Children’s book reviews: Forces of good and evil do battle in terrifying tales

Pet O’Connell rounds up a selection of equally spectacular and spooky stories that will keep readers from turning off the light

Above from left: Kieran Fanning takes readers on a trip around Ireland with 32 haunting tales; Eibhlís Carcione visits the spooky village of Black Gables, where Rosella Frawley battles with demonic teachers, and Piers Torday brings a new spin on the tales of werewolves and vampires. Fanning picture: Marta Nash/ Torday picture: David Shoukry

Haunted Ireland by Kieran Fanning, illustrated by Mark Hill (Gill Books, €24.99)

Gráinne Daly lives with her widowed mother in a dilapidated old cottage, eking out a meagre living as a scullery maid in the nearby “big house”.