Children's book reviews: Children’s and YA books that offer free chapter to kickstart 2026

From newborns and new homes to space adventures, reimagined classics and unsettling futures, January’s releases offer a fresh start, writes Ruth Concannon of Children’s Books Ireland

These bright, new books offer readers a fresh chapter on their reading journey.

New year, new books. January is off to a vibrant start with stories of new babies, new homes adventures in new countries, on new planets, with new perspectives on tales well told and even a brand-new AI human or two.

As we turn the page to 2026, we hope these bright, new books offer readers a fresh chapter on their reading journey.

And if you are looking at these titles and feel as though you have a story yet to be shared, why not apply to be a Raising Voices Fellow with Children’s Books Ireland? 

The Raising Voices Fellowship is open to aspiring writers and/or illustrators who live in Ireland or Northern Ireland and make work for children and young adults in English or as Gaeilge.

Raising Voices aims to break down barriers to publication and to increase diversity and representation in the Irish literature sector for those whose voices have been underrepresented due to background or identity. 

Apply today or discover more great reads on www.childrensbooksireland.ie.

A Crinkled Screaming Thing by Sarah Tagholm, illustrated by Ruby Wright (Andersen Press)

Adjusting to the sights, sounds, and smells of our world, newborn Crinkled Screaming Thing is guided by Small Big One, who cares for their sibling, helping them to see that although sometimes overwhelming, there is lots of magic to be found in our world. 

Tenderly highlighting the role of older siblings as guides for younger ones, this picturebook is equal parts heartwarming and humorous. (3+)

How Many Animals Can Fit in this Book? by Natalia Yaskina (Flying Eye Books)

This book is exactly the perfect size for one ant to fit in it — that is until two boisterous lions, three chomping crocodiles, four zany zebras, and even more creatures begin to populate its pages oblivious to the ant’s pleas for personal space. 

A classic counting book for little ones with oodles of charm and plenty of personality. (3+)

The Map of Me by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda (Templar Books)

When a move to a new country leaves a little girl feeling out of sorts, she creates a map to find connections linking her old life with her new one. 

Beautiful pencil artwork highlights the patchwork of spaces, places, and people that populate our lives. 

Meaning making is at the heart of Welsh Children’s Laureate Davies’ story that our sense of home is ever growing and evolving. (4+)

The Spectacular Space Loop by Javi Castro (Flying Eye Books)

Cosmo’s mission to test a rocket backpack goes badly wrong leaving him drifting in space and disconnected from his team — how will he find his way home? 

This interactive story puts the reader at the centre of the action as we flip the book to see Cosmo’s adventure resolved. 

Optical illusions transform our perspective in this brain-melting graphic novel that lends itself well to repeat readings. (8+)

Finn’s Epic Fails by Phil Earle (Simon & Schuster)

Finley Hope is prone to disaster but he’s determined to set the balance from ‘Finn’s Fails’ back to more ‘Finn’s Wins’. 

But it’s not easy when your dad is obsessed with wearing Lycra on long bike rides, your muscley older brother is your nemesis and you’ve become a laughing stock in school because of your sister and her unicorn obsession. 

Finn blunders from one crisis to the next in this laugh-out-loud yet cringingly relatable story ideal for Wimpy Kid fans. (9+)

Nadia Islam, On the Record by Adiba Jaigirdar and illustrated by Avani Dwivedi (Hodder Children’s Books)

On her first trip to her family’s home country of Bangladesh, Nadia is armed with her sparkly purple notebook and determined to follow in the footsteps of journalist Khalamoni. 

Jaigirdar’s first foray into middle-grade writing tackles big topics like fasting for Ramadan, family rivalries, and how the climate crisis disproportionately affects the people of Bangladesh, resulting in an informed and thoughtful story that seeks to empower its young readers. (9+)

Tree Thing by Piers Torday and illustrated by Matthew Taylor Wilson (Quercus Children’s Books)

Where the Tree Thing grows it gives life and nourishment, but its story always ends with the arrival of the mysterious Rider. 

When Marlo finds a glowing acorn, he does not expect its planting to bring prosperity to his struggling valley — but how can he help the Tree Thing to escape the Rider’s axe? 

Inspired by the Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall, Torday and Taylor Wilson have created a haunting short fable that speaks volumes on humanity’s symbiotic relationship with nature. (9+)

The Golden Monkey Mystery by Piu DasGupta (Nosy Crow)

Roma’s destiny becomes entangled with the sinister power of the ancient Snakestone when she witnesses a group of bandits capturing a rare golden monkey. 

Setting out to right this wrong and accompanied by privileged Max and Arabella, their crusade plunges them into the unknown of the Indian jungle. 

DasGupta’s pacy adventure mixes magic, mystery ad a bold female lead making for a rip-roaring atmospheric story. (10+)

New You For Ever by Steve Cole (Barrington Stoke)

In 2070 where AI has become the norm, Pleekas, replica bodies that host cloned memories and personalities of real humans, seem to be the solution to a host of climate-related problems. 

But as Anders’ suspicions of Pleekas grow, he soon learns the true cost of seeming to ‘live’ forever. 

A chilling dystopia that, in a world where human biohacking and AI are ever-encroaching on day-to-day life, feels uncanny and eerily possible. (14+)

Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet (Scholastic)

You think you know the story of Little Women? Think again! Bernet’s reimagining of this tale in the modern world opens with the death of Beth in suspicious circumstances. 

With Meg, Jo, and Amy left to pick up the pieces, everyone is a suspect — even the sisters themselves. 

A hugely compelling read, Bernet’s modern reimagining breathes new life into a beloved tale, creating an utterly compulsive read. (15+)

King of Beasts by Catherine Doyle (Electric Monkey)

A spin-off to Doyle and Webber’s Twin Crown universe, readers are plunged into the frozen world of King Alarik of Gevra. 

Facing the threat of invasion and war the time for action is now — a strategic marriage and a new Wrangler to ready his beasts for battle are needed. 

But Greta Iverson may tame not only Alarik’s beasts, but also his heart … Fraught, fizzing and fantastical, Doyle’s romantasy adventure has plenty to offer fans both familiar and new to this series. (15+)

Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones (Hot Key Books)

When Eli meets James, they discover the true depth of the magic they possess, linking their destiny to the Arcana, an ancient sanctuary for witches and protectors of the magical world. 

But Eli’s arrival in the community unlocks a chain of events that threaten to overspill the Arcana’s most guarded secrets. 

Guided by the principles of Tarot, Prentice-Jones creates a world both familiar and infused with an otherworldliness that is simply captivating. Unmissable for lovers of a witchy tale. (16+)

• Ruth Concannon is the publications manager 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 our work.
• childrensbooksireland.ie