Fun and informative summer reading for children of all ages

Ruth Concannon samples books about everything from bears to football to Goldilocks

MAY brought a variety of excellent reads, from picturebook adventures around Cork and Dublin, non-fiction reads with GIY recipes, and fiction on everything from eclectic soccer teams to book banning in the US!

There was much to celebrate when it comes to children’s books and during May Children’s Books Ireland hosted the annual KPMG Children’s Books Ireland awards as part of the International Literary Festival in Dublin: Catfish Rolling by Clara Kumagai took the top prize.

A Cork Fairytale by Amy Louise O’Callaghan (The O’Brien Press)

The three bears need Goldilocks’s help to find some birthday gifts that are just right! In this modern retelling of the popular tale, Goldilocks and the three bears explore the sights and famous attractions of Cork City and county. 

Cork native O’Callaghan’s retro-style illustration lovingly captures the hustle and bustle of the rebel county. Both modern and timeless, this is an unmissable fairytale for any Cork locals. (3+)

Teidí agus an Capall Draíochta le Sadhbh Rosenstock, maisithe le Ciara Ní Dhuinn (Picnic Press)

Scéal gleoite anseo! Teidí, Tríona and Tomás go on a walk in the woods with Mamó and Daideo, there’s magic in the air as the teddies stumble across a majestic purple unicorn!

A simple but lovely story of the magic that can happen when you take a walk with your grandparents. Easy to follow no matter your level of Gaeilge, this series is also available in animated musical formats on YouTube and Spotify. (3+)

Goodnight Sun by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Morag Hood (Faber & Faber)

Sun has spent the day being a big ball of energy, but now it’s time for bed; the only problem is, Sun will do anything to avoid their night-time routine! This bedtime story will resonate with many as the weary Sea, Clouds and Mountains try to maintain their calm in the face of Sun’s aversion to bedtime.

McLaughlin and Hood are a dynamic duo in this relatable bedtime tale that should (hopefully) lull young readers off to sleep. (4+)

The Ballad of Cactus Joe by Lilly Murray, illustrated by Clive McFarland (Oxford University Press)

Cactus Joe is the toughest, meanest cactus in all the desert, but what will happen if he allows a bird to nest among his prickles? Belfast-based illustrator McFarland uses his signature wit and bright neon detailing, transforming the static cactus into a lively desert focal point.

With all the snarl of John Wayne and musicality of Johnny Cash, Cactus Joe’s kind centre transforms into a ballad of the importance of letting others in. (4+)

A Blooming Great Day by Úna Woods (The O’Brien Press)

An intergenerational celebration of Bloomsday follows a granddad and granddaughter as they visit the spots around Dublin popularised by James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Perfect for getting our youngest readers interest in the concept of Bloomsday, this book also highlights how stories can connect us across the generations. Another colourful whirlwind of a story with plenty of heart from Woods. (5+)

Bad United: Just for Kicks by Louise Forshaw (Little Tiger)

When Hoof the unicorn is booted off his soccer team, he joins Bad United, in the hopes that they will recognise his true talent. But with the team consisting of a dinosaur, a skeleton, a fairy, a cheetah and a spider, could this group of misfits really stand a chance against the Blazing Dragons?

Mayhem and chaos abound in this comic-style story, aimed at reluctant readers, sporty kids and fantasy fans who will all find common ground in this madcap short read. (7+)

Brown Bears by Dr Nick Crumpton, illustrated by Colleen Larmour (Walker Books)

This Attenborough-esque non-fiction follows a female brown bear and her cubs in Alaska spanning a year in their lives.

Filled with fascinating facts, readers will learn how the mother bear teaches her cubs survival skills and hibernation habits. Lisburn illustrator Larmour’s rustic watercolours are evocative of the terrain of the woods and are charming enough that they wouldn’t be out of place in a traditional fairytale. (Non-fiction, 7+)

Colossal Words for Kids by Collette Hiller, illustrated by Tor Freeman (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

A herculean effort has been made in the creation of this book to place readers in fine fettle to expand their vocabulary, rendering everyday language effervescent and sparking a more gregarious nature in young folk.

If you think this is inconceivable, or hyperbolic, please note I have used many of the words within the book to construct this ostentatious paragraph. Great fun for readers who adore wordplay! (8+)

From Plant to Plate by Darryl Gadzekpo and Ella Philips, illustrated by Alan Berry Rhys (DK Books)

A powerhouse of a book, this is an all-encompassing guide that not only teaches readers how to grow and cook their own food, but also looks at how food fuels our bodies.

A joy to read that will appeal to both parents and children alike, this practical framework is filled with tips for growing your own vegetables, plant-based recipe ideas and suggestions on how to properly nourish your body. (Non-fiction, 9+)

The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival (Simon & Schuster)

Percival proves himself as an authentic voice in his first book for older readers based on the lived experience of his own childhood. Exploring life through Will’s eyes as his family struggles with financial difficulties, the contrast between Will’s upbringing and that of his classmates are captured in graphic, stark illustrations that intersperse this quietly powerful novel.

Inspiring empathy rather than sympathy, Will’s story is the reality experienced by an increasing number of children in recent years. (12+)

The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani (Usborne)

Priya has always followed the rule of ‘pretend everything is perfect at all times,’ meaning lots of white lies to keep everyone else happy. But when her Ba passes away and leaves Priya a magic bangle, she finds herself suddenly unable to tell anything but the truth!

Confessing her crushes and her true thoughts for the first time, how can Priya stay true to herself without hurting her loved ones with her brutal honesty?

An amusing teen drama with plenty of heart, this one is ideal for any recovering perfectionists. (13+)

This Book Won’t Burn by Samira Ahmed (Atom Books)

Uprooted to finish her senior year in small-town Bayberry Illinois, Noor is struck by the lack of diversity in her new high school as principal Carter is implementing bans on books by LGBTQ+ and authors of colour.

Unable to remain silent, Noor forms the ‘Bayberry Banned Camp’ to fight back against Carter’s censorship, but at what cost? The banning of “challenging” books for teenagers and young adults is explored in an authentic way by Ahmed, who peppers the narrative with titles of books that have been challenged, restricted and banned in American schools.

An important and timely read. (14+)

• Ruth Concannon is the publications officer for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions reading. Their mission is to inspire children and young people to read, to advise the adults who guide them, to champion every child’s right to books and live literature events and to support writers.
• See childrensbooksireland.ie for more.