Spark a love of stories with these new titles from Irish artists

Children’s Books Ireland has some recommended reads from tots to teens for autumn

In recent years, we have seen an explosion in Irish artists creating amazing books for children and young people. Picture: iStock

Ireland has a long-standing reputation as a nation of storytellers and in recent years, we have seen an explosion in Irish artists creating brilliant books for children and young people. 

From artists who have been born here, to those who have come to call Ireland home, and artists who have left their homeland but carry their Irishness with them — everyone has a story to tell.

This year, Children’s Books Ireland has created Recommended Irish Reads, a reading guide celebrating books from Irish artists. 

Cataloguing 100 fantastic stories along with 100 ‘read also’ recommendations for further exploration, the reading guide includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and verse novels for ages 0–18 years.

Below you will find some of the titles from the Recommended Irish Reads guide that are published in the month of September. Discover the guide for free on the website below.

What is a Pea Chick? by Erika McGann and illustrated by Clive McFarland (The O’Brien Press)

Have you ever had a thought that has led you down an unexpected path of rumination? Like what exactly is a pea chick and is it similar to a chickpea? Do umbrellas have chicks and would milk chicks moo? With a fantastic use of rhythm and wordplay, McGann and McFarland reunite after the success of Standing on One Leg is Hard with another entertaining picturebook. (3+)

The Great Discovery by Peter Donnelly (Gill Books)

When Nigel the dog uncovers a very old bone while digging in the garden, Mr Gray is on the case – could this be a very important discovery just in time for the grand re-opening of The Dead Zoo? Mr Gray makes a welcome return in this second adventure based around the beloved Dublin museum. Donnelly’s stylish, bold illustrations succeed in once again warmly capturing an important cornerstone of Irish culture. (4+)

I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me: Favourite Poems from an Irish Childhood by Sarah Webb and illustrated by Paul Delaney (The O’Brien Press)

Combining modern verses, familiar refrains, schoolyard rhymes and material from the National Folklore collection, Webb and Delaney’s selection of poems from an Irish childhood will provide a trip down memory lane for older readers and a new exposure to the fun of rhyme for younger readers. A collection that can be re-visited time and time again, traversing seasons, landscapes and ending with a sweet goodnight. (Poetry, 4+)

Let me Tell You a Joke by Sean Hegarty and illustrated by Jim Field (Nosy Crow)

Budding comedians take note — if you’re looking for a guide on first jokes this is it. Hegarty’s zany humour zips along with a host of animal-related puns, riddles and jokes that pair well with Field’s high-spirited images. What’s more, if you are practising your comedic delivery, access to a free audiobook will have readers perfecting their on-stage patter in no time. (Non-fiction, 5+)

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi (The O’Brien Press)

Struggling to find Palestine on a map in school, Falasteen seeks guidance from her family on where she can find her homeland. Written with sensitivity and care and inspired by the true story of the author’s maternal family, Falasteen learns how Palestine lives on in every Palestinian, in their food, traditions and, in their hearts. An important and timely read for all. (6+)

The Fairy Queen by Chrissy Donoghue Ward and illustrated by Monika Mitkute (Little Island Books)

When a wicked King and Queen banish the Traveller tradition of barter, a Fairy Queen comes to the aid of the Traveller King Paddy, transforming him into a leprechaun King. Combining the Irish Traveller tradition of storytelling with the legend of the leprechauns, the strength of this story is the authenticity of the author’s voice, effortlessly creating a story that feels as though it has been passed through the generations. (7+)

Tales for the Brave by Rachel Pierce and illustrated by Béibhinn McCarthy, Louise Dukes and Lauren O’Neill (Scholastic)

On the eve of Samhain, a druidess and a file gather around a bonfire at sunset, welcoming the spirits from beyond the veil to share their ancient tales. And so, begins a collection of Celtic tales from the mythologies of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany. Ethereal illustrations from three different artists bind this collection as an excellent treasury of stories familiar and lesser known. (9+)

The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley (Bloomsbury)

Edie and her brother Pip’s trip to her grandmother’s home at Fortune Farm is bittersweet, holding many memories of their father who has recently passed away. But Edie soon discovers that there are secrets lurking at Fortune Farm and a Viking mystery to be untangled from the whispers on the wind. Highly atmospheric, Kirtley’s slow build of tension creates a spooky dynamic in this layered text about coming to terms with loss. (10+)

Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by Dermot Flynn (Puffin)

As an eternal winter drags on, Fia’s village is struggling to survive and faces starvation. Setting forth with her snow deer, Solas, can Fia fulfil an ancient prophecy and return light to the land? Written in verse, readers will find themselves deeply immersed in Fia’s dark and wintery world with an ancient quest that places as much importance on kindness as it does bravery. (12+)

The History of Information by Chris Haughton (DK Books)

Chris Haughton’s first non-fiction book for older readers sweeps the broad history of humanity with a focus on how sharing information has shaped the world today. Managing to strike a delicate balance between presenting information in an easy-to-understand format, Haughton also succeeds in truly blowing readers’ minds with the breadth and depth of the influence of the spread of information. A truly remarkable piece of work that will appeal to grown-up readers too. (Non-fiction, 13+)

An Páirc an Chrócaigh by Sylvain Gâche and illustrated by Richard Guérineau, translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn (Dalen Éireann)

Linking two historic events, that of Bloody Sunday in 1920 and the Six Nations match of 2007 that saw Ireland play England in the historic grounds of Croke Park, this graphic novel shows the marks that Irish history has left on the present. With often graphic images, this is a fascinating read for those improving their reading skills as Gaeilge, or readers with an interest in the place of sport in Irish history. (14+)

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle (Simon & Schuster)

Catherine Doyle returns to her roots with a tale of enemies to lovers that will have readers captivated. In the city of Fantome, the power of shade can cloak those who wear it in shadows or bestow murderous powers to those who consume it. With their destinies intertwined, Seraphine and Ransom find themselves battling to find the light among the dark monsters of their city. A tense, twisting story peppered with Doyle’s signature banter, this is a must-read for romantasy fans. (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 www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more