Children's book reviews: Take a gander at what ‘The Best Irish Books of 2025’ has to offer

Children’s Books Ireland has some recommended reads from tots to teens for autumn

‘The Best Irish Books of 2025’ is a free guide which has a variety of picks to suit children up to the age of 18, from fiction and non-fiction, to graphic novels.

September marks a big month for publishing and lucky for us readers, that means lots of brand new books from some excellent Irish authors and illustrators

This month, Children’s Books Ireland is excited to launch a new recommended reading guide. The Best Irish Books of 2025 features 100 brilliant titles created by a whole host of Irish authors and illustrators, including those who have made Ireland their home and the wider Irish diaspora.

From fiction, non-fiction, picture books, graphic novels, and poetry, there is a book for every young reader to enjoy. 

Aimed at readers up to 18 years and including books in English and as Gaeilge, we have picked out some of our favourites from the reading guide below.

Pick up a free copy of The Best Irish Books of 2025 at participating bookshops and libraries islandwide or download the guide over at childrensbooksireland.ie.

Oíche Mhaith, a Ghrá by Sadhbh Devlin and illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald (My Irish Books)

As many grown-ups know, not every child is as willing to embrace the sweet bliss of a bedtime snooze. 

Filled with warmth, humour, and a large dollop of truth, this immersive book blends clever storytelling, fantastic illustrations, and an audio element to make for a full sensory experience. 

Whatever your level of Gaeilge, this is an ideal story to reach for to ensure a good night’s sleep. (3+)

Milo and the Mountain by Jamie Carroll (The O’Brien Press)

Milo’s every waking thought is consumed by one thing: The mountain he wishes to climb. But there are always so many excuses to avoid taking that first step — can Milo find the courage to conquer the mountain? 

Carroll’s debut is populated by cosy characters, autumnal scenes, and the warmth of camaraderie. Procrastinators everywhere will relate to Milo’s conundrum and cheer him on through his challenge. (4+)

Puisín na mBróg by Fearghas Mac Lochlainn and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly (Futa Fata)

It’s amazing the confidence one can find in the right pair of shoes. Armed with a fetching pair of red boots, Puss sets out to make a better life for his master Cóilín, by any trickery necessary. 

A lucky black cat with plenty of attitude beset by jewel toned illustrations that hint of the regal life ahead, Mac Lochlainn and Donnelly reunite once more to breathe new life into a beloved tale in rhythmic rhyme as Gaeilge. (5+)

Lantern Smoke by Dagogo Hart and illustrated by Anita Schmidt (Gill Books)

The misty vapour of lantern smoke winds its way through this story, evoking memories of the hero’s childhood memories spent with his siblings in a country that feels so far away and yet, somehow closer than ever. 

This is a timely tale of connection and immigration, inspired by the author’s own experiences, reminds readers of the strength and sacrifice it takes to spread your wings and make a life elsewhere. A powerful read. (7+)

Ellora McGee Trainee Banshee: The New School by Sinéad O’Hart and illustrated by Úna Woods (Gill Books)

Ellora’s nerves are fluttering on her first day at Shee Le Chéile National School; having just discovered she is a banshee, Ellora is self-conscious about learning to control her unruly hair and banshee’s wail. 

Will she have the confidence to share what makes her magic with her new schoolmates? Although Ellora’s world is populated by pookas and fae, there is much to relate to in this story of being true to yourself. A spellbinding book that will be disappearing from shelves in no time! (7+)

The Cloud Kingdom by Máire Zepf and illustrated by Andrew Whitson (Little Island Books)

When Nancy’s cat Pangur is taken by the Faery King, she strikes a bargain; her cat’s safe return in exchange for sharing stories with the fae. What follows is a collection of short, imaginative, and breathtaking tales sweeping from high in the clouds to deep beneath the waves. 

A stunning read with Whitson’s hand-drawn illustrations bringing an added layer of whimsy and good old-fashioned magic. Certain to become a treasured bedtime classic, particularly with storytellers themselves. (8+)

A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night by Dara McAnulty and illustrated by Barry Falls (Macmillan Children’s Books)

McAnulty’s ability to share the miracles of nature expands in this stunning exploration of different ecosystems at night. From the garden to the sky, there is much to learn about nocturnal creatures, their environments, and most importantly, how we can protect them. 

Truly stunning imagery from Falls makes the reader feel as though they are travelling beyond the book into a breathtaking night time world unknown. Nature lovers, conservationists, and the wild among us will be captivated. (Non-fiction, 9+)

Dino Mode Activated by Jen Wallace and illustrated by Alan O’Rourke (Little Island Books)

Oleg has been begging his Mum for a camera of his own to capture his vlogs, but this mysterious new camera has an unusual twist; it has video mode, portrait mode, landscape mode, and … dino mode. But Oleg doesn’t sweat the small stuff; after all, how hard can it be to hide a dinosaur on a camping trip? 

Wallace has her finger on the pulse when it comes to Gen Alpha’s tech-based banter and accompanied by O’Rourke’s energetic imagery, this is an engaging, contemporary read. (9+)

The Grand Central Cinema Club by Alan Nolan (The O’Brien Press)

Sylvie, Jem, and Juno’s bond over the magic of movies transcends their different backgrounds but may just lead them towards a hair-brained scheme and a mix-up with a mysterious thief. 

Strong in its 1930s setting and made all that more entertaining with the author’s signature use of wit, Nolan’s new series is a fusion of history and mystery that shines a spotlight on the true magic of the silver screen and the importance of imagination. (10+)

The Waters and the Wild by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by David Rooney (Puffin)

Rowan’s father’s stories of the Sídhe and the Othwerwold are all she has left since his passing. Failing to adjust to her new life in her father’s dreary hometown, curiosity about the town’s ancient surrounding wall gets the better of her; but what she discovers on the other side only leads to more questions than answers. 

Chilling in more ways than one, this is a truly compelling verse novel that effortlessly weaves folklore with the heavy heartedness of moving past grief. A profoundly beautiful book in narrative and illustration. (13+)

Any Way You Slice It by Méabh McDonnell (The O’Brien Press)

Driven and determined, Carrie’s goal to win the prestigious Castlecreagh baking competition is put in jeopardy by her rival: The spoiled and privileged Dara. But Carrie is determined to make it as a pastry chef, even if that means teaming up with Dara to achieve her aims. 

Combining the drama of competition with real-life family drama and adding a sprinkle of enemies to lovers — you have all the ingredients for a fantastic romcom here! Any way you slice it, this book is as addictive as the recipes in its pages. (15+)

The City of Fantome: The Rebel and the Rose by Catherine Doyle (Simon & Schuster)

Sera and Ransom find themselves rivals once more as Sera’s burgeoning Order of the Flames plot to banish shade with lightfire. But Sera isn’t the only one facing consequences after the incident on the clock tower: A new age of saints has begun. 

The sizzling tension between Sera and Ransom that hooked readers in book one continues to bloom in this tantalising romantasy, with enough well-plotted mystery to have readers begging for the next instalment. (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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