Children's book reviews: Unleash banshees, selkies, and pookas from these autumn pages

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

This month’s collection of books offers young readers a choice of magic and mystery or nursery rhymes and rom-coms to read about.

While the weather may have dramatically plunged us very firmly into autumn, spending more time indoors isn’t all doom and gloom with so many super new releases in the month of October — perfect for cosying up with in your favourite spot.

There is nothing more haunting than a book you didn’t finish reading, so this month we have plenty of page-turners to break the curse of readers’ block.

It goes without saying that October brings plenty of magic, mystery, and fairy folk for those who enjoy a scare at bedtime.

For those less enthused by Halloween reads, there are nursery rhymes, tales of kindness, and Regency rom-coms to see you through spooky season.

Irish Words for Nature by Manchán Magan and Steve Doogan (Gill Books)

A stylish board book for readers keen to share a love of wildlife and the Irish language with little ones, high contrast illustrations and gold foil detail make this an eye-catching read. 

Filled with the English and Irish words for common woodland creatures, along with fun facts about the origins of their names, what better way to practise your Gaeilge? (Non-fiction, 2+)

Mamaí Gé translated by Gabriel Rosenstock and illustrated by Kim Sharkey (Éabhlóid)

A whopper of a collection for nursery rhyme lovers, filled with 79 rhymes — some familiar and others lesser known — all lovingly translated by Rosenstock. 

With dream-like illustrations from Sharkey, this is a gorgeous treasury to behold. Poetry is as Gaeilge with English translations making this book a real labour of love to be treasured by the whole family. (Poetry, 3+)

Colours of Home by Miriam Latimer (Graffeg)

Leaving behind her homeland, Ana comes to live with Olive and her family as a refugee. Adjusting to a new life is difficult but, lucky for Ana, Olive’s kindness is a guiding light back to happiness.

Strikingly told, this is a powerful story on the importance of supporting refugees. Ana’s non-linear processing of her emotions is handled in a child-friendly manner and is something that children who have experienced displacement will empathise with, while inspiring compassion in those who have not. (5+)

An Fia sa Choill by Sadhbh Devlin and illustrated by Anastasia Melnykova (Futa Fata)

Inspired by the traditional Irish legends of Fionn Mac Cumhailll, the fate of Devlin’s namesake, the mysterious Sadhbh, is expanded upon in a story that feels both fresh and nostalgic. 

Showing how familiar tales can still be given a new lease of life, and accompanied by Celtic-style illustrations, this beautiful fable is easily accessible to both fluent and improving Irish language readers. (6+)

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by Steve McCarthy (Walker Books)

Baby banshee Beanie has one task: To bond with a human in order to predict their death in years to come. 

However, when Beanie’s bonding with Rose is interrupted, a new relationship between the girl and her bansheenie forms. 

Colfer and McCarthy are a dazzling duo in this endlessly entertaining retelling of banshee folklore. McCarthy’s illustrations elevate this story, making it a genuine work of art filled with familiar Irish iconography that readers will adore. (7+)

At Home in a Book by Lauren O’Hara (Puffin)

An enchanting booklovers paradise, this book explores the imagined interiors of literary homes from classic children’s literature — from Anne’s house in Anne of Green Gables to Captain Hook’s ship in Neverland and even Sherlock Holmes’ headquarters at 221b Baker St in London. 

Intricate watercolour illustrations reveal a minutia of detail, with each spread begging to be examined in detail.

Bookworms of all ages are certain to devour this treasure of a book. (8+)

Goldrush by Flora Delargy (Wide Eyed Editions)

Delargy’s beautiful, illustrated non-fiction seeks to lift the lid on hidden histories — in particular women’s place at the forefront of adventure. 

Beginning with Shaaw Tláa/Kate Carmack, a First Nation’s woman whose discovery of gold sparked the Klondike Gold Rush, Delargy shares the stories of other women whose lives were changed forever from this moment.

Soft watercolours sweep through history, taking readers along for an unexpected journey of discovery. (Non-fiction, 9+)

The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore by Síne Quin and illustrated by Dermot Flynn (Walker Books)

While there have been many collections of Irish fairy folktales throughout the years, there is something truly special about this collection.

Is it the effortless storytelling illuminating the enchanting nature of selkies, pookas, and shapeshifters? The spectacular illustrations showcasing the dark side of Irish fae? 

Whatever it is, reading this book I was so captivated that I felt as though I had truly ventured into the realm of the Good People.

An unmissably magical collection. (9+)

The World Between the Rain by Susan Cahill (Everything with Words)

The West of Ireland’s rain will be familiar to many but, when Marina is forced to enter a magical world between the falling drops, she must summon all her courage to face gods and demons to save her mother and others plunged into a strange deep sleep. 

Cahill’s debut fuses magic and mystery with a heartfelt look at family, coming-of-age, and dealing with grief. (12+)

I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner (Simon & Schuster)

Inspired by the work of Jane Austen and real historical figures like Anne Lister and Dido Belle, Conner’s Regency romance breaks new ground for LGBT+ rom-coms. 

As George, Eleanor, and Charlotte come of age in 1818, it is a truth universally acknowledged that all three are in want of love — just not necessarily a husband. A fun graphic novel with a delightful slow build of swoon-worthy romance. (14+)

Crying Wolf by James Butler (Little Island Books)

All Joey wants is a fresh start but, with his stepfather back in town and up to his old dodgy ways, that fresh start feels like it’s slowly slipping away.

A gritty crime thriller with a strong moral core, it exposes a side of Ireland not often represented in books for teens. 

This is an interesting look at masculinity and growing up in modern Ireland that will appeal to teenage boys in more ways than one. (16+)

Handle with Care by Louisa Reid (Guppy Books)

When Ruby unexpectedly gives birth, her life — and that of her best friend Ashley — is thrown into chaos.

Told in dual perspective fusing prose and verse, Reid’s unflinching story of unplanned teen pregnancy and how this is handled in society makes for an emotional and unforgettably heartbreaking read.

Verse novel fans of Sarah Crossan will particularly enjoy this one but, given the subject of the book as the title suggests, readers should handle with care when reading. (17+)

• 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