Children's book reviews: Summer stories to warm up and inspire an eager imagination

Summer brings the perfect weather to enjoy a fresh, new book under the sun’s rays, with selections for all age ranges.

Summer is so close we can almost smell the suncream.

It’s never too early to start thinking about summer reading and lucky for you dear reader, some of our favourite authors and illustrators have been hard at work creating débuts, sequels, series openers, and stories aplenty to keep you turning the pages.

Ranging from reality TV penguins to underwater antics, and even a sprinkle of time travel through unexpected worlds, there is something, as always, for every reader to enjoy. 

Here are our picks for this month but remember for more brilliant book recommendations, simply visit our website: www.childrensbooksireland.ie.

Penguin TV by Owen Churcher and illustrated by Niamh Sharkey (Gill Books)

The penguin cam at the zoo’s enclosure has become a snorefest, prompting penguin duo Horatio and Myrtle to take matters into their own flippers. 

What can you expect from Penguin TV? Well, there’s swimming, acrobatics, fish, and plenty of penguin-related facts. 

Gently poking fun at reality TV show antics, this is a story worth tuning in for that will have readers wondering what penguins get up to when humans aren’t paying attention. (4+)

Badger Books by Paddy Donnelly (The O’Brien Press)

After over 52 years in the business, Badger — the proprietor of Badger Books — prides himself on his abilities to find any books his customers desire. 

But when young Rory makes a specific request for a book about jellyfish on the moon complete with pirate octopuses in a pineapple boat, Badger finds himself stumped.

Ideal for the booklovers, booksellers, and storytellers in your life, this is a modern classic in the making with an exquisite level of detailed illustrations that must be seen to be believed. (4+)

Dragon Dave the Not So Brave by Alex Latimer and illustrated by Phillip Cullen (Scholastic)

Dragon Dave cannot help but feel displeased within the pages of his own story — especially because it ends with him being made into dragon soup. 

Teaming up with Prince George, this is an enemies-to-friends tale that re-writes itself. 

Latimer and Cullen are a super pairing in this engaging multi-modal story about taking control of your own narrative with a fairytale twist. 

This story rewards those keen to re-read and reinterpret their own bedtime stories. (4+)

Squid Squad: Nothing to Sea Here by Aoife Dooley (Scholastic)

Zany is the word that springs to mind, as readers are invited to explore the underwater world of Nowhere, inhabited by Ollie and Zing — along with their squid squad of sub-aquatic creatures. 

With four unique episodes, Dooley’s first graphic novel for younger readers makes for an excellent intro to the genre.

Immersive in more ways than one, vibrant characters and slapstick humour create an underwater caper that will appeal to fans of Spongebob Squarepants. (7+)

Amelia Cheeseheart Investigates: Mummy Mayhem! by Cat Weldon and illustrated by Nene Lonergan (Guppy Books)

Amelia Cheeseheart is a mouse with a mission. When priceless artefacts begin disappearing from the museum’s ancient Egyptian room, a new mystery unfurls for this gutsy mouse to solve. 

With clues trickled throughout, mini sleuths will adore this graphic novel with a compelling narrative from Weldon — where tension and riddles abound. 

The warm and winsome illustrations from former Children’s Books Ireland’s Raising Voices fellow Nene Lonergan make for a strong series starter. (7+)

Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth and illustrated by Eirinn McGuinness (Templar Books)

Bestselling poet Donna Ashworth’s first collection for young readers is a treasure trove of wisdom. 

With a focus on resilience building and processing emotions around pivotal moments in a child’s life, the warmth of this collection is a balm in a world that can feel increasingly challenging. 

Eirinn McGuinness’ illustrations interspersed throughout elevate this mindful treasury to what is sure to be a beloved keepsake. (8+)

Féile: A Twin Power Adventure by Emma Larkin (The O’Brien Press)

Twin Power returns. Now in secondary school, Aoife, Aidan, and their friends have the opportunity to take part in Féile: A prestigious Gaelic football tournament. But can the twin power magic work with Aoife and Aidan playing on separate teams? 

A super progression of this popular series; while the action-packed match scenes will keep readers gripped, the sense of community and comradery found in sport is the true beating heart of this winning tale. (11+)

The Brightest Star by Meg Grehan (Little Island Books)

In the highly anticipated follow up to The Deepest Breath, Stevie, Chloe, and Andrew are starting secondary school with the usual mix of excitement and worry: Will the friends be able to stay true to themselves and each other in the midst of this big life change? 

Readers of Stevie’s first adventure will be pleased to see this beloved character go from strength to strength when it comes to managing her anxiety and coping with changes. 

Grehan’s sensitivity is her strength, as she reminds readers it’s OK to not have it all figured out just yet. (12+)

Heartstopper 2 by Alice Oseman, translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata)

Nick and Charlie’s love story continues in the second instalment of Alice Oseman’s hugely popular series. 

Picking up where the first story left off, the boys navigate their fledgling romance surrounded by their supportive friend group. 

Eoin McEvoy’s Irish language translation of such a beloved first love story only serves to further enhance this tender tale that will melt the hearts of even the most seasoned cynic. 

Fingers crossed for more stories like this as Gaeilge representing the LADTAIÉ+ community. (12+)

The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim (Nosy Crow)

In her family of two mums, Quinn has always known she and her brother were conceived using a donor, but when a chance to meet other potential donor siblings arises, her curiosity is sparked. 

She’s always been the odd one out in her outgoing, sporty family; could any of her diblings be like her? 

Children can be donor-conceived for many reasons; Rahim draws from her experience with her own children to create a strong début on finding belonging and celebrating the bonds that bring families together. (12+)

Lady’s Knight by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (Electric Monkey)

Lady Isobelle’s freedom is in limbo as her fair hand and dowry are the prize in a tournament of Dragonslayers. 

Gwen has worked as a blacksmith for years and is determined to prove a point to the patriarchy. Could a disguise and a daring plan solve both their problems? 

Pure entertainment from start to finish, the authors’ clever fusion of medieval and modern with a sprinkling of girl power makes for an unmissable tongue-in-cheek romp. (15+)

Skipshock by Caroline O’Donoghue (Walker Books)

When Margo and Moon’s worlds collide (literally) time becomes a commodity they are quickly running out of. 

Putting a new spin on the phrase ‘a race against time’, Skipshock is like no other book I have read. 

Layered, inventive, and expansive, what appears to be a complicated sci-fantasy across various worlds, time zones, and dimensions will effortlessly envelope readers imaginations and swallow them whole. A stunning read. (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.