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

Ruth Concannon says Intrigue is key: From becoming an older sibling to teenager troubles

How to keep kids turning the pages: Key to this is an element of intrigue and there is plenty of that in this month’s offering of young literature.

There are lots of things that keep readers turning the pages of a book. Key to this, I think, is an element of intrigue; high stakes, or low stakes, curiosity didn’t kill the cat, it kept the cat indoors quietly captivated by a good book.

This month’s new publications all contain an element of intrigue; how will my life be now I am a big sister? 

What does it mean to be an earthling? How could I ever have anything in common with my mum? 

How can I find my way out of this anthill while being pursued by a large dragonfly?

From the serious to the unhinged, it’s intrigue all the way. Remember for more intriguing reads simply visit our website childrensbooksireland.ie.

My Sister is a Treasure by Tracy Darnton and illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail (Simon & Schuster)

A new baby has arrived in the household; she is a treasure, a ray of sunshine and so much more. A little girl adjusts to life as a big sister imagining the fun ways, she will cherish the new arrival. 

A super representation of the importance of imaginative play as a way of processing big life events, this story is a lovely example of the highs and lows of becoming an older sibling for the first time. (4+)

Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G Griffiths (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

When a mysterious letter arrives for Fox he is unable to resist following the instructions that lead him out into the forest and on the trail of an adventure that sparks some memories he has been trying to avoid. 

Earthy tones and offbeat characters give an old-world atmosphere that will pique readers attention as they follow the clues to learn an important lesson of forgiveness. (4+)

Little Snail Goes House-Hunting by Bia Melo (Happy Yak)

Feeling different to the other snails, Little S strikes out on her own in search of a home that feels right for her. 

A story of striking the balance between belonging and being yourself, the courage of Little S to seek the right fit is heartening. 

Melo’s textured illustrations using watercolour and crayon give a burst of exuberance and joy that may lift the spirits of even weary grown-up house hunters. (4+)

Let’s Be Earthlings by Mary Murphy (Otter-Barry Books)

A little yellow alien lands on Earth keen to embrace everything the world has to offer as an Earthling. 

A classic Mary Murphy story, what seems to be a simple narrative is a much more complex examination on what it means to be human. 

What a joy to indulge in some childlike wonderment at all of the things that make our Earth a special place, particularly in these difficult times. (4+)

The Museum of Shapes by Sven Völker (Cicada Books)

Inspired by The Museum of Concrete Art in Ingolstadt Germany, this is a clever book offering a unique way of looking at the world — through shapes. 

Alma, curator of the Museum of Shapes, is busy gathering the shapes she needs for an exhibition on triangles. 

With elements of geometry, mathematics, colour, and creativity, this stylish book is a feast for the eyes and will appeal to a variety of ages. (5+)

Gruaig Áine by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Richard Watson and translated by Sadhbh Devlin (Futa Fata)

Dedicated to anyone who has ever had a bad hair day, Gruaig Áine follows Áine’s experiments with cutting her own hair as well as attempts at sharing her hair styling skills with others. 

Expertly translated from the Barrington Stoke original, this short romp of a story is ideal for fluent Gaeilge readers improving their reading skills. 

Much entertainment is to be gained here alongside an important reminder to leave hairdressing to the professionals. (7+)

Beastie Bros: Dungeons & Dragonflies by David O’Connell (Scholastic)

Disaster strikes when Dash the firefly and Dribble the snail take a tour of the local anthill becoming separated, lost in tunnels and fleeing from a dragon. 

The second in this illustrated series, this is an engaging read with choose-your-own-adventure elements, puns and wordplay that showcases O’Connell’s particularly hilarious talent for aptly naming insects. Move over Bug's Life there are some new minibeasts in town. (7+)

Gloam by Jack Mackay and illustrated by Ben Joel Price (Rock the Boat)

Gwen and her siblings have always been used to the unusual atmosphere of the old house on Gloam island. 

But with the arrival of sinister babysitter Esme Laverne, Gwen begins to suspect something monstrous is at play. 

With horrifying monsters that cleave their way out of your nightmares, Mackay’s spine-chilling début is an impressively spooky read that deftly explores grief, blended families and what it means to be brave. (10+)

Lila Mackay is Very Misunderstood by Gill Sims (Electric Monkey)

Sent away to boring Uncle Tom’s for the Easter holidays Emily is furious with her mum who simply doesn’t understand being a teenager. 

Could reading mum’s old diaries help? How could she possibly have anything in common with Lila Mackay? 

Combining the trials and tribulations of modern teenagerhood with those of the nineties, Sims has created a frothy and funny read that bridges the generational divide underpinned by the timeless lesson of being true to yourself. (15+)

Strange Nature by Mary Watson (Bloomsbury YA)

After a troubled incident in her childhood Jasmin has become a watcher of people and their actions, something that draws her to investigate the mysterious death of a university student. 

But how long will it be before she needs to watch her own back? Fusing murder-mystery with dark academia, Watson’s flawless pacing and build of tension creates an impossibly addictive read interrogating the real-life monsters that walk among us. An electrifying read. (15+)

Torchfire by Moira Buffini (Faber)

Picking up directly from the events of Songlight, Torchfire opens with Lark and Kingfisher on the run, Nightingale in increasing danger in Sister Swan’s court, Rye venturing into the unknown and Piper questioning his role in the Brethren’s regime. 

With new characters, growing tension, romance, and political threats, rebellion becomes the only way to secure peace. 

This is a dystopia with much to say on our own world making it both a gripping and at times, gut-wrenching read. 

A swansong of a sequel, Buffini’s series truly deserves a wider readership. To put it simply, this series is better than The Hunger Games — bring on book three. (16+)

Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher (Hot Key Books)

Zed is a boy with a plan, a strict schedule and no time to waste. Marnie is a girl spiralling out of control. 

But when Marnie drunkenly sleeps with a boy who only pretends to wear a condom and falls pregnant, Zed and Marnie’s unlikely friendship suddenly seems like the only thing that either of them can count on. 

A very necessary story for the times we live in, Fisher’s groundbreaking book handles multiple big subjects with delicacy, care, and respect for her audience. 

Certain to spark essential conversations around stealthing, consent, and unplanned pregnancies. (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;
• See childrensbooksireland.ie for more