READING GUIDE/ROGHA LEABHAR

www.childrensbooksireland.ie 2016–17 Production/Táirgeadh: Reviewers/Léirmheastóirí: Ciara Houlihan Róisín Adams [RA] Lynn Harding [LH] Jill Malcomson [JiM] Jemimah Bailey [JeB] Kate Harvey [KH] Sophie Meehan [SoM] Design and layout/ Irene Barber [IB] Claire Hennessy [CH] Sue Miller [SuM] Dearadh agus leagan amach: Amanda Bell [AB] Rosemary Jane Mitchell [JaM] www.fintanwall.com Roisin Blade [RB] Hetherington [RoH] Rachel Moriarty [RM] Orla Bourke [OB] Rachel Hobbs [RaH] Deirdre Mulhall [DM] Print/Cló: Celina Buckley [CB] Olivia Hope [OH] Alan Murphy [AlaM] Character Print Emma Burke-Kennedy [EBK] Eleanor Holmes [EH] Alison Mundie [AliM] Jane Burns [JaB] Geraldine Hughes [GHu] Anne Murray [AM] Editors/Eagarthóirí: Avril Carr [AvC] Gerard Hynes [GHy] Emma Louise Murphy [ELM] Ciara Houlihan Alvy Carragher [AlC] Alexandra Jefferson [AJ] Máire Ní Bhraonáin [MNiB] Valerie Christie [VaC] (Overall editor/Príomheagarthóir) Chris Judge [CJ] Máire Gráinne Clear [GC] Mary Esther Judy [MEJ] Nic an Bhaird [MNicanB] Kim Doherty Aedín Clements [AC] JJ Kelly [JJK] Ruth Nic an (0–2, 2–4) Vita Coleman [ViC] Joe Kelly [JK] Bhreithiúnaigh [RNicanB] Anne Gannon Ruth Concannon [RC] Fiona Kennedy [FK] Paula NicIomhair [PNicI] (5–8) Helen Corcoran [HCo] Karen Kingham [KK] Beití Ní Dhuibhir [BNiD] Síne Quinn Lisa Corr [LC] Brian Kirk [BK] Caoimhe (9–11) Sadie Cramer [SC] Cethan Leahy [CL] Nic Lochlainn [CNicL] Louise Gallagher Catherine Ann Cullen [CAC] Julie le Blanc [JleB] Niamh Ní Mhuirí [NNiM] (12–14) Mags Curley [MCu] Lorraine Levis [LL] Sibéal O’Briain [SOB] Becky Long Helen Cusack [HCu] Becky Long [BL] Catriona O'Broin [COB] (Young adult/Daoine Óga Fásta) Emily Daly [ED] Vivienne Luke [VL] Angela O’Connell [AOC] XXXXXXX Sophie Daly [SD] Jackie Lynam [JL] Anne Marie Quinn [AMQ] (Non-fiction/Neamhfhicsean) Hannah Deacon [HD] Natasha Síne Quinn [SQ] Amanda Bell Regina de Burca [RdeB] Mac a’Bháird [NMacaB] Lisa Redmond [LR] (Poetry/Filíocht) Lauren Dooley [LaD] Ruaidhrí Eileen Russell [ER] Catherine Duffy [CD] Claire Marie Dunne Mac Aodhagáin [RMacA] Matt Robertson [MR] Jenny Duffy [JD] Darren Mac Juliette Saumande [JS] (Eagarthóir Gaeilge) Lorraine Dunn [LoD] Gearailt [DMacG] Rachel Sneyd [RS] Kieran Fanning [KF] Seán Mac Risteaird [SMacR] Deirdre Sullivan [DS] Tatyana Feeney [TF] Steve McCarthy [SMcC] Elizabeth Treacy [ET] Brenda Frawley [BF] Heather MaryBrigid Turner [MBT] Grace Gageby [GG] McConaghy [HMcC] Susan Walsh [SuW] Louise Gallagher [LG] Mary McLaughlin [MMcL] Sheena Wilkinson [ShW] Anne Gannon [AG] Siobhán McNamara [SMcN] Jan Winter [JW] Mark Granier [Mg] Margaret Madden [MM] Enda Wyley [EW]

CBI has made every effort to Tá gach iarracht déanta ag CBI le ensure that all information cinntiú go bhfuil an fhaisnéis sa provided in this guide is correct treoir seo cruinn. Ní féidir le CBI at time of print. However, we a bheith freagach áfach as aon cannot be held responsible for earráid ná easnamh. any errors or omissions. Commissioned artwork: Commissioned artwork: We are very grateful to all our funders:

www.childrensbooksireland.ie www.childrensbooksireland.ie

Specially commissioned artwork/ Obair ealaíne choimisiúnaithe: Chris Judge www.chrisjudge.com In every book, be it for babies or for young adults, I ngach leabhar, is cuma más leabhar do naíonáin nó do there’s a cast of characters just waiting to come alive dhaoine óga é, tá carachtair ann nach bhfuil uathu ach in the reader’s mind. Here we have funny books and teacht chun beatha in intinn an léitheora. Anseo, tá fact books, skinny books and fat books – something for leabhair ficsin agus leabhair fíricí, leabhair thanaí agus every young person to read and make their own. leabhair thiubha – rud éigin do gach duine óg chun a gcuid féin a dhéanamh de. There’s so much in this year’s Inis Reading Guide:new worlds, new friends and even a villain or two in the Tá Rogha Leabhar Inis ag cur thar maoil i mbliana: hundreds of books our editors have carefully picked. domhain nua, cairde nua agus bithiúnach nó dhó Animals and astronauts, battles and romances, history sna céadta leabhar atá roghnaithe go cúramach ag and fantasy, science and sorcery – choose your own ár n-eagarthóirí. Sionnaigh agus spásairí, cathanna adventure and dive right in. agus caidrimh, stair agus samhlaíocht, eolaíocht agus asarlaíocht – roghnaigh d’eachtra agus tosaigh ag Tales of magic and mystery, léamh. love and despair, Stories to inspire, treasure and share. Scéalta draíochta agus mistéire, There’s so much in a book, grá agus ísle brí, more than we can describe, Scéalta a bhrisfidh is a ardóidh do chroí, So open the cover and see what’s inside! Tá sé deacair a thuar cad a gheobhaidh tú i leabhar, Ach tosaigh ag léamh agus osclófar do mheabhair!

CONTENTS/CLÁR 3 Contents/Clár 12 Age/Aois 2–4 4 Inis Reading Guide team/ 24 Age/Aois 5–8 Foireann Rogha Leabhar Inis 35 Age/Aois 9–11 5 Children’s Books Ireland team/ 46 Leabhair Chlasaiceacha Foireann Leabhair Pháistí Éireann 48 Age/Aois 12–14 6 Laureate na nÓg 57 Young Adult/Daoine Óga Fásta 7 CBI Book of the Year Awards/ 68 Non-fiction/Neamhfhicsean CBI Gradaim Leabhar na Bliana 78 Poetry/Filíocht 8 Book Clinics/Clinicí Leabhar 82 Irish-published children’s books 2015/ 9 Get involved!/Bí Páirteach! Leabhar do pháistí a foilsíodh in 10 Age/Aois 0–2 Éirinn 2015

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 3 INIS READING GUIDE TEAM/FOIREANN ROGHA LEABHAR INIS

Kim loves illustrated Anne loves a good endpapers in books time-slip story! Kim Harte is a CBI Book Doctor and former board Anne Gannon is a librarian, a current CBI Book member. She has been a bookseller, specialising Doctor and a former judge of the CBI Book of in children’s literature, for almost a decade and the Year Awards. She holds an MA in Children’s is currently studying Linguistics and Library and Literature and loves being part of the amazing world Information Studies at UCD. of children’s books.

Sine loves how books are Louise loves beautiful portals into other worlds! typography in books Síne Quinn is an editor, a writing coordinator Louise Gallagher has a master’s in Children’s (Bookmarks Programme at TCD) and a coordinator Literature and is an Irish Research Council-funded for College Awareness Week. A CBI book doctor, PhD student at the School of English, Trinity College a former Inis reviews editor, a former CBI Book Dublin. She is a CBI Book Doctor and a regular of the Year Awards judge and a regular reviewer contributor of reviews and articles for Inis magazine. for Inis magazine, she holds an MPhil in Children’s Literature.

Becky loves that Narnia is Juliette loves quiet books and just a page away mad ones too!

Becky Long is a PhD student, usually to be found Dr Juliette is a French writer living in Dublin, behind, under or in the general vicinity of her desk because she has a passion for wet summers in Trinity College where she happily spends her time and toasted sandwiches. She blogs at reading and writing about children’s books. She is juliettesaumande.blogspot.ie. She is a CBI Book also a broadcaster and a CBI Book Doctor, and holds Doctor and is the current Reviews Editor of Inis a master’s in Children’s Literature. magazine.

Amanda loves the feel of Is brea le Claire an t-aistear the printed page O leathanach go leathanach

Amanda Bell is a writer, editor and award- Is léachtóir agus aistritheoir í Claire Marie Dunne in winning poet. Her collection of haiku and Institiúid Oideachais Marino. Bhí sí ina heagarthóir haibun, Undercurrents, was published this June, and Gaeilge don irisleabhar Inis ó 2011–14. her illustrated children’s book The Lost Library Book is due out in 2017.

4 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 CHILDREN’S BOOKS IRELAND TEAM/FOIREANN LEABHAIR PHÁISTÍ ÉIREANN to read to read to read es o s in es o k n e h k n i h ik i t l l e l h e r a e r y e n h f

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In a busy office in central Dublin, surrounded by books, and activities for young and older readers; some of three colleagues ask themselves a question: What these activities are detailed within this guide. Our would a country where all children have equal access packed annual calendar includes our CBI Book of to books look like? At Children’s Books Ireland our the Year Awards and associated Shadowing Scheme, vision is an Ireland in which books are a part of every nationwide Book Clinics, our annual conference, child’s life and where meaningful engagement with professional development for those involved in the books is supported by passionate and informed adults publishing industry and bringing young audiences in families, schools, libraries and communities all across together with the authors and illustrators they love at the country. events and festivals nationwide. We are also honoured to administer the Laureate na nÓg project, currently The magic of cracking the spine of a new book that working with Eoin Colfer to bring the gift of story to transports you to another place and time is what children everywhere. drives us. Within the pages of the Inis Reading Guide, the innovation, imagination and sheer delight in Which brings us back to that book-lined office. As a the transformative power of books is laid bare by three-person team, CBI relies on the goodwill and hard a veritable army of gifted book reviewers. We are work of the many volunteers, interns and reviewers delighted to be able to present this collection of the who make our work possible. best new books available on the bookshelves of your local bookshop and library. Please use this guide to Mar sin, má tá tú cosúil linne agus má chreideann unite the children in your life with a book they love, tú i gcumhacht na léitheoireachta agus sa lúcháir sparking a lifelong love of reading everywhere! a bhaineann le bheith ag léamh in áiteanna neamhghnácha, bí linn i mbliana agus téigh ar thuras le Alongside producing Inis magazine and the Inis leabhar. Reading Guide, CBI programmes a range of events

We cannot produce this guide without the cooperation CBI would like to thank all our partners in libraries and and support of the publishers, the time and expertise bookshops across Ireland. For more information about generously given by our team of editors and their events near you and resources to promote reading in reviewers, and the skill and imagination of both your school, library or community, visit our designer Fintan Wall and this year’s campaign www.childrensbooksireland.ie illustrator Chris Judge.

Children’s Books Ireland/ denotes an Irish author/illustrator/ Leabhair Pháistí Éireann publisher údar/maisitheoir/foilsitheoir 17 North Great Georges Street, Dublin 1 as Éirinn Telephone: 00 353 1 8727475 [email protected] www.childrensbooksireland.ie

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 5 Photograph by Barry Cronin courtesy The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Éalaíon

Laureate na nÓg is an exciting PJ Lynch has chosen as his Laureate and literature. He will also project recognising the role and na nÓg theme ‘The Big Picture’, represent Ireland internationally importance of literature for children a two-year focus on the art of at events such as the RíRá festival in Ireland. The current Laureate is illustration and visual storytelling in New York and the Bologna Book author-illustrator PJ Lynch, who will that celebrates children’s literature Fair. hold the title until May 2018. and the power of the imagination. PJ began his podcast series, The PJ Lynch was born in Belfast PJ Lynch is committed to using Big Picture, in mid-May 2016. The and has illustrated over twenty digital technology to promote series can be viewed at books, including modern editions children’s books and illustration to www.childrenslaureate.ie of classic books such as Charles the widest possible audience. Over Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and the next two years, he will present The Snow Queen by Hans Christian a series of regular podcasts, under Laureate na nÓg is an initiative of the Andersen. He has been awarded The Big Picture banner, where Arts Council with the support of The Arts the Christopher Medal three times, he will discuss various aspects Council of Northern Ireland, The Minister and he also won the prestigious of illustration and picturebook for Children and Youth Affairs, Children’s Kate Greenaway Medal on two making. His ambition is to heighten Books Ireland and Poetry Ireland. The honour occasions, first for The Christmas awareness of children’s literature has been established to engage young people Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by and the art of illustration, and to with high quality literature and to underline the importance of children’s literature in our Susan Wojciechowski, and again for use the podcasts to encourage cultural and imaginative life. When Jessie Came Across the Sea children to engage with drawing by Amy Hest. Recent titles include and visual art throughout their Once Upon a Place, which was studies. complied by Eoin Colfer when he was Laureate na nÓg, and The Boy He will also initiate a major public who Fell off the Mayflower, which is art project that will focus on the first book PJ has also written. PJ working in partnership with a local ‘s next project is illustrating Patrick authority to develop and install a and the President, set during the large-scale mural that encapsulates period when President Kennedy the theme of storytelling through retuned to his ancestral home in visual art. In addition, he will 1963. The text is written by Ryan participate in a number of events Tubridy and is due to be published around the island of Ireland that by Walker Books in March 2017. focus on children’s book illustration

6 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 Children's Books Ireland Leabhair Pháistí Éireann

The CBI Book of the Year Awards titles for each group to read – the www.iesltd.ie, or can work with are the most prestigious children’s shortlisted books can range from their local librarian to secure bulk book awards in Ireland and are picturebooks to teen or young adult loans or class sets of the books. celebrated every year in libraries, novels, and each group can read Keep an eye on CBI’s Facebook and schools and homes throughout the all the titles or a smaller selection Twitter for book giveaways and country. The carefully selected jury that is appropriate for the age and competitions. of adult readers and one young reading level of the group. judge carefully read, discuss and At the end of the shadowing judge up to ninety books every Signing up to the Shadowing process each group is asked to year, undertaking the difficult Scheme is completely free of score the titles they have read, process of selecting a shortlist from charge, and each group receives and those scores are collated all the submitted titles. posters, bookmarks and a specially to produce the winner – lively designed resource pack as well debate is encouraged and helps The CBI Book of the Year Awards as phone and email support from to develop the critical assessment are made up of six awards. This CBI. Shadowing begins when the skills of each child or young person. year the Eilís Dillon Award for shortlist is announced in March The votes from all participating a first children’s book and the each year, and groups can sign groups are collated to decide the Judge’s Special Award were won up from February onwards. The Children’s Choice winner. Every by Irelandopedia, written and shadowing pack, developed in year, a small number of lucky illustrated by John and Fatti Burke. conjunction with children’s book groups are invited to attend the The Honour Award for Illustration reviewers, teachers, librarians awards ceremony in May and went to Lauren O’Neill for her work and other children’s book experts present the Children’s Choice Award on Gulliver while the Honor Award gives suggestions for reading to the winner. We also produce a for Fiction went to Louise O’Neill diaries, group discussion and short film with shadowing groups, for Asking for It. The Children’s arts activities, tailored to each which is screened at the ceremony Choice Award, which was selected shortlisted title. Teachers across and ensures that young people’s by our shadowing groups, and the the country find the pack to be voices are at the heart of the entire overall CBI Book of the Year Award a very useful classroom resource awards process. were won by Sarah Crossan for when encouraging children to One. read for pleasure, and book club CBI’s aim is to have more and leaders in libraries and bookshops more young readers taking part The opinions of young readers are a can dedicate a number of weeks or in shadowing every year, and to crucial part of the awards, which is months to reading the shortlisted achieve this, we need you to get why we want to hear from classes, books with the help of the activities involved! If you run a book club or book clubs and reading groups in and discussion points within the reading group, or think your child’s schools, libraries and bookshops all pack. Redesign the cover, hold a class would like to take part in a over the island of Ireland as part courtroom drama, role play as fun, enriching process and have of the Shadowing Scheme. This characters or write an alternative their voices heard, email scheme gives young people of all ending – the shadowing pack is a [email protected] ages the opportunity to read and starting point for imaginative ideas for more information. critique the shortlisted books just about how to engage with books. as the adult judging panel does. Shadowing groups can purchase Every shadowing group leader is books at a discounted rate from supported in selecting suitable International Education Services, INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 7 Children’s Books Ireland is What do we do? We provide professional development the national children’s books We publish Inis magazine online for authors, illustrators & storytellers. organisation of Ireland. Our and in print to provide a focus for We partner with a wide variety mission is to make books a children’s books discussion and of festivals, venues, libraries and review. organisations throughout the year part of every child’s life. We to bring authors and illustrators champion and celebrate the We run the CBI Book of the Year together with young audiences, and importance of authors and Awards, along with the shadowing we bring young readers together illustrators and we work in scheme for schools and groups with great books through our Book partnership with the people of young readers, to recognise Clinics. and organisations who enhance excellence in the work of Irish children’s lives through books. authors and illustrators. We respond to general queries and Our vision is an Ireland in requests and share information, We run an annual conference book-related activities and useful which books are a part of featuring some of the most exciting resources through our website, every child’s life and where speakers in writing, illustration, newsletter and other publications. meaningful engagement publishing, reading promotion and with books is supported by critical discussion of books for What do our members get? passionate and informed adults children and young adults. • Three issues of Inis magazine in families, schools, libraries every year and communities all across the We coordinate an annual celebration • A copy of the Inis Reading Guide country. of reading throughout the month of • Posters and bookmarks featuring October. We strive for live literature an original illustration by an Irish events to be made available for artist each year Children’s Books Ireland is a children in every county on the • Reduced entry fees to the annual registered charity, and becoming a island of Ireland. We commission CBI conference and any live member supports the work we do. an original illustration each year literature or professional to showcase an Irish illustrator for development events organised Tá CBI tiomanta d’obair a dhéanamh use on bookmarks, posters and the throughout the year i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon. Inis Reading Guide – a guide to the • Regular updates by post from best books published in any given Children’s Books Ireland year, especially highlighting Irish- published books and books by Irish authors and illustrators.

For CBI membership and resources, go online to www.childrensbooksireland.com

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@kidsbooksirel WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Children’s Books Ireland is the national children’s books organisation of Ireland. Our mission is to make books a part of every child’s life. We champion and celebrate the importance of authors and illustrators and we work in partnership with the people and organisations who enhance children’s lives through books. Our vision is an Ireland in which books are a part of every child’s life and where meaningful engagement with books is supported by passionate and informed adults in families, schools, libraries and communities all across the country.

Become a member of CBI today and receive:

• Three issues of Inis magazine every year • A copy of the Inis Reading Guide • Poster and bookmark featuring original

artwork by an Irish illustrator, created specially for READING GUIDE/ROGHA LEABHAR our annual reading campaign • Reduced entry fee to the annual CBI Conference and other events • Access to excellent resources via CBI’s website, including book-related activities and discussion notes

To find out how to get involved, go to: www.childrensbooksireland.ie www.childrensbooksireland.ie 2016-17 PICK UP A PACK! These packs are the perfect addition to any library, bookshop, reading group or school with young readers. Featuring commissioned illustration by award-winning Irish illustrator Chris Judge, there are three different sizes of pack to suit a variety of needs.

The Inis Reading Guide is now BIGGER than ever – containing 275 book reviews over 88 pages. The reviews are organised by age section, from 0–2 up to young adult, alongside specialist poetry and non-fiction sections. Titles by an Irish author, illustrator or publisher are highlighted by a shamrock and a full listing of all Irish-published books for 2016 can be found at the back. Log on to www.childrensbooksireland.ie to pick up your pack today!

READING GUIDE/ROGHA LEABHAR www.childrensbooksireland.ie www.childrensbooksireland.ie Commissioned artwork: Commissioned Commissioned artwork: Commissioned Commissioned artwork: Commissioned artwork:

www.childrensbooksireland.ie www.childrensbooksireland.ie www.childrensbooksireland.ie www.childrensbooksireland.ie 2016-17 Commissioned artwork:

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 9 AOIS 0–2

INGELA P. ARRHENIUS ANIMALS WALKER STUDIO SEPT 2016 (HBK) 40PP £15.00 ISBN 9781406371741 With each page containing a one-word description and vibrant illustration, this title is perfect for children just learning to identify animals. The book is quite large; as such, it is not ideal for reading on the go but still makes for a unique, captivating addition to any young child’s library. [LaD] READ ALSO: Animal Parade Puzzle Book by Aino-Maija Metsola PAULA BOSSIO THE PENCIL GECKO PRESS 2016 (BOARD) 24PP £6.99 ISBN 9781776570416 A simple yet clever story about a girl and her adventures with a drawn line. This wordless board book shows the possibilities of drawings and imagination. There is a worrying moment when the drawings get out of hand but the titular pencil makes a late appearance and saves the day. [TF] READ ALSO: Press Here by Hervé Tullet ALAIN GRÉE MY FIRST BOOK OF OPPOSITES BUTTON BOOKS 2016 (BOARD) 20PP £4.99 ISBN 9781908985675 Bold, colourful retro-style illustrations together with large child-friendly text teach opposites with great confidence and clarity. Just what you would expect from this prolific, internationally acclaimed French author–illustrator. Images which are nostalgic but which demonstrate cultural diversity render the book suitable for a new generation of learners. [IB] READ ALSO: My First Book of the Farm by Alain Grée

NAN NA HVASS and SOFIE HANNIBAL TECHNICOLOUR TREASURE HUNT WIDE-EYED EDITIONS 2016 (BOARD) 14PP £9.99 ISBN 9781847807441 A gorgeous large-format counting book in which the selection of unusual objects breaks the mould of regular point-and-count books. The artwork is where it truly shines: delicious spread after spread of beautifully painted objects to pore over. A beautiful addition to the Wide-Eyed Editions growing library. [CJ] READ ALSO: Pattern-tastic Treasure Hunt by Nan Na Hvass & Sofie Hannibal

JEAN JULLIEN THIS IS NOT A BOOK PHAIDON 2016 (BOARD) 32PP £6.95 ISBN: 9780714871127 This is a book without words. Instead, there are pictures of a number of settings which will allow adults and children to create their own stories. Views from many angles help inspire the imagination for all. Pages fold out into piano keyboards, tennis courts, a theatre and more. [JaB] READ ALSO: Clap, Clap! by Madalena Matoso

10 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 0–2 TARO MIURA BUM BUM WALKER BOOKS 2016 (BOARD) 20PP £5.99 ISBN 9781406366037 This book is a whole lot of fun, or should I say ‘bum’? The teaming of humorous pacing, simple illustration and comical use of each double-page spread is sure to generate plenty of giddy laughter from young readers. Warning: you may be asked to read it over and over again. [RB] READ ALSO: There, There by Taro Miura

JÖRG MÜHLE TICKLE MY EARS GECKO PRESS 2016 (BOARD) 20PP £6.99 ISBN 9781776570768 A beautifully illustrated and delightful book which encourages interaction from the reader. Little Rabbit needs to be put to bed, and the child is encouraged to swap usual roles and settle the rabbit to sleep by fluffing his pillow, tickling his ears, tucking in the blanket etc. Charming. [PNicI] READ ALSO: The Bedtime Bear by Ian Whybrow and Axel Scheffler

ROGER PRIDDY maisithe ag HOLLY JACKMAN BABAÍ BEAG: AINMHITHE AN GÚM 2015 (CRUA) 16LCH €5 ISBN 9781857918946 Leabhar cairtchláir álainn ildaite atá in Ainmhithe. Rachaidh an stíl maisitheoireachta i bhfeidhm ort le dathanna bloic ardchodarsnachta, maille le dath an chúlra taobh thiar de gach ainmhí a mbuailimid leis. Cuireann an nós seo le hamharc-thaithí an pháiste agus iad ag baint taitnimh as leabhair den chéad uair. [RNicanB] LÉIGH FREISIN: Focail le Roger Priddy.

SURYA SAJNANI FRIENDLY FACES IN THE WILD QED 2016 (CLOTH) 6PP £8.99 ISBN 9781784934293 Surya Sajnani’s cute, friendly wild-animal faces offer a stimulating sensory experience for babies and tiny tots, with striking black-and-white visuals, the odd dot of colour and interesting patterns and textures. And let’s not forget one creature’s sticky-outy ear: intriguingly crinkly and perfect for latching onto! [JS] READ ALSO: Friendly Faces in the Garden by Surya Sajnani

BRITTA TECKENTRUP OSKAR LOVES … PRESTEL SEPT 2016 (HBK) 32PP £9.99 ISBN 9783791372709 Teckentrup’s trademark strong blocks of colour (The Memory Tree, Big Smelly Bear) are used to stunning effect in this story of the loving and lovable Oskar. The little bird enjoys sun and rain, the deep blue ocean and the soft green grass. Oskar loves life itself – what do you love? [CAC] READ ALSO: Don’t Wake up the Tiger by Britta Teckentrup

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 11 AOIS 2–4 SOPHIE AMBROSE THE LONELY GIANT WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406361544 The giant spends his days carelessly pulling up trees, hurling logs and smashing mountains just for fun. Until one day he realises that the forest has disappeared, all the animals and birds have gone and it’s all his fault. He becomes very lonely so decides to put things right with the help of a little yellow bird. From a brand new author–illustrator, this is a beautifully illustrated and charming modern fable about finding friends, making amends and valuing the world around us. [AM] READ ALSO: A Forest by Marc Martin

PHILIP ARDAGH and ELISSA ELWICK illustrated by ELISSA ELWICK THE LITTLE ADVENTURERS: LEAFY THE PET LEAF WALKER BOOKS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 40PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406364354 For the Little Adventurers, each day brings a new adventure. Today it’s ‘Bring a Pet’ day and Sprat has brought Leafy, the best pet leaf in the whole world. This first book in a new series from Ardagh and Elwick captures the fun of being part of a club. The four friends are beautifully depicted as unique individuals, both in the story and in the illustrations. Including an activity idea and an information page, The Little Adventurers will ignite the imagination of curious adventurers everywhere. [BF] READ ALSO: Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo STEVE ANTONY I’LL WAIT, MR PANDA HODDER 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781444916669 Mr Panda is back in the sequel to Please, Mr Panda, but instead of sharing doughnuts he is baking something special, and the animals really want to know what it is. He tells them to wait, but no one is interested in waiting. All except for one tiny, patient penguin. So what happens if you wait? This hundred- word story reflects the impatience that every child experiences and teaches the valuable lesson of waiting in a gentle and funny way. Already a classic. [OH] READ ALSO: Please, Mr Panda and Thank You, Mr Panda by Steve Antony

KATE BEATON KING BABY WALKER BOOKS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 40PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406371758 Kate Beaton’s artwork, humour, comics and books seem to flow effortlessly and King Baby is no exception. King Baby arrives at the start of the book, making many demands on his doting parents, and it’s not long before his poor subjects are exhausted. Beaton truly nails the exact emotions and expressions of parents in their first year with a King Baby. With a brilliant full-circle plot twist, this book will delight toddlers and poor, tired parents alike over and over. [CJ] READ ALSO: There’s Going to Be a Baby by John Burningham, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

12 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 2–4

MICHAEL BOND illustrated by EMILY SUTTON THE TALE OF THE CASTLE MICE BODLEY HEAD SEPT 2016 (HBK) 32PP £12.99 ISBN 9781782300366 Inside a castle is a doll’s house that is home to the Perks, a large family of mice. The Perks take good care of their home but one day, despite their best efforts, the doll’s house is taken away. Will they ever be as comfortable again? An unexpected development restores life to normal for the family. This is a charming, gentle story told with humour by the author of the Paddington Bear books. It is completed by the stylish illustrations which bring the story to life. [TF] READ ALSO: Dave’s Cave by Frann Preston-Gannon

SILVIA BORANDO NEAR, FAR WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 48PP £8.99 ISBN 9781406363180 I’m impressed by the illustrator’s bravery! She must have gotten really, really near to get some of these fantastic illustrations. Near, Far contains no words but is packed with humour and I can now recognise most animals from both very near and very far. However, it’s much safer to get this book – alligators aren’t so friendly up close. [SMcC] READ ALSO: Now You See Me, Now You Don’t by Silvia Borando

SARAH BOWIE LET’S SEE IRELAND! THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (HBK) 32PP €12.99 ISBN 9781847177315 Molly, her parents and her cat, Mipsy, tour Ireland and see all the main sights, including Dublin Zoo, the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher. Let’s See Ireland is a great introduction to some of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. The quirky illustrations are full of joy and delight and the challenge to spot Mipsy on every page will engage younger readers. A lovely production from end to end, this book would make a wonderful gift for any child interested in learning about Ireland. [BF] READ ALSO: A Dublin Fairytale by Nicola Colton

HREFNA BRAGADOTTIR BAXTER’S BOOK NOSY CROW 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9780857635228 Baxter loves books and dreams of starring in one. So when he sees a sign for Storybook Auditions, he can’t wait to show off his talents. The problem is Baxter isn’t a familiar fairytale character. In fact, the judges aren’t sure what he is. Baxter tries to be scary like Wolf and cuddly like Bear but it’s only when he starts being himself that his dreams come true. With plenty of familiar characters to spot in the illustrations, this is sure to become a favourite. [AvC] READ ALSO: The Last Book before Bedtime by Nicola O’Byrne

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 13 AOIS 2–4

RACHEL BRIGHT illustrated by JIM FIELD THE KOALA WHO COULD ORCHARD BOOKS SEPT 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781408331637 Kevin the Koala doesn’t like new things and prefers clinging to his familiar tree despite invitations to play on the ground with the other animals. Then, one day, he’s forced to make the leap and discovers all of the wonderful things he’s been missing. Written in verse and with beautiful illustrations featuring lots of Australian animals, this gentle story is about overcoming fears and discovering new things. A perfect tale for cautious children. [AvC] READ ALSO: Lionheart by Richard Collingridge

SIMONA CIRAOLO THE LINES ON NANA’S FACE FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 40PP £11.99 ISBN 9781909263987 It’s Nana’s birthday and her granddaughter wonders why she looks so sad, surprised and worried ‘all at the same time’. Granny explains that she treasures the lines on her face, for each wrinkle holds a precious memory. Fittingly, Ciraolo is skilled at capturing facial expressions and conveying mood, from joyful and comic to anxious and sorrowful. Through soft lines and a clever colour palette, Ciraolo charts the tale’s emotional terrain. A heart-warming and charming celebration of aging, which is sure to bring generations closer together. [ED] READ ALSO: The Frank Show by David Mackintosh

LUCY RUTH CUMMINS A HUNGRY LION, OR A DWINDLING ASSORTMENT OF ANIMALS SIMON AND SCHUSTER 2016 (PBK) 40PP £6.99 ISBN 9781471147074 In this debut solo work by Lucy Ruth Cummins, the narrator is astounded at the rapidly disappearing furry folk at the centre of this story. When the nonchalant lion is questioned about the missing parties, suddenly the lights turn out … The minimal background of the full-page illustrations adds to the loose gestural qualities of the creatures. With humour and drama backed by lovely expressive illustrations, this playful page-turner is sure to keep every child tight to the edge of their seat. [SD] READ ALSO: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

JENNI DESMOND ALBERT’S TREE WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406362473 Albert wakes in spring and climbs his favourite tree. He snuggles onto a branch but, oh no! The tree starts crying – Waa! Waa! Waa! With some help from his friends, Albert tries so hard to make it feel better, but the louder they ask the tree why it’s crying, the louder it wails. This beautiful story illustrates how best to talk to an upset friend and how a new friend can appear from anywhere. Brightly illustrated and great fun to read aloud. [OH] READ ALSO: Where Bear? by Sophy Henn

14 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 2–4 IRENE DICKSON BLOCKS NOSY CROW 2016 (HBK) 32PP £9.99 ISBN 9780857635686 Ruby has red blocks. Benji has blue blocks. But when Benji takes one of Ruby’s red blocks, sparks (and blocks!) fly. Following a struggle, the pair find they can build so much more when they work together. The arrival of Guy with his cart of green blocks adds additional colour to the structures they build and provided lots of fun for my three-year-old co-reviewer. The simple illustrations and familiar situation in this charming picturebook are sure to appeal to children under four. [AvC] READ ALSO: It’s Mine by Leo Lionni

JULIA DONALDSON illustrated by SARA OGILVIE THE DETECTIVE DOG MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781509801596 When all the books disappear from the school, Nell the Dog Detective is ready to sniff out the culprit and solve the mystery. The Detective Dog is the latest from the wonderful Julia Donaldson and another instant bestseller. Teaming for the first time with illustrator Sara Ogilvie, Donaldson has crafted a rhyming mystery that celebrates the importance of books, reading and libraries. As a librarian, I can only heartily agree and recommend this action-packed, warmly illustrated story to all. [BF] READ ALSO: Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

MARIANNE DUBUC translated by GREET PAUWELIJN HERE COMES MR POSTMOUSE BOOK ISLAND 2016 (HBK) 32PP £10.99 ISBN 9780994128201 This gorgeous book is all about the illustrations. Incredibly detailed, right down to the time lapse between each clock, each page is an utter delight. A rabbit on the loo, magpie bandits and a truly disgusting dung fly cannot but result in howls of laughter from three- to five-year-olds. Spot escapees from well- known tales, such as Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood, along the way. The text is well judged – a spare, light narrative support to the illustrations. Nothing more is needed. An absolute hit! [ViC] READ ALSO: A Day at the Animal Post Office by Sharon Rentta

AME DYCKMAN illustrated by ZACHARIAH OHORA WOLFIE THE BUNNY ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (HBK) 40PP £11.99 ISBN 9781783443864 When the bunny family find a baby wolf on their doorstep, the parents are smitten, but little Dot is suspicious. ‘He’s going to eat us all up!’ she cries. Wolfie sleeps through the night, but Dot does not. She’s too busy keeping an eye on the interloper with the big appetite. Bright acrylics, bold colours and eye-catching fonts combine with the hilarious text to make this tale of sibling rivalry an instant classic. Grown-ups and children alike will find the feisty Dot irresistible. [CAC] READ ALSO: Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Jean Jullien

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 15 AOIS 2–4 JO EMPSON CHIMPANZEES FOR TEA PUFFIN 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9780141356433 Wow, what a long shopping list for Vincent! And when the wind whips it out of his hand on the way to fetch the items, there’s a lot to commit to memory. The world is full of fabulous distractions, however. Vincent does hurry home for tea as he was told, but the items he brings back are somewhat different to those on the original list. Action-filled illustrations and a cast of colourful characters make this quirky book a bright and very fun read. [EBK] READ ALSO: Take Away the A by Michaël Escoffier, illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo

MARIE-LOUISE FITZPATRICK OWL BAT BAT OWL WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406364392 An owl family settles on their perch for the night only to be joined by a family of bats underneath, and it looks like the two groups aren’t going to get along – all except the littlest ones, who seem interested and excited about the presence of strangers. This wordless picturebook effortlessly deals with issues of intolerance, difference and friendship using this inspired premise, with plenty of space for parent–child interaction and interpretation. Beautifully illustrated and cleverly put together, this book is a little treasure. [LG] READ ALSO: Beegu by Alexis Deacon

TARO GOMI GROWING TOGETHER: 4 STORIES TO SHARE PHAIDON 2016 (HBK) 96PP £12.95 ISBN 9780714871264 Ideal for a young family, this set comprises four individual books: Exploring, Sharing, Imagining and Growing. We meet a little girl who sees that her mum was once a little girl like her; a little boy who discovers his dad has as much playful imagination as him; sisters who are great at dividing everything evenly; and brothers who realise that, despite their age difference, they are just the same. Beautiful colours, simple images and clear text make this a must-have collection. [EBK] READ ALSO: Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi

PIPPA GOODHART illustrated by SAM USHER WHAT WILL DANNY DO TODAY? EGMONT 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9781405275101 With a unique approach, this book challenges readers to make every decision our hero faces today. Cleverly, this story can therefore change with every read. What will Danny choose as a special treat? Packed with illustrations, there is plenty to choose from. Readers are not only free to imagine but also invited to compare their own daily routines with Danny’s. Charming for parent and child alike – let’s see if Danny will paint a Van Gogh or build a robot. You decide! [EBK] READ ALSO: You Choose and Just Imagine by Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

16 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 2–4 EMILY GRAVETT TIDY TWO HOOTS 2016 (HBK) 40PP £12.99 ISBN 9781447273981 This fresh and funny picturebook from multi-award-winning author–illustrator Gravett conveys a gentle message about preserving the natural environment. Pete, the badger, likes everything in the forest to be neat and tidy. Nature is messy so eventually all he can do is pave the whole area, with disastrous consequences. A series of die cuts from front cover to the title page invites us into lush forests and the story dashes along in rhyming couplets, with comic detail and visual jokes. A gem! [IB] READ ALSO: The Tree by Neal Layton CHRIS HAUGHTON GOODNIGHT EVERYONE WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £12.99 ISBN 9781406352320 Chris Haughton is back with a simpler, younger but equally gorgeous and satisfying offering. Goodnight Everyone follows a wide-awake (for now) little bear through an evening-time woodland where all the animals are getting ready for bed. The pared-down text has a hypnotic quality which rapidly has readers and listeners echoing the protagonists’ yawns (in a good way!) The warm and oh- so-clever illustrations (including the endpapers) are full of visual clues for pre- readers to spot and convey an extra layer of gentle humour. Great stuff! [JS] READ ALSO: The World Champion of Staying Awake by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Jimmy Liao SOPHY HENN PASS IT ON PUFFIN 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9780723299868 ‘Smile a smile and pass it on’ is the message from this inclusive and exuberant book, which is saved from irritating twee-ness by the acknowledgement that there will be days when life can be grey or lonely. The reader is exhorted to ‘branch out’ or ‘search around’ to find some fun. Good advice for the cultivation of resilience and positive mental health. Rhyming text and block- colour illustrations on coloured matt pages convey an infectious zest for life. Henn was twice World Book Day Illustrator. [IB] READ ALSO: The Jar of Happiness by Ailsa Burrows

DAISY HIRST ALPHONSE, THAT IS NOT OK TO DO! WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 34PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406354317 Although Natalie enjoys playing with her little brother, Alphonse, at times it can be frustrating being the older sibling, and it’s especially upsetting when she catches Alphonse chewing her favourite book. Hirst uses a childlike typeface with a crude but very endearing style of illustration to cleverly tell the story from young Natalie’s point of view, which also makes for humorous dialogue between the characters. A heart-warming story about learning how to navigate a range of emotions such as frustration, anger, acceptance and love. [RB] READ ALSO: The Charlie and Lola series by Lauren Child

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 17 AOIS 2–4 PETR HORÁCEK THE GREEDY GOAT WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406367164 A beautifully illustrated picturebook that tells the story of a goat who is tired of eating the same meal every day. When she tries adding something new to her diet, things start to go wrong. Goat’s appetite gets her into trouble and not just with her friends. But, by the end of the week, all is put right … or is it? The goat and her outlandish diet are sure to entertain young readers. Petr Horacek’s lovely illustrations perfectly complement the story. [TF] READ ALSO: Daddy’s Sandwich by Pip Jones, illustrated by Laura Hughes

YASMEEN ISMAIL NOTHING! BLOOMSBURY (PBK) £6.99 ISBN 9781408873366 Little Lila is always up to something curious, yet when asked what she’s doing, all she can say is ‘Nothing!’ Lila’s imagination takes her to all sorts of wonderful places – if only someone will join her! The newest edition to Yasmeen Ismail’s collection, this delightful book is filled with movement and bold, bright colours, certain to stimulate young children. Beautifully hand- painted images are at the heart of this book and it is a must read for any fans of illustration. [SD] READ ALSO: A River by Marc Martin JARVIS ALAN’S BIG, SCARY TEETH WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406370805 When a book can combine a great storyline, beautiful imagery and a positive message for the reader, you know you’re on to a winner. Alan’s Big Scary Teeth wraps up all your emotions within the pages. Beginning impressive, then a little scary, the story turns exciting and then slightly sad, but rounds out with happiness when all is resolved! I won’t give the plot away, but this brightly coloured, beautifully illustrated book is most definitely one to be enjoyed over and over. [RaH] READ ALSO: Lazy Dave by Jarvis

OLIVER JEFFERS and SAM WINSTON A CHILD OF BOOKS WALKER BOOKS SEPT 2016 (HBK) 40PP £12.99 ISBN 9781406358315 A coming together of two very different styles, this picturebook beautifully combines Jeffers’s sweeping watercolours and naive pencil-drawn characters with Winston’s typographic and collaged landscapes. The narrative follows a young girl who guides a boy and the reader away from the grey everyday and into a world of story. Words become mountains, oceans, paths and caves, and colour slowly creeps into the scenery and the girl’s figure as the book progresses. A beautiful gift for a book lover of any age. [GC] READ ALSO: Wolves by Emily Gravett

18 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 2–4 JON KLASSEN WE FOUND A HAT WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 56PP £12.99 ISBN 9781406347517 Jon Klassen’s quietly epic hat trilogy concludes in poignant fashion. Two tortoises find one very fine hat, but only one turtle may wear it. This seemingly simple yet understandably serious drama is played out in three acts. Clearly, a great friendship is at stake and the full weight of one tortoise’s decision can be felt. Exquisitely atmospheric landscapes accompany what now may be called ‘Klassien’ deadpan humour and charm. [SMcC] READ ALSO: I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

TIMOTHY KNAPMAN illustrated by HELEN OXENBURY TIME NOW TO DREAM WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 40PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406367355 This lyrical tale finds Jack and his sister, Alice, searching for something hidden in the forest. Perfectly paced, including a beautiful variation of ‘Hush Little Baby’, this story feels completely timeless. Helen Oxenbury has created a truly immersive experience with her lush, dreamlike watercolour illustrations. It is impossible to resist being drawn into her world. With its reassuring refrain of ‘everything is going to be alright’ punctuating almost every page, this future classic is note-perfect for sending little ones happily off to sleep. [ViC] READ ALSO: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury JENNIFER K. MANN SAM AND JUMP WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406368581 Sam and his fluffy best friend, Jump the stuffed rabbit, are off on a seaside adventure! But when Sam makes a new friend, Jump is forgotten and gets lost – leaving Sam worrying if he will be able to find his bunny again. This book perfectly captures the panic of losing a favourite toy and teaches that friends and parents are always on hand to help. The simple, expressive illustrations bring each page to life, while the delicate colouring makes this a lovely bedtime read. [LH] READ ALSO: Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems CLIVE MCFARLAND THE FOX AND THE WILD TEMPLAR PUBLISHING 2016 (HBK) 40PP £6.99 ISBN 9781783703876 From Irish illustrator Clive McFarland comes this masterful picture book about Fred, a fox from the city who, upon becoming separated from his cousins, encounters a flock of birds and decides to follow them. With basic, easy-to- follow text and wonderfully colourful illustrations, this story of curiosity, individuality and daring to venture outside the borders of one’s comfort zone is sure to captivate even the youngest of children. An absolutely splendid read; I would recommend it highly! [LaD] READ ALSO: Mr Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 19 AOIS 2–4

ISABEL MINHÓS MARTINS illustrated by YARA KONO ABZZZ … A BEDTIME ALPHABET THAMES & HUDSON 2016 (HBK) 28PP £8.95 ISBN 9780500650776 As is to be expected from the brilliant Minhós Martins, this book is genius. From ‘A is for awake’ to ‘ZZZZZZZ this sound means that the book has been turned off’, this unusual alphabet book is a light-footed introduction to bedtime relaxation and mindfulness. Suffused with humour and helped along by Kono’s bright, bold illustrations, ABZZZ offers a fantastic moment of intimacy and fun between reader and young listener and is a wonderful way to end a busy day. Very highly recommended. [JS] READ ALSO: When I Was Born by Isabel Minhós Martins, illustrated by Madalena Matoso CHRISTOPHER SILAS NEAL EVERYONE … WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406368420 In a vivid, contemporary yet reassuring palette, this book invites the reader to explore the emotions common to everyone. From happiness, frustration, to sadness and back again, the whole world has feelings. And it’s good to share them. Perfect for sharing and to introduce mindfulness to even the youngest child. [MEJ] READ ALSO: How Do You Feel? by Anthony Browne KAREN KAUFMAN ORLOFF illustrated by LUCIANO LOZANO MILES OF SMILES STERLING 2016 (HBK) 26PP £10.99 ISBN 9781454916994 A single smile can set off a whole chain of cheerfulness. Beginning with a bouncing baby, this infectious grin spreads first to his doting mummy and then onto numerous neighbours, including a teacher, a coach and even a puppy! Lozano’s chubby-faced and rosy-cheeked cartoon characters perfectly fit the sunny story. The endpapers also feature attractive neighbourhood spreads, mapping the connections between individuals. With simple rhyming text, this sweet tale shows how a small act of kindness can weave a community together. Pass it on! [ED] READ ALSO: Dear Bunny by Katie Cotton, illustrated by Blanca Gomez

SIMON PHILIP illustrated by KATE HINDLEY YOU MUST BRING A HAT SIMON AND SCHUSTER 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9781471117329 Panic ensues when a little boy who doesn’t own a hat must find a hat on his way to the hattiest party of all time but, naturally, things are not as straightforward as they should be. A curious sequence of increasingly fortunate events unfolds as we follow the boy through the wonderfully busy and suitably charming illustrated spreads. We encounter many very obliging and eccentric characters as well as one uncompromising penguin. A highly entertaining read that will also challenge the reader’s observational skills. [RB] READ ALSO: Happy Birthday, Madame Chapeau by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

20 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 2–4

MICHELLE ROBINSON illustrated by DAVID ROBERTS A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEAR SPOTTING BLOOMSBURY 2016 (HBK) 32PP £12.99 ISBN 9781408845554 This is a quirky and original take on guides or tales of instruction and is a wonderfully witty and subversive treat for all. Roberts’s illustrations are finely drawn and detailed, the perfect companion to Robinson’s text. An unnamed child wraps up and sets off for bear country, with a helpful narrator guiding him or her through – sort of! Plenty of laughs for bedtime here, with a very cautionary ending. [PNicI] READ ALSO: Lenny and Lucy by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead VIVIVIANE SCHWARZ HOW TO FIND GOLD WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406362138 ‘Let’s find gold’ – so Anna and Crocodile are off on an imaginative, thrilling adventure. They must master secret-keeping faces, test their strength and use their wits in locating gold on a hand-drawn world map. With delicious, fresh illustrations and thoughtful, funny dialogue, this is one for all little treasure- hunters everywhere! [MEJ] READ ALSO: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

BIRGITTA SIF WHERE MY FEET GO ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9781783443635 Where do Panda’s feet go, morning, noon and night? Nowhere out of the ordinary, it might appear, but to Panda every grassy bump is a mountain to climb, every sandpit is a desert and every puddle is the sea. The world is a fascinating place when you add a dash of imagination, and Sif adds more than that. Her pencil outlines filled in with a soft watercolour palette of blues and greens with splashes of yellow are the perfect match for this whimsical story. [CAC] READ ALSO: The Wonder by Faye Hanson

ALEX T. SMITH CLAUDE ALL AT SEA HODDER 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781444903676 Following on from the bestselling fiction series, Claude fans will be delighted to see the charming canine’s adventures captured in a new medium – a magnificent picturebook. Follow the stylish hound on a nautical adventure as he sets sail accompanied by his trusty sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, but watch out for Nigel the sea monster! Alex T. Smith’s latest creation is a perfect combination of words and pictures, which make this an engaging, inventive and humorous caper. Claude All at Sea is sure to create a splash! [SQ] READ ALSO: Jack and the Flumflum Tree by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by David Roberts

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 21 AOIS 2–4 LIZZY STEWART THERE’S A TIGER IN THE GARDEN FRANCES LINCOLN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 40PP £11.99 ISBN 9781847808066 Grandma tries to cure Nora’s boredom by encouraging her to play in the garden. According to Grandma, her garden holds many delights, including bird-sized dragonflies, man-eating plants, a grumpy polar pear and, greatest of all, a glorious tiger. Although Nora scoffs at Grandma’s ‘silly games’, her explorations in the undergrowth uncover an exotic jungle. Stewart’s illustrations are simply gorgeous, from the lush foliage to the dazzling tiger. With plenty of humour and a surprisingly philosophical note, this is a splendid celebration of a fertile imagination. [ED] READ ALSO: The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

SEAN TAYLOR illustrated by KATE HINDLEY DON’T CALL ME CHOOCHIE POOH WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406345605 Much to the embarrassment of the little dog in this book, while out in public her owner insists on calling her ridiculous names like Incy Wincy Cupcake or Choochie Pooh. However, a trip to the park one day could change things for Choochie Pooh as she encounters some furry friends who have quite a lot in common with her. This hilarious story with comically detailed illustrations is a lovely tale of surprising new friendships. A perfect book to share with the little dog-lover in your life. [AM] READ ALSO: How to Be a Dog by Jo Williamson ED VERE MAX AND BIRD PUFFIN 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9780241240199 Max the kitten and Bird the bird are the main characters in this story of learning how to be friends. Max thinks he knows what he is supposed to do when he sees a bird but it turns out Bird doesn’t like being chased or eaten. They first want to teach Bird to fly but neither of them knows how to fly or how to be friends. However, when they finish their adventure, they have the answers to both questions. A beautifully illustrated, funny book. [JaB] READ ALSO: Max the Brave and Max at Night by Ed Vere

KEVIN WALDRON HAROLD’S HUNGRY EYES PHAIDON 2016 (HBK) 32PP £10.95 ISBN 9780714871240 Harold is always hungry and when he’s not hungry he’s resting his full belly on his favourite chair. But one day his favourite chair is unceremoniously dumped and Harold is on a mission to save it until, tragically, his stomach begins to rumble. He hasn’t eaten since breakfast! Never has a modern tragedy unfolded that was closer to my heart. As little Harold bravely wanders the jaunty streets of New York City, I see my own daily struggle. Heroes are made and lost between meals. [SMcC] READ ALSO: Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton

22 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 2–4 BRENDAN WENZEL THEY ALL SAW A CAT CHRONICLE BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 44PP £10.99 ISBN 9781452150130 Wenzel cleverly visualises a single cat from the point of view of numerous animals and insects. Creatures of various abilities are examined, including the nocturnal, the colour-blind and the poor-sighted. Whether sensitive to infrared, vibrations or ultrasonic sounds, Wenzel has them covered. The illustrations reflect the complexities of perception, with Wenzel changing colours and shapes accordingly. Although scientific information is absent in the text and the visuals occasionally favour drama over fact, this amusing and imaginative book is sure to prompt plenty of questions. [ED] READ ALSO: Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne

CÁIT NIC SHEÁIN maisithe ag ANDY WHITSON CÚRAILLE I GCEANNAS

AN tSNÁTHAID MHÓR 2015 (CRUA) 38LCH €13.70 ISBN 9780955227196 Nuair a chailleann Mamaí a fáinne, cuirtear Cúraille i gceannas fad a bheidh sí á chuardach, rud a thaitníonn go mór leis. Ach nuair a chailleann Cúraille a dheartháir beag Bobo i measc na n-arrachtaí móra fíochmhara, beidh air a chuid scileanna ceannasacha a chur i bhfeidhm le teacht air. Tá carachtair ghleoite agus domhan álainn samhlaíoch cruthaithe ag na húdair, agus tá go leor mionghnéithe barrúla sna léaráidí ildaite. Pictiúrleabhar an-tarraingteach, oiriúnach do pháistí óga. [CNicL] LÉIGH FREISIN: Cogito le Andrew Whitson agus Caitríona Nic Sheáin.

FIONA WOODCOCK HIDING HEIDI SIMON AND SCHUSTER 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9781471144486 This gentle and charming picturebook tells the story of Heidi, a girl with the very unusual talent of always blending into the background. She wins every game of hide and seek, until it stops being much fun and she learns to play games that other people can enjoy. Its palette of classy pastels is struck through with bright primaries – the soft beiges overlaid with reds, blues and yellows – in acrylic and collage, beautifully depicting Heidi and the places and objects she blends in to. [GC] READ ALSO: Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow BETHAN WOOLLVIN LITTLE RED TWO HOOTS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781447291398 The classic fairytale of a girl, her grandmother, a trip through the forest and a ravenous wolf is here retold in bold and delightfully dark fashion. Those familiar with Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes will recognise something from the switched-up ending but that doesn’t make Woollvin’s take any less original – the bold three-colour palette of black, grey and red and the dramatic use of the double-page spread complement the stark, dry humour to perfection, making this familiar story seem brand new. [LG] READ ALSO: Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 23 AOIS 5–8

ATINUKE illustrated by LAUREN TOBIA YOU’RE AMAZING, ANNA HIBISCUS! WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 95PP £5.99 ISBN 9781406349139 This is a collection of stories about Anna, a young girl living in Africa, set in a big white house where she lives with her extended family. As she journeys towards adulthood, Anna faces many challenges: troublesome siblings, loss of a loved one and tumultuous friendships. Throughout these stories, Anna’s character shines. She is a strong, intelligent, considerate and loving heroine. She is also quick to see her flaws and tries earnestly to amend them. Children will relate to Anna’s chaotic life and enjoy her lovable persona – an enjoyable read. [CD] READ ALSO: All Aboard for the Bobo Road by Atinuke

CLARE BALDING illustrated by TONY ROSS THE RACEHORSE WHO WOULDN’T GALLOP PUFFIN SEPT 2016 (HBK) 256PP £10.99 ISBN 9780141362908 The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop is the quirky and cheerful tale of Charlie and her quest to win the Epsom Derby and save her family’s farm. When she accidentally buys Noble Warrior and his cheeky friend Percy, her dream looks possible. But there’s a problem – her racehorse refuses to run! In this uplifting story, Clare Balding weaves her deep knowledge of the racing world into a book that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all pony-mad kids – or anyone who enjoys a good adventure! [SOB] READ ALSO: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, retold and illustrated by Ruth Brown

ANDREA BEATY illustrated by DAVID ROBERTS ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST ABRAMS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS SEPT 2016 (HBK) 32PP £10.99 ISBN 9781419721373 ‘Ada Marie! Ada Marie! Said not a word til the day she turned three.’ A picture- book in verse about a little girl called Ada with boundless energy who goes through life asking why, what and how, much to her parents’ and teacher’s frustration. But they soon embrace her zest for knowledge and encourage her scientific view of the world. A lovely story, with fabulous colourful illustrations, which promotes the wonder of knowledge and following your passion. Ideal for any curious child! [JL] READ ALSO: The Building Boy by Ross Montgomery

SYLVIA BISHOP ILLUSTRATED BY ASHLEY KING ERICA’S ELEPHANT SCHOLASTIC 2016 (HBK) 162PP £8.99 ISBN 9781407159683 Erica receives a gift of an elephant for her tenth birthday and finds herself enjoying the challenge of looking after him. Luckily, Erica is a resourceful girl and comes up with ideas on how to feed, keep and hide an elephant. The authorities are not pleased that she is keeping him in her uncle’s townhouse and therein lies the plot. The artwork captures the characterisation and comedy in this delightful story, which conveys a sense of loyalty, friendship and community in a sincere, humorous way while also exploring the wonder of wildlife. [AOC] READ ALSO: Lucy by Randy Cecil

24 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 5–8 AARON BLABEY THE BAD GUYS: EPISODE 1 SCHOLASTIC 2016 (PBK) 138PP £5.99 ISBN 9781407170565 A humorous twist on the fairy tale of Mr Wolf, who gathers together three other bad guys to try and convince us, the readers, that they should be classed as heroes. They set out to do good deeds, the first being to break 200 dogs out of the Maximum Security City Dog Pound, and they end up feeling good about themselves. The graphic novel format, with familiar language, will appeal to both emerging and older readers who will enjoy continuing with Episode 2: Mission Unpluckable. [HMcC] READ ALSO: King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor by Andy Riley

NEILL CAMERON MEGA ROBO BROS DAVID FICKLING 2016 (PBK) 96PP £9.99 ISBN 9781910200834 Freddy and Alex are your run-of-the-mill brothers: they fight, they’re late for school, they read comics, they have friends … Except, of course, that they are robots and come with super powers. Adopted by a human family from a young age, the ‘boys’ get on with their lives until the day a mysterious baddy starts setting traps for them, deadly ones. This is an awesome comic book: fast-paced, exciting, funny and, incidentally, with a marvellous sense of ethnic, religious and gender diversity. Brilliant! [JS] READ ALSO: Rules of the House by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Matt Byars

ANN CARROLL aistrithe ag LÚCAS Ó CIONNAITH DERRY DILLON A MHAISIGH MÉABH, BANRÍON NA TRODA POOLBEG PRESS 2016 (BOG) 41LCH €4.99 ISBN 9781781998960 Tugann Méabh, Banríon na Troda mionchuntas ar shaol cheann de na carachtair is clúití i litríocht na hÉireann. Is Banríon álainn chróga í Méabh, ach is bean fheargach éadmhar í chomh maith. Feictear na coimhlintí a bhí aici le fir éagsúla, ní hamháin i dTáin Bó Cúailgne, ach roimhe sin agus ina dhiaidh. Tá an leagan Gaeilge seo scríofa ar bhealach atá sothuigthe do pháistí óga agus tá léaráidí cliste tarraingteacha ar gach leathanach, nós a chuireann go mór le beocht an scéil agus le tuiscint an scéil do léitheoirí óga. [RMacA] LÉIGH FREISIN: Scéal Naomh Pádraig le Ann Carroll, aistrithe ag Lúcan Ó Cionnaith

ANN CARROLL illustrated by DERRY DILLON THE STORY OF TARA POOLBEG PRESS 2016 (PBK) 42PP €4.99 ISBN 9781781999172 The epic history of Tara is brought to life in these simplified and action- packed stories. The Tuatha Dé Danann, the High Kings of Ireland, St Patrick and Brian Boru are some of the many characters who energise the chapters, highlighting the heroic and magical spirit of Tara. The text is accompanied by good graphics, boosting the stories and enticing the reader onwards. This series of Ireland’s Best-Known Stories in a Nutshell is a great place to start learning and enjoying history. [AOC] READ ALSO: Niall of the Nine Hostages, In a Nutshell series INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 25 AOIS 5–8

SIMON CHERRY illustrated by FRANCIS BLAKE EDDY STONE AND THE EPIC HOLIDAY MASH-UP USBORNE 2016 (PBK) 304PP £6.99 ISBN 9781474903059 Eddy Stone’s boring summer holiday is transformed into an epic adventure when he finds a pirate in his gran’s bath. They embark on a treasure hunt in a ship- shaped shed with an old lady shopkeeper, a grumpy performing penguin and a magic treasure map. Simon Cherry’s debut children’s book is exciting, hilarious and totally bonkers! It will appeal to boys and girls who enjoy stories full of silliness, zany characters and wacky adventures with crazy illustrations to match! [JiM] READ ALSO : The Swivel-Eyed Ogre Thing by Barry Hutchinson, illustrated by Chris Mould

EOIN COLFER illustrated by MATT ROBERTSON ANNA LIZA AND THE HAPPY PRACTICE BARRINGTON STOKE (LITTLE GEMS) 2016 (PBK) 106PP £6.99 ISBN 9781781125595 Anna Liza wants to help people, like her psychiatrist mother. Dressed professionally in a white coat, she practices in her mother’s waiting room. There she meets Edward, whose dad is very sad. Anna Liza decides to help with ‘the Dad problem’. Colfer’s sparky, funny writing works beautifully with the colourful, humorous illustrations which really contribute to the flow of the story. The pace of the chapter where Edward’s dad hurtles through town experiencing Anna Liza’s imaginative ‘roller-skate treatment’ is tremendous. Important issues are presented gently, thoughtfully and hopefully. [MMcL] READ ALSO: Grandpa Was an Astronaut by Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Hannah Coulson KEVIN CROSSLEY-HOLLAND illustrated by STÉPHANE JORISCH THE RIDDLEMASTER TRADEWIND BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £10.95 ISBN 9781926890111 An old man offers Anouk, Ben and Cara a chance to sail to an island to find treasure but they must solve seven riddles. The crew of islanders are unusual and ‘sing terrible hungry song’. Will you be able to solve the riddles before the children? The secret of the story is in the final riddle: ‘What’s the treasure you can keep and share at the same time?’ A great story to read aloud. The illustrations are full of gentle menace and life. [RoH] READ ALSO: Stars of Mine by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Martina Peluso

RODDY DOYLE illustrated by CHRIS JUDGE ROVER AND THE BIG FAT BABY MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 160PP £10.99 ISBN 9781509836871 Rover is back! In the fourth instalment of the popular Giggler series, our favourite leading business dog is teaming up with his fastidious and excitable nephew, Messi, to deliver poo to the Gigglers of Dublin and on the way track down Big Fat Baby – who has gone missing, again! A new look for this Rover book with striking illustrations by Chris Judge throughout. Roddy Doyle’s hilarious, fourth-wall-breaking style is perfect for confident young readers and to be read aloud. [EH] READ ALSO: How to Look After Your Human by Maggie Mayhem and Kim Sears 26 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 5–8 CARSON ELLIS DU IZ TAK? WALKER BOOKS NOV 2016 (HBK) 48PP £11.99 ISBN 9781406368413 Using an invented bug language, Carson tells the story of a growing plant and the tiny insect world that revolves around it. Initially baffled by the unfurling sprout, the creatures soon gather to build a tree fort. Yet, nature’s cruelties ensure some dramatic twists and turns in this tragicomedy of the natural world. Carson’s gouache and ink illustrations are exquisite, depicting cultured critters and elegant greenery. The playful dialogue and subtle visual changes from page to page will have readers poring over this accomplished picturebook. [ED] READ ALSO: The Road Home by Katie Cotton, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby

ISLA FISHER illustrated by EGLANTINE CEULEMANS MARGE IN CHARGE PICCADILLY PRESS 2016 (PBK) 176PP £5.99 ISBN 9781848125339 Jemima and Jake’s new babysitter doesn’t look too promising. She looks old and small, but once their parents leave the house Marge gives a mischievous wink, takes off her hat and the fun begins. These hilarious and charming Marge stories capture the child’s imagination from start to finish, and are perfect for a child starting to read on their own. The beautiful illustrations entice a child to get involved in the story and the skill of the author keeps a child reading right to the end. [GHu] READ ALSO: Izzy the Invisible by Louise Gray

JULIAN GOUGH illustrated by JIM FIELD RABBIT & BEAR: RABBIT’S BAD HABITS HODDER CHILDREN’S BOOKS (HBK) 112PP £9.99 ISBN 9781444929317 Bear wakes up early in his cave to discover he has been robbed. A snowstorm distracts him and as he attempts to roll a giant snowball up a hill he meets Rabbit. Rabbit has some bad habits – guaranteed to make every child and adult laugh out loud! A gorgeous tale of a slow-burning friendship between Bear and Rabbit, who discover that fun is not such a bad thing. With wonderful landscapes and characterisation by Jim Field, this book is highly recommended and will still delight after many readings. [JL] READ ALSO: Hendrix the Rocking Horse by Gavin Puckett, illustrated by Tor Freeman cover_Layout 1 01/02/2016 12:50 Page 1

11 the nightmare club ANNIE GRAVES illustrated by GLENN MCELHINNEY DR WHITE (the Nightmare Club series) Th e h GHT w it N IT M ARE r e € lub d LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 64PP 5.99 ISBN 9781910411520 Dr White is the sinister doctor who seems a little too fond of taking Alex’s

The Nightmare Club is not impressed when Alex starts dr white blood. As Alex tells his story to the Nightmare Club, it’s clear there may be talking about a visit to the doctor. But when they hear that Dr White prescribes very strange medicine and uses a double syringe to take blood samples, they start to vampires involved. The resourceful Alex fights back using vampire lore such as listen up. Strange things start to happen, and soon Alex An es feels the need to investigate the local blood bank ... nie Grav garlic, light and even a Ghostbusters vacuum cleaner, in a modern, quirky way Annie Graves doesn’t like to admit that she ever has Illustrated by help with her stories. Let’s just say that there are Glenn MCElhinney eleven children on the Write to Read project in Dublin who claim to have written this story. graves annie – can he escape? Really well paced with sparse text on each page and sketched

Little Island Published in ISBN: 978-1-910411-52-0 illustrations which are full of character. N.B. Be careful if you are already Th e IGHTM A 9 781910 411520 NT RE nervous of doctors. [MMcL] Design: Fidelma SlatteryDesign: lub www.littleisland.ie £3.99 UK only READ ALSO: Grey Island, Red Boat by Ian Beck

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 27 AOIS 5–8

KES GRAY illustrated by GARY PARSONS JACK BEECHWHISTLE: ATTACK OF THE GIANT SLUGS RED FOX 2016 (PBK) 320PP £5.99 ISBN 9781782953036 Jack is an undercover agent. He is also a schoolboy with a huge imagination. With the aid of his two friends Colin and Harry, Jack defends the earth from various threats like Combat Snakes and Pirate Polar Bears. Are the boys ready for their greatest challenge? Can Jack and his friends save the school from an attack of Giant Slugs? This quirky story with its simple illustrations and larger font will appeal to younger confident readers. [SuW] READ ALSO: Daisy and the Trouble with Maggots by Kes Gray, illustrated by Gary Parsons

ANDY GRIFFITHS illustrated by TERRY DENTON THE 52-STOREY TREEHOUSE MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 336PP £5.99 ISBN 9781447287575 Andy and Terry are back and this time they’ve added another thirteen storeys to their ever-expanding treehouse. In this mad-cap outing the boys investigate the disappearance of Mr Big Nose (their long-suffering publisher). Get ready for Ninja Snails, silly disguises and a mob of angry vegetables led by a potato prince. Fans of the first three books in the series will love this new adventure. The fun illustrations and easy-to-read chapters will appeal to reluctant readers. [SuW] READ ALSO: The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton

CHARLOTTE GUILLAIN maisithe ag STEVE DORADO AN POTA FOLAMH AN GÚM 2016 (BOG) 24LCH €5 ISBN 9781857919189 Buachaill beag is ea Cheng a ghlacann páirt i gcomórtas a chuireann an t-impire ar bun, comórtas le féachaint cé atá oiriúnach ról an impire a ghlacadh ina dhiaidh. Scéal béaloidis ón tSín is ea é, le pictiúir shimplí tharraingteacha, agus na mothúcháin, díomá agus náire go háirithe, le feiceáil go soiléir ar ghnúis Cheng. Tá ceacht sa scéal: is de bharr a mhacántachta a éiríonn le Cheng an bua a fháil. Scéal simplí gairid a thaitneodh le páistí óga, suas go dtí sé bliana d’aois. [AC] LÉIGH FREISIN: Hóng le Anna Heussaff

SWAPNA HADDOW maisithe ag SHEENA DEMPSEY DAVE PIGEON FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 160PP £5.99 ISBN 9780571323302 Follow Dave Pigeon and his sidekick Skipper while they face their nemesis, Mean Cat. The two friends hatch various mad-cap plans to engineer his departure from the house of a kind Human Lady so they can take his place and live in biscuit-y nirvana. The first in a new series, this is a funny, quirky and fast-paced book, with a cliffhanger ending. Sheena Dempsey’s illustrations really enliven the book and break up the text for less experienced readers.[MCu] READ ALSO: Captain Pug: The Dog Who Sailed the Seas by Laura James, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans

28 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 5–8

KATIE HARNETT ARCHIE SNUFFLEKINS OLIVER VALENTINE CUPCAKE TIBERIUS CAT FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781909263376 The star of this fabulous picturebook has the run of Blossom Street. Like many a cat before him, he spends his days visiting different houses, gaining many monikers along the way. When our hero goes missing one day, the residents go in search of him and discover that there is one particular house that could do with more than just visits from a neighbourhood cat. A charming book about the importance of community, and keeping an eye on your elderly neighbours, from a promising new picturebook maker. [LG] READ ALSO: Six Dinner Sid by Inga Moore

CARYL HART illustrated by SARAH WARBURTON THE INVINCIBLES: THE PIGLET PICKLE NOSY CROW 2016 (PBK) 112PP £5.99 ISBN 9780857636256 A humorous tale based around the antics of best friends and partners-in- crime, Nell and Freddie. One day they come home from a school tour with an unexpected guest, which gets them into big trouble. They always mean well, but they also mean trouble! The story is hilarious, with fun and familiar language, capturing the tensions that exist between siblings, with funny details of family life. The illustrations are an excellent aid to enjoying and understanding the story – perfect for children beginning to read. [GHu] READ ALSO: Wigglesbottom Primary: The Shark in the Pool by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Becka Moore

CHRIS HOY with JOANNA NADIN illustrated by CLARE ELSOM FLYING FERGUS: THE BEST BIRTHDAY BIKE PICCADILLY PRESS 2016 (PBK) 128PP £4.99 ISBN 9781471405211 Fergus Hamilton dreams of being the most brilliant boy cyclist in the whole world. He longs for a flashy Sullivan Swift bike for his ninth birthday and is disappointed to receive a rusty old bike instead. However, helped by his family and friends, he fixes up the old bike, takes it for a test ride and discovers something amazing. Written by Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, this book is sure to appeal to cycling fans and those looking to enjoy a brilliantly illustrated, magical adventure! [JiM] READ ALSO: Flying Fergus: The Great Cycle Challenge by Chris Hoy, illustrated by Clare Elsom

PIP JONES illustrated by ELLA OSKTAD SQUISHY McFLUFF: SEASIDE RESCUE! FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 80PP ISBN £6.99 9780571320684 Another great addition to the Squishy McFluff the Invisible Cat series. Perfect for children over five, this is a mischievous and very funny read with a slight sadness in the middle. A well-written story made even better by the clever combination of rhythm, rhyme and illustrations. This book would also be good for adults to read aloud to children. Pip Jones has created a loving family of characters with no reason not to enjoy. [ER] READ ALSO: Claude Going for Gold! by Alex T. Smith

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 29 AOIS 5-8

ANDREW JUDGE illustrated by CHRIS JUDGE CREATE YOUR OWN SPY MISSION – IT’S SO SECRET, WE DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT’S INSIDE! SCHOLASTIC 2016 (PBK) 144PP £5.99 ISBN 9781407163277 Shhh … make sure no one is watching you. Now get up and go to your nearest bookshop to begin your secret mission with Ethan Doodle – and, boy, does he need your help! Ethan is a brave and resourceful spy investigating the cupcake caper of the century and the only ingredient missing is you … So sharpen your pencil and help him to save the day – and the baked goods! A fun and dynamic ‘choose your own path’ book, with draw-it-yourself features, that is sure to engage reluctant readers. [MCu] READ ALSO: Create Your Own Alien Adventure by Andrew Judge, illustrated by Chris Judge

EITHNE MASSEY ILlustrated by LISA JACKSON IRISH LEGENDS : NEWGRANGE, TARA & THE BOYNE VALLEY THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (HBK) 64PP €12.99 ISBN 9781847176837 Visit the kingdom of King Manannan Mac Lir, discover how the River Boyne got its name and find out why cows sigh when they sit down. The answers are in a collection of six less-familiar stories set in the vicinity of the Boyne River. The author links most of the stories with the present. The illustrations match the text and are full of movement. Ideal stories to read aloud to accompany a visit to the area or a school project. [RoH] READ ALSO: Magical Celtic Tales by Una Leavy, illustrated by Fergal O’Connor

ISABEL MINHÓS MARTINS illustrated by BERNARDO P. CARVALHO translated by DANIEL HAHN DON’T CROSS THE LINE! GECKO PRESS SEPT 2016 (HBK) 40PP £11.99 ISBN 9781776570744 A guard in a blank space; a passer-by, then two, then ten, then dozens entering the book on the left-hand page and trying to reach the other end of the double-spread. But the general’s orders are clear: the right-hand page is out of bounds; no one can cross the line … This clever book asks questions about freedom and authority, but also story-making and book-crafting. The illustrations brim with life, colour and humour, and there are lots of mini-stories to follow through the increasingly crowded pages. [JS] READ ALSO: The World in a Second by Isabel Minhós Martins, illustrated by Bernardo P. Carvalho

MICHAEL MORPURGO illustrated by BRIONY MAY SMITH THE GIANT’S NECKLACE WALKER BOOKS NOV 2016 (HBK) 80PP £8.99 ISBN 9781406357127 Cherry is determined to collect pink cowrie shells to complete her necklace for a giant. While searching for the shells she is cut off from the beach by the tide and a storm. She attempts to climb to safety and is helped by two tin miners, victims of a mining disaster many years previously, to reach the surface. A great story about courage and determination but ultimately about tragedy and loss. The atmospheric illustrations portray a happy family holiday and then Cherry’s dangerous situation. [RoH] READ ALSO: My Father Is a Polar Bear by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Felicita Sala

30 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 5–8

KEITH NEGLEY MY DAD USED TO BE SO COOL FLYING EYE BOOKS (HBK) 44PP £11.99 ISBN 9781909263949 This story follows a young son’s discovery that his dad used to be a rockstar. He finds it hard to believe his dad could have ever been cool. He wonders what little bump along the way made him give it all up … Negley uses a limited bold colour palette with little shading to create a very graphic effect. The distinct style uses unique proportions and geometric shaping to create a modern look. This is a great book for boys and especially for fatherly bonding. [SD] READ ALSO: Tough Guys Have Feelings Too by Keith Negley

ÁINE NÍ GHLINN maisithe ag CAROL BETERA HATA OISÍN LEABHAIRCOMHAR 2016 (CRUA) 30LCH €12.00 ISBN 9780993494604 Is é Oisín, leaidín óg agus é ag cuardach hata nua, príomhcharachtar an scéil bhig seo. Agus é ag iarraidh hata nua spéisiúil a cheannach, leanann léitheoirí an scéil Oisín agus é ag caitheamh hataí éagsúla timpeall an bhaile. Maisithe go healaíonta ag Caorl Betera, éiríonn le Ní Ghlinn agus le Betera scéal deas a chur os comhair léitheoirí. Bheadh an scéal áirithe seo feiliúnach do léitheoirí óga ach go háirithe dóibh siúd atá sna naíonáin. [SMacR] LÉIGH FREISIN: Lisín: Ní Banphrionsa Mé! le Patricia Forde

SALLY NICHOLLS illustrated by SHEENA DEMPSEY BILLY BUTTON, TELEGRAM BOY BARRINGTON STOKE (LITTLE GEMS) 2016 (PBK) 96PP £6.99 ISBN 9781781125328 A charming, nostalgic story set in a village post office. Billy’s parents run the post office and he is thrilled when, slightly against the rules, he is allowed to replace the boy who delivers telegrams. Some gentle adventures follow as Billy bends the rules (just a little) to bring together two old friends. The slow start to the story may discourage struggling readers, but with lots of detail and humour in the text plus a picture on almost every page (including telegrams) perseverance is rewarded. [MMcL] READ ALSO: Polly and the Puffin 2: The Stormy Day by Jenny Colgan

LYNN ROBERTS-MALONEY illustrated by DAVID ROBERTS SLEEPING BEAUTY PAVILION CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £12.99 ISBN 9781843652915 In this modernised adaption of Sleeping Beauty, Annabel is a young girl who dreams of a future filled with wonderful inventions and scientific advances. Annabel’s aunts are very protective of their niece, who has been cursed by an evil witch. Despite Annabel’s tragic early life she fulfils her life-long dream thanks to an inquisitive library-going young girl. David Roberts’s use of strong, vibrant colours adds to the excitement and danger of the story. This retelling is worthy of becoming a classic in its own right. [CD] READ ALSO: Believe Me, I Never Felt a Pea!: The Story of the Princess and the Pea as Told by the Princess by Nancy Loewen, illustrated by Cristian Bernardini

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 31

AOIS 5–8

DAN SANTAT THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (HBK) 40PP £11.99 ISBN 9781783443840 On a magical island where imaginary friends are born, a cute creature awaits selection by a real child. Tired of never being chosen, he gathers the courage to do the ‘unimaginable’ – he sets sail to the real world in search of his perfect match. With digitally altered textures and a funny comic sequence, this book has a lively, animated quality. Contrasting the dull greys of the adult world with the vibrant rainbow colours of the fantastic creatures, Santat highlights the power of imagination. A sweet, uplifting story. [ED] READ ALSO: Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

STEVE VOAKE illustrated by JIM FELD MAXWELL MUTT AND THE DOWNTOWN DOGS WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 160PP £5.99 ISBN 9781406357530 A brilliant story of puppy Maxwell and a gang of mutts having great fun and adventures with a supporting cast of some very scary cats, fun-loving rats and law-abiding dogs. The gang has great characters, like the atypical poodle who wants to fight everyone and the bulldog who cleans and tidies. Quite a long book, but one which will keep the confident reader hooked and would also be great to read aloud – Ginger, the cat with the fantastic accent, is a gift. [MMcL] READ ALSO: Knitbone Pepper Ghost Dog and the Last Circus Tiger by Claire Barker, illustrated by Ross Collins

JESSIE WALL illustrated by EMILY STANBURY PHILOMENA, THE CAT WHO THINKS SHE’S A DOG WACKY BEE 2016 (PBK) 66PP £5.99 ISBN 9780993110924 Philomena is convinced she is a dog but how will she prove this to her new owners, the Simpkins? She tries her best to act like a dog but her behaviour does little to impress her new family. Is she in danger of becoming an unwanted pet? Told with humour, this charming story about being true to yourself will appeal to younger readers starting to read alone. Simple illustrations also show us the Simpkins’ daughter Sophie using a wheelchair, without it being mentioned in the text. [SuW] READ ALSO: Geronimo: The Dog Who Thinks He’s a Cat by Jessie Wall, illustrated by Emily Stanbury

KATHLEEN WATKINS illustrated by MARGARET ANNE SUGGS PIGÍN OF HOWTH GILL BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 64PP €16.99 ISBN 9780717169726 A charming collection of stories centred on the ever-dapper Pigín, a young pig with a strong sense of style and a snout for adventure! Readers will delight in Pigín’s escapades around Dublin and hopefully recognise some of the wonderful local detail included in the text. Delightfully illuminated by Margaret Anne Suggs’s very fine illustrations, the book is filled with colourful and lively images of Pigín and his friends on their adventures and includes wonderful visual references to real-life settings in Dublin’s coastal towns and environs. [LG] READ ALSO: Favourite Paddington Stories by Michael Bond, illustrated by R.W. Alley

32 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 5–8

MO WILLEMS LET’S GO FOR A DRIVE WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (PBK) 64PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406373578 In this addition to the popular Elephant and Piggy series we find the friends very excited about going on a drive together. They are busy getting everything ready for their journey – map, bags, sunglasses etc. – but not everything goes to plan. Young children will relate to the simple, lively pictures and the repetitive phrases are fun and can help improve language development. This is an excellent book which illustrates to the young child the concept of problem- solving in a very simple and enjoyable way. [RM] READ ALSO: I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems

ELLI WOOLLARD illustrated by LAURA ELLEN ANDERSON SWASHBUCKLE LIL: THE SECRET PIRATE MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 96PP £5.99 ISBN 9781509808823 The first book in this exciting new series contains two stories about Lil, schoolgirl and ‘swashbuckling pirate’. In the first story, ‘The Secret Pirate’, Lil saves her teacher, Miss Lubber, from the awful villain the ‘terrible Stinkbeard’. The second story, ‘Croc Ahoy!’, is set during the school sports day, when Lil tries to stop Stinkbeard’s hungry croc from eating all the children. This book is full of adventure. The rhyming chapters along with the lively, detailed illustrations will appeal to fun-loving emerging readers. (VaC) READ ALSO: The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

ELLI WOOLLARD illustrated by BENJI DAVIES THE DRAGON AND THE NIBBLESOME KNIGHT MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781447254805 This beautiful, colourful illustrated book for younger readers is about a little boy called James who befriends a young dragon called Dram. The text is in rhyme, with lots of tongue-twistery repetition to add to the fun. There are many themes running through this book: growing up, taking on challenges, friendship and teamwork. Parents may reap the rewards of reading this book to their children in preparation for primary school. A gem of a book that shows that anything is achievable if you have self-belief. [RM] READ ALSO: The Forgetful Knight by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Fred Blunt

MÁIRE ZEPF maisithe le TARSILA KRÜSE NÁ GABH AR SCOIL! FUTA FATA 2015 (CRUA) 26LCH €9.95 ISBN 9781906907983 Nuair a thagann an lá mór faoi dheireadh, an chéad lá ar scoil don bhéirín óg seo, tá go leor de na gnáthmhothúcháin le fáil sa teaghlach ach an é Cóilín nó a mháthair atá in umar na haimléise faoi? Is scéal siamsúil é ina léirítear an malartú róil idir páiste agus tuismitheoir ar bhealach atá éasca do dhaoine óga agus aosta ionannú a dhéanamh leis. Is cinnte go mbainfidh sé saobhgháire asat le léaráidí teolaí agus téacs a mhúsclaíonn raidhse mothúchán ionat. [DMacG] LÉIGH FREISIN: Uinseann Donn le Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 33 IT’S NOAH AGAINST THE WORLD!

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AOIS 9–11 SAM ANGUS THE HOUSE ON HUMMINGBIRD ISLAND MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 400PP £6.99 ISBN 9781447263036 From the best-selling author of Soldier Dog, The House on Hummingbird Island follows twelve-year-old Idie Grace when she moves from England to a Caribbean island in 1912. Curious about her mysterious mother, and surrounded by fascinating and vibrant characters, Idie eventually uncovers the unexpected truth. This is an outstanding book, filled with twists and turns and bursts of sorrow and joy, set against the backdrop of beautifully evoked flora and fauna of the Caribbean. [GG] READ ALSO: The Dragonfly Pool and Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson

KATHI APPELT and ALISON MCGHEE MAYBE A FOX WALKER BOOKS NOV 2016 (PBK) 272PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406372892 Sisters Jules and Sylvie are close and, along with their father, are dealing with grief following their mother’s death. The morning Sylvie disappears into the wood, Jules’s future instantly changes. Simultaneously, nearby a newly born fox finds herself gifted with ancient knowledge and a connection to a human, but which one? The story focuses on families, grief and loss, yet there is hope in the strength of relationships and a new beginning. A magical, beautifully written story which will stay with the reader. [LoD] READ ALSO: Wonder by R.J. Palacio; The Butterfly Heart by Paula Leyden

LEE BATTERSBY illustrated by AMY DAOUD MAGRIT WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 160PP £8.99 ISBN 9781925081343 This beautifully presented short novel is part ghost story, part fairy tale. Magrit is a nine-year-old girl who lives in a graveyard with her best friend, Master Puppet. One day she encounters a strange bundle. What she chooses to do with that bundle, and what she learns in the process, makes for a darkly heart- warming read. Amy Daoud’s illustrations and typeface compliment the novel’s already very visual prose. Magrit is a gently macabre fairy tale. [DS] READ ALSO: the Archie Greene series by D.D. Everest; The Phenomenals by F.E. Higgins ROBERT BEATTY SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK EGMONT 2016 (PBK) 304PP £6.99 ISBN 9781405283786 Serafina lives with her father in the cavernous bowels of the sprawling, rat- infested Biltmore Estate. Hidden for years from the esteemed Vanderbilt family, she is forced to come out of the shadows after witnessing a spookily supernatural attack. Gifted with miraculous talents of her own, will Serafina be able to stop the black-cloaked villain, make her first friend and discover the secret origins of her family? This is a true masterpiece of spine-tingling horror, adventure and magic in all its forms; a positively delicious read. [LH] READ ALSO: The Dreamsnatcher by Abi Elphinstone; the Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud

36 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 9–11 CAROLINE BUSHER THE GHOSTS OF MAGNIFICENT CHILDREN POOLBEG PRESS OCT 2016 304PP €9.99 ISBN 9781781998748 In 1848 four children are captured in London by Badblood’s magical circus and taken to Ireland to the Island of Innis Rua. One hundred years later their ghosts appear on the night of a blood red moon. The children cannot remember how they died but soon discover that things are much worse than they ever could have imagined. In Caroline Busher’s debut novel, well-drawn characters and a gripping plot make it a real page-turner. [VaC] READ ALSO: The Power of Dark by Robin Jarvis; The Wickford Doom by Chris Priestly PETER BUNZL COGHEART USBORNE SEPT 2016 (PBK) 368PP £6.99 ISBN 9781474915007 After her inventor father disappears, Lily discovers that her mother’s death was not an accident after all. A lot of very nasty people want her father’s secret and will stop at nothing to get it. With the help of her new friend Robert and Malkin (her mechanimal pet fox) Lily sets out to uncover the mystery. Who can they trust along the way? A breath-taking adventure full of danger and uncertainty – this book will have children on the edge of their seats. An unputdownable read! [KK] READ ALSO: The Book of Learning by E.R. Murray; the Raven Mystery series by Marcus Sedgwick

NEILL CAMERON illustrated by KATE BROWN TAMSIN AND THE DEEP DAVID FICKLING BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 96PP £9.99 ISBN 9781910200773 After she was dragged into deep water during a bodyboarding accident, Tasmin surprises her family by returning a month later with a magic stick and (unbeknownst to her) a sinister sea creature in tow … A fun graphic novel from the superlative Phoenix comic, Tamsin and the Deep offers a winning heroine, humour and creepy adventure, aided by the vibrant artwork of Kate Brown, which has a suitably sun-soaked feel. Comic-book fans will want to dive straight into this one. [CL] READ ALSO: Mega Robot Wars by Neil Cameron ANNA CAREY THE MAKING OF MOLLIE THE O’BRIEN PRESS OCT 2016 (PBK) 304PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847178473 The year is 1912 and Mollie Carberry lives with her family in the North Dublin suburb of Drumcondra. It is a time of social change and Mollie’s older sister, Peggy, and the family’s maid, Maggie, support the suffragette cause. Mollie and her friend Nora also become converted to it. When the grown-up suffrage campaign takes on a militant approach, Peggy and Maggie face serious consequences for their actions. The story is beautifully written as a series of letters between Mollie and her friend Frances. [VaC] READ ALSO: Opal Plumstead by Jacqueline Wilson; Name upon Name by Sheena Wilkinson INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 35

AOIS 9–11 EMMA CARROLL STRANGE STAR FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 320PP £6.99 ISBN 9780571317653 This is a story within a story, set in nineteenth-century Switzerland and Britain. The premise is that Mary Godwin was inspired to write Frankenstein by the unusual adventures that befell a young girl, struck by lightning, who travelled across Europe against the odds to reunite with her sister and recount her tale. A gripping gothic yarn, this book is full of atmospheric and historical detail. The horror itself is chilling rather than shocking. Perfect for future fans of Mary Shelley or Wilkie Collins. [DS] READ ALSO: Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright by Chris Riddell; The Uncommoners by Jennifer Bell

FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE illustrated by STEVEN LENTON SPUTNIK’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 352PP £12.99 ISBN 9780230771376 When Prez meets Sputnik what he sees is a boy his own age with a backpack, a sporran and one big attitude. What the rest of the world sees, however, is a dog. That’s because Sputnik is an alien from outer space who has come to embark Prez on a mission to save the Earth from obliteration. A book about home, families, old age and, incidentally, laser sabres and mobility-scooter races, this is classic Cottrell Boyce: zany, laugh-out-loud funny and with a very strong emotional heart. [JS] READ ALSO: The Parent Agency by David Baddiel; Julius Zebra by Gary Northfield JUDI CURTIN TIME AFTER TIME THE O’BRIEN PRESS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 288PP €12.99 ISBN 9781847178725 When Molly’s and Beth’s parents get together, things get complicated. But that’s nothing compared to what happens when the best friends walk through a doorway in a spooky shop that leads back to 1984: an era of weird haircuts and – OMG – no mobile phones! Plentiful dialogue helps this story race along. It is delightfully gentle, clean fun – so welcome nowadays – and even if the characters are at times a little thinly drawn, the author captures perfectly the true joy of girls’ friendships at this important age! [OB] READ ALSO: A Clock or a Crown? by Caroline Logue; Dara Palmer’s Major Drama by Emma Shevah

NICOLA DAVIES illustrated by CATHY FISHER PERFECT GRAFFEG 2016 (HBK) 36PP £8.99 ISBN 9781910862469 An exquisite story based on an extended analogy between a stranded swift fledgling and a baby with a disability. Both Davies and Fisher are intimately acquainted with the natural world, and the book is outstanding in its truthful portrayal of both natural phenomena and human emotion. It is also a wonderful celebration of family love. Davies’s text is sparse, poetic and intensely moving, and Fisher’s illustrations are masterful. This is an exceptional book that should be read and treasured by everyone. [AB] READ ALSO: Here I Am by Patti Kim; Footpath Flowers by JonArno Lawson

36 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 9–11 KATE DICAMILLO RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 272PP £9.99 ISBN 9781406363135 Raymie’s father has run away with a dental hygienist, and she thinks that if only she can win the Little Miss Florida Central Tire contest he will come home. Timid Louisiana and her eccentric granny are on the run from social services. Tough nut Beverly wants to sabotage the contest. This unlikely trio meet at baton-twirling classes and quickly become friends, united in daring schemes to rescue a book, a cat and each other. A gorgeous, heart-warming tale of adversity and friendship. [NMacaB] READ ALSO: Little Bits of Sky by S.E. Durrant; Rose in the Blitz by Rebecca Stevens

PHIL EARLE illustrated by SARA OGILVIE THE WAR NEXT DOOR ORION OCT 2016 (PBK) 224PP £6.99 ISBN 9781444013917 Another hilarious tale in the series about the inhabitants of Storey Street, this time focusing on the Milners, headed by horrible estate agent Mr Milner, whose mini-me, Masher, is the most feared bully in school – unchallenged by all until he meets his match in the fearless and wonderful Jemima Jessop. This is Earle’s best to date: the hilarity and rapid pace are balanced by the very real issues of dealing with emotions, bullying and conforming to expectations. A fun and heart-warming read, peppered with wit. [PNicI] READ ALSO: Moone Boy: The Fish Detective by Chris O’Dowd and Nick V. Murphy; The Powers by Kevin Stevens STEWART FOSTER THE BUBBLE BOY SIMON & SCHUSTER MAY 2016 (PBK) 320PP £6.99 ISBN 9781471145407 From the opening line, a warmness lures you into the sterile hospital room that is Joe’s ‘bubble’. The bubble has been all Joe’s ever known because if he was to step out of his germ-free room, he’d die. Joe spends his days imagining he was a superhero or what the rain might feel like against his skin, until a new nurse, Amir, enters his world. Joe thinks Amir might be crazy, especially when he starts making Joe’s bubble a whole lot bigger. Highly recommended. [JJK] READ ALSO: The Best Medicine by Christine Hamill; Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford BRIAN GALLAGHER ARRIVALS THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 240PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847177209 The friendship of three twelve-year-olds is at the heart of this historical mystery. Mike, Wilson and Lucy come from very different backgrounds but forge a close bond during their summer holidays in 1920s Canada. This alliance is tested when their paths cross with a local gangster, and ninety years later Mike’s Irish granddaughter Ciara unravels the secret the friends swore never to reveal. A tale of loyalty and discovery, and of how learning about other people can teach you a lot about yourself! [JeB] READ ALSO: SOS Lusitania by Kevin Kiely

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 37 AOIS 9–11 PAUL GAMBLE THE MINISTRY OF STRANGE, UNUSUAL AND IMPOSSIBLE THINGS LITTLE ISLAND SEPT 2016 (PBK) 320PP €9.99 ISBN 9781910411544 Please, please, read this book! Strange things are happening in Belfast. Oddball kids gone missing, sightings of pirates, a wild bear causing chaos, dinosaurs living underground – and Jack’s school is getting a renovation. And then there’s Cthulu (don’t ask). Jack’s investigation into these events leads him to the Ministry of SUITs. As their newest recruit, he uncovers a sinister plot to … Well, I’m not going to spoil it for you! Dramatic, outrageous and quirky, this is a hilarious adventure that bursts off the page. Fantastic! [MEJ] READ ALSO: Pucker Power by Kevin Stevens

MATT GRIFFIN STORMWEAVER THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 256PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847177834 Following on from the captivating events of A Cage of Roots, Ayla descends into the ancient world of Fal and discovers that she can conjure storms. Along with Finny, Sean and Benvy, she journeys through time and place towards a looming war between the humans and the Dananns. This new instalment in the series is both magical and compelling, full of darkness and a deeply satisfying mythological depth. Matt Griffin’s striking black and white illustrations evoke and enhance the strangeness of his gripping tale. [BL] READ ALSO: Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden; The Keeper by Darragh Martin WILLIAM GRILL THE WOLVES OF CURRUMPAW FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 88PP £14.99 ISBN 9781909263833 Award-winning picturebook creator William Grill returns with a new visual treat in The Wolves of Currumpaw. This time he takes the reader to the American Old West to explore the true story of a wolf, Lobo, his pack and the hunters that try to capture them. Every page in this book is a wonder of discovery, as the story unfolds with simple text and incredibly rich illustrations. This beautiful book is suitable for all ages. Grill’s previous book, Shackleton’s Journey, is also a delight. [MBT] READ ALSO: The Journey by Francesca Sanna; The Great Fire of London by Emma Adams MIRIAM HALAHMY THE EMERGENCY ZOO ALMA BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 256PP £6.99 ISBN 9781846883972 Miriam Halahmy is known for thoughtful stories set against real-life events. In The Emergency Zoo Britain is on the brink of World War II, and London is frantic with plans to evacuate its children to the countryside. But pets aren’t invited – and worse still, people are advised to have their animals destroyed. Tilly and Rosy are determined to save their beloved pets – and so the emergency zoo of the title is born. A winning formula of war, animals and friendship. [ShW] READ ALSO: The Wrong Boy by Suzy Zail; Secrets and Shadows by Brian Gallagher

38 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 9–11

CHRISTINE HAMILL THE BEST MEDICINE LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 166PP €8.99 ISBN 9781910411513 Philip’s mum is acting much weirder than usual. What he doesn’t know is that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and can’t bring herself to tell him. Between this, his first crush and avoiding the school bully, Philip could use some really good advice. Who better to write to than his all-time favourite comedy hero, Harry Hill! A highly recommended novel for everyone, but especially for someone experiencing a similar situation. A much-loved funny yet poignant story of family and friendship. [VL] READ ALSO: A Library of Lemons by Jo Cottrell; The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster

SHANE HEGARTY DARKMOUTH: CHAOS DESCENDS HARPERCOLLINS 2016 (PBK) 448PP £6.99 ISBN 9780007545636 In this third book in the Darkmouth series, Finn is just about to turn thirteen and become a Legend Hunter. Drama and action abound in this fast-paced fantasy, and the reader is captured from the beginning with the sharp observations and witty quips. Family dynamics are touched on, particularly the relationships between the male characters. It is good to see Clara’s feisty female role depicted confidently amid all the males, while Finn and his dad fight to save dear Darkmouth. [AMQ] READ ALSO: the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

JEFF KINNEY aistrithe ag MÁIRÍN NÍ MHÁRTA DIALANN DÚRADÁIN FUTA FATA 2016 (BOG) 218LCH €9.95 ISBN 9781906907990 Tá clú agus cáil ar Greg Heffley ar fud an domhain, agus anois is féidir a scéal a léamh as Gaeilge! Tá an-jab déanta ag Máirín Ní Mhárta atmaisféar agus greann an bhunleabhair a thabhairt slán sa leagan Gaeilge. Ní féidir gan a bheith ag gáire agus dialann Greg á léamh agat. Fiú más beag do spéis sa léitheoireacht, nó má cheapann tú nach bhfuil mórán Gaeilge agat, beidh tú in ann an leabhar iontach seo a léamh agus an-taitneamh a bhaint as. [SMcN] READ ALSO: Hubert le Caitríona Hastings.

KARA LAREAU illustrated by JEN HILL THE UNINTENTIONAL ADVENTURES OF THE BLAND SISTERS: THE JOLLY REGINA AMULET BOOKS JAN 2017 (HBK) 176PP £8.99 ISBN 9781419721366 Meet Jaundice and Kale Bland from Dullsville. So far, so boring, but that is just how they like it. They get on with their (parentless) quiet lives and revel in its predictable routine. Enter a lady pirate (or ten), and excitement and adventure rush into the sisters’ lives, much to their horror. Featuring kidnappings, sea battles, shanties, rats and marooning, as well dictionaries and cheese sandwiches, this is an exciting romp that is, above all, hilarious and at times downright cheeky. Highly recommended! [JS] READ ALSO: the Raven Boy and Elf Girl series by Marcus Sedgwick; Witch Wars by Sibéal Power INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 39 AOIS 9–11

M.G. LEONARD illustrated by JULIA SARDA BEETLE BOY CHICKEN HOUSE 2016 (PBK) 336PP £6.99 ISBN 9781910002704 Darkus is amazed when a huge insect drops out of his horrible neighbour’s trouser leg – it’s a giant beetle, and it wants to communicate. But what does a beetle have to do with the disappearance of Darkus’s scientist dad? Beetle Boy is a quirky, strongly plotted, Roald Dahl-esque adventure about a boy who learns that beetles are magical. And Julia Sarda’s illustrations – quite like Nick Sharratt’s – with the added surprise of beetles down the book’s outside edge, are visually gorgeous. [OB] READ ALSO: My Brother Is a Superhero by David Solomons; Demolition Dad by Phil Earle NATASHA MAC A’BHÁIRD HANNAH IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE O’BRIEN PRESS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 192PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847178459 Told in first-person narrative by twelve-year-old Hannah, Natasha Mac a’Bháird’s latest novel, Hannah in the Spotlight, focuses on friendships, families, long summer days and curious mysteries. With her friends Meg, Ruby and Laura, Hannah establishes Star Club, a drama club, in their hometown of Carrickbeg. But dramas of another kind keep things exciting when the girls are preparing for their first show. A fun and frothy read for girls. [JaM] READ ALSO: the Eva series by Judi Curtin EOGHAN MAC GIOLLA BHRIÍDE maisithe ag SINÉAD NÍ CHADHAIN TOMHAS ORM, TOMHAS ORT! ÉABHLÓID 2016 (BOG) 134 LCH €12.00 ISBN 9780956501677 Le 106 tomhas in iomlán,tugtar blaiseadh álainn de theanga agus nósannna ár sinsear ar bhealach nádúrtha. Tugann na tomhasanna seo deis iontach do dhaltaí foclóir nua a fhoghlaim. Is iontach an meascán atá ann idir cuid dóibh atá deacair agus níos dushlánaí ach ar an lámh eile de, tá cúpla ceann easca ann freisin. Cé go bhfuil na tomhasanna curtha os ár gcomhair le litriú nua- aimseartha, tá an foclóir ag deireadh an leabhair ann mar chúnamh bhreise agus an Aip nua chomh maith. [MNiB] ANN M. MARTIN HOW TO LOOK FOR A LOST DOG USBORNE 2016 (PBK) 240PP £6.99 ISBN 9781474906470 Rose is heartbroken when her beloved dog, Rain, goes missing after Hurricane Susan. So she devises a plan to find Rain, with the help of her uncle and teacher. How to Look for a Lost Dog is a lovely book that details Rose’s struggles on the autistic spectrum, her day-to-day problems, her loving relationship with her uncle and her not-so loving relationship with her dad. The twist at the end gives the perfect finish to Ann M. Martin’s moving story. [JaM] READ ALSO: Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan; Wonder by R.J. Palacio

40 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 9–11

KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE THE GIRL OF INK & STARS CHICKEN HOUSE 2016 (PBK) 240PP £6.99 ISBN 9781910002742 When Isabella’s friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. But in following her ancient map she soon discovers the true end of her journey – to save the island of Joya. Inspired by the Canarian myth of Guayota, this is an enchanting and lyrical debut. At its heart are the complex friendships between Isabella, Lupé and Pablo, which criss-cross the story like the paths on Isabella’s old map. Set in a parallel world steeped in magical realism, this is sure to be a new classic in children’s books. [BL] READ ALSO: The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge; The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell ROSS MONTGOMERY PERIJEE & ME FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 240PP £6.99 ISBN 9780571317950 Perijee & Me is a really good example of those children’s books that extend way beyond what is ‘possible’ in ‘normal’ fiction – it is an excellent, thought-provoking adventure story. A beautifully evoked setting is helped by the cover art that just draws you into eleven-year-old Caitlin’s world and her relationship with Perijee. The interactions between Perijee and Caitlin are laugh-out-loud funny, unpredictable and incredibly heart-warming. Filled with wonder, joy and adventure, Ross Montgomery’s Perijee & Me is fiction for this age group at its best. [AliM] READ ALSO: The Shadowkeeper by Abi Elphinstone; The Rooftoppers by Catherine Rundell SARAH MOORE FITZGERALD A VERY GOOD CHANCE ORION CHILDREN’S BOOKS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 240PP £6.99 ISBN 9781444014785 The thrill of racing is at the heart of this exciting new novel. A Very Good Chance is a beautifully written story that will capture your attention and your heart as we follow Minty into Nettlebog, where she meets the mysterious, moody Ned Buckley, the silent new boy in school, who has a talent for riding wild horses. Fast- paced, courageous and inspiring, the book follows Minty as her world collapses and, through her friendship with Ned, she learns the best way to see the world. A captivating read. [AliM] READ ALSO: The Winter Horses by Philip Kerr; Too Many Ponies by Sheena Wilkinson E.R. MURRAY THE BOOK OF SHADOWS MERCIER PRESS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 384PP €9.99 ISBN 9781781174524 It’s been two months since the events of The Book of Learning, but Ebony Smart knows she is not safe and still has answers to uncover. The sudden appearance of a mysterious silver box sets her on a race against time to stop her enemies, Judge Ambrose and Zach Stone, from unleashing chaos and darkness. This is a fast-paced, tremendous follow-up to Murray’s first book, with a cracker of a cliffhanger that will leave readers clamouring for the trilogy’s final volume. [HCo] READ ALSO: The Crystal Run by Sheila O’Flanagan; Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 41 AOIS 9–11 ÁINE NÍ GHLINN HATA ZÚ MHAMÓ COIS LIFE 2016 (BOG) 62LCH €7 ISBN 9781907494604 Scéal álainn, a chuirfeadh meangadh ar aghaidh aon duine, atá le fáil sa leabhar nua seo ó Áine Ní Ghlinn. Tá plean ag Mamó Shiobhán éalú ón teach altranais le cúpla cara chun cuairt a thabhairt ar an zú don lá. Scéal greannmhar spraíúil atá i gceist, bainteach go huile is go hiomlán leis an lá iontach a bhíonn acu. Cothaítear caidreamh speisialta idir an dá ghlúin le linn eachtraí an leabhair seo. [RNicanB] LÉIGH FREISIN: Teach Solais Mhamó le Eddy Kennedy. JOE O’BRIEN LEGENDS’ LAIR THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 192PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847178268 Charlie Stubbs is a top football player in his school with a Manchester United scout interested in him, but then his family has to move back to Dublin where he has a new school, new friends and needs to find a new football team. Charlie sets out to organise another football match with his new friends on the famous Legends’ Lair pitch where both his father and grandfather played. A story of rivalries, old and new, which will appeal to both girls and boys alike. [HMcC] READ ALSO: the Football Academy series by Tom Palmer; the Ruby series by Gerard Siggins SHEILA O’FLANAGAN THE CRYSTAL RUN HODDER CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 400PP £12.99 ISBN 9781444927054 Teenage Joe is running from bullies when he accidently finds himself propelled into another world. Paired with Kaia, he enters a mission as a Runner – those who sacrifice themselves to secure a shield that protects the Carcassian land from their mortal enemies. Once their task is complete, they will die. But Joe is determined to find a way home and save his friend. Well-written, with a strong plot and excellent characters, this book gives us an exciting, classic-style fantasy filled with intrigue. The first in a series. [MEJ] READ ALSO: Song of the Skylark by Erica James; Cage of Roots and Stormweaver by Matt Griffin SIOBHÁN PARKINSON MIRACULOUS MIRANDA HODDER CHILDREN’S BOOKS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 160PP £6.99 ISBN 9781444937459 It’s not easy having a sister who’s unwell. Gemma is in hospital again, with Mum and Dad at her bedside, leaving Miranda with Gran. Torn between worrying about Gemma and resenting the attention she gets, Miranda finds solace in her imagination, creating a world with mountains made of Toblerone and giraffe policemen. Miranda is a gorgeous character with a magnificent turn of phrase, and her views on everything from the annoying Darren Hoey to Gran’s infuriating smoking habit provide light relief in this essentially poignant story. [NMacaB] READ ALSO: The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart; The Best Medicine by Christine Hamill

42 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 9–11

SARA PENNYPACKER illustrated by JON KLASSEN PAX HARPERCOLLINS 2016 (HBK) 288pp £12.99 ISBN 9780008124090 Peter has raised Pax since he found him as a helpless kit. On the insistence of his father, who is about to depart for the war, Peter must abandon his companion in the wild and move away, leading to an epic journey for both the fox and the boy as they endeavour to be reunited. This beautifully written book doesn’t shy away from heavy themes of conflict – between nations and armies, fathers and sons, nature and humanity and, perhaps most importantly, conflict within the self. [LG] READ ALSO: Run with the Wind by Tom McCaughren; Soldier Dog by Sam Angus NICOLA PIERCE KINGS OF THE BOYNE THE O’BRIEN PRESS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 336PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847176271 Following on from her historical fiction novels (Spirit of the Titanic, City of Fate, Behind the Walls), Nicola Pierce returns with a crunching account of the Battle of Boyne told from every level of the two armies, from lowly soldiers to warring kings. The multiple perspectives and unsentimental writing place the reader deep in the action and serve as a potent reminder of the madness of war and its terrible cost. Both history buffs and casual readers will find this novel a royal feast of storytelling. [CL] READ ALSO: The Arrivals by Brian Gallagher; SOS Lusitania by Kevin Kiely GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK maisithe ag BRIAN FITZGERALD ÓRÓ NA CIRCÍNÍ AGUS SCÉALTA EILE ÓN AFRAIC AN GÚM 2016 (BOG) 60LCH €6.50 ISBN 9781857919059 Tá ceithre fhabhalscéal déag ón Afraic sa chnuasach seo, gach ceann acu athinste ag Gabriel Rosenstock i bprós glan simplí agus maisithe go healaíonta ag Brian Fitzgerald. Tá lámh eisceachtúil ag Rosenstock ar an scríbhneoireacht do leanaí, agus cé go bhfuil cuid de na scéalta sa chnuasach níos láidre ná a chéile, is cinnte go mbainfidh idir óg agus aosta taitneamh as an saibhreas, as an ngaois agus an scéalaíocht atá sa leabhar seo. Tá léaráidí Brian Fitzgerald, gona dathanna láidre, mar sméar mhullaigh ar an saothar. [RA] LÉIGH FREISIN: An Sealgaire agus an Crann Éabhainn le Nelda LaTeef, aistrithe ag Úna Ní Chonchúir DAVE RUDDEN KNIGHTS OF THE BORROWED DARK PUFFIN 2016 (PBK) 368PP £6.99 ISBN 9780141356600 Denizen Hardwick thinks his life at Crosscaper Orphanage is pretty mundane and there aren’t many surprises. His world turns upside down when he is whisked away by a mysterious aunt and he learns that shadows can be doors – where things come in and out of the living darkness. Denizen soon discovers he’s one of the knights tasked with keeping the darkness at bay. Through richly descriptive text, Rudden creates a dark, fast-paced fairy tale of a frightening world where terrifying dangers seep towards the light. [AJ] READ ALSO: the Darkmouth series by Shane Hegarty

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 43 AOIS 9–11

LUIS SEPÚLVEDA illustrated by SATOSHI KITAMURA translated by MARGARET SAYERS PEDEN THE STORY OF A SEAGULL AND THE CAT WHO TAUGHT HER TO FLY ALMA BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 128PP £7.99 ISBN 9781846884009 Multi-award-winning Chilean author Sepúlveda’s story of a group of port-dwelling cats who teach an orphaned seagull to fly has already been published in over forty countries. The author’s activist background is evident in his portrayal of creatures as victims of human carelessness, and he clearly makes the point that humans can cause the greatest harm with the best of intentions. Idiosyncratically translated and delightfully illustrated, with a beautiful soft-feel cover, this is a charming tale of learning to love and appreciate someone who’s different. [AB] READ ALSO: War Horse by Michael Morpurgo; Trash by Andy Mulligan GERARD SIGGINS RUGBY FLYER THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 176PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847178190 Rugby Flyer tells the story of Eoin, who has been chosen to attend a youth academy. On hearing this, Eoin’s grandfather gives him a good-luck talisman, which was a gift from his elderly Russian neighbour, Mr Lubov. When visiting Twickenham, Eoin meets the ghost of Russian Prince Obolensky who played rugby for England. What is the connection between Obolensky and Mr Lubov? A combination of sporting action, mystery and a ghost story, this book/series is a great read for young rugby players and fans. [VaC] READ ALSO: the Rugby Academy series by Tom Palmer; Legends’ Lair by Joe O’Brien; Fintan’s Fifteen by Alan Nolan

PAUL TOBIN illustrated by KATIE ABEY HOW TO CAPTURE AN INVISIBLE CAT BLOOMSBURY 2016 (PBK) 272PP £5.99 ISBN 9781408869970 When genius Nate’s Friday the Thirteenth experiment goes wrong, he asks his one and only friend, Delphine, to help find his runaway cat, who is destroying the town. Not an easy task as Nate made the cat into a giant, then made him invisible and split up the formula for it all around the town. How to Capture an Invisible Cat is a fast-paced, action-filled adventure that will hold the reader’s attention and encourage them to consider how they see and treat other children. [LoD] READ ALSO: Bicycling to the Moon by Timo Parvela; Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford SARAH WEBB AURORA AND THE POPCORN DOLPHIN WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 176PP £5.99 ISBN 9781406348378 This is the third book in the Songbird Café Girls series by well-known Irish author Sarah Webb. Aurora and the Popcorn Dolphin is suitable for girls between nine and eleven, and perfect for Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy fans. Aurora and the Popcorn Dolphin has a sad start, dealing with death, but helps the reader to develop empathy, as the novel concentrates on Aurora’s struggle and how she manages to focus on something else, gripping onto hope. [ER] READ ALSO: the Eva series and the Alice and Megan series by Judi Curtin

44 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 9–11

KATHERINE WOODFINE illustrated by JULIA SARDA THE MYSTERY OF THE JEWELLED MOTH EGMONT 2016 (PBK) 352PP £6.99 ISBN 9781405276184 Adventure, mystery and intrigue abound, from the slum streets of London’s Chinatown to the glittering high society of the West End. Following The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow, this is the second book with super sleuths Sophie and Lil, who both work in London’s most fashionable department store, Sinclair’s. A search for a missing brooch turns into a much more sinister, dangerous mission for the Edwardian girl detectives. Full of suspense, this period mystery will appeal to older children and young teenagers. Illustrations add to the period detail. [KK] READ ALSO: the Murder Most Unladylike series by Robin Stevens; A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

MÁIRE ZEPF maisithe ag OLIVIA GOLDEN LÁ LEIS NA LOCHLANNAIGH COIS LIFE 2016 (BOG) 74LCH €8.00 ISBN 9781907494550 Taistealaíonn Cormac agus Brídín, deartháir agus deirfiúr ón lá inniu, ar ais go dtí Duibhlinn na Lochlannach, áit a dtagann siad i gcabhair ar chailín óg darbh ainm Bjarki. Bainfidh buachaillí agus cailíní an-taitneamh as an scéal sciobtha seo, atá lán le contúirt agus le heachtraí móra, agus foghlaimeoidh siad an-chuid faoin stair ag an am céanna. Tá foclóir an leabhair dúshlánach go leor, ach tá gluais an-mhaith ag an deireadh. Maisithe go hiontach chomh maith, chuirfeadh an leabhar go mór le leabharlann ranga nó scoile. [SMcN] LÉIGH FREISIN: Ná glac páirt i gCluichí Oilimpeacha na Sean-Ghréige le Michael Ford.

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KWAME ALEXANDER BOOKED ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 320PP £7.99 ISBN 9781783444656 Nick Hall is star of the football team. It seems that his crush, April, likes him too. His world is pretty perfect … until a shocking announcement turns it upside down. Suddenly his life, on and off the pitch, becomes more complicated. This is a verse novel full of energy and emotion. The wordplay is brilliant, and Kwame Alexander explores family, friendships and books as well as football. Like Sarah Crossan, Alexander makes poetry fresh and relatable for young readers. A real kicker of a novel! [JD] READ ALSO: One by Sarah Crossan; The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

ALI BENJAMIN THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 352PP £10.99 ISBN 9781447283836 Ever since her best friend Franny drowned on holiday, Suzy has stopped speaking. None of it makes sense. Franny was a confident swimmer. Suzy is convinced there must be more to the story. Her conclusion? Jellyfish. Suzy is on a mission to prove that these ethereal creatures were responsible for her friend’s sudden death. The story is laid-out in a science-report format, which suits the interests and voice of the main character. A touching account of broken friendships, grief, resilience and coping with loss. [FK] READ ALSO: Missing Ellen by Natasha Mac A’Bháird MALORIE BLACKMAN PEACE MAKER BARRINGTON STOKE 2016 (PBK) 80PP £5.99 ISBN 9781781125618 Though this book is short, it has a meaningful message: never stop believing in who you are. Everyone wears a Peace Maker – it keeps you peaceful – but when an enemy bent on destroying them attacks, Michela must fight, even though her people forbid it. The author is skilful in keeping her storytelling sharp and tense, making this book extremely readable. Barrington Stoke don’t just publish great stories: they publish stories that are accessible for all readers – reluctant, dyslexic or voracious. [LC] READ ALSO: Robot Girl by Malorie Blackman PSEUDONYMOUS BOSCH BAD LUCK USBORNE 2016 (PBK) 320PP £6.99 ISBN 9781409592983 Heartless billionaire Brett Perry and his nefarious colleagues are convinced there’s a valuable secret beneath Price Island’s volcano. Brett Junior (thrown overboard by his unscrupulous father), returning hero Clay and the magical students of Earth Ranch must stop them. A Lemony Snicket-style adventure with heroic and ridiculous characters, mystery and intrigue, occasional wonder and a race to a Titanic-meets-Godzilla finale (plus snot jokes and Harry Potter references galore). Readers will either love or hate the awfully clever narrator and his pun-filled footnotes. [GHy] READ ALSO: Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch

48 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 AGE 12–14

KEVIN BROOKS BORN SCARED ELECTRIC MONKEY SEPT 2016 (PBK) 256PP £7.99 ISBN 9781405276191 Elliot is a boy who lives in constant, pathological fear of nearly everything, so the day his mother doesn’t come back from the pharmacy with his much- needed medication, he fears the worst and must dare to step outside. From the first page, Born Scared (from 2014 Carnegie Medal-winner Kevin Brooks) builds up tense thrills, with various threads combining in the end for a precision built time-bomb of a climax. A suspense ride that will haunt you for days. [CL] READ ALSO: Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick NICOLE BURSTEIN WONDERBOY ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 272PP £7.99 ISBN 9781783444465 Joseph Wilkes is nicknamed Wilco by his peers at the expensive day school he attends on scholarship (‘Wilco’ being army slang for ‘will comply’). It’s an unfortunate but apt pun on his surname, as he attempts to stay under the radar by being as helpful and unobtrusive as possible, although this doesn’t always stop the bullies – until Wilco discovers that he has superhero powers … Burstein utilises comic-book tropes with a subversive twist – this is a witty, enjoyable and fast-moving story. [PNicI] READ ALSO: My Brother Is a Superhero by David Solomons, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson JAMES CLAMMER WHY I WENT BACK ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 288PP £7.99 ISBN 9781783443772 Aidan is having a bad time of it. His mother has just been sectioned and his depressed father isn’t going to work. So when he finds a mysterious old man chained up, it’s no surprise things are just going to worsen. This is an intriguing book, a stark but humane look at the pressures that teenagers find themselves under when their homes fall apart – with fantasy elements creeping in the sides, like mould on rotting fruit. Highly recommended for adventurous readers. [CL] READ ALSO: The Nest by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Jon Klassen BRIAN CONAGHAN THE BOMBS THAT BROUGHT US TOGETHER BLOOMSBURY 2016 (HBK) 368PP £12.99 ISBN 9781408855744 Fans of When Mr Dog Bites will enjoy Conaghan’s newest novel. His fast paced- brand of jaunty dialogue pulls the reader giggling along through the story of Charlie Law and his new friend Pav. Shortly after Pav arrives in New Town, refugee bombs fall from the sky and life as Charlie knows it is transformed. He’s pulled into an underworld ruled by The Big Man. To protect his family, Pav and the girl that makes him feel super special, how far will he go? [ET] READ ALSO: The Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 49 AOIS 12–14

KIERAN CROWLEY illustrated by MARTI KISSI THE MIGHTY DYNAMO MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 384PP £6.99 ISBN 9781447299783 Noah wants nothing more than to play in the Schools’ World Cup, but when he is kicked off the school football team in unfair circumstances, he and best friend Stevie come up with a cunning plan and a most unlikely team … In the best sports-story tradition, The Mighty Dynamo is a winning underdog story, with heart, gags and an inclusive love of football. Complete with amusing quotes from soccer legends and charming player profiles, this one is a back-of- the-net stunner. [CL] READ ALSO: Keeper by Mal Peet SIOBHAN CURHAM THE MOONLIGHT DREAMERS WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 352PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406369687 Amber is sick of being bullied in school, so she decides to set up The Moonlight Dreamers. Her secret society, inspired by an Oscar Wilde quote, is for girls who don’t quite fit in, girls who dare to dream. Amber, Maali, Sky and Rose have different personalities and different challenges to face but together they find the courage to believe in themselves and their goals. A heartwarming read about the transformative power of friendship and the value of going your own way. [JD] READ ALSO: Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

ALEXIS DEACON GEIS: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH NOBROW 2016 (HBK) 96PP £15.99 ISBN 9781910620038 Chief Matarka lies dying and a contest to find her successor begins. Unbeknownst to the challengers, only one will be chosen, at a cost none of them can imagine. At the centre of the dreamlike narrative is the Kite Lord’s daughter, a girl who is infinitely more than she seems. Deacon’s signature soft- lined illustrations are filled with movement and emotion. The muted palette has the quality of a washed-out lithograph but is vibrant and compelling nonetheless. Geis is utterly original, deeply engaging and heartbreakingly beautiful. [BL] READ ALSO: Alpha by Barroux; Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson NICOLA DOHERTY LOVE & OTHER MAN-MADE DISASTERS INDIGO 2016 (PBK) 240PP £6.99 ISBN 9781510100374 Juno is scared of everything, from her upcoming exams to natural disasters. A ski trip with her new stepfamily is both the last thing she wants and exactly what she needs. This is a warm and realistic story about a girl taking chances, making friends, falling in love and finding her path in the world. Irish author Doherty has previously written for adults but her teen voice is absolutely spot- on – she’s a very welcome addition to the YA romantic-comedy scene. [CH] READ ALSO: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

50 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 12–14

LINDSAY EAGAR HOUR OF THE BEES WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 368PP £7.99 ISBN 9781406368154 Carol’s parents are moving the family to her grandfather’s ranch to help move him to a care home. Carol struggles to see anything but a crazy old man, lost in his dementia. Serge tells her outlandish stories of his youth and raves that the rains will come back when the bees do – and when clouds of bees begin to follow her, Carol realises his stories may not be so crazy. Such a beautiful story, and one that explores family and belonging like no other. [LC] READ ALSO: The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin; Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

TOM ELLEN and LUCY IVISON NEVER EVERS CHICKEN HOUSE 2016 (PBK) 288PP £6.99 ISBN 9781910002360 ‘Never evers’ is a term for people who’ve never snowboarded before, but it also resonates with Mouse (Matilda) and Jack, who’ve never kissed anyone. In this he-said, she-said fast-paced tale, we see a school ski trip unfold and various escapades – involving hamsters, mean girls, witchcraft and a French popstar – pave the way for the narrators to get together and face their fears. A sweet romantic comedy ideal for young teens, with authentic dialogue and a vibrant supporting cast. [CH] READ ALSO: Lobsters by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison TIMOTHÉE DE FOMBELLE THE BOOK OF PEARL WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 384PP £9.99 ISBN 9781406370515 Joshua Pearl is from a fairy-tale world but is trapped in modern-day times, even though his one true love, a glorious fairy, stayed back in the land where they belong. Scrambling for clues to lead him back to her, this dreamlike story spans different times and worlds, all described in vivid detail. A beautiful story, told from different points of view with a highly original style, The Book of Pearl is a feast for the senses and the very best kind of romance. [RdeB] READ ALSO: Barefoot on the Wind by Zoe Marriott; Reckless by Cornelia Funke FRAILLON, ZANA THE BONE SPARROW: A REFUGEE NOVEL ORION CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 240PP £12.99 ISBN 9781510101548 You would be hard pushed to find a book more harrowing and relevant than this one. The Bone Sparrow tells the story of Subhi, a boy who has lived his whole life as a refugee in a detention centre. This book is a tough but beautiful read and is a perfect introduction to a really difficult topic which, by its nature, is not child friendly. Fans of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Michael Morpurgo will love it. [LL] READ ALSO: Blood & Ink by Stephen Davies; Red Leaves by Sita Brahmachari

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 51

AOIS 12–14 ALYWIN HAMILTON REBEL OF THE SANDS Faber & Faber 2016 (PBK) 368PP £7.99 ISBN 9780571325252 This book is a wonderful mix of fantasy, mythology, romance and good-old- fashioned girl power! Amani is a perfect heroine who dreams of leaving her town, where being poor and a woman means she must either marry or die. Add in the fact that she has an amazing aim and a sense of adventure in a world full of mythical monsters in seemingly unending desert, and you’re in for the gallop of your life! Perfect for fans of Philip Pullman and Rick Riordan. [LL] READ ALSO: The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig; Sabriel by Garth Nix HEIDI HEILIG THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 368PP £7.99 ISBN 9781471405105 Nix Song is a Time Traveller, like her dad. Her special ability lets her use maps to travel not just around the world, but also through time itself. But what is her father’s obsession with 1868, and what will it mean for Nix if he succeeds in getting back to that time? This beautifully written story full of love, magic, mystery and heartbreak will captivate the heart and mind of any reader. [MBT] READ ALSO: The Love that Split the World by Emily Henry

KIM HOOD PLAIN JANE THE O’BRIEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 304PP €8.99 ISBN 9781847177841 Plain Jane tells the story of fifteen-year-old Jane, whose family has been turned upside down when her little sister gets seriously ill. Jane can’t see the point of anything and feels that her life is stuck. Even though she has plenty of people who care about her, she pushes them all away. An encounter with the charismatic Farley provides distraction, but will it be enough to change things? A brave and harrowing story that sensitively handles serious issues such as juvenile cancer and mental illness. [RdeB] READ ALSO: Finding a Voice by Kim Hood; The Apple Tart of Hope by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald ROBIN JARVIS THE POWER OF DARK EGMONT 2016 (PBK) 288PP £6.99 ISBN 9781405280235 Lil and Verne find themselves embroiled in a centuries-old feud between the Whitby Witch Scaur Annie and the scientist Melchior Pyke. To make matters more mysterious, the strange Nimius device clicks and whirrs, waiting for someone to discover its secrets. Magic and science battle it out in this brilliantly funny and engaging book, with illustrations by Jarvis that both delight and terrify. Though it expands the world of the Whitby Witches series, knowledge of that series is not necessary to enjoy The Power of Dark. [JLeB] READ ALSO: The Potion Diaries by Amy Alward

52 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

AGE 12–14 CATHERINE JOHNSON BLADE AND BONE WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (PBK) 256PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406341874 This stunning follow-up to Sawbones sees our young surgeon hero, Ezra McAdam, follow his friends to Paris as revolution has taken hold. With depictions of the gruesome reality of war, prison and the guillotine, this is not a book for the faint-hearted. Ezra is himself disgusted by the cruelties he witnesses. Full of fantastic period detail and real historical characters, this is a captivating tale of a young black surgeon overcoming prejudice and also of three friends winning through against the odds. [LR] READ ALSO: My Name’s Not Friday by Jon Walter GARETH P. JONES DEATH OR ICE CREAM? HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 256PP £6.99 ISBN 9781471404283 With thirteen interrelated short stories, Death or Ice Cream? will tickle the tastebuds of any lover of the dark and the macabre. Death (preferably brutal and with malicious intent) is a common dénouement in this clever and (dare I say it?) fun book. Piecing the stories together is an added pleasure for the reader, who is made a welcome visitor to the dreary town of Larkin Mills, the birthplace of Evil on Earth. A thought-provoking, shiver-inducing … lark! [JS] READ ALSO: Shiverton Hall by Emerald Fennell LIZ KESSLER HAUNT ME ORION CHILDREN’S BOOKS OCT 2016 (PBK) 400PP £7.99 ISBN 9781444009187 Haunt Me tells the story of three teenagers – one of whom is a ghost! – who are struggling to overcome their painful pasts but stumble upon love along the way. The book is deeply insightful, with complex characters who are sensitively portrayed. Warm, and at times funny, this poignant story affirms that love can conquer all. As good a read as its predecessor, Read Me Like a Book, fans of Liz Kessler will not be disappointed – a wonderfully moving, extremely well-written story. Highly recommended. [RdeB] READ ALSO: Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher NAT LUURTSEMA GIRL OUT OF WATER WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 315PP £6.99 ISBN 9781406366525 This funny little gem will really make you laugh. Lou Brown is going to the Olympics, or at least she was until she messed up the try-outs and her best friend got in instead. Thus follows a bonkers storyline which makes good sense if you get onboard with Lou, who seems to attract trouble. There are some really laugh-out-loud, read-aloud bits, but at the heart of this, Lou faces some truly tough situations too. Hilarious, and perfect for fans of Louise Rennison! [LC] READ ALSO: Geek Girl by Holly Smale

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 53

AOIS 12–14

MALCOLM MCNEILL THE BEGINNING WOODS PUSHKIN CHILDREN’S SEPT 2016 (PBK) 464PP £7.99 ISBN 9781782690900 People around the world have begun to vanish, and no one knows why. Amidst this turmoil, Max Mulgan seeks the answers to his own mystery. Who is he? Where did he come from? All shall be revealed in The Beginning Woods, if Max has the courage to seek them out. McNeill’s debut novel is an astounding journey through all that makes us human, from our fears to our hopes, our very worst actions to those that redeem us. A beautiful novel that everyone must read. [JLeB] READ ALSO: The Wordsmith by Patricia Forde MEAGHAN MCISAAC MOVERS ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 288PP £7.99 ISBN 9781783443796 When disaster strikes, Pat is tasked with protecting his little sister from the persecution that faces their kind: time-travellers. But before he knows it, a genius schoolmate plus a blast from the past – and the future! – threaten to throw the whole world into full-blown war. If you’re looking for a gentle, relaxing read, this isn’t it. Movers starts with a bang (literally) and continues at record pace until the very last word. You’ll be seeking out the sequel before you’ve had time to catch your breath! [LH] READ ALSO: The Door That Led to Where by Sally Gardner GERALDINE MILLS GOLD LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 236PP €9.99 ISBN 9781910411551 Starn and Esper are twin brothers who live with their father in a dark world polluted by ash. Food is scarce; everything is controlled. Their father tells them stories of his old life on the islands before the ash, before their mother and sister died. When the boys find a treasure map they come up with an audacious plan to build a glider, travel to the islands and find the gold they believe is hidden there. An action-packed adventure with a stark environmental message. [LR] READ ALSO: Breathe and Resist by Sarah Crossan; Airman by Eoin Colfer E.R. MURRAY CARAMEL HEARTS ALMA BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 352PP £7.99 ISBN 9781846883927 Liv Bloom’s father left when she was only two, and her mother is in residential care for alcoholism. Under the care of her older sister, Harriet, she tries to find her feet in an increasingly hostile adult world, finding instead a book of recipes in her mother’s handwriting – recipes which send her off on a journey of self- discovery, uncovering family secrets en route. An unflinching but also charming celebration of friendship and family ties (and the recipes are real!) [PNicI] READ ALSO: A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill; the Prim series by Deirdre Sullivan

54 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 Have you ever finished a series that Since 2012 Children’s Books Ireland At some locations, while waiting to you loved and not known what to has been touring Book Clinics all see the Book Doctor, patients can read next? Do you love movies and over the island of Ireland, bringing spend time in the waiting room video games but find reading a bit reading prescriptions to young exploring their creative side with of a chore? These are the kinds of readers from babies to teenagers. the Doodle Doctor. Each Doodle questions the CBI Book Doctors ask From Listowel to Howth and from Doctor is a professional illustrator their patients at our Book Clinics, Castlebar to Newbridge, Book who uses their skills to find out where we meet lots of young Doctors have met six-year-olds more about the characters, topics, people and their families and help who have brought their best-loved genres and settings that each to guide each child towards finding books to show us, twelve-year-olds individual reader loves. the right book for them. who have exhausted their local library’s supplies, teenagers looking The Book Clinic gives CBI an for the latest book to share with opportunity to meet young readers their friends and parents seeking and their families. We also love to inspiration for new picturebooks to talk to teachers who are sourcing read with their little ones. The Book a new class novel and parents who Clinic is a free of charge, drop- are looking for tips to enthuse in facility for all families where reluctant readers. Keep an eye on children can consult with the Book www.childrensbooksireland.ie and Doctor and walk away with their on Facebook and Twitter to see own reading passport illustrated by when we’re coming to your town, Fintan Taite. As well as being jam- and watch out for a few special packed with reading activities to do Twitter clinics to answer the adults’ at home and in your local bookshop questions. or library, the passport opens up a world of engagement with books and equips any young reader with the skills to learn more about their own reading choices.

8 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

We ask a lot from our books: we want knowledge, entertainment or maybe comfort. But sometimes (most of the time) we get even more out of them: awareness, empathy, empowerment. That is because, while reading is widely seen as a solitary activity, no reader is an island. The books in our hands provide access to the rest of the world and give us invaluable insights into what is going on in the lives of people from all sorts of backgrounds and circumstances.

BEATRICE ALEMAGNA FRANCESCA SANNA BERNADETTE RUSSELL WHAT IS A CHILD? THE JOURNEY illustrated by DAVID TATE PUBLISHING 2016 (HBK) FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 BROADBENT 36PP £12.99 (HBK) 44PP £12.99 BE THE CHANGE, ISBN 9781849764124 ISBN 9781909263994 MAKE IT HAPPEN This thoughtful picturebook Told from a child’s point of view IVY KIDS 2016 (PBK) 96PP from multi-award-winning in carefully designed double- £9.99 ISBN 9781782403289 Italian illustrator Beatrice page spreads, this story of one The subtitle of this bright and Alemagna explores the family’s flight to safety is an important book is ‘Big and complicated business of being excellent introduction to issues Small Ways Kids Can Make a a child and the fleeting nature around migration and refugees. Difference’ and that’s exactly of childhood itself. The reader The simple text allows space for what is on offer here. From cake is encouraged to consider the discussion with children of all sales and happiness diaries to universality and diversity of the ages, while the story is carried voluntary tidy-towns endeavours childhood experience and to by the stunning, ominous and acts of kindness, Russell question ideas and expectations illustrations, moving from light, has lots of doable ideas for about growing up. Racially to dark, to light again. The her readers to get involved diverse children are portrayed addition of birds and animals in their mission to make the through vibrant and expressive that watch over the family at world a better place. Looking mixed media illustrations in times of greatest danger help at the environment, inclusive pencil, pastel and collage. By to bring a measure of hope and community living, animal prompting readers to think security. (Age 5–8) [AG] protection, mental well-being, about what it means to be a gender stereotyping, etc., this is child, Alemagna fosters self- an upbeat, empowering and fun reflection and philosophical read. (Non-fiction, Age 8–10, thought. (Age 4+, 5–8) [KH] 10–12) [JS]

46 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

The titles in this selection are outstanding examples of how books act as bridges to the wider environment, as meeting places where connections between individuals (real or imaginary) happen. And in some cases, they invite the reader to cross that bridge and take action. These books, in the words of the Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum, encourage children and young people to become ‘active and responsible citizens who understand the interdependent nature of the world in which they live’. These books are fantastic resources for the classroom (both at primary level and for the junior and senior cycles in post-primary education), but they are, first and foremost, terrific, inspiring reads.

S.E. DURRANT MEREDITH RUSSO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK LITTLE BITS OF SKY IF I WAS YOUR GIRL HERE I STAND NOSY CROW 2016 (PBK) USBORNE 2016 (PBK) WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 208PP £7.99 304PP £7.99 320PP £9.99 ISBN 9780857633996 ISBN 9781474923835 ISBN 9781406374834 Set in the late eighties, Little This eclectic collection of Bits of Sky is the story of two Amanda Hardy is the new girl stories and poetry, penned children’s journeys from in school, in more ways than by an impressive group of foster homes to a care home one. And fitting in involves contemporary writers and while trying to make sense of keeping a secret. Because in illustrated by Chris Riddell, their circumstances and their her old school Amanda was sets out to explore the rights struggle to overcome their Andrew, and when she starts and freedoms that still elude feelings of being invisible. It to fall in love with Grant, she us in today’s world. Tackling highlights many themes but, realises that she can’t guard themes including poverty, most importantly, emphasises her heart so closely anymore. racism, gender inequality and that nurturing care comes in This is a wonderful, warm- religious extremism, none of many forms. Durrant’s moving hearted novel about realising these contributors shies away and poignant début captures who you really are and knowing from the harsh realities many aspects of the era, including you deserve to be loved for it. in our society face. Particularly the dramatic poll tax riots Amanda’s story is as important noteworthy are compelling in London. With well-drawn as it is universal, and Russo has poems by Amy Leon and characters and beautiful crafted a compelling, believable Jackie Kay and powerful stories descriptive language, this is a narrative that is full of hope and from Chibundu Onuzo, Sita memorable novel. wisdom. (Age 14+) [BL] Brahmachari, Jack Gantos, (Age 9–11, 12–14) [SQ] READ ALSO: You Know Me Frances Hardinge and Bali Rai. Well by David Levithan and (Age YA) [LG] Nina LaCour READ ALSO: Free? Stories Celebrating Human Rights by Amnesty International

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 47

AGE 12–14

ORNA NÍ CHOILEÁIN maisithe ag OLIVIA GOLDEN MORF AN GÚM 2016 (BOG) 65LCH €8.50 ISBN 9781857919219 Bhuaigh Morf Duais an Oireachtais sa bhliain 2015. Tá leagan amach an téacs soiléir do léitheoirí óga na Gaeilge. Baineann an t-údar úsáid as réimse foclóra a bhfuil dúshlán ag baint leis. Is scéal é seo a dhíríonn ar chairdeas, téama a bhfuil gean air i measc an ghlúin óig. Tá draíocht ag baint leis na pictiúir a chuireann go mór le hatmaisféar an scéil. Fágtar an léitheoir óg ag an deireadh ag iarraidh níos mó eolais a fháil amach faoi eachtraí an phríomhcharachtair Eric. [MNicanB] GARTH NIX GOLDENHAND HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 432PP £14.99 ISBN 9781471404443 In this fifth instalment of Nix’s Keys of the Kingdom series, Lirael embarks on a dangerous journey: a return to her childhood home, where she was once a Second Assistant Librarian. There she receives a warning about the Witch with No Face. But who is she, and what is she planning? Nix has triumphed once again, with striking and utterly believable characters, compelling themes of freedom and destiny and a story that will captivate readers from the first to the very last page. [BL] READ ALSO: Good Red Herring by Susan Maxwell; Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden GAVRIEL SAVIT ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN BODLEY HEAD 2016 (HBK) 240PP £9.99 ISBN 9781782300526 A deeply emotional read, where the voice of a seven-year-old girl can ring as sound and as moving as Liesel’s voice from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This book blends so many elements into one beautifully written story. Hints of magic realism are interspersed with a well-woven balance between being a child and having to be an adult in adverse situations. Lyrical, poetic and achingly beautiful in places, this book will undoubtedly charm you. [LC] READ ALSO: The Safest Lie by Angela Cerrito; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak FRANCESCA SIMON illustrated by OLIVIA LOMENECH GILL THE MONSTROUS CHILD FABER & FABER 2016 (HBK) 304PP £9.99 ISBN 9780571330263 Teenager Hel is the daughter of a giantess and a god. Half-living, and half- dead, Hel is banished by Odin to the underworld to be its queen, far away from everything she knows. Protagonist Hel’s contemporary voice and the way she speaks directly to the reader make The Monstrous Child an interesting and accessible entry point into Norse mythology. The eye-catching and beautiful cover and illustrations make this an excellent gift for a young teen, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. [COB] READ ALSO: Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell; Runemarks by Joanne Harris INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 55

AOIS 12–14 KIM SLATER A SEVEN-LETTER WORD MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 304PP £9.99 ISBN 9781509801121 Scrabble is cleverly woven into both the form and content of this novel about a teenager’s search for the mother who abandoned him. Finlay’s stutter renders him unable to speak and open to bullying, but he uses his Scrabble prowess as an alternative means of expression. Initially, this may seem a predictable tale about overcoming adversity, but it develops into an intriguing mystery as Finlay investigates his mother’s disappearance. Knowledge of Scrabble is not necessary but regular players will note some inaccuracies in the scoring. [KH] READ ALSO: Tangled Secrets by Anne-Marie Conway; Wonder by R.J. Palacio

MARTIN STEWART RIVERKEEP PENGUIN BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 368PP £7.99 ISBN 9780141362038 Wull is getting ready to cover his father’s job as Riverkeep, pulling corpses from the River Danék. But when his father becomes possessed by something from the river, Wull has to both Riverkeep and find a cure for his father before it’s too late. The language in this book is amazing to read, and the story is both arresting and evocative. What’s more, it’s infinitely re-readable. With vibes of Patrick Ness and Neil Gaiman, this book is a definite keeper! A fascinating read. [LC] READ ALSO: Resonance by Celine Kiernan; The Dead Men Stood Together by Chris Priestly LAUREN WOLK WOLF HOLLOW CORGI 2016 (PBK) 304PP £6.99 ISBN 9780552574297 ‘The year I turned twelve, I learned how to lie.’ Wolf Hollow is an atmospheric place, bearing the shadows of the last war and the one that is ongoing. Annabelle McBride finds herself involved in her own fight for justice when new girl and bully Betty Glengarry accuses strange loner Toby of a terrible crime. Annabelle becomes caught up in events much bigger than herself and learns how unfair the world can be. A tale of secrets and suspense, with a powerful setting. [JD] READ ALSO: Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

LUCY WORSLEY illustrated by JOE BERGER ELIZA ROSE BLOOMSBURY 2016 (PBK) 368PP £6.99 ISBN 9781408869437 Eliza Rose is the headstrong heroine of this sparkling debut children’s book from an established author of non-fiction. The book gives us a glimpse behind the scenes at the often cruel realities for young women at the court of Henry VIII. The storytelling is smart and funny and, while initially Eliza is keen to experience court life and has romantic ideas about finding love and marriage, she is also on the receiving end of some catty behaviour from her ambitious cousin Katherine Howard. [LR] READ ALSO: My Lady Jane: The Not Entirely True Story by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows and Brodi Ashton

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YOUNG ADULT CECELIA AHERN FLAWED HARPERCOLLINS 2016 (PBK) 416PP £7.99 ISBN 9780008125127 Celestine North has it all. She’s a model daughter, a grade A student and is dating the perfect guy. She lives in a society where perfection is everything and imperfection is forever disgraced. One day she makes an instinctive decision and her life is altered forever. The story is a worthwhile read with an interesting concept and will appeal to fans of YA dystopian novels. Flawed is the type of book that you will either love or hate. [DM] READ ALSO: The Catalyst by Helen Coggan

EVE AINSWORTH CRUSH SCHOLASTIC 2016 (PBK) 260PP £6.99 ISBN 9781407146904 Anna’s family life has imploded. Feeling isolated and insecure, she finds solace in her new relationship with Will. But as Will’s behaviour becomes more controlling, Anna has to face the darker side of his love for her. A nuanced exploration of partner violence in teen relationships, Crush is subtle enough to be read by younger teens without sacrificing its hard-hitting message. The dual narrative allows insight into what drives Will’s increasingly troubling behaviour and how little it has to do with Anna herself. [DS] READ ALSO: Follow Me Back by Nikki Cloke

LAURENCE ANHOLT THE HYPNOTIST CORGI OCT 2016 (PBK) 352PP £7.99 ISBN 9780552573450 Pip travels from an orphanage to the Deep South, where he works for an elderly couple. Alone and full of wonder about where his place in the world might be, Pip discovers more about himself than he could have ever imagined with the help of his neighbour Jack, the hypnotist. Set in the early sixties, the reader experiences racism at the time in America. Although it has dark moments, the promise of a happy ending will keep the reader’s interest until the end. [ELM] READ ALSO: My Name’s Not Friday by Jon Walter

LARA AVERY THE MEMORY BOOK HACHETTE CHILDREN’S GROUP JAN 2017 (PBK) 368PP £7.99 ISBN 9781784299248 Samantha has almost finished high school and has her future planned out as a high-flying human rights lawyer in New York, but her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C, a rare genetic disorder which means that she will gradually lose her memory. This unusual coming-of- age novel charts the onset of the disease, and as Samantha writes to remember, she begins a journey of self-discovery, of friendship and of love. A heart-rending and engrossing story. Excellent. [CNicL] READ ALSO: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

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TAMARA BACH translated by SIOBHAN PARKINSON WHEREVER IT IS SUMMER LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 130PP €8.99 ISBN 9781910411568 Louise is haunted after being bullied at school; Jana’s family ignore her and focus on her elder brother. Both need an escape from their lives and find it in an impromptu road trip that leads to a friendship. Siobhan Parkinson’s elegant translation of this award-winning German novel will appeal to teen readers looking for a sensitive, subtle story about tough issues. A hopeful but not saccharine ode to female friendship and the possibilities of summer time. [CH] READ ALSO: Night Wanderers by C.J. Flood

EILÍS BARRETT OASIS GILL BOOKS OCT 2016 (PBK) 320PP €9.99 ISBN 9780717172849 Oasis is a utopian world founded on fear. A virus threatens to wipe out humanity and everyone must be tested for the X gene at seven years of age. Carriers are segregated in a vast, tightly controlled ‘camp’ where their rights and liberties are forgotten. Seventeen-year-old Quincy is determined to escape, even if it means risking her life. Written by a sixteen-year-old debut author, this is sure to appeal to teens who love fantasy novels and feisty protagonists. Violent at times. [MM] READ ALSO: The Declaration by Gemma Malley

BESSORA illustrated by BARROUX translated by SARAH ARDIZZONE ALPHA: ABIDJAN TO GARE DU NORD THE BUCKET LIST 2016 (HBK) 212PP £16.99 ISBN 9781911370000 Hoping to be reunited with his family in Paris, Alpha embarks on the perilous journey from Côte d’Ivoire to Europe. Barroux’s illustrations capture the bleakness and constant danger, while brief flashes of colour remind us of the optimism and dreams of a better life that spur Alpha and so many others on. The power of this book is that it forces us to listen to the voice of just one migrant. After listening to just one, how can we not listen to the rest? [JK] READ ALSO: Saga: Volume 6 by Brian K. Vaughan

ALEXANDRA BRACKEN PASSENGER QUERCUS 2016 (PBK) 496PP £7.99 ISBN 9781786540003 An enchanting story of a young violin prodigy sent violently hurtling back in time to 1776 at the whim of a cruel and controlling family of time travellers. While her mother is held prisoner by the Ironwood family, Etta must find a coveted astrolabe. She is aided in her frantic race against time by Nicholas Carter, a young sailor also entangled with the Ironwood family. This is a romantic, action-packed page turner perfect for fans of fantasy and historical fiction. [LR] READ ALSO: Uprooted by Naomi Novik

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YOUNG ADULT

KEVIN BROOKS FIVE HUNDRED MILES BARRINGTON STOKE 2016 (PBK) 88PP £6.99 ISBN 9781781125403 Cole and Reuben have grown up around gangsters – they know when to get involved and when to walk away. But when they meet a troubled girl, a girl with their dead sister’s face, these rules suddenly become more complicated. Another super readable book from Barrington Stoke, publishers who produce dyslexia-friendly books by some of the book world’s biggest names. Five Hundred Miles is a gripping story with a fantastic brotherly relationship at its heart, and although some questions are left unanswered, you won’t be able to put it down! [RC] READ ALSO: Iron Fist by Andy Briggs ANNE CASSIDY NO VIRGIN HOT KEY NOV 2016 (PBK) 192PP £7.99 ISBN 9781471405785 Ever met a boy so dreamy you can’t believe he’s interested in you? Stacey tells her story without shame or fear. Comparable to Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It, this is an important and prescient novel that needs to be highlighted and discussed. No Virgin takes an honest look at what it is to be a teenage girl making decisions that have consequences. A deeply personalised account about consent and safety, with characters who are unashamedly real, this book is suitable for young adult readers and up. [LC] READ ALSO: All the Rage by Courtney Summers CASSANDRA CLARE LADY MIDNIGHT SIMON & SCHUSTER 2016 (PBK) 668PP £12.99 ISBN 9781471116612 Emma Carstairs is a feisty half-angel Shadowhunter determined to find out who was responsible for the murder of her parents during the Dark War. When bloated bodies begin to appear in Los Angeles covered in the same demonic runes and drenched in seawater, Emma, with the help of her parabatai, Julian, is intent on solving the mystery and avenging her parents’ deaths. This fast-paced tale of sinister cults, dark secrets and love will appeal to those who enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series. [FK] READ ALSO: The Wrath and the Dawn by Ahdieh Renee JOHN COREY WHALEY HIGHLY ILLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 256PP £7.99 ISBN 9780571330447 Lisa has never met a problem she couldn’t fix or found something she couldn’t do. When she sets out to write a scholarship-winning college application to the psychology course of her dreams, she chooses agoraphobic Soloman as her subject. As Lisa forcefully breaks into reclusive Soloman’s world, dragging her boyfriend Clark into the mess, things end up more broken than they were to begin with. How can you fix other people when you can’t even fix yourself? This is a beautiful, stirring read. [ET] READ ALSO: More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

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DAOINE ÓGA FÁSTA CATHERINE DOYLE INFERNO CHICKEN HOUSE 2016 (PBK) 416PP £7.99 ISBN 9781910655238 At the end of Vendetta, the first in the Blood for Blood trilogy, Sophie’s life was turned upside down. Now she’s determined to set things right and start again. As the blood feud between the Falcones and the Marinos intensifies, Sophie and her mother are caught in the crossfire, as Nic Falcone refuses to let his love for Sophie go. The plot races to a dramatic and emotional crescendo. With punchy dialogue and perfect pacing, this novel is an action movie waiting to be read. [HCu] READ ALSO: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

PAUL DOWSWELL WAVE BARRINGTON STOKE 2016 (PBK) 71PP £6.99 ISBN 9781781125625 This First World War-centenary tale mainly concerns two shockingly young soldiers, brothers Charlie and Eddie. They are the great-grandfather and great- great-uncle of the identically named contemporary siblings whom we meet briefly in several chapters of the book. The title refers to the ‘first wave’ push of the Somme. Unassumingly told, this brief but pointed story leaves you in no doubt as to the tragedy and horror of the trenches and offers no pat closure. Skilful, unvarnished and achingly poignant. [AlaM] READ ALSO: The Front Room by Michelle Magorian KATHRYN EVANS MORE OF ME USBORNE 2016 (PBK) 336PP £6.99 ISBN 9781474903028 Teva lives in a house with many of the girls she used to be. Once a year, her body separates, and the new Teva assumes her place in the world, condemning the old one to remain hidden. But Fifteen, whom Teva replaced, is finding the confinement a struggle and is jealous of Teva’s relationship with ‘her’ boyfriend Ollie. Part mystery, part sci-fi, part love story, this book doesn’t fit neatly into one genre but will appeal to fans of good storytelling in YA fiction. [DS] READ ALSO: Broken Sky by L.A. Weatherly

HELEN FALCONER THE DARK BELOVED CORGI BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 512PP £7.99 ISBN 9780552573436 Aoife is a changeling – she has brought the real Aoife back from the Land of the Young and thwarted the Beloved, who sought her as his bride. But at what cost? While she was gone, months have passed in real time. A stunning story, with vibrant characters and really imaginative scenes. This story is just the right amount of scary, mixed with real-life problems between friends, true love and certain death. Read The Changeling first and delve into a world of Irish myth. [LC] READ ALSO: The Mermaid’s Sister by Carrie Anne Noble

60 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

YOUNG ADULT

JULIA GRAY THE OTHERLIFE ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 416PP £7.99 ISBN 9781783444229 Ancient Norse gods stir to life in this very contemporary novel, composed of two alternating voices. Ben’s ability to perceive the gods in what he calls The Otherlife attracts Hobie, a mischief-making rich kid whom he befriends. Flitting back and forth in time, the suggestive narrative, in which Gray balances high comedy against brooding fantasy, spirals round the unexplained death of the boys’ tutor. This is a striking and sophisticated book about myth, privilege, pushy parents – and heavy metal music. Truly marvellous. [AlaM] READ ALSO: The Monstrous Child by Francesca Simon CLAIRE HENNESSY NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 336PP £7.99 ISBN 9781471405747 Annabel McCormack is the ghostly narrator of this highly original, uncompromising and brilliantly written evocation of teenage life. The central concerns of self-confidence and happiness are examined through an exposition of Annabel’s anorexia, the disease that claimed her life just shy of her eighteenth birthday, as Annabel tries to ‘help’ ex-fellow-student and editor of the school newspaper, the seemingly unflappable Julia, which involves teasing out the horrors hidden deep in her subconscious. Strong language and a gripping plot from a master storyteller. [PNicI] READ ALSO: How Not to Disappear by Clare Furniss BONNIE-SUE HITCHCOCK THE SMELL OF OTHER PEOPLE’S HOUSES FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 272PP £7.99 ISBN 9780571314959 A debut novel of great talent. Set in Alaska as 1969 turns into 1970 and featuring four protagonists – Ruth, Dora, Alice and Hank – it is a tale of racial tension, poverty and growing up. It’s about conflict between children and parents, between neighbours, between friends. Each character has a tale to tell and a choice to make. This is one of the most poignant and poetic novels of coming of age and forging your own destiny that I have read in a long time. [LR] READ ALSO: Little Bits of Sky by S.E. Durrant DONALD HOUNAM PARIAH CORGI FEB 2017 (PBK) 400PP £7.99 ISBN 9780552574402 Life is just complicated for Frank Sampson, but what can you expect when the dead shark you’re carrying around is starting to stink and the girl that you have a crush on has tried to kill you? Even with all the magic that the forensic sorcerer knows, he can’t solve that riddle. Add to that the complication of a dead body that doesn’t seem quite dead and you have an intriguing mystery set in a magical world where anything seems possible. [JJK] READ ALSO: Death or Ice Cream? by Gareth P. Jones

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LEAH KONEN THE ROMANTICS AMULET BOOKS NOV 2016 (HBK) 336PP £11.99 ISBN 9781419721939 Gael is a grade-A romantic who has experienced the ultimate betrayal. However, Love has a plan to help him with his broken heart and steer him towards the perfect girl. But Love isn’t prepared for Gael to fall for Cara, aka the Rebound. In a desperate bid to get Gael back on track, Love meddles and even starts breaking her own rules. A charming, funny and light-hearted love story narrated by Love that readers will immediately relate to. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout. [DM] READ ALSO: Landline by Rainbow Rowell DEREK LANDY DESOLATION HARPERCOLLINS 2016 (PBK) 460PP £7.99 ISBN 9780008156992 This second instalment of Landy’s Demon Road trilogy finds Amber and Milo – humans with the ability to ‘shift’ into demon mode – fleeing on the north American continent from demonic bikers in a road trip incorporating blood-spattered mutilation, child sacrifice, cannibalism and the parents, quite literally, from hell. Another day at the office then for YA fiction. A coterie of interesting characters lends a hand against the forces of evil at would-be safe haven Desolation Hill in this pulpy, darkly thrilling monster mash. [AlaM] READ ALSO: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton ERIN LANGE REBEL, BULLY, GEEK, PARIAH FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 368PP £6.99 ISBN 9780571314560 Sam’s used to hiding her personality – and her scars – under a grubby hat, but when she finds herself fleeing an accident in a stolen police car along with three of her classmates she’s forced to reveal her true self. Some of the characters’ early decisions stretch believability, but once they’re on the road the story takes off, jumping from adventure to adventure and twisting its way towards a fantastic ending. A fast-paced thriller that also explores the ways that relationships both damage and sustain us. [RS] READ ALSO: We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach ESTELLE LAURE THIS RAGING LIGHT ORCHARD BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 320PP £12.99 ISBN 9781408340264 Morally complicated YA here, where the structures and stabilities we take for granted are stripped away. Janie and Wren are left to fend for themselves when their mother disappears after their father’s nervous breakdown lands him in residential care – this means that food is scarce and bills have to be prioritised. Janie takes a job at a local diner and discovers that friends and neighbours are pulling together to help, while unexpected trauma brings people together in unexpected ways. [PNicI] READ ALSO: The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

62 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

YOUNG ADULT PATRICE LAWRENCE ORANGEBOY HODDER 2016 (PBK) 432PP £7.99 ISBN 9781444927207 Marlon was a good kid: quiet, studious, the type of kid people looked straight through; the exact opposite of his older brother, Andre. All that changes when Sonya breezes into his life and Marlon has to find out who the mysterious Mr Orange is. Orangeboy is a frank and gripping study of teenage gang culture in London’s inner city, seamlessly blending issues of drug abuse, violence and race with grief, loss and family life in the wake of tragedy. [COB] READ ALSO: Crongton Knights by Alex Wheatle

SUNGJU LEE and SUSAN MCCLELLAND EVERY FALLING STAR AMULET BOOKS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 336PP £7.99 ISBN 9781419723810 Every Falling Star is the hard hitting memoir of a North Korean boy named Sungju Lee. Containing gripping details of the hardships he had to endure, and the tragedies he faced, this book is sure to hold the attention of any reader. Giving insight into what life was really like for this young boy growing up in circumstances unlike anything you could imagine, Sungju Lee transports the reader to his past and shows them his own path of hope. [ELM] READ ALSO: The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan JULIE MAYHEW MOTHER TONGUE HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 368PP £7.99 ISBN 9781471405945 This beautifully written coming-of-age story revolves around Darya, a fictional survivor of the Beslan school siege. After losing her sister in the siege, Darya goes on a physical and metaphorical journey toward acceptance and forgiveness. Although set in the aftermath of a real-life event, the novel has an appropriately dislocated, somewhat dystopian feel, as the precise time and place are never mentioned. This allows Mayhew to keep the focus on Darya’s experiences and the result is a sensitive exploration of how trauma affects personal development. [KH] READ ALSO: Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

SHIRLEY-ANNE MCMILLAN A GOOD HIDING ATOM BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 256PP £6.99 ISBN 9780349002514 Told from the perspectives of fifteen-year-old Nollaig and her friend Stephen, Good Hiding follows Nollaig as she goes into hiding in a church basement in Belfast to protect her unborn child from her abusive father. While dual narration can cause confusion for some readers, McMillan executes it in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. From its handling of challenges related to friendship, LGBTQ identity, religion and family to the somewhat predictable yet still enjoyable plot twists sprinkled throughout, this novel makes for a captivating, enjoyable read. [LaD] READ ALSO: Still Falling by Sheena Wilkinson

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DAOINE ÓGA FÁSTA SUSAN NIELSEN THE RELUCTANT JOURNAL OF HENRY K. LARSEN ANDERSEN PRESS 2016 (PBK) 272PP £7.99 ISBN 9781783443666 Henry’s keeping a diary under duress; his therapist thinks it will help him deal with his brother’s death. But even in a new town, as he befriends a handful of vivid and relatable outsiders, fresh starts prove to be trickier than they seem. With humour balancing out the seriousness of the topic, this is an immensely readable story about a family recovering from a violent shooting and a teenage boy trying to come to terms with his own sense of guilt. [CH] READ ALSO: We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

PEADAR O’GUILIN THE CALL DAVID FICKLING BOOKS SEPT 2016 (PBK) 336PP ISBN 9781910989203 The Sídhe are a race that have been banished from Ireland and now live in the Greylands. They are angry and decide to take revenge on the teenagers of Ireland. Three minutes is all the teens have to survive the hunt of the Call. Nessa is struggling to protect herself from the Sídhe, as she has polio and is weaker than most fourteen-year-olds. A thrilling fantasy tale full of excitement and unpredictable twists, gripping and engrossing from the start. [MM] READ ALSO: After Dark by James Leck

KENNETH OPPEL illustrated by JON KLASSEN THE NEST DAVID FICKLING BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 256PP £10.99 ISBN 9781910200865 The new baby in Steve’s family is sick – so sick that his parents have to go back and forth to the hospital and Steve and his little sister are in the dark about whether it will even survive. Soon Steve’s usual anxiety-riddled dreams start to take a strange turn, with visitations from strange beings of silver and light who promise to make things better – but at what cost? A darkly dreamy tale dealing with issues of physical and mental health, beautifully illuminated by Jon Klassen. [LG] READ ALSO: Skellig by David Almond

MAL PEET completed by MEG ROSOFF BECK WALKER BOOKS LTD 2016 (PBK) 272PP £12.99 ISBN 9781406331127 Beck is the central protagonist in this compelling story of a young mixed-race man and the adversity he faces. From terrible, unforgivable acts of abuse to finding his footing, the reader travels with Beck as he attempts to navigate his new world. This heart-wrenching story moves through time as Beck creates his own path in a place where he is mostly unwelcome. Root for the underdog as this book carries the reader on his difficult journey through life. [ELM] READ ALSO: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

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YOUNG ADULT K.M. PEYTON WILD LILY DAVID FICKLING BOOKS FEB 2017 (HBK) 352PP £10.99 ISBN 9781910200506 Lily Gabriel is a wild, strong-willed girl who is hopelessly in love with the privileged and thoughtless Anthony Sylvester, a boy with an aeroplane and a reckless sense of fun. Peyton’s well-crafted piece of historical fiction begins in the 1920s and shows how the lives of Lily and Anthony divide and intersect up until the 1980s. The carefully crafted prose of the novel makes it a delight to read, while the character of Lily is spirited yet intensely vulnerable through her unrequited love for Anthony. [FK] READ ALSO: The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

LAURA RUBY BONE GAP FABER & FABER DEC 2016 (PBK) 400PP £7.99 ISBN 9780571332755 Bone Gap is a town with gaps, spaces you can slip through. No one is too surprised when beautiful young Roza disappears. Finn is the only one who saw her kidnapper, but he can’t describe her face. He knows Roza was taken, even if everyone else believes she chose to leave. Weaving together the stories of different people from the town, this is a skilfully written piece of magical realism. It is a book about love and what it means to see and be seen. Unmissable. [JD] READ ALSO: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

MANUELA SALVI translated by DENISE MUIR GIRL DETACHED THE BUCKET LIST SEPT 2016 (PBK) 212PP £7.99 ISBN 9781911370024 Aleksandra has been reunited with her estranged mother following her gran’s death and struggles to fit into her new life. When her new neighbour, Megan, befriends her, she is drawn away from her misfit theatre group to an exciting new group of friends. This tale of grooming and sexual exploitation tackles important questions about the nature of consent and agency and explores the insidious nature of abusive relationships. This is sometimes an uncomfortable read but it is a thought-provoking, relevant and powerful story. [CNicL] READ ALSO: Moth Girls by Anne Cassidy

MARCUS SEDGWICK SAINT DEATH ORION CHILDREN’S BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 272PP £10.99 ISBN 9781444000528 A dark and powerful tale, set on the Mexico/US border, about violent gangs, drug trafficking and poverty. Another gem from a prize-winning author, whose masterful delivery of prose will leave you breathless. Arturo is a stunningly written character, whose life is all about survival and not drawing attention to himself. When his friend dips into money that is not his to spend, they have thirty-six hours to replace it. A quick-paced and addictive read for young adult readers and up. I loved this. [LC] READ ALSO: Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine

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ANNA SEIDL translated by SIOBHÁN PARKINSON NO HEROES LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 256PP €9.99 ISBN 9781910411322 Anna Seidl’s novel No Heroes starts with a bang – repeated gunshots reverberate and ricochet throughout the opening pages, leaving the reader gripped yet frozen in fear. A terrifying account of a school shooting and the aftermath and what happens to those that are left behind. Miriam’s account is painful and honest; her reaction is visceral as she begins to comprehend the meaning of loss and survival. Impactful and heartbreaking but, now more than ever, No Heroes is a hard-hitting tale that needs to be told. [SQ] READ ALSO: Mocking Bird by Kathryn Erskine DARREN SHAN ZOM-B GODDESS SIMON AND SCHUSTER 2016 (HBK) 272PP £12.99 ISBN 9780857077967 In the final book in the Zom-B series, B Smith faces one last battle that could decide the future of life on Earth. Crammed with bloody fight scenes, this is not one for the faint-hearted but should go some way to satisfying the gruesome demands of Shan’s fans. The author should be commended for not only bringing his series to a thrilling conclusion but also ensuring that the biggest monsters in this book are the characters consumed by prejudice – an important lesson to us all. [JK] READ ALSO: Arena 13 by Joseph Delaney DESTINY SORIA IRON CAST AMULET OCT 2016 (HBK) 384PP £10.99 ISBN 9781419721922 Ada Navarra – a mixed-race girl from a poor background – and rebellious heiress Corinne Wells are unlikely best friends. Their ‘afflicted’ blood allows them to create illusions and manipulate emotions. At the Cast Iron nightclub, they make music and run cons for their gangster boss. But when a job goes wrong, chaos ensues and they no longer know whom they can trust. Set just before the Prohibition era, this book focuses on a strong female friendship, mixed in with magic, mobsters and just a hint of romance. [JD] READ ALSO: The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman KEVIN STEVENS A LONELY NOTE LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 256PP €9.99 ISBN 9781910411346 This title recounts the tale of Tariq, an Iraqi teen growing up in the American town of Monroe, Wisconsin. Throughout the novel, Tariq faces a number of challenges related to religious acceptance and the navigation between American culture and traditional Islam. His passive approach to solving challenges makes for a frustrating protagonist; in the end, however, he grows up more than anticipated, establishing unexpected friendships along the way. A compelling read about tolerance, family and bullying that is sure to keep teens turning the page. [LaD] READ ALSO: Kiss the Dust by Elizabeth Laird

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YOUNG ADULT EMILY JUNE STREET THE VELOCIPEDE RACES MICROCOSM PUBLISHING 2016 (PBK) 254PP £7.99 ISBN 9781621060581 A stunning steampunk fantasy set in a version of 1890s Europe. Emmeline is obsessed with velocipedes, and secret training with her racing brother helps her to break free of her corseted life as a young noblewoman. But her freedom seems to be curtailed when she is forced into an arranged marriage. Emmeline is a strong heroine: sporty, spirited and outspoken. She takes great risks to keep on being herself and discovers that sometimes to get what you want you have to break a few rules. [LR] READ ALSO: The Transatlantic Conspiracy by G.D. Falksen DEIRDRE SULLIVAN NEEDLEWORK LITTLE ISLAND 2016 (PBK) 210PP €9.99 ISBN 9781910411506 Sixteen-year-old Ces longs to be a tattoo artist and embroider skin with beautiful images. But for now she’s just trying to reach adulthood without falling apart. The difficult subject of child abuse – and its devastating impact on its victims – is met head on in this brave book. The author explores the relationship between Ces and her father, evoking deep empathy in us for the horror some youngsters endure. And while the meditative thoughts in italics throughout the text are distracting, the book succeeds overall. [OB] READ ALSO: The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin TOMMY WALLACH THANKS FOR THE TROUBLE SIMON & SCHUSTER 2016 (PBK) 288PP £7.99 ISBN 9781471146121 Peter Santé hasn’t spoken a word in five years and his life is going nowhere quickly. But this all changes when he meets the mysterious silver-haired Zelda Toth, a girl who claims to have been born in the eighteenth century! The reader spends a magical weekend with these two unforgettable characters in a novel full of intelligence, humour and truth. Beautifully written in a style that is both contemporary and literary, this love story won’t be easily forgotten. A modern Catcher in the Rye. [KF] READ ALSO: Night Owls by Jenn Bennett MATT WHYMAN BAD APPLE HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 352PP £6.99 ISBN 9781471404207 A bit of a weakling, Maurice finds himself hauled into the middle of the ongoing battle between humans and their rabble-rousing subterranean cousins: the trolls. A fast-paced game of cat and mouse peppered with comical dialogue, this book is coloured by real-life concerns of the present, from social prejudice to racism and disenfranchised youth. Where the story succeeds is in the empathy it inspires: readers will recognise themselves in characters both troll and human alike. Which leaves you wondering: which side would you choose? [LH] READ ALSO: Jekyll’s Mirror by William Hussey

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SARAH HUTT illustrated by DAVE LADD and STEPHANIE ANDERSON ANIMALS ARE DELICIOUS PHAIDON PRESS 2016 (BOARD) 48PP £11.95 ISBN 9780714871233 This set of three board books details the food chains of three different habitats: the sky, the forest and the ocean. With simple text, vibrant graphics and extra facts on the back of each panel, these eye-catching books make for comprehensible and educational reads for children interested in the animal kingdom. While I question the practicality of constructing them in their foldout style, I do think that characteristic makes for a more fun and interactive reading experience. (Age 2–4) [LaD] READ ALSO: The Word Bird by Nicola Davies and Abbie Cameron ALISON LIMENTANI HOW MUCH DOES A LADYBIRD WEIGH? BOXER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781910126981 Wildlife comes in so many shapes and sizes, from a teeny ant to an enormous swan, but how many ants weigh the same as one ladybird, and how many starlings equal a grey squirrel? The bright illustrations of native creatures not only are delightful, but also cleverly introduce concepts of numbers, weight and scale. The gradual increase in animal sizes culminates in one swan being as heavy as quite a few ladybirds. But can you guess the exact number? A book to inspire budding zoologists. (Age 2–4) [OH] READ ALSO: Magnificent Creatures by Anna Wright VIRGINIE MORGAND WHAT DO GROWN-UPS DO ALL DAY? WIDE EYED EDITIONS 2016 (HBK) 64PP £14.99 ISBN 9781847808097 What Do Grown-Ups Do All Day? is a cleverly conceived introduction to the world of work and over a hundred jobs. The layout and rhythm of the text and the limited but vibrant colour-palette illustrations are well designed. Included is a challenge of finding the grown-ups in the double-page spreads of the fourteen different workplaces. This non-fiction title would be a fantastic school resource as well as an inspiration to young readers in determining what to be when they grow up. (Age 2–4, 5–8) [CB] READ ALSO: The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith ANOUCK BOISROBERT CUT AND COLOUR PLAYBOOK: SEASONS IVY KIDS 2016 (PBK) 96PP £9.99 ISBN 9781782403159 This activity book stands out, as one can create layered drawings composed of Boisrobert’s own illustrations. A guide on each page gives instructions on which sections of the page to colour and to cut out, leaving four large 3D drawings – one for each season. This book gets children thinking in a new way about drawing and allows them to be more creative than the standard colouring book would. This book is also suited for teachers’ classrooms, as it may require quite a precise hand! (Age 4+) [SD] READ ALSO: Sticker Shape Create by Theresa Rowe; 8 Ways to Draw Fish by Luisa Martelo

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DR EMMA WADDINGTON and DR CHRISTOPHER MCCURRY illustrated by LOUIS THOMAS WHY ARE PEOPLE DIFFERENT COLOURS? FRANCES LINCOLN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £9.99 ISBN 9781847808103 Children are so good at asking questions, and when these are around big issues such as people and their differences the answers are really important. Written by two experienced psychologists, the book is designed to advise parents how best to approach questions like ‘Why has grandma wrinkles?’ or ‘Why does my teacher wear a headscarf?’ The illustrations show children in real-life situations and reflect the diverse nature of our world. A safe springboard to talk about the big questions with your little person. (Age 4+) [OH] READ ALSO: the rest of the Life and Soul Library series HELEN BORTEN DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 48PP £12.99 ISBN 9781909263840 Originally published in 1959 and reprinted for a new generation by Flying Eye Books, this wonderfully bright text introduces children to the seemingly basic artistic concepts of line, shape and colour. Using delightfully lyrical descriptions and striking screen-print-like illustrations, Borten takes child readers on a journey of the visual world, seen through the lens of art and aesthetics. The poetic language on each page is a joy to read but is also eminently accessible, making this book a pleasure from beginning to end. (Age 5–8) [LG] READ ALSO: Do You Hear What I Hear? by Helen Borten

ALEX FRITH illustrated by COLIN KING LOOK INSIDE HOW COMPUTERS WORK USBORNE 2016 (BOARD) 14PP £9.99 ISBN 9781409599043 As with all of the other books in this series, the many, many illustrations are colourful, fun and very informative. This book is very detailed but the flap system lets the eye run over the page without too much information, allowing the reader to delve deeper if required. The book looks at current types of computers (from the inside), at coding and at networks. The language used throughout is technical but not overwhelmingly so, perfect for children to pick up computing terms. (Age 5–8) [ER] READ ALSO: What’s Beneath: Peeking under the Bonnet by Esther Porter and Andrés Lozano LAURA HAMBLETON POP-OUT STENCIL ART: DINOSAURS QED 2016 (BOARD) 14PP £8.99 ISBN 9781784933838 Discover the many ways you can get creative with pop-out stencils of prehistoric animals and birds. Each brightly coloured spread contains three different-sized stencils and step-by-step suggestions on how to use them. Make Spinosaurus mini-pegs or perhaps a T-Rex shadow puppet or maybe a Triceratops fossil puzzle. Containing a total of fifteen reusable stencils that are easy to store again in their nested shapes, this book is guaranteed to provide endless hours of creative fun. Perfect for little artists and dinosaur fanatics. (Age 5–8) [AM] READ ALSO: Pop-Out Stencil Art: Bugs by Laura Hambleton INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 69 NEAMHFHICSEAN

LISBETH KAISER illustrated by LEIRE SALABERRIA translated by RAQUEL PITT LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS: MAYA ANGELOU FRANCES LINCOLN CHILDREN’S BOOKS SEPT 2016 (HBK) 32PP £9.99 ISBN 9781847808905 This tale of triumph over adversity is stylishly illustrated using soft hues and beautifully detailed pencil illustrations. The text is simple, but the facts are there. Following an attack by her mother’s boyfriend, young Marguerite Angelou becomes mute. Poetry and a kind neighbour help her to find her voice again and flourish. While tragedy is present, the focus here is firmly on the happiness and success that can follow if one perseveres. Perfect for any and all little people with big dreams. (Age 5–8) [ViC] READ ALSO: the rest of the Little People, Big Dreams series FIONA ROBINSON ADA’S IDEAS: THE STORY OF THE WORLD’S FIRST COMPUTER PROGRAMMER ABRAMS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS 2016 (HBK) 40PP £9.99 ISBN 9781419718724 Poet Lord Byron’s daughter Ada was born in 1815 and grew up to be a gifted mathematician and original thinker. Famous engineers and inventors were impressed by her and she worked closely with George Babbage, inventor of the Analytical Engine, writing the mathematical instructions or algorithm that made it work. Together they are considered to be the founders of modern computer science. Wonderful 3D-effect illustrations created by cutting out and reconstructing watercolour paintings make this book a feast for the eye and the brain. (Age 5–8) [SuM] READ ALSO: Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts SERGE BLOCH 3, 2, 1 … DRAW! WIDE EYED EDITIONS 2016 (PBK) 80PP £9.99 ISBN 9781847807243 With a mixture of photos and illustrations Serge Bloch encourages you to reimagine your world as you make your way through this wonderful book. Each spread invites you to bring life to a scene by giving you such instructions as ‘design your own tower blocks’ or ‘transform your bathroom’. The composition of each page has been carefully considered and, along with Bloch’s whimsical illustrations, makes this a beautiful book to hold. 3, 2, 1 … Draw! will keep any child entertained for many hours. (Age 5–8, 9+) [MR] READ ALSO: Doodle Town by Dominika Lipniewska; The Arty Book by Nikalas Catlow and David Sinden KATE PANKHURST FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD BLOOMSBURY SEPT 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9781408876985 There are not enough books out there in the world that celebrate the great achievements made by women in history. This book focuses on those we have heard of, such as Amelia Earhart, and some we perhaps have not, such as Agent Fifi and Mary Seacole. The illustrations make this book seem like little stories, one per woman. Great for teachers or for an alternative storytime. (Age 5–8, 9+) [LC] READ ALSO: Every Day Is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney

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ALICE JAMES and EMILY BONE illustrated by BRIONY MAY SMITH THE USBORNE OUTDOOR BOOK USBORNE 2016 (HBK) 64PP £9.99 ISBN 9781409599104 From the beach to the woods to your own back garden, playing and exploring in the great outdoors has never looked more fun. You can make your own compass, trap and study insects or turn a pile of fallen leaves into a work of art. Aided by charming illustrations and an endless supply of simple activity ideas, this guide will inspire children to get out of the house and get their hands – and occasionally their clothes – dirty. Hours of adventure guaranteed. (Age 5–8, 9–11) [RS] READ ALSO: Above and Below by Hanako Clulow; My Ireland Activity Book by Natasha Mac a’Bháird CAROLINE CRAIG and JOE ARCHER illustrated by SARA MULVANNY THE KEW GARDENS CHILDREN’S COOKBOOK: PLANT, COOK, EAT! WAYLAND 2016 (HBK) 112PP £12.99 ISBN 9780750298193 This soil-to-fork book places us and our diet firmly back into the ecosystem. From planting to harvesting, eating and composting, the focus is on sustainability. From such worthy beginnings we reap truly delicious rewards: potato cakes, pizza and beetroot chocolate loaf are just some of the mouth-watering recipes in this really lovely book. Theory is presented in bite-sized chunks and well balanced with engaging activities. Nostalgic illustrations complement informative photographs of gardening, as well as splendid photographs of food. A wonderful addition to any foodie household! (Age 5–8, 9–11+) [ViC] READ ALSO: Can I Eat That? by Joshua David Stein and Julia Rothman JENNY CHANDLER COOL KIDS COOK PAVILION BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 160PP £14.99 ISBN 9781910496879 What a great cookbook! This book aims to enable children to not just cook their own food, but also learn to love different kinds of dishes – not only the typical pancakes, brownies and fairy cakes. It also gives some plain-talking advice about safety, ability and really encourages the reader to appreciate that cooking takes practice and soon they will be cooking confidently. The recipe layout on each page is very user-friendly. Dinner is served! (Age 6+) [LC] READ ALSO: The Kids Only Cookbook by Sue Quinn

KATIE DAYNES illustrated by PETER DONNELLY LIFT-THE-FLAP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT SPACE USBORNE 2016 (BOARD) 16PP £9.99 ISBN 9781409598992 Do you have questions about space? I do. Who was the first woman in space? Why do stars twinkle? How do astronauts go to the toilet? Could I become an astronaut? Brief but interesting answers to these and many more questions are found by lifting the flaps on this short boardbook for young space enthusiasts. The comic-style illustrations are great and the fun format means readers can dive into the book at any page and read answers to the questions that most interest them. (Age 6+) [AG] READ ALSO: On the Space Station by Carron Brown and Bee Johnson

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MARINA MUUN MEET GEORGIA O’KEEFFE TATE PUBLISHING 2016 (PBK) 48PP £7.99 ISBN 9781849764872 Georgia O’Keeffe is one of America’s greatest painters, known for her large-scale paintings of flowers. This book offers a short biography of the artist, while also giving an interesting insight into how she approached her work. The information is accompanied on the right-hand page by exercises to help the reader practise O’Keeffe’s technique and subject matter. Spaciously designed, this book is dyslexia friendly and perfect for those with a kinaesthetic approach to learning. (Age 7+) [SD] READ ALSO: An Artist’s Alphabet by Norman Messenger

ISABEL THOMAS illustrated by NIKALAS CATLOW SELF-DESTRUCTING SCIENCE: SPACE BLOOMSBURY 2016 (PBK) 64PP £7.99 ISBN 9781408869499 This psychedelic book is extremely entertaining, with great science-related space experiments you can do, most from your own home. Not only this, but each page has fascinating little nuggets of information, usually telling you something you definitely didn’t know! There are cut-out solar systems, a page that transforms into a device through which you can view an eclipse safely and one that shows you how to build a universe (in theory, of course). A brilliant book for any child interested in space and beyond. (Age 7+) [LC] READ ALSO: Destination: Space by Christoph Englert and Tom Clohosy Cole; Astronaut Academy by Steve Martin and Jennifer Farley

FATTI and JOHN BURKE illustrated by FATTI BURKE HISTOROPEDIA GILL BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 96PP €24.99 ISBN 9780717171132 From the father–daughter duo behind the bestselling, award-winning Irelandopedia comes another marvellous compendium of Irish facts. Travel by timeline from prehistory and early settlement all the way to the present day. Explore major eras and crucial events, meet key historical figures and observe daily life and customs through the ages. Discover the Irish contribution to literature, art, technology and so much more. Although the range is extensive, the facts are concise and accessible. With informative and engaging illustrations, this is one for all the family! (Age 8+) [ED]

ANN CARROLL illustrated by DERRY DILLON COUNTESS MARKIEVICZ, AN ADVENTUROUS LIFE POOLBEG 2016 (PBK) 42PP €4.99 ISBN 9781781998700 Beautiful illustrations with a story to match, full of action and perfect for children to learn about Irish history and the role women played during the 1916 Rising. The story follows the life of the amazing Constance, born into a wealthy Anglo-Irish family with plenty of privileges, but who later gave it all up and joined the fight for Irish freedom. The illustrator, Derry Dillon, presents vivid pictures of people’s lives and helps to create and maintain a scary feeling of living during those times. [GHu] (Age 5–8) READ ALSO: Padraig Pearse and the Easter Rising 1916 by Rod Smith

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JONATHAN LITTON illustrated by L’ATELIER CARTOGRAPHIK HELLO WORLD: A CELEBRATION OF LANGUAGES AND CURIOSITIES 360 DEGREES 2016 (HBK) 16PP £14.99 ISBN 9781848575035 With a language being lost every fourteen days, Hello World is a welcome call to keep languages alive. Learn to greet people from around the globe in over 150 languages – global, local, modern and ancient. By lifting the flaps, readers will discover pronunciation guides, as well as features on hieroglyphs, sign languages and different writing systems. Attractive spreads are separated by continents, incorporating maps, facts and colourful illustrations of traditional dress. A beautifully produced, absorbing guide to the world’s rich tapestry of languages and traditions. (Age 8+) [ED] READ ALSO: Atlas of Oddities by Clive Gifford and Tracy Worrall

RACHEL WILLIAMS illustrated by CARNOVSKY ILLUMINATURE WIDE EYED EDITIONS OCT 2016 (HBK) 64PP £20.00 ISBN 9781847808868 Discover the dazzling biodiversity of ten of the world’s most diverse habitats with the aid of a ‘magic’ three-coloured lens. Travel through jungles, reefs, grasslands and more to learn key facts about famous destinations and species’ survival tactics. Use each filter to spot fauna and flora hidden in each dense spread. Green lights up luscious plant life, red reveals daytime creatures, while blue highlights animals of the night and twilight. With striking, naturalistic artwork from design-duo Carnovsky, this novel approach to non-fiction is a standout! (Age 8+) [ED] READ ALSO: Smart about Sharks by Owen Davey

IMOGEN GREENBERG illustrated by ISABEL GREENBERG DISCOVER … THE ROMAN EMPIRE FRANCES LINCOLN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £8.99 ISBN 9781847808264 Octavia is our guide through this history of the Roman Empire. A colourful, engaging publication, it follows the empire from its foundations to ad 1453, when it fell. There is just enough information to set out the basic facts while leaving room for further exploration, should children want to know more. The paper used is almost scroll-like and that, along with clever illustrations and the helpful pull-out map and timeline, creates an excellent resource to spark an interest in Roman history. (Age 8–10, 10–12) [AMQ] READ ALSO: Secret Treasures of Ancient Egypt by Kate Sparrow and Esther Aarts

PAUL HARRISON illustrated by TOM WOOLLEY LEONARDO DA VINCI IN 30 SECONDS IVY KIDS 2016 (PBK) 96PP £7.99 ISBN 9781782403166 This dynamic introduction to the legacy of Leonardo Da Vinci is absolutely heaving with information. Thirty-second intros are given to thirty topics. These, in turn, are condensed to three-second round-ups. This approach, combined with glossaries, diagrams and ‘3-minute missions’, ensures an engaging and holistic learning experience that is not just about da Vinci, but also about the format of more complex information books. A perfect starting point for all budding artists, inventors, scientists, mathematicians and visionaries. (Age 8–10, 10–12) [ViC] READ ALSO: This Is Not a Science Book by Clive Gifford INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 73 NEAMHFHICSEAN

THOMAS KINGSLEY TROUPE maisithe ag DEREK TOYE AN GCACANN BEACHA? AN GÚM 2016 (BOG) 24LCH €5 ISBN 9781857919196 Is leabhar iontach é seo a leanann grúpa cairde ar shiúlóid trí dhumpa. Le cabhair ón mbeach, lena mbuaileann siad, faigheann siad freagra ar an bpríomhcheist, an gcacann beacha? Agus iad ag taisteal tríd an dumpa, déantar plé ar mhórcheisteanna eolaíochta cosúil le hatáirgeadh agus an difríocht idir dúile beo agus neamhbheo i mbealach atá oiriúnach agus taitneamhach do pháistí. Cabhraíonn stíl scríofa, mar aon le híomhánna ildaite an leabhair, le spéis an léitheora a choinneáil. [NNíM] LÉIGH FREISIN: Cén fáth a mbím ag broimneach? le Thomas Kingsley. FIRST NEWS (UK) LIMITED VOICES FROM THE SECOND WORLD WAR WALKER BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 320PP £14.99 ISBN 9781406360110 Published by Walker Books in association with the children’s newspaper First News, Voices from the Second World War contains many first-hand accounts of life during the war. Veterans, ranging from RAF pilots to land girls and survivors of the Holocaust, share their wartime memories in interviews, many with young journalists from First News. This is a beautifully produced book: clear text along with black-and-white photographs show a range of situations experienced during this dreadful war, which can be passed down to future generations. (Age 9+) [VaC] READ ALSO: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

BRYAN MICHAEL STOLLER illustrated by VICTOR BEUREN SMARTPHONE MOVIE MAKER WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 48PP £14.99 ISBN 9781406373035 Now is a great time for budding Spielbergs. The ubiquity of smartphones and editing apps means that anybody can create high-quality films – they just need to know where to start. This is an excellent guide to the process of movie making, covering everything from scripting to post-production. Even the materials for making a projector are included! Graphic illustrations simplify technical lessons about shot types and special effects, while encouraging film makers’ imaginations to run wild. Strongly recommended for creators of all ages. (Age 9+) [RS] READ ALSO: DIY Fashion Shoot Book by We Are Photogirls

ALEX BELLOS AND BEN LYTTLETON illustrated by SPIKE GERELL FOOTBALL SCHOOL: WHERE FOOTBALL EXPLAINS THE WORLD WALKER BOOKS SEPT 2016 (HBK) 208PP £8.99 ISBN 9781406367249 Alex Bellos, a bestselling popular science and sports writer, has teamed up with Ben Lyttleton, a journalist and football consultant, to bring us the very entertaining Football School: Where Football Explains the World. It’s a funny and fascinating fact and trivia book which employs football as a way to learn about almost everything from language to zoology! Jam-packed with amazing facts, sensational stories and accompanied by quirky, witty illustrations, this book is sure to be loved by all football fans, kids and adults alike. (Age 9–11) [AM] READ ALSO: Sport and Society by Scott Witmer

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MALCOLM CROFT illustrated by DAMIEN WEIGHILL COOL MYTHOLOGY PORTICO 2016 (HBK) 112PP £9.99 ISBN 9781910232842 Full of absorbing facts and quirky illustrations, Cool Mythology tells you everything you need to know about the fascinating world of mythology. Read about the cultures that created the best-known legends of old and find out more about the gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters and places they describe. Identify how mythology is linked to our understanding of the world and why it is still important to culture and story today. Highly entertaining – fans of Percy Jackson and fantasy fiction generally will love this book. (Age 9–11) [SuM] READ ALSO: The Adventures of Hermes, God of Thieves by Murielle Szac LORENZO ETHERINGTON VON DOOGAN AND THE GREAT AIR RACE DAVID FICKLING BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 48PP £7.99 ISBN 9781910200827 At under fifty pages, Von Doogan and the Great Air Race delivers hours of activity to the reader who loves to unravel puzzles and solve mysteries. This comic-book adventure is jam-packed with challenges for ‘the Doog’ to decipher as he races to his final triumph. Each is rated by ‘impossibility level’ and (thankfully) a secret section reveals extra clues and even the actual solutions, so you can still have fun working it all out – backwards! Bright and funky illustrations keep it all very cool. (Age 9–11) [JW] READ ALSO: Brain Games for Clever Kids by Gareth Moore and Chris Dickason

MICHAEL FEWER illustrated by MELISSA DORAN NATURAMA GILL BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 96PP €22.99 ISBN 9780717169801 Every home, classroom and library in Ireland should get a copy of this fantastic book. Children and adults alike will enjoy the beautiful illustrations and learn lots from the very informative text. The book celebrates all of the animals, birds, insects and plants that are found in various habitats (garden, seaside, park, countryside) in each season and encourages its readers to look carefully at the world around them, to appreciate its wonders and to take good care of all of its species. A vital message. (Age 9–11) [SMcN] READ ALSO: RSPB Wildlife in Your Garden by Mike Dilger

GAVIN MCCUMISKEY illustrated by DAVID BUTLER SHACKLETON: THE VOYAGE OF THE JAMES CAIRD, A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT THE COLLINS PRESS 2016 (PBK) 96PP €9.99 ISBN 9781848892811 Who could fail to be enthralled by the bravery and daring of Ernest Shackleton and his crew on their explorations of Antarctica? In this graphic account we read about the 800-mile voyage through treacherous waters that he took with five of his crew on a tiny lifeboat, the James Caird, in an attempt to save the lives of the rest of the crew. Their adventures are brought to life in a most gripping way, with vivid illustrations and carefully written captions. Highly recommended. (Age 9–11) [SMcN] READ ALSO: Explore! by Deborah Kespert

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DEBORAH PATTERSON MY BOOK OF STORIES: WRITE YOUR OWN ADVENTURES BRITISH LIBRARY 2016 (PBK) 96PP £9.99 ISBN 9780712356350 If the most exciting thing in the world is setting off on an adventure, then surely writing about one is the next best thing. This jam-packed activity book uses illustrations and extracts from classic children’s fiction to spark the imaginations of young writers, challenging them to break into Gringotts Bank, invent a new friend for Dorothy to meet in Oz and find ways to survive on Robinson Crusoe’s deserted island. An excellent way to build writing skills and – more importantly – a lot of fun! (Age 9–11) [RS] READ ALSO: How to Write Your Best Story, Ever! by Christopher Edge ANJUM RANA illustrated by SAMEER KULAVOOR, HAKEEM NAWAZ and AMER KHAN THIS TRUCK HAS GOT TO BE SPECIAL TARA BOOKS NOV 2016 (HBK) 56PP £14.99 ISBN 9789383145423 This Truck Has Got to Be Special gives readers an insight into the creative skill, craftsmanship and time that is involved in decorating the colourful trucks in Pakistan, which is a very special and extraordinary form of popular art. The truck illustrations are bursting with colour while the black and white images, together with the text, weave a web of relationships in the challenging terrain of the truck driver’s world. This would be an interesting resource in a school or library. (Age 9–11) [CB] READ ALSO: Atlas of Adventures by Lucy Letherland

DR DOMINIC WALLIMAN illustrated by BEN NEWMAN PROFESSOR ASTRO CAT’S ATOMIC ADVENTURE FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 72PP £15.99 ISBN 9781909263604 Prepare to be stunned as Professor Astro Cat returns from the frontiers of space to take you on another adventure to discover the electrifying world of physics. Learn about energy, atoms and the laws of the universe. This book covers everything from Newton’s law to magnetism, from sound waves to molecules. Each two-page spread uses narrative, humour and retro-style illustrations full of bold shapes and colours to present complex scientific information in a clear and entertaining way. (Age 9–11) [AM] READ ALSO: Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space by Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman

MARIA ANA PEIXE DIAS and INÊS TEIXERA DO ROSÁRIO illustrated by BERNARDO P. CARVALHO translated by LUCY GREAVES OUTSIDE: A GUIDE TO DISCOVERING NATURE FRANCES LINCOLN CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 368PP £18.99 ISBN 9781847807694 This beautiful and thoughtful book presents the world as a magical place of exploration. It suggests safe and inventive activities and delivers just the right amount of information about all sorts of animals and plants. Unfortunately, not all species are easy to find in these islands, but the tone of the writing and the quality of the illustrations should entice both young and old to take a fresh look at the marvels of the natural world. A book to dip into, wherever you find yourself. (Age 9–11, 12+) [JW]

READ ALSO: Insect Emporium by Susie Brooks and Dawn Cooper

76 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

NON-FICTION

DR CHRISTIAN JESSEN illustrated by DAVID SEMPLE DR CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO YOU SCHOLASTIC 2016 (PBK) 96PP £8.99 ISBN 9781407165448 Written in accessible language and designed and illustrated in an appealing style, this book will be very useful to young teenagers as they navigate a potentially difficult time in their lives. It is full of helpful and clear information that will help readers to develop good habits to help them to stay healthy now and in the future. Using real questions from young patients, Dr Christian discusses all sorts of relevant and important topics such as healthy eating, exercise, sleep, stress, body image and self-harm. (Age 9–11, 12–14) [SMcN]

RICHARD PLATT illustrated by JAMES BROWN A WORLD OF INFORMATION WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 64PP £15.00 ISBN 9781406370843 This is a wonderfully informative book of facts presented in chapters dealing with diverse topics such as ‘Cloud Classification’, ‘Regular Polygons’ and ‘Paper Sizes’, which appear to sit randomly with such concerns as ‘The Solar System’, ‘Music Notation’ and ‘The Layout of an Orchestra’. Fact fans will love this book, which clearly explains each topic and includes helpful illustrations/diagrams, and it is a must-have as a source of information for the casually curious, given its wide range of subject matter. (Age 9–11, 12–14) [PNicI] READ ALSO: Alpha Bravo Charlie: The Complete Book of Nautical Codes by Sarah Gillingham and Meagan Bennett

AMANDA WOOD and MIKE JOLLEY illustrated by OWEN DAVEY THE CURIOSITREE: NATURAL WORLD WIDE EYED EDITIONS 2016 (HBK) 112PP £17.99 ISBN 9781847807519 Natural World is a captivating non-fiction book that celebrates the great diversity of life on Earth from species to habitats to adaptations. This book also provides exposure to art and design at its best. Davey’s print-like textures and earthy colours are arranged in beautifully composed double-page spreads. This is a book to peruse, to mull over and to enjoy, as much as a reference book full of detailed information. This is a timeless, informative book to be treasured by all ages. (Age 9–11, 12–14, YA) [CB] READ ALSO: Wild Animals of the North by Dieter Braun

NICK HEALY and KRISTEN MCCURRY IMAGE AND IMAGINATION: IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR TEEN WRITERS CURIOUS FOX 2016 (PBK) 256PP £8.99 ISBN 9781782024248 This is an excellent book of 150 writing prompts, which will get even the most reluctant or uninspired writer picking up their pen to try their hand at creating a story based on one of the atmospheric photos or quotes. There’s a wide range of ideas, well presented – and most of them transcend the ‘teens’ of the title, making this suitable for both younger (and older!) would-be writers. (Age 11+) [PNicI] READ ALSO: A Year in My Life by Lucy Menzies and Tilly

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 75

NEAMHFHICSEAN

DAVID LONG illustrated by KERRY HYNDMAN SURVIVORS: EXTRAORDINARY TALES FROM THE WILD AND BEYOND FABER & FABER OCT 2016 (HBK) 192PP £14.99 ISBN 9780571316014 Hyndman’s glorious colour illustrations are a powerful addition to this book of (sometimes harrowing) true tales. The limits of human endurance and strength are tested herein – and the stories are both inspirational and a reminder of the dangers faced by people through time in pursuit of their jobs or their hobbies. Some of the stories involve well-known cases while others are more obscure but no less chilling (literally so in the story of Anna Bagenholm, who survived freezing temperatures in Norway). True-story fans will love this. (Age 11+) [PNicI] READ ALSO: White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean

JUNO DAWSON with advice from DR OLIVIA HEWITT illustrated by GEMMA CORRELL MIND YOUR HEAD HOT KEY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 208PP £7.99 ISBN 9781471705310 The power negative thinking has to undermine our mental health and also our physical health is a serious topic. Dawson and Hewitt have written a warm, frank and supportive guide for young people, offering welcome insights and practical tips on how to manage their thoughts and when and how to seek help. Linking real-life stories to discussion about anxiety, depression, addiction, self-harm and personality disorders, this book is a welcome and useful addition to the self-help bookshelf for young people. (Age 12+) [SuM] READ ALSO: The SpunOut.ie Survival Guide by Marie Duffy and Tricia Purcell SUSAN KUKLIN BEYOND MAGENTA: TRANSGENDER TEENS SPEAK OUT WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 182PP £8.99 ISBN 9781406371550 Kuklin presents the stories of six transgender teenagers through uniquely curated narratives and photo essays that allow their voices and individuality to shine through, without subjective intrusion from the author. Despite their US-centricity, the lives recounted represent a complexity of experience both inwardly and outwardly (socially, culturally and administratively), painting an uncondescending, diverse and non-binary picture of trans existence. Respect is maintained at all times for both the subject and the reader, cultivating empathy and understanding through honest disclosure. Recommended for absolutely everyone. (Age 12+) [HD] READ ALSO: George by Alex Gino ANA MONTIEL THE PEN AND INK PLAYBOOK QUARRY 2016 (PBK) 96PP £12.99 ISBN 9781631591242 This playbook is suitable for budding artists of all ages. Each exercise requires the user to think creatively and playfully, using water- and alcohol-based inks with simple tools from around the house. This book is perfect for experimentation and building up skills to practise later. The user can also learn about specifically named artists’ techniques, such as Escher or Rothko. As most assignments are to be done directly into the book, one can keep a handy journal of all one’s artwork neatly together. (Age 12+) [SD] READ ALSO: The Marker Playbook by Ana Montiel

76 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

FILÍOCHT

WALTER DE LA MARE illustrated by CAROLINA RABEI SUMMER EVENING FABER & FABER 2016 (PBK) 32PP £6.99 ISBN 9780571314676 A summer’s evening down on the farm is a wonderful way to see de la Mare’s eight-line poem (a snapshot in time) magically evolve into an entire picturebook. The reader is invited to follow two children as they simply take the time to observe and engage with the activities of the animals around them. In doing so, the reader experiences both the miracle of life and the ordinariness of it too. Rabei’s limited palette in hues of orange and green evokes both the setting of the sun and the height of summer, and her horizontal compositions mark the languid passage of time perfectly. (Age 0–4) [SC] READ ALSO: Snow and The Ride-by-Nights by Walter de la Mare, illustrated by Carolina Rabei

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON illustrated by ROBERT HUNTER THE LAND OF NOD FLYING EYE BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781911171041 The word ‘nod’ has a few connotations and, whilst older people understand its association with sleep, younger children might not. Nod could be the protagonist’s name or, as the title suggests, an actual land to visit and so, from the outset, the ambiguous adventure through dreamtime begins. It is clear that weird and wonderful things present themselves in this strange nocturnal land – the imagery is surreal yet playful, perfectly evoking aspects of the subconscious – but the overall message is that the young boy is in charge and he has the power to take control of the situation at will. (Age 4+) [SC] READ ALSO: A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Alice and Martin Provensen

JAMES CARTER illustrated by NICOLA COLTON ZIM ZAM ZOOM! ZAPPY POEMS TO READ ALOUD OTTER-BARRY BOOKS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9781910959541 Suitable for younger children, these are certainly poems to read (or chant or rap) aloud: humorous, catchy and finger-snapping. The excellent full-page illustrations are just as zappy as the poems and all the colours of ice-cream. The titles give some sense of what’s in store: ‘Yumtime!’ ‘Hullabaloo!’ There are also interactive poems, such as ‘Funny Faces’, which begins: ‘Can you do a big smile? / Can you do a wink? / Can you do a little nod? / Can you do a blink?’ (Age 4+) [MG] READ ALSO: I’m a Little Alien! By James Carter

TADHG MAC DHONNAGHÁIN agus JOHN RYAN maisithe ag CARTOON SALOON GUGALÍ GUG! 10 MBLIANA DÁTHEANGAC FUTA FATA 2016 (HBK) 76LCH €18.95 ISBN 9781910945209 Seo cnuasach álainn dátheangach de rannta traidisiúnta do pháistí óga. Eisíodh an cnuasach den chéad uair sa bhlian 2005 agus is leagan úr den bhuneagrán é an cnuasach seo, ina bhfuil os cionn tríocha rann agus amhrán. Tá foclóir fairsing, maille le haithris agus rithim le fáil sna rannta a mbainfidh páistí óga an-sult as. Cuireann na léaráidí go mór le beocht agus bríomhaireacht na rannta. Áis luachmhar atá sa chnuasach, agus sa dlúthdhiosca a thagann leis, don seomra ranga agus don bhaile araon. [BNíD] LÉIGH FREISIN: Nóinín agus Róllaí Póllaí le hEibhlís Ní Dhonnchadha 78 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17

POETRY

SKILA BROWN illustrated by BOB KOLAR SLICKETY QUICK: POEMS ABOUT SHARKS CANDLEWICK PRESS 2016 (HBK) 32PP £11.99 ISBN 9780763665432 In this collection of sound-and-shape poems about sharks, lines of rhyming and rhythmic verse shape themselves around angular and accurate full-page illustrations. Facts and notes about the different species are included alongside each poem. This is a good one to read out loud, designed to share with other voices. This book will appeal to young readers interested in nature and in what lies at the bottom of the deep dark sea. (Age 4+) [SoM] READ ALSO: Poems about Animals edited by Brian Moses, illustrated by Natalia Moore

JO ELLEN BOGART illustrated by SYDNEY SMITH THE WHITE CAT AND THE MONK WALKER BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 36PP £7.99 ISBN 9781406372977 As much a work of art as it is a book, The White Cat and the Monk is a gentle retelling of the classic Old Irish poem ‘Pangur Bán’. Illustrated with a kind of dark magic, it’s sure to wheedle its way into the imagination and leave children dreaming of Pangur and his careful master. The simple use of language allows us an insight into a quieter life, a simpler time and the all-knowing nature of cats. (Age 4+) [AlC] READ ALSO: Footpath Flowers by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Sydney Smith

NICOLA DAVIES illustrated by PETR HORÁCEK A FIRST BOOK OF ANIMALS WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (HBK) 108PP £14.99 ISBN 9781406359633 This finely observed collection of poems from zoologist and author Nicola Davies focuses on the animal world and comes exquisitely illustrated by Petr Horácek. Arctic terns, crocodiles, the nest-building orangutan – these are just some of the animals depicted in a volume that is wild about the myriad of dazzling creatures it pays homage to. ‘Like a piece of fallen starry sky / the spotted whale shark cruises by …’ A stunning companion volume to the acclaimed A First Book of Nature. (Age 5+) (EW) READ ALSO: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mark Herald

CHRISSIE GITTENS illustrated by PAUL BOMMER ADDER, BLUEBELL, LOBSTER: WILD POEMS OTTER-BARRY BOOKS 2016 (PBK) 96PP £6.99 ISBN 9781910959558 These forty poems inspired by words left out of the latest Oxford Junior Dictionary will leave readers giggling over cheeky cauliflowers, punk porcupines and adventurous hamsters. Playful, energetic and always tongue-in-cheek, this offers the perfect introduction to poetry for those who are a bit bored with the same old nursery rhymes. In Adder, Bluebell, Lobster, Chrissie Gittins lets her words and ideas dance from the page – she even allows parsnips to twinkle! Surprises wait in every single poem. (Age 7+) [AlC] READ ALSO: Dinosaurs & Dinner Ladies by John Dougherty, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones

INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 79

FILÍOCHT

GABRIEL FITZMAURICE illustrated by KAREN VAUGHAN WILL YOU BE MY FRIEND? NEW AND SELECTED POEMS FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART LIBERTIES PRESS 2016 (PBK) 176PP €12.99 ISBN 9781910742457 A hugely entertaining collection from acclaimed Kerry poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice that gathers his most vibrant poems into one volume and triumphantly concludes with twenty-six new poems. Wee-wees in the bath … kissing on the telly … diarrhoea in the pool … Here is a poet who has enormous fun with words and is unflinching in his use of topics that will have children – and parents! – laughing right out loud. But where there is fun there is also buckets of heart. A feel-good read, highly recommended. (Age 7+) (EW) READ ALSO: Splat! And Other Great Poems by Gabriel Fitzmaurice, illustrated by Stella MacDonald & Nicky Phelan

JOSHUA SEIGAL illustrated by CHRIS PIASCIK I DON’T LIKE POETRY BLOOMSBURY EDUCATION SEPT 2016 (PBK) 96PP £5.99 ISBN 9781472930033 Full of playful use of language, this collection is a great way to introduce different poetic devices and explore all the possibilities of poetry. Illustrated with doodles and line drawings throughout, this is a book with plenty of humour and fun. I Don’t Like Poetry will appeal equally to avid readers with a love of words and those who may need some convincing. (Age 9–11) [SoM] READ ALSO: 100 Brilliant Poems for Children chosen by Paul Cookson

W.B. YEATS edited by NOREEN DOODY illustrated by SHONA SHIRLEY MACDONALD THE MOON SPUN ROUND: W.B. YEATS FOR CHILDREN THE O’BRIEN PRESS OCT 2016 (HBK) 64PP €19.99 ISBN 9781847177384 A beguiling collection of Yeats’s poems, stories and memories from childhood, steeped in magic and fairy lore, this mystical treasure trove is sure to enchant the older reader. MacDonald’s stunning compositions perfectly match the imaginative world Yeats conjures and together they form an enticing vision of an Irish landscape. This is a book to be pondered, pored over and visited many times, each time hearing or seeing something afresh in the words and images. (Age 12–14) [SC] READ ALSO: Classic Poetry selected by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Paul Howard

MICHAEL ROSEN illustrated by JILL CALDER WHAT IS POETRY? THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO READING AND WRITING POEMS WALKER BOOKS OCT 2016 (PBK) 208PP £6.99 ISBN 9781844287635 Michael Rosen begins by avoiding the question in the title and instead considers what poetry can do. He shows us the breadth of poetry’s reach by quoting from a variety of poems and goes on to consider language and techniques of style, and also the effect the words have on the reader and the writer of poetry. This book will prove to be an excellent resource for teachers and will be a treasury for those children who are developing an interest in the art. (14+) [BK] READ ALSO: Aloud in My Head edited by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Jonny Hannah

80 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 ag ceiliúradh 90 bliain a bhunaithe www.angum.ie

1926

2016

The Moon Spun Round - W.B. Yeats for Children Edited by Noreen Doody Illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald

New from LEABHAR DO PHÁISTÍ A FOILSÍODH IN ÉIRINN 2016

One of CBI’s strategic aims is to celebrate Irish authors, illustrators and the children’s book community in Ireland, and we are very proud to support Irish publishers. The following is a comprehensive listing of every book published in Ireland in 2016, from picturebooks to young adult fiction. AN GÚM ÉABHLÓID PAUL GAMBLE CHARLOTTE GUILLAIN EOGHAN MAC GIOLLA BHRÍDE THE MINISTRY OF STRANGE, Maisithe ag STEVE DORADO Maisithe ag SINÉAD NÍ CHADHAIN UNUSUAL AND IMPOSSIBLE THINGS AN POTA FOLAMH TOMHAS ORM, TOMHAS ORT! €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411544 €5 (BOG) ISBN 9781857919189 €12.00 (BOG) ISBN 9780956501677 ANNIE GRAVES THOMAS KINGSLEY TROUPE FUTA FATA Illustrated by GLENN MCELHINNEY Maisithe ag DEREK TOYE JEFF KINNEY DR WHITE AN GCACANN BEACHA? aistrithe ag MÁIRÍN NÍ MHÁRTA (The Nightmare Club series ) €5 (BOG) ISBN 9781857919196 DIALANN DÚRADÁIN €5.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411520 €9.95 (BOG) ISBN 9781906907990 THOMAS KINGSLEY TROUPE CHRISTINE HAMILL Maisithe ag DEREK TOYE TADHG MAC DHONNAGHÁIN agus THE BEST MEDICINE CÉN FÁTH A MBÍM AG JOHN RYAN €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411513 BROIMNEACH? Maisithe ag CARTOON SALOON €5 (BOG) ISBN 9781857919202 GUGALAÍ GUG! 10 MBLIANA GERALDINE MILLS DÁTHEANGACH € GOLD ORNA NÍ CHOILEÁIN 18.95 (HBK) ISBN 9781910945209 €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411551 Maisithe ag OLIVIA GOLDEN MÁIRE ZEPF MORF ANNA SEIDL Maisithe le TARSILA KRÜSE €8.50 (BOG) ISBN 9781857919219 Translated by SIOBHÁN PARKINSON NÁ GABH AR SCOIL! €9.95 (CRUA) ISBN 9781906907983 NO HEROES ROGER PRIDDY €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411322 maisithe ag HOLLY JACKMAN GILL BOOKS BABAÍ BEAG: AINMHITHE EILÍS BARRETT KEVIN STEVENS €5 (CRUA) ISBN 9781857918946 A LONELY NOTE OASIS € €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9780717172849 9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411346 ROGER PRIDDY maisithe ag HOLLY JACKMAN FATTI and JOHN BURKE DEIRDRE SULLIVAN BABAÍ BEAG: FOCAIL Illustrated by FATTI BURKE NEEDLEWORK €5 (CRUA) ISBN 9781857919172 HISTOROPEDIA €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411506 €24.99 (HBK) ISBN 9780717171132 GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK MERCIER PRESS Maisithe ag BRIAN FITZGERALD MICHAEL FEWER E.R. MURRAY ÓRÓ NA CIRCÍNÍ AGUS SCÉALTA EILE Illustrated by MELISSA DORAN THE BOOK OF SHADOWS ÓN AFRAIC NATURAMA €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781174524 €6.50 (BOG) ISBN 9781857919059 €22.99 (HBK) ISBN 9780717169801 POOLBEG AN tSNÁTHAID MHÓR KATHLEEN WATKINS CAROLINE BUSHER RÍONA NIC CONGÁIL Illustrated by MARGARET ANNE THE GHOSTS OF MAGNIFICENT Maisithe ag ANDREW WHITSON SUGGS CHILDREN JIMÍN MHÁIRE THAIDG PIGÍN OF HOWTH €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998748 €15.99 (CRUA) ISBN 9780993474514 €16.99 (HBK) ISBN 9780717169726 ANN CARROLL ANDY WHITSON agus CÁIT NIC LeabhairCOMHAR Illustrated by DERRY DILLON SHEÁIN ÁINE NÍ GHLINN IN A NUTSHELL HEROES SERIES: CÚRAILLE I gCEANNAS maisithe ag CAROL BETERA COUNTESS MARKIEVICZ, AN €13.70 (CRUA) ISBN 9780955227196 HATA OISÍN ADVENTUROUS LIFE €12.00 (CRUA) ISBN 9780993494604 €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998700 COIS LIFE ÁINE NÍ GHLINN LIBERTIES PRESS ANN CARROLL HATA ZÚ MHAMÓ GABRIEL FITZMAURICE Illustrated by DERRY DILLON €7 (BOG) ISBN 9781907494604 Illustrated by KAREN VAUGHAN IN A NUTSHELL SERIES: WILL YOU BE MY FRIEND?: NEW MORE CLASSIC IRISH MYTHS, MÁIRE ZEPF AND SELECTED POEMS FOR THE LEGENDS AND HEROES YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART € Maisithe ag OLIVIA GOLDEN € 9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998991 LÁ LEIS NA LOCHLANNAIGH 12.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910742457 €8 (BOG) ISBN 9781907494550 ANN CARROLL LITTLE ISLAND Illustrated by DERRY DILLON TAMARA BACH IN A NUTSHELL SERIES: Translated by SIOBHAN PARKINSON MEABH, BANRION NA TRODA WHEREVER IT IS SUMMER € €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781910411568 4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781999860 82 ROGHA LEABHAR INIS 2016–17 IRISH PUBLISHED CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2016

Tá sé ar cheann d’aidhmeanna straitéiseacha CBI ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar údair, maisitheoirí agus pobal leabhair pháistí na hÉireann, agus táimid an-bhródúil as an tacaíocht a thugaimid d’fhoilsitheoirí Éireannacha. Tugaimid liosta cuimsitheach anseo a leanas de gach leabhar a foilsíodh in Éirinn in 2015, ó phictiúrleabhair go ficsean do dhaoine óga fásta.

ANN CARROLL GAYE SHORTLAND NATASHA MAC A’BHÁIRD Illustrated by DERRY DILLON Illustrated by DERRY DILLON Illustrated by ALAN NOLAN IN A NUTSHELL SERIES: IN A NUTSHELL HEROES SERIES: MY IRELAND ACTIVITY BOOK – THE NIALL OF THE NINE HOSTAGES ROGER CASEMENT, HUMAN RIGHTS WILD ATLANTIC WAY €4.99 (PBK) 9781781999011 HERO €7.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178343 €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998762 ANN CARROLL EITHNE MASSEY Illustrated by DERRY DILLON THE COLLINS PRESS Illustrated by LISA JACKSON IN A NUTSHELL SERIES: GAVIN MCCUMISKEY IRISH LEGENDS: NEWGRANGE, SCEAL NAOMH PADRAIG Illustrated by DAVID BUTLER TARA & THE BOYNE VALLEY €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998830 SHACKLETON: THE VOYAGE OF €12.99 (HBK) ISBN 9781847176837 THE JAMES CAIRD, A GRAPHIC ANN CARROLL ACCOUNT TOM MCCAUGHREN Illustrated by DERRY DILLON €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781848892811 RUN FOR THE HILLS IN A NUTSHELL SERIES: €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178763 THE STORY OF TARA THE O’BRIEN PRESS €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781999172 Illustrated by PHILIP BARRETT TOM MCCAUGHREN WHERE’S LARRY THIS TIME? RUN WITH THE WIND ANN CARROLL €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847177452 €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178374 Illustrated by DERRY DILLON IN A NUTSHELL HEROES SERIES: SARAH BOWIE OISÍN MCGANN THE WOMEN OF 1916 LET’S SEE IRELAND! MAD GRANDAD AND THE FLYING €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998779 €12.99 (HBK) ISBN 9781847177315 SAUCER €6.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178701 ANN CARROLL ANNA CAREY Illustrated by DERRY DILLON THE MAKING OF MOLLIE OISÍN MCGANN IN A NUTSHELL SERIES: €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178473 MAD GRANDAD AND THE ROBOT TUATHA de DANANN GARDEN €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998816 JUDI CURTIN €6.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178695 TIME AFTER TIME PATRICIA MURPHY €12.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178725 JOE O’BRIEN Illustrated by DERRY DILLON LEGENDS’ LAIR DAN’S DIARY, THE WAR OF INDE- BRIAN GALLAGHER €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178268 PENDENCE 1920-22 ARRIVALS €7.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998410 €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847177209 WRITTEN BY GILLIAN PERDUE Illustrated by MICHAEL CONNOR and ROD SMITH BRIAN GALLAGHER Aisling McMahon Illustrated by DERRY DILLON ONE GOOD TURN CONOR’S CANVAS IN A NUTSHELL HEROES SERIES: €1.50 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178176 €6.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178756 JAMES CONNOLLY, WORKING CLASS HERO MATT GRIFFIN NICOLA PIERCE €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998724 STORM WEAVER KINGS OF THE BOYNE €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847177834 €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847176271 ROD SMITH Illustrated by DERRY DILLON KIM HOOD GERARD SIGGINS IN A NUTSHELL HEROES SERIES: PLAIN JANE RUGBY FLYER MICHAEL COLLINS, THE BIG FELLOW €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847177841 €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178190 €4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781781998755 UNA LEAVY W.B. YEATS ROD SMITH Illustrated by FERGAL O’CONNOR Edited by NOREEN DOODY Illustrated by DERRY DILLON MAGICAL CELTIC TALES Illustrated by SHONA SHIRLEY IN A NUTSHELL HEROES SERIES: €14.99 (HBK) ISBN 9781847175465 MACDONALD PADRAIG PEARSE AND THE EASTER THE MOON SPUN ROUND: W. B. RISING 1916 RUTH FRANCES LONG YEATS FOR CHILDREN €4.99 (PBK) 9781781998885 A DARKNESS AT THE END €19.99 (HBK) ISBN 9781847177384 €9.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178633

NATASHA MAC A’BHÁIRD HANNAH IN THE SPOTLIGHT €8.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847178459 INIS READING GUIDE 2016–17 83 Best friends always have your back...

It’s back to the

’80s where the hair is weird and

the technology is basic …

New from bestselling Irish children’s author Judi Curtin

Visit www.obrien.ie for more great books by Judi Curtin

The O’Brien Press, 12 Terenure Rd East, Dublin 6 P: +353 1 492 3333; F: +353 1 492 2777; E: [email protected]; www.obrien.ie