Shakespearean drama, a love triangle, and a race-against time adventure, this fantasy debut certainly packs a punch. (15+)

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, and to support the artists who make that goal possible across Ireland.

• www.childrensbooksireland.ie