Children's book reviews: New books teach readers the lessons we need to learn again

Children’s book reviews for January by Ruth Concannon of Children’s Books Ireland

If children are feeling more inclined towards hibernation than resolution, below are some lovely books to keep them company.

After an indulgent and cosy Christmas, many people may find themselves racing towards newness — eager to shake off the cobwebs and dive into self-improvement.

The first books of 2025 certainly celebrate newness: New adventures, new life, newfound bravery, and first love.

But they also embrace the familiar and the comfortable: Cherishing old friends, leaning into the support of your loved ones, and trusting the strength from within.

January is still a winter month, and an often dreary one at that, so don’t make the mistake of rushing forward before you’ve had time to stop for a breather. If you are feeling more inclined towards hibernation than resolution, here are some lovely books to keep you company.

Eoinín ag an Siopa by Muireann Ní Chíobháin, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy (Futa Fata)

Eoinín is learning all about the world around him, making this a cosy and informative first experiences series for early Irish language readers. Can you help Eoinín to steer the trolley, find the cheese, and pay for the groceries all before his ice-cream melts?

The perfect starting point for parents eager to encourage spoken Irish with little ones. (2+)

Amazing Baby by Alison Brown (Farshore)

As various animals adapt to the adventures of life with a baby, all of the mess, noise, and fun of having a newborn in your life is warmly rendered. 

As babies can be crashy, splashy, and lead to late nights, this sweet picture book would make for a relatable “what to expect when you are expecting” for any soon to be older siblings. (3+)

Friends Forever by Mary Murphy (Happy Yak)

Two monkey friends make the most of their care-free days, but when times get tough, that’s when they learn the strength of their friendship. 

A seemingly simple tale with hidden depths on the importance of good friends. 

Murphy’s stark monochrome monkeys stand out in contrast to the bright green of the jungle, making this an iconic follow-up to last year’s I Love You. (3+)

Love Grows Here by Amy Adele (Magic Cat Publishing)

Mabel’s garden has always been a place where love, friendship, and kindness grow.

So, when she falls ill, the mouse family rally round to support her husband Stan and preserve the love and connection that can be found in the garden.

With nostalgic illustrations reminiscent of The Animals of Farthing Wood, this hopeful story of community and care is the happiest hug of a book. (5+)

The Boldest White by Ibtihaj Muhammad and SK Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Andersen Press)

A fencing tournament is coming up but, even with the encouragement of those around her, Faizah is reluctant to stand out from the crowd and put her skills on display.

Co-written by an Olympic athlete, this is a story of digging deep and growing the roots of your bravery. 

Little readers who struggle with confidence or anxiety will be inspired by how, with love and support, Faizah finds the strength to lean into her courage. (6+)

Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by various artists (Walker Books)

There is much to glean from Coelho’s second collection of Ten-Word Tiny Tales; the power a short story can have to grab your attention; the transformative affect illustrations can have upon the words of an author and how love can come in many forms. 

This inspiring collection features the artwork from a number of celebrated illustrators, including our own Steve McCarthy.

Ideal for creative readers with writing prompts included at the end. (7+)

Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race by Eric Huang, illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang (Little Tiger)

When the Jade Emperor announces a race to determine the 12 animals of the lunar zodiac, Ming and Miaow must take part in a three-day adventure — racing through forests of plenty, across treacherous mountainsides, and crossing the tricky weak river. 

But will their quick wits be enough to see them to the finish line? The first in a new series exploring Chinese myths and legends, this is an action-packed adventure ideal for the Lunar New Year. (9+)

Bigfoot and the Wild Boys by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff (Barrington Stoke)

Tired of being known as “Average Joe”, Joe persuades his best friend Tiago to help him search for a mysterious wild beast in the local woods. They’re certain to become heroes like YouTube sensation Wildman Mike, and how hard can it be to catch a Bigfoot?

A dyslexia-friendly funny read for anyone who has ever thought they’d easily survive in the wilderness — take the incident with the foraging as your warning to leave it to the professionals! (9+)

Hunt for the Golden Scarab by MG Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Šumberac (Macmillan Children’s Books)

Learning his mum, uncle, and cousin Jeopardy are keys with the power to open hidden doors to ancient times, Sim’s family are on the run. 

Their only hope to evade the dreaded council is to beat them at their own game and locate the golden scarab from the ancient tomb of Nefertiti — in the distant or the recent past!

Leonard never fails to provide engaging adventures with just the right level of peril and well-drawn bad guys. A well-plotted series opener for readers with an interest in ancient Egypt. (10+)

The Boy I Love by William Hussey (Andersen Press)

Returning to the trenches after a life-changing injury, Lieutenant Stephen Wraxall vows to protect his soldier-servant, Private Danny McCormick, from the horrors of the First World War as he falls hopelessly in love with him. 

Examining themes of masculinity and hidden LGBT+ histories, Hussey’s evocative descriptions of the violence of war and the sheer brutal loss of an entire generation of men is a sobering read, but one of the most moving works of historical fiction I have read recently. (15+)

’Til Death by Busay Matuluko (Simon & Schuster)

True-crime obsessive Lara puts her investigative skills to the test as she tries to uncover who has been attempting to sabotage her cousin Dérin’s wedding.

But with eerie anonymous notes threatening chaos and violence, can Lara solve the mystery?

With all of the drama of a Nigerian Nollywood film, the glitz and glamour of an influencer wedding, and the thrills of a murder mystery, this strong début builds tension and high stakes that will hook readers. (15+)

This Feast of a Life by Cynthia So (Little Tiger)

Auden is coming to terms with their non-binary identity and newly chosen name. Valerie is learning to process her emotions since the loss of her mum. When the two meet on Auden’s new food blog, a friendship sparks.

But with undeniable chemistry, could their relationship be something more? Dealing with themes of identity, grief, family , and first love all wrapped up in a celebration of food, So has created a slow-build romance that’s delicious in more ways than one. (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