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

Celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge by supporting Irish authors and titles

With March marking Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patrick’s Day, what better way to celebrate than by supporting Irish authors and illustrators.

In a very strong month for new publications from Ireland’s brightest and best, we see excellent debuts — more than one new series kicking off — and established artists experimenting with new genres and formats.

If you are looking for more Irish language titles than the few featured here, be sure to check out Children’s Books Ireland’s new Give Leabhar Gaeilge reading guide, highlighting 100 great reads for children and young people as Gaeilge. 

Guides can be picked up from libraries, bookshops, or downloaded for free via our website www.childrensbooksireland.ie.

Hello Bird! by Owen Churcher, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey (Templar Books)

A super story for springtime, which follows a plucky young bird who is ready to experience life on her own terms.

Out of a peculiar egg in a curious nest, a tiny bird emerges and begins to explore under the watchful gaze of the other creatures in the garden. 

Teaching readers to expect the unexpected, Sharkey’s colourful illustrations have a playful sense of movement as the little bird takes her first steps into the world. (3+)

Skipping Stones by Tatyana Feeney (Beehive Books)

Tatyana Feeney’s wordless picturebook is a snapshot of a tender moment between a father and daughter, setting out on a walk to skim some stones. 

Light watercolour illustrations and thin, inky line drawings create a dream-like quality as we follow the pair on their big day out. With no words to guide them, the reader controls the narrative, free to interpret the story as they choose. (4+)

Dexter Lost his Boo-Woo by Shane Hegarty, illustrated by Ben Mantle (Hodder Children’s Books)

Dexter has searched everywhere for his missing Boo-Woo: It has horns, a tail, fiery eyes, sticky fur and icky feet … where could such a fearsome creature have got to?

A steadily more alarming description of the Boo-Woo’s fearsome features is accompanied by wilder and wilder illustrations as the story progresses. 

Shane Hegarty’s first venture into picturebooks exceeds expectations, and is a testament to the wild imagination of childhood and the unbreakable bond with a favourite toy. (4+)

Na Trí Mhuicín by Áine Ní Ghlinn, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly (Futa Fata)

The familiar tale of Na Trí Mhuicín, or The Three Little Pigs, is re-imagined here as Gaeilge by Ireland’s former Laureate na nÓg.

Ní Ghlinn’s rhyming tale absorbs the reader, lulling us into a story that is both novel and familiar.

Paddy Donnelly is at his best here, with playful illustrations of a stealthy Mac Tíre mór, the Big Bad Wolf, that propel the narrative forward.

One of my favourite adaptations in recent years, easily enjoyed and understood by Irish language readers of all levels. (4+)

Finscéalta na hÉireann by Eithne Massey, illustrated by Lisa Jackson, translated by Patricia Nic Eoin (The O’Brien Press)

Improving Irish language readers will find the perfect opportunity to sharpen their skills with this keepsake translation of Massey’s original collection of old Irish fairytales.

Classic tales like Clann Lir (The Children of Lir), An Bradán Feasa (The Salmon of Knowledge), and Oisín in Tír na nÓg are recounted in a style that begs to be read aloud with little ones. 

Watercolour illustrations from Jackson bring a nostalgic feel to this book. (7+)

Zooming the Zoo by John Dougherty, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones (Otter-Barry Books)

This new poetry collection from Northern Irish writer John Dougherty is a treat for poetry lovers, veering from serious silliness to heartfelt and tender rhymes.

Tom Morgan-Jones’ quirky, retro illustrations will appeal to children and adults alike. Dougherty’s playful approach pokes fun at poetic conventions and creates a clever collection. (8+)

Lola and Larch Fix a Fairy Forest by Sinéad O’Hart, illustrated by Rachel Seago (Nosy Crow)

O’Hart and Seago are a magical pairing in this first in a new series for early readers.

On a stormy night in the forest, Larch the fairy catapults herself into Lola’s life in the guise of a rabbit. 

The evil fairy Euphorbia Spurge is out to steal Larch’s magic, but the pair’s newfound friendship might just be the key to stopping her dastardly plans.

A cosy adventure story, complete with O’Hart’s trademark world-building and a dash of enchantment from Seago’s atmospheric illustrations. (8+)

Nina Peanut is Amazing by Sarah Bowie (Scholastic)

Nina is desperate for internet fame, competing for Boogletoob likes and subscribers with popular girl Megan.

Unexpectedly paired with Megan for their school talent show, Nina suddenly finds herself trending on Boogletoob, but her newfound fame comes with a price. 

A riot to read, this story touches on friendship, chasing popularity, the perils of internet fame, and the inauthenticity of life online. 

Unmissable for any young readers dreaming of YouTube stardom. (9+)

Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

When Max strikes a bargain with Captain Eliza O’Malley aboard the Stolen Sunrise, he has only one goal: Bringing home enough magic to cure his sick brother, Christopher.

However, with a dark pirate ship rising from the deep and destroying the magical islands of Darksea, Max may get more than he bargained for. 

Galway author Doyle never fails to hit the mark, consistently hitting a balance between action-packed adventures, clever humour and moving storylines. 

Her latest release is no exception, certain to be a firm favourite with readers seeking a swashbuckling tale. (9+)

Into the Witchwood by Méabh McDonnell (The O’Brien Press)

Rowan’s grandmother always warned her not to go into the woods, but when her mother disappears, she realises its dangers were no mere fairytales. 

Desperate to find her mum, Rowan ventures into the Witchwood herself, but will Granny’s warnings be enough to protect her from the witch’s magic? 

A stunning debut from McDonnell, the labyrinthine Witchwood is richly evoked as Rowan’s quest challenges both her own magical abilities and her emotional growth. 

A spellbinding tale about digging deep and bravely facing your fears. (10+)

The Tree That Sang to Me by Serena Molloy, illustrated by George Érmos (Hodder Children’s Books)

When Kai’s sister Jen leaves home, shockwaves are sent through the family unit, with Kai finding the absence of his sister particularly difficult.

Anxious at school and struggling to verbalise his feelings, Kai’s only respite is sitting in the peace and solitude of his favourite tree. 

Molloy’s verses deftly create a short, but striking, story on coping with anxiety and the bond between siblings.

A dyslexia-friendly story, with emotive illustrations from Érmos capturing key moments throughout. (11+)

Trigger by CG Moore (Little Island Books)

Award-winning author Moore highlights the topic of male rape and sexual assault with his signature, searing honesty.

Following the aftermath of his assault, Jay tries to piece together his normal life alongside memories of the traumatic ordeal.

An important read on a seldom explored topic, this is a difficult but deeply moving tale of courage and recovery following a traumatic event. 

With graphic and upsetting content, this is best suited to older teenagers. (16+)

• 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.
• www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more.