Children's book reviews: 12 books for July with Children's Books Ireland

Ruth Concannon says no matter whether it's rain or shine, there's adventures galore for every day of the month with this selection of books

There’s nothing quite like chilling on the beach but reading thankfully isn’t weather dependent.

Making summer plans in Ireland is enjoyable but often weather dependent.

Who is to know if this month will be a scorcher or a wash-out?

Luckily, there is one activity we can all enjoy come rain or shine — reading of course.

July’s books can be enjoyed anywhere and in any weather. For sunny days we have underwater adventures, or nature-based mysteries, for rainy days we have a magical umbrella adventure or non-fiction bursting with facts, older readers might even find the confidence to form a band — embarrassing air guitars totally optional.

There are lots of great picks for this month but remember for more brilliant book recommendations simply visit our website.

Hello Fish! by Sharon King-Chai (Two Hoots)

What creatures can little one’s spot in this unique underwater exploration? This is a mirror magic boardbook that will have babies and toddlers utterly mesmerised. 

The pairing of high contrast illustrations with a reflective background is truly captivating, making this book an ideal reading companion during tummy time or playtime. (2+)

This That What by Katy Ashworth, illustrated by Colleen Larmour (Puffin)

Kiki’s brain is a fizzing, whizzing hullaballoo of chaos. While she has plenty of creativity and great ideas, when the buzz of her brain becomes overwhelming, Kiki’s frustration leaves her feeling left out. 

Thankfully, her mum and her teacher know just what to do to help Kiki express herself. Larmour evokes the colourful chaos of Kiki’s mind in this endlessly uplifting story of neurodivergence. (4+)

That’s Not Stella by Donna Fredin (Flying Eye Books)

Lately something seems different about Stella the cat. Milo can’t quite put his finger on it, but he has a gut feeling that this cat is simply not Stella — no matter how much Mum tells him he’s imagining things. 

Where could the REAL Stella be? Pet lovers who own a very independent feline may relate to this hilarious, yet oddly plausible story which builds mystery and intrigue through illustrations and text. (4+)

Megamess by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Julia Christians (Templar)

When the Megamess under Ben’s bed slowly creeps out and begins to cause chaos around the world, Ben begins to have second thoughts on the importance of tidying up.  

Fusing humour with a gentle message on environmental awareness, this is an encouraging story on how starting where you are with one small change can make a huge difference. (4+)

An Áit a nEitlíonn na Madaí Crainn by Aileen Crossley, translated by Eoghan Mac Gilla Bhríde (Éabhlóid)

A lonely little girl is brought on a journey beyond her home to find peace and tranquillity hidden among the long grasses, splashing among the waves and gazing at the moon. 

Crossley’s exuberant lithograph illustrations are a soothing balm for anxious readers, highlighting the solace nature can bring in times of difficulty. 

The Irish language and imagery work in tandem drawing puns from literal translations in a knowing way. A joy to read. (5+)

The Wild HooBoo by Barry Falls (Andersen Press)

The magical HooBoo bird’s sweet song can grant the wishes of the pure of heart, leaving it vulnerable to capture due to the king’s greedy desire for power. 

Allegorical in nature, Falls’ illustrations are instantly recognisable in this rhyming story of freedom and free will. There is much to ponder in this relevant story for socially conscious readers. (5+)

Ivy and Bearlock Holmes: The Case of the Missing Flower by Kristyna Litten (Magic Cat Publishing)

On the eve of the blooming of the rare Agave flower, the priceless plant vanishes from Bearona’s Botanic Gardens. 

With a mystery to be solved, Ivy and her grandfather, Bearlock Holmes are on the case.

There is something to enjoy for every reader here, from the cosy illustrations to the 15 puzzles readers must solve and science-based facts about nature, bees, honey and pollination. 

A short but mighty book, this is an effortless blend of mystery, whimsy and Stem. (7+)

Pablo and Splash: Roman Holiday by Sheena Dempsey (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

Irritated by Benji’s taunts about their time travel adventures, Pablo and Splash strike a bet to travel to ancient Rome, returning with a Gladiator’s helmet as proof. 

But the duo’s Roman holiday does not go to plan as Emperor Cassius’ penchant for including exotic birds in the Colosseum’s arena puts Pablo and Splash slightly too much in the heart of the action. 

Dempsey’s series is going from strength to strength, with plenty of fun, facts and learning by stealth. (8+)

What Came First? by Kit Frost, illustrated by Aaron Cushley (Red Shed)

For those of you who have always pondered which came first, the chicken, or the egg, at last we have an answer. 

This super fact book not only unravels the riddle of the chicken and the egg, but also which came first — theme parks or skate parks, the can or the can opener, and even the toothbrush or the toothpaste. 

With dynamic illustrations that snake through a timeline of history, this book is a fact-filled phenomenon for readers who are equally fascinated by history and science. (Non-fiction, 8+)

The Moon Seeker by Dee Barragry (Walker Books)

When the moon disappears leaving a ship stranded on the Strait of Bendy, lighthouse keeper Lampwick and his faithful hound Humphrey find themselves out of their comfort zone and on a quest to return the moon to the night sky. 

Classically magical in the warmth of its worldbuilding, this is a cosy adventure with the tender bond between Lampwick and Humphrey adding a particularly special element to the story. 

A thoroughly enchanting debut from Barragry, the winner of Walker Books’ inaugural Staróg Prize for undiscovered Irish talent. (9+)

The Museum of Lost Umbrellas by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Faber)

After her mother passes away, Dilly must start a new life with a Grand-Aunt she has never met on the strange island of Ollipest. 

When her explorations lead her to the door of the Museum of Lost Umbrellas and an odd encounter with a green umbrella, Dilly is left questioning could magic actually be real? 

The beginning of a magical middle-grade series, the island of Ollipest, its inhabitants and the enchantment Dilly finds there form an immersive adventure and a compulsive page-turner. I am eagerly awaiting book two. (10+)

Black Dolls Vol 1 by Rachel Faturoti and illustrated by Flo Wooley (Orion Books)

Dina, Silvee, Sassy, and Jada come together to form Black Dolls, a no-nonsense girlband determined to challenge the patriarchy and win Clash of the Bands. 

But with clashes of personalities within the group and with other bands, can they keep their dream of stardom alive? 

Girl power with a modern twist, this graphic novel features four strong protagonists who aren’t afraid to be who they are and stand up for themselves. 

A warning, this book may inspire readers to pick up a guitar and belt out their favourite angsty tune. (16+)

• 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 on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books. They share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. They support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through their work;
• childrensbooksireland.ie

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