Children's book reviews: 12 books for summer with Children's Books Ireland

Summer distractions with tales of mean geese, shy towns, hidden treasures and heart-stopping romance

Summer offers the opportunity for a young person to broaden their horizons through reading.

Summertime is here, and we have tales aplenty to keep young readers distracted at the end of the school term. 

With the excitement of the summer months can often come the urge to try new things, and this month we have gathered stories that touch on the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

Read on for tales of mean geese, shy towns, hidden treasures and heart-stopping romance.

June is also a bumper busy month at Children’s Books Ireland HQ with the release of two recommended reading guides, our Reading Together with Refugees guide in partnership with the UNHCR and our 2024 Pride Reading Guide. 

Check out our website www.childrensbooksireland.ie to explore 100 reading recommendations in each guide for readers aged up to 18 years.

Sparks of Imagination by Stephen Hogtun (DK Books)

We are all born with a spark of imagination that when unlocked creates a world of wonderment. An ode to feeding, stretching and protecting our spark, Hogtun’s high-spirited illustrations invite readers to embrace what makes them unique. A nourishing read for little ones to encourage individuality, or an uplifting story to remind grown-ups to reignite that spark of wonder. (4+)

Little Lion Girl by Olivia Hope, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock (Bloomsbury)

The buzz of a visit to the big city is captured by Leonie’s bold confidence as she prowls the concrete jungle. Amazing, clever and curious, the love and safety of her mum gives her the bravery to take on the world. A touching tale of the mother-daughter bond and what gives us the strength to truly roar; this picturebook is a feast for your eyes and a banquet for your emotions. (4+)

Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle by Nicola Colton (Nosy Crow)

Living in isolation atop a tall tree, Bertha has abandoned her once glittering life as an inventor after a former friend betrayed her trust by stealing her invention. But there’s a rumble in the jungle that needs to be investigated and Bertha soon realises she needs help in the form of her latest creation Blink. Bertha’s social anxiety is wonderfully handled as she starts to trust again and learns that a good friend can help to bring you out of your shell. (6+)

Gordon the Meanest Goose by Alex Latimer (Oxford University Press)

Watch out, there’s a new Mr Nasty on the scene! From sending mice floating into the stratosphere, to orchestrating squirrel attacks, Gordon is a well-deserving recipient of the Meanest Goose on Earth Award, that is, until a brave piglet called Anthony stops him in his tracks. A limited palette of reds, blacks and whites adds intensity to Gordon’s hostile antics in this short and funny tale of a goose who is trying to do better. (6+)

Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune by Chris Judge (Gill Books)

When Flo and Eddie’s snooping in their boring Granddad’s house unearths an evil bad guy frozen in time, they unwittingly release Evil Duck back out into the world! Luckily, it’s Granddad to the rescue, as Fearless Frank makes a come-back and this time, he’s got his grandchildren to help him fight the bad guys. Can Flo and Eddie help Fearless Frank to prevent the Evil Duck from locating the all-powerful feather of fortune? Chris Judge’s first venture into graphic novels is a pun-filled laugh-a-minute superhero adventure. A super intergenerational story ideal for the summertime. (8+)

Chasing the Shy Town by Erika McGann, illustrated by Toni Galmés (Little Island)

Senan doesn’t particularly care for adventures but when his attention is grabbed by a mysterious town that shyly appears and disappears to avoid notice, he soon finds himself on the chase! Accompanied by his granny and neighbour Joshua Robyn, the gang make some unusual new friends and uncover the secret of the shy town. Whimsical, yet sincere, McGann’s subtle story on the perils and pressures of chasing perfection is an imaginative treat. (8+)

Freya’s Gold by Fiona Longmuir (Nosy Crow)

Mystery abounds in Longmuir’s return to the seaside town of Edge. When a developer threatens to buy up Edge’s historical boardwalk evicting Freya and her Granny Kate, Freya is forced outside of her comfort zone to save her home. Little does Freya know, Edge could have even more hidden treasures than she realised … A super story for reluctant readers with plenty of pace and puzzles to keep the attention, balanced with a dollop of strong friendships to warm the heart. (9+)

Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo (Bloomsbury)

Mayowa, like all dedicated readers, understands the power of a good book, but this takes on new depth when discovers she is a Logosalter, an inherited power which allows her to unleash the emotions contained in a book. Determined to use her powers to help refugees, can Mayowa conquer the spread of hostility in the world? There’s more than one lesson to learn in this exquisitely written story, Onuzo delicately tackles real-world political corruption and the treatment of refugees with a spark of magic and a reminder of the power of words. Absolute gold. (10+)

Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces by Carlos Sánchez (Flying Eye)

Chiri and Dai find themselves transported to the magical realm of Puddin’ ruled over by the Shadow King and governed by runic magic. Their search for a return home leads them on a quest that uncovers Chiri’s own hidden powers and the strength of their friendship. A stunning graphic novel from the incredible illustrations, offbeat characterisation and the otherworldly setting, there is much to praise. However, seeing Chiri, a Deaf character communicating in a mix of BSL and fictional sign language, grow as a character is the beating heart of this story. (10+)

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata)

Tá sceitimíní orainn faoi Heartstopper as Gaeilge! Alice Oseman’s record-breaking and universally beloved graphic novel is now available in Irish, wonderfully translated by Eoin McEvoy. When Charlie and Nick are assigned to sit next to each other, Charlie develops an instant crush. But could popular rugby-loving Nick possibly return his feelings? Beirt Bhuachaillí. Cairdeas. Splanc an ghrá. Readers will be unable to stop themselves from falling in love with Charlie and Nick’s story. (12+)

Apocalypse Cow by O.R. Sorrell (Guppy Books)

When the world is ending and animals have developed a thirst for tearing humans apart, the last thing Mel wants is to be sheltering from the chaos with her enemy Dorian and ex-bestfriend Ella, is there any chance of a happy ending after watching your biology teacher be melted by seagull lava poo? A quirky climate-change dystopia with a twist, this is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time, with hilarious dialogue to rival that of The Gilmore Girls. Sorrell’s début is unmissable and one to watch. (15+)

The Big Ask by Simon James Green (Barrington Stoke)

When “It couple” Summer and Harvey unexpectedly break up a few days before prom, Alfie can’t believe his luck when Harvey agrees to be his date instead! But the rumour mill starts to whirl: why is Harvey going to prom with Alfie? Harvey is straight, right? A dyslexia-friendly read with all of Simon James Green’s signature banter and humour, both Alfie and Harvey learn that the only expectations they need to live up to are their own — an important lesson for any age. (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, 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.
• See childrensbooksireland.ie for more.

BOOKS & MORE

Check out our Books Hub where you will find the latest news, reviews, features, opinions and analysis on all things books from the Irish Examiner's team of specialist writers, columnists and contributors.