Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 2:59 pm Page 1
RECOMMENDED READING GUIDE • TREOIR LÉITHEOIREACHTA MOLTA CelebrateCelebrate the the Children's Children's Book Book Festival Festival with with B O K F E S T FantasticFantastic new new reads reads for for toddlers toddlers to to teens! teens! / L E A B H R - F É I T H E R E C O M N D
by Liz Morris and Sarah Webb
R E A D I N G Edited G U I D E O F T H E C H I L D R E N ’ S B O K F E S T I V A L 2 0 8 E D I T B Y L I Z M O R I S A N D S A R H W E B FREE • PLEASE TAKE ONE TheThe O'Brien O'Brien Press, Press, 12 12 Terenure Terenure Road Road East, East, Dublin Dublin 6. 6. SAOR IN AISCE • TÓG CEANN LE DO THOIL P:P: 01 01 4923333; 4923333; F: 01F: 01 4922777; 4922777; E: E:[email protected]; [email protected]; www.obrien.ie www.obrien.ie Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 2:59 pm Page 2
Show your concern and fast
There are plenty You may choose to FAST Totakepartinthe orperhapstakepartinan ofwaystomakea ‘Eat Healthily Day’. Either Concern Christmas difference and help way, by doing the Concern FAST 2008 on children and families ChristmasFASTnotonlyare December 4th go to you helping Concern’s work in extreme poverty. overseas,youcouldalsobe www.concernfast.org inwithachancetowinagreat orcallustodayon Fewareasmuchfunas Children’s Books Ireland prize. 1850 50 50 55 the Concern Christmas Thisyear,wehopetoraise FAST 2008 – so make over `1.3 million for people sureyoutakeparton whoneedhelpinsomeofthe Concern Worldwide – committed to poorest countries of the world a world without poverty. December 4th. during the hunger season. Registered Charity No. CHY5745
11860-Fast-CBI-A5.indd 1 15/08/2008 12:03:09 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:24 pm Page 3
BOOKFEST LEABARFHEILE/ / – WELCOME
Welcome to BookFest – the recommended reading guide produced by Children’s Books Ireland, the national organisation for children’s books, and released in conjunction with the annual Children’s Book Festival. The festival takes place across the country during October. To check out what’s on, visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie, where the events calendar will highlight what’s happening in your area. Our review panel for this guide is made up of teachers, librarians, booksellers, editors, lecturers, authors, illustrators and interested parents. They have selected the best titles of 2008 and we have collected them here for you. They are organised into easy- BookFest is the to-use sections and listed alphabetically. Each section is recommended reading guide introduced by an author or illustrator of interest to the age group. of the annual This year there are two new exciting competitions running; Children’s Book Festival Design A Cover Competition, and a Spooky Short Story Competition – see the inside back of this guide for further details. CBI would like to thank the editors Liz and Sarah for all their hard work, and long hours. We also wish to thank our section editors and, of course, our reviewers. Finally a big thank you to Tomm in Cartoon Saloon for designing the festival image and to Kieran and Paddy in Oldtown Design for all their work on BookFest and on other festival material. All that remains is to wish everyone involved in the festival lots Editor’s Choice of fun and of course happy reading; we hope to see you at some of Irish author /illustrator / the events. publisher
FUTHER INFORMATION: Event Guide/CBI Membership CHILDREN’S BOOKS IRELAND Further Information ...... www.childrensbooksireland.ie 17 North Great George’s Street Dublin 1 Events Information ...... [email protected] Tel: (01) 872 7475 BookFest Reading Guide ...... [email protected] Fax: (01) 872 7476
THE CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL WOULD LIKE TO THANK: DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Oldtown Graphic Design & The Arts Council, Foras na Gaeilge, The National Youth Libraries Group, The Typesetting, www.oldtown.ie O’Brien Press, Dublin City Libraries, International Education Supplies, Oldtown Design, Eason and Sons Ltd. Also, a big thank you to all the publishers for their COVER ILLUSTRATION: Tomm Moore at Cartoon Saloon continued support. www.cartoonsaloon.ie
CBI has made every effort to ensure the information provided in this guide is PRINTED IN IRELAND correct, however CBI cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. by Character Print Solutions
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 3 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:24 pm Page 4 / CONTENTS/ CLAR
CBI Bisto Book of the Year 2007 prize-winners … pages 6–7
AGE 0–4 … pages 9–16
HELLO TILLY Polly Dunbar (WALKER BOOKS) THUGAS AN GHEALACH AG SIÚL Carolyn Curtis agus Alison Jay (AN GÚM) THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY! Mo Willems (WALKER BOOKS)
AGE 5–8 … pages 17–22 HER MOTHER’S FACE Roddy Doyle (SCHOLASTIC) THE HENNY PENNY TREE Siobhán Parkinson (THE O’BRIEN PRESS) MR GUM AND THE DANCING BEAR Andy Stanton (EGMONT)
AGE 9–12 … pages 24–33
AIRMAN Eoin Colfer (PUFFIN BOOKS) ADOLF SNA hARDA Marvin Halleraker (COIS LIFE) SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT: PLAYING WITH FIRE Derek Landy (HARPERCOLLINS)
Overall Editors: Liz Morris and Sarah Webb Section Editors: Ruth Coleman, Liz Morris, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Juliette Saumande, Sarah Webb, and Enda Wyley Reviewers: Úna Breathnach, Jennifer Carpenter, Helen Carr, Valerie Coghlan, Lisa Coleman, Ruth Coleman, Donal Comiskey, Judy Deacon, Jessica Denbow, Audrey Devereux, Martina Devlin, Tom Donegan, Emer Donoghue, Robert Dunbar, Kieran Fanning, Eimear Gallagher, Emma Hannon, Rosemary Hetherington, Lucinda Jacob, Anna Kamaralli, Andrea Khan, Marian Keyes, Joe Kinnane, David Lee, Catherine Loane, Caitríona Magner, David Maybury, Oisín McGann, Paula McGeever, Pauline Mellon, Jane Mitchell, Liz Morris, Jenny Murray, Rachel Ní Chuinn, Deirdre Nic A’Bhuí, Paddy O'Doherty, Aodh Ó Domhnaill, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Jane O’Hanlon, Finian O’Shea, Barbara O’Toole, Helen Power, Síne Quinn, Maedhbh Rogan, Juliette Saumande, Déirdre Uí Ghrádaigh, Mags Walsh, Sarah Webb, Laura Williams, Enda Wyley
4 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:24 pm Page 5 / editor’s choices/ Roghanna an eagarthora
AGE 12–14 … pages 34–41
STRANGLED SILENCE Oisín McGann (CORGI)
STRAINSÉIRI Colmán Ó Raghallaigh (CLÓ MHAIGH EO) CREATURE OF THE NIGHT Kate Thompson (THE BODLEY HEAD)
OLDER TEENS … pages 43–48 BLOODCHILD Tim Bowler (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS) OSTRICH BOYS Keith Gray (DEFINITIONS) THE POISON THRONE, BOOK 1 Celine Kiernan (THE O’BRIEN PRESS)
POETRY … pages 49–51 BUBBLE TROUBLE Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Polly Dunbar (FRANCES LINCOLN) SOMETHING BEGINNING WITH P: NEW POEMS FROM IRISH POETS Séamus Cashman (Ed) illustrated by Corrina Askin & Alan Clarke (THE O’BRIEN PRESS)
INFORMATION BOOKS … pages 52–58
WE ARE ALL BORN FREE (FRANCES LINCOLN) IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, UK SECTION AN tUISCE, SÚ NA BEATHA Beatrice Hollyer (AN GÚM) WILD DUBLIN: EXPLORING NATURE IN THE CITY Éanna Ní Lamhna, photographs by Anthony Woods (THE O’BRIEN PRESS)
AUDIO BOOKS … page 59
AN NOLLAIG SA NAIGÍN Ré Ó Laighléis (MÓINÍN)
KEEPER Mal Peet, read by James Goode (WALKER BOOKS)
Irish-published children’s books 2008 … page 60 Competitions … page 62
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 5 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:24 pm Page 6 CBi Bisto Book of the Year
CBI BISTO BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The CBI Bisto Book of the Year Awards identify, honour and promote excellence in books for young people by Irish authors and illustrators. CBI is now accepting submissions for the Bisto Book of the Year Awards. Established in 1990, and sponsored since their inception by Bisto (Premier Foods Ireland), they have been the leading awards for children’s books in Ireland for the past 18 years. These awards are open to Irish children’s authors and illustrators, writing in Irish or English, and published in Ireland or abroad.
Please send 14 copies of eligible titles to:
CBI Bisto Book of the Year Award 17 North Great Georges Street Dublin 1
The closing date for all submissions will be the 15th December 2008. No late entries will be accepted.
For full terms and conditions and entry forms please visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie – or call the CBI office on (01) 872 7475 with any specific queries.
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LPE/ LEABHAR NA BLIANA
The CBI Bisto Book of the Year Awards 2007 were awarded on the 22nd May 2008. Full details on www.childrensbooksireland.ie
CBI BISTO BOOK OF SHORTLISTED TITLES THE YEAR 2007 Michael Scott Siobhán Dowd THE ALCHEMYST THE LONDON EYE (DOUBLEDAY) MYSTERY (DAVID FICKLING BOOKS)
EILÍS DILLON AWARD Jessica O’Donnell Tom Kelly DISCOVER ART THE THING WITH FINN (DUBLIN CITY GALLERY THE HUGH LANE) (MACMILLAN)
CBI HONOUR AWARDS Caitríona Nic Sheáin FE Higgins agus Andrew Whitson THE BLACK BOOK GAISCÍOCH NA OF SECRETS BEILTE UAINE (MACMILLAN) (AN tSNÁTHAID MHÓR)
Oliver Jeffers Colin Bateman THE WAY BACK HOME TITANIC 2020 (HARPERCOLLINS) (HODDER CHILDREN’S BOOKS)
Roddy Doyle Kate Thompson WILDERNESS THE LAST OF THE (SCHOLASTIC) HIGH KINGS (THE BODLEY HEAD)
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 7 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:24 pm Page 8 THE YOUTH LIBRARIES GROUP
he Youth Libraries Group is a very active section of the Library Association of TIreland which promotes children’s books and reading through planned programmes. It organises seminars, workshops and lectures on topics relating to children’s books, activities and children’s libraries. For more information please contact us at [email protected] New members and fresh ideas are always welcome. Details of membership of the YLG are available from: The Secretary, Library Association of Ireland, 53 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2 or www.libraryassocation.ie
A Friend. A Father. A Kingdom. Which Would You Sacrifice? Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:24 pm Page 9
Edited by Sarah Webb Age 0–4
1 AGE 0–2 ⁄2
MEET POLLY DUNBAR BookFest asked award-winning author and illustrator Polly Dunbar about her new books for younger children.
Polly, what are your new Tilly books about? The Tilly books are about a little girl called Tilly who lives in a yellow house with her five friends who are all animals. The stories are about the joys and difficulties of friendship. They were inspired by my days of house-sharing in London – at one time I shared a room with three friends. It was a very lively household and mostly great fun, though there were often tears too, usually over the smallest of things. I was sitting in a coffee shop (getting some much needed peace and quiet) when I had the idea of putting six animal friends in a house together. Conversations and stories immediately started popping into my head. The first sketch I did was of an elephant stealing a chicken’s handbag.
Tilly by Polly Dunbar is reviewed on page 10
A Friend. A Father. 1 AGE 0–2 ⁄2: A–Z A Kingdom. Which Would You Sacrifice? NICHOLAS ALLAN WILL’S WHEELS SHOP RED FOX, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781862304857 Customers of Will’s Wheels Shop range from a farmer and fireman to a racing driver and film star. Lift the flaps to see which vehicle they have chosen. Part activity book and part story, it ends in a pleasing muddle, which the young reader is invited to sort out. [LJ] SEE ALSO: www.nicholasallan.co.uk
CLARE BEATON BABY’S FIRST BOOK BAREFOOT BOOKS, £14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781846861420 A charming collection of favourite rhymes, everyday scenes and objects, and familiar animals, all pictured using gorgeous hand-sewn collage illustrations. From the ‘Fantastic Fruit’ pages, with their lush pink-felt watermelon, to the exquisitely embroidered Indian elephant, this is a book to savour. An ideal birth or christening gift, a great book to share. [SW] SEE ALSO: www.barefootbooks.com
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Age 0–4
LUCY COUSINS QUACK QUACK, MAISY: A MAISY BUGGY BOOK WALKER BOOKS, £3.99 (BOARD), ISBN 978140631368 A well-designed board book with brightly coloured animal images, from a fine grey and white dotted horse, to a brace of buzzing bees. The animals are accompanied by appropriate sounds – ‘moo moo’, ‘quack quack’ – and there’s the added attraction of a soft, striped buggy strap and plastic clip. [SW] SEE ALSO: www.maisyfun.com
EDITOR’S CHOICE POLLY DUNBAR HELLO TILLY WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406309065 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Tilly lives in a yellow house with her best friends, five animals. Dunbar does not shy away from the realities of communal living, and this ostensibly simple book has a vein of truth and wisdom running through it. The illustrations are a joy – delicate, beautifully coloured, and full of expression. [SW]
CAMILLA REID AND AILIE BUSBY LULU’S SHOES BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780747594031 Lulu is a little girl who loves shoes and can’t help trying them on – from her mum’s heels to her own shiny red wellies. Attractive, colourful illustrations and real laces, touchy-feely panels and flaps-to-lift combine to make this sturdy book a real treat for babies, toddlers and their parents alike. [SW]
JAN PIEN´ KOWSKI COLOURS WALKER BOOKS, £4.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406314311 With a single bold image and word per page this is perfect for little children not quite ready for narrative. Great too for adults fearful of reading aloud, as it ends with a question that will encourage book-related chat. And could the black cat be Mog from Pien´ kowski’s Meg and Mog books? [LJ] READ ALSO: Numbers
FIONA WATT I LOVE YOU, BABY USBORNE, £5.99 (BOARD BOOK), ISBN 9780746089118 This appealing book is the perfect size for small hands. The adorable illustrations of a cuddly baby with his collection of blankets and toys will instantly attract curious babies. The combination of simple colourful drawings along with fluffy cut-outs makes this a wonderful gift for babies of six months up. [SQ]
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Age 0–4
1 AGE 2 ⁄2–4
MEET MO WILLIAMS Mo Willems is one of the most exciting new picture book artists to emerge in the last few years. Based in New York, he began his career writing and animating for Sesame Street. His books have won two Caldecott Honors and he has also won six Emmy Awards for his children’s television work. His latest books are the Elephant and Piggie early readers, and Are You Ready to Play Outside? His guiding philosophy is ‘Always think about your audience, never think for your audience.
Things you didn’t know about Mo Willems 1. Mo once walked all the way across France with his dad (don’t ask him why). 2. Mo finds rain depressing. It’s always raining when Mo goes on vacation. 3. Mo’s arch-enemy is PRINT-TOR, the evil spirit of vengeance that makes printing on any computer a near impossibility. 4. Mo reads really long, really boring books about history and everybody laughs at him, but he doesn’t care what they say (much). 5. Mo gets very bored very…
With thanks to Walker Books – extract from www.walker.co.uk The Pigeon wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems is reviewed on page 16 and My Friend is Sad is reviewed on page 22
1 AGE 2 ⁄2–4: A–Z
ALLAN AHLBERG ILLUSTRATED BY ANDRÉ AMSTUTZ THE BABY IN THE HAT (AN EARLY ROMANCE) WALKER BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), 9780744581362 This book, in an old-fashioned style, is about a boy whose fate is sealed when he catches a baby falling from a window – in his hat! With his reward money, he takes a train, then falls off a bridge onto a ship where he progresses from cabin-boy to mate, becomes captain and returns to his village where he falls in love with a beautiful young woman he sees in a window … Humour, fun and history rolled into one charming story with wonderful illustrations. [PO’D]
DAVID BEDFORD ILLUSTRATED BY RUSSELL JULIAN IT’S A GEORGE THING EGMONT, £5.99 (PBK), 9781405228053 George, a zebra, has two best friends: Peachy, a gorilla, and Moon, a lion. Peachy likes to play ball. Moon likes to play with rocks. They visit each other’s houses and play, but George isn’t very good at either game. Fortunately he meets Priscilla and discovers a special talent: dancing. And can he move! This is a colourful, fun story about not being afraid to express who you really are. (Bedford dedicates the book to John Travolta!) [PO’D]
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Age 0–4
JOE BERGER BRIDGET FIDGET PUFFIN BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141384207 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Bridget Fidget is a charming story about a fun-loving, imaginative little girl. She dreams of owning a new pet and, in that delicious way that fantasy and reality merge for this age-group, an exciting parcel arrives next day! With echoes of Eloise and a hint of Powerpuff Girls, Berger captures an authentic 1950s American mood. Great energy, combined with superb design and comic-book touches (as befits a cartoonist of his stature), it left me feeling breathless and eager to see more from this versatile talent. [MK] SEE ALSO: www.arnodestang.co.uk
ANTHONY BROWNE LITTLE BEAUTY WALKER BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406308662 With a nod to ‘Beauty and the Beast’, Browne presents a tale of friendship between a lonely gorilla and a kitten. They do everything together, but one day the gorilla is threatened with the loss of his small friend until she steps in to save the situation. Browne invests the two friends with character and resolution, and the large-format, uncluttered pages and brilliant clarity of Browne’s artistry emphasises the difference in size between the gorilla and Beauty. A real delight. [VC] READ ALSO: Gorilla; The Tunnel; Willy the Wimp
LAUREN CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY BY POLLY BORLAND, SET CREATION BY EMILY JENKINS GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS PUFFIN BOOKS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141383309 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) A great way of making an old story new, the photorealism of this presentation really is something to celebrate. Child, with some help from her friends, has created sets inhabited by the familiar characters which are then photographed. The attention to detail in the making of characters and artefacts is amazing, and the colour and lighting give just the right air of drama to accompany a lively retelling of the story. A version of ‘Goldilocks’ with appeal for a wide audience. [VC] READ ALSO: The Princess and the Pea
ROGHA AN EAGARTHÓRA CAROLYN CURTIS AGUS ALISON JAY AISTRITHE GO GAEILGE AG GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK THUGAS AN GHEALACH AG SIÚL AN GÚM, 6.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917086 Bheadh an leabhar seo oiriúnach le léamh do pháiste óg ag am codlata. Tugann buachaill óg an ghealach ag súil timpeall a chomharsanacht i lár na hoíche. Feiceann siad agus cloiseann siad a lán rudaí éagsúla, na hainmhithe oíche, na mamaigh, na héin agus na feithidí sin a chodlaíonn i rith an lae. Tá draíocht, samhlaíocht agus filíocht le fáil sa scéal seo. Tá léaráidí iontach greannmhar agus tarraingteach ar gach leathanach den leabhar. [DNA’B]
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Age 0–4
MAX EILENBERG ILLUSTRATED BY NIAMH SHARKEY CINDERELLA WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406307986 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Cinderella is the most famous fairytale of all, with its enduring themes of virtue, reward and a fairy godmother to champion our cause. This is an agreeable, humorous re-telling. But what sets it apart are Niamh Sharkey’s eye-catching illustrations – stylish, with a slight medieval twist. I loved the lizard coachmen with frock coats as curly as their tails. The three-year-old I read it with was enchanted by Cinderella’s transformation from maid to princess with a simple change of frock. Girls will be girls. [MD]
JONATHAN EMMETT ILLUSTRATED BY MARK OLIVER TOM’S CLOCKWORK DRAGON OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780192763358 When Tom is fired by the Toymaker for spending too much time with his beloved clockwork toys, he has to find another job. The only job going is that of ‘Brave Knight to rid the kingdom of Flamethrottle’, a ferocious dragon. Together with his friend, Lizzie, Tom overcomes the dragon using his wit and intelligence, not to mention more than a touch of clockwork. An original story with bright, cartoon-style illustrations that children will enjoy. [SW]
MICHAEL FOREMAN THE LITTLEST DINOSAUR BLOOMSBURY, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780747589846 The Littlest Dinosaur takes ages to hatch from his egg, and when he does he seems too tiny to be anything but a nuisance. However, when his huge family gets stuck in the mud he is the one who is able to go for help from the even bigger Long Neck – showing that everyone, large or small, has a role to play and that difference need not be a barrier to friendship. Watercolours in Foreman’s signature blues, greens and ochres will again attract his young audience. [LJ]
CLAIRE FREEDMAN & BEN CORT AISTRITHE GO GAEILGE AG GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK SEACHAIN DO BHRÍSTÍN! AN GÚM, 7.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916997 Tá ábhar an scéil seo cinéal neamhgnách – fó-éadaí. Tagann na carachtair sa scéal ón bplainéad Cneas agus bíonn siad sa tóir ar bhrístíní. Is aoibheann leo bheith in Éirinn agus is cuma leo cé leis na brístíní. Is leabhar lán le beocht é ach an rud is fearr faoin leabhar ná na learáidí geala atá lán le dathanna láidre agus spraoi. Tá seans ann nach réiteoidh deireadh an leabhair le achan duine áfach. [DNA’B]
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Age 0–4
EMILY GRAVETT SPELLS MACMILLAN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780230014923 A wonderfully inventive book that will make any child smile. A small green frog finds a spell book and starts to play with it, tearing up the pages to make a boat’s sail, a castle and a princess. Then he discovers a spell to become a handsome prince, with hilarious consequences. The spell pages are split in half, and frog and reader must piece the jumbled spells together to produce a handsome prince. The illustrations in black, gold and pond-green are magical. [SW] SEE ALSO: www.emilygravett.com
RICHARD HAMILTON ILLUSTRATED BY BABETTE COLE IF I WERE YOU BLOOMSBURY, £8.65 (HBK), ISBN 9781599902890 (PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 2008) Three generations of us read this book – granny, aunt, niece – and each was beguiled by it. As a dad puts his daughter to bed, they ponder what it might be like to walk in the other’s shoes. Dad fantasizes about handing over housework duties and bouncing on beds, while Daisy imagines dressing him up in her pink tutu and feeding him porridge while she eats endless chocolate fromage frais. Quirky, original and thought-provoking, the strength of the father-daughter bond is a particular pleasure.
OLIVER JEFFERS THE GREAT PAPER CAPER HARPERCOLLINS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007182299 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) When, mysteriously, branches start disappearing from trees in the forest, the inhabitants conduct an investigation. Jeffers’s highly stylized and slightly quirky artwork adds sophistication and an appropriate atmosphere to the unmasking of the bear who is the culprit. But this is no mindless vandal – the bear has a reason for his wood-gathering, and when he has been duly sentenced in court, the others rally round to help. The pictures expand the deliberately simple text, adding lustre and interest to a delightfully satisfying picturebook. [VC] SEE ALSO: www.oliverjeffers.com
SAM LLOYD MR PUSSKINS – BEST IN SHOW ORCHARD BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781846165245 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Mr Pusskins is a cat with attitude, and in this picture book he has his eyes on the prize in the local pet show. To win it he has to beat all the other pets including the mean poodle, Madam Fifi Foo-Foo. The tension is palpable but this is a story full of arch good-humour, matched by the delightful energy and retro-poise of the illustrations. Of course what it is really saying is that love is not about being best or winning prizes. [LJ]
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Age 0–4
LINDA NEWBERY ILLUSTRATED BY CATHERINE RAYNER POSY ORCHARD BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781843629900 An exceptionally lovely title, written and illustrated by true cat lovers who have succeeded in capturing the very essence of kittenish playfulness and fun. You just know that the creators have lived with, studied and loved Posy and her ilk. The text is economic yet evocative and is complemented by inventive illustrations where the delightful Posy is a shimmering tortoiseshell with layers of impressionist texture. [MK] SEE ALSO: www.catherinerayner.co.uk; www.lindanewbery.co.uk
JANE O’CONNOR ILLUSTRATED BY ROBIN PREISS GLASSER FANCY NANCY AND THE POSH PUPPY HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007254835 Nancy wants a sweet, small dog, a Papillon, so she can be ‘fancier’ than ever. But her parents aren’t so sure. So Nancy decides to dog-sit her neighbour’s Papillon dog, Jewel, to show them just how a delicate little dog would make the perfect pet, with disastrous consequences. Poor Jewel just isn’t up to the rough and tumble of family life. An unashamedly sweet tale, with matching pink, highly detailed illustrations. Perfect for little girls who like dressing up in pink fairy costumes. [SW] READ ALSO: Fancy Nancy
VIVIANE SCHWARTZ THERE ARE CATS IN THIS BOOK WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406300949 (PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 2008) Follow feline friends Tiny, Moonpie and André on their mischievous adventure throughout the book. Lift the flaps and watch their spirited and adorable antics, as they play with wool, boxes, pillows and fish. The playful kittens encourage reader interaction by inviting you to dry them by blowing on them, and to tuck them in with their woollen blankets. Schwartz’s lively illustrations, painted in primary colours, are sure to entice young readers to turn every page and lift every flap. [SQ]
HANNAH SHAW EVIL WEASEL JONATHAN CAPE, £10.99 (HBK), 9780224070911 Evil Weasel is a bully and a sneak. But he soon learns that ‘being rich and powerful isn’t much fun when there’s no one to impress’. This book is perfect for the 4–7 age group who enjoy being read to, but who also like to figure out the words by themselves. The text is quirkily distorted and varied with lots of interesting signs and labels. Shaw’s bold, colourful illustrations are packed with humorous detail, which means young readers will come back to this book again and again. [PO’D]
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 15
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a a of nner wi is and ed ed lat ans give tr s t ely he c wid ollect een een ion s b s its ha y un tas den Ecs iable power. The economy ISBN 0-9532777-9-8 of his prose allows for no authorial moralising.”
Price €10 Books Ireland . nce ste exi
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AvailableThi from MÓINÍN by phone: 353 65 7077256,
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SEE ALSO: ALSO: SEE www.mowillems.com [SW] aloud. reading for Brilliant funny?)
of children’s picture books is in good hands. (Did I mention it’s also hilariously also it’s mention I (Did hands. good in is books picture children’s of
– palest egg-shell blue, candyfloss pink, soft rain-cloud grey – beautiful. The future The beautiful. – grey rain-cloud soft pink, candyfloss blue, egg-shell palest –
simple line than some illustrators do in a whole book. And the background colours background the And book. whole a in do illustrators some than line simple
back illustrations are extraordinary; Willem’s expresses more in one seemingly one in more expresses Willem’s extraordinary; are illustrations back
arrives, he quickly changes his mind. Instead he wants … a walrus. The pared- The walrus. a … wants he Instead mind. his changes quickly he arrives,
Pigeon wants a puppy. When his dream comes true and a huge, slobbering puppy slobbering huge, a and true comes dream his When puppy. a wants Pigeon
WALKER BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406315509 ISBN (PBK), £5.99 BOOKS, WALKER
THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY! A WANTS PIGEON THE
MO WILLEMS MO
EDITOR’S CHOICE CHOICE EDITOR’S
they will have to let him go. Beautiful, eye-catching illustrations. eye-catching Beautiful, go. him let to have will they [PO’D]
he becomes unwell. The two girls learn that if they really love their bog baby bog their love really they if that learn girls two The unwell. becomes he
him in secret. They love him, feed him cake-crumbs and play with him until him with play and cake-crumbs him feed him, love They secret. in him
about Chrissy and her sister who find a bog baby, take him home and keep and home him take baby, bog a find who sister her and Chrissy about
rm h wl ad ep t ni … hs oet n pwru bo tls us tells book powerful and honest This … until it keep and wild the from
Most children, at one time or another, take an animal or some living creature living some or animal an take another, or time one at children, Most
PUFFIN BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141500300 ISBN (PBK), £5.99 BOOKS, PUFFIN
THE BOG BABY BABY BOG THE
JEANNE WILLIS JEANNE ILLUSTRATED BY GWEN MILLWARD GWEN BY ILLUSTRATED
–
4 0 Age Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:25 pm Page 16 Page pm 4:25 18/8/08 2008.12 Fest Book Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:25 pm Page 17
Edited by Juliette Saumande Age 5–8
ANDY STANTON’S MR GUM SERIES With five books published Have you ever tried out in real life the curses and another three in the and insults used by your characters? pipeline, Andy Stanton’s I haven’t. But a lot of parents tell me their kids laugh-out-loud-till-you-get- call each other ‘trouserface’ as a result of my the-hiccups Mr Gum series books. Sorry, parents! is a definite winner with 5–8 year olds … and their elders! Will we ever learn more about Mr Gum’s shady Welcome to Stanton’s mad- past? his youth? his ma? his favourite underwear? cap world! Maybe, very possibly, perhaps and YUCK, NO WAY! If you had to prepare a dinner for the Inter- What about his love life? national Mr Gum Day, what would be on the menu? There may be a book about Mr Gum falling in love one day, stay tuned! You could choose from a ‘Heroes’ menu and a ‘Villains’ menu. The Heroes’ menu would involve You have been warned! pizza and chocolate cake. The Villains’ menu would consist of rancid tripe followed by pork Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear by Andy Stanton sorbet. Take your pick! is reviewed on page 21
AGE 5– 8: A–Z
MICHAEL BOND ILLUSTRATED BY PEGGY FORTNUM PADDINGTON HERE AND NOW HARPERCOLLINS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007269402 This is the fiftieth anniversary year of this beloved bear but he hasn’t changed a bit and is as delightful as ever. Paddington still has a way of blissfully avoiding disaster. As an immigrant from Darkest Peru, Paddington must choose where to call home and the Brown family who found him all those years ago will begin to feel that there’s a lot they don’t know about their beloved newcomer. Beautiful illustrations by Peggy Fortnum bring Paddington’s adventures to life. A charming new classic. [JDen]
MARIE BURLINGTON THE LITTLE WITCH WHO CAN’T SPELL THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9780862789824 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Willow Witch mixes up her spells until Miss Wart, her teacher, takes Willow’s wand away. So when she finds a powerful wizard’s wand – well, what’s a wandless witch supposed to do? Willow is only trying to help when, with whizbangs and wallops, tickles and toenails, she makes even bigger magic muddles. It’s double trouble now on Witchty Mountain, but Willow is forgiven when her spell whisks up the best Hallowe’en party ever. A fun read, well- aimed for emerging readers 6+. [PM]
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 17 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:25 pm Page 18
Age 5–8
ROGHA AN EAGARTHÓRA ROSS COLLINS ROSS COLLINS, MÁIRTÍN Ó CLÉIRIGH A D’AISTRIGH AN DAID IS CLISTE AR FAD! AN GÚM, 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917406 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Bhí Snap, an crogall óg, agus a chara, Ruball, amuigh ag súgradh lá éigin. Fad is a bhí siad amuigh, bhuail siad leis na hainmhithe eile. Bhí gach ainmhí óg ag déanamh gaisce dá n-athair. Luaigh siad go léir na buanna a bhí ag a n-athracha. Bhí Snap ag éirí buartha. Ní raibh a fhios aige céard a rinne a athair ó mhaidin go hoíche. Bhí cleas ag gach daid eile. Faoi dheireadh faigheann Snap freagra ar a cheist agus bíonn sé an-bhródúil as a Dhaid. Bheadh Daid ar bith fíor-shásta an leabhair álainn, meallacach seo a léamh lena pháistí óga. [DNA’B]
ANNA DONOVAN ILLUSTRATED BY TATYANA FEENEY WHERE’S MURPHY? THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170811 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Murphy is Rory’s dog. He’s also his best, best friend in the whole world. But then, one windy afternoon, Murphy goes missing … Here is a very gentle tale, reassuringly focusing on what can be done to solve the problem rather than dwelling on the sadness and anxiety a pet’s disappearance can cause. A simple text with plenty of room for illustrations, Where’s Murphy? follows the recipe that has made such a success of the Panda series. [JS]
EDITOR’S CHOICE RODDY DOYLE ILLUSTRATED BY FREYA BLACKWOOD HER MOTHER’S FACE SCHOLASTIC, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781407107073 (PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 2008) This warm and exquisitely illustrated story tells us of a young girl called Siobhán who is desperately trying to cling on to memories of her deceased mother, while being brave in the face of loss. Roddy Doyle’s delicate story is in equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, and offers a tender glimpse of how we cope with losing a loved one on a day-to-day basis. A beautiful book that reminds us that, with time, some memories can bring joy and laughter instead of tears. [EH]
ALAN DURANT ILLUSTRATED BY ROSS COLLINS THE FAIRYTALE FILES: CINDERELLA WALKER BOOKS, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780744570823 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Who is Cinderella, Prince Charming’s mysterious fiancée? Rumple Stiltskin from the Fairytale Agency is on the case: birth certificate, shopping lists, invitation to the ball, wish contract – the investigator-in-chief leaves no stone unturned. The photos, magazine clippings, envelopes to open and cartoony illustrations make for a very dynamic presentation. Although the book respects the main lines of the traditional tale, the text is full of zany details, the tone is humorous and slightly irreverent at times. A refreshing read. [JS]
18 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:25 pm Page 19
Age 5–8
SUSAN EDWARDS & RÉ Ó LAIGHLÉIS LÉARÁIDÍ LE EMILY COLENSO AN PHLEIST MHÓR MÓINÍN, 14.00 (CRUA), ISBN 9780955407963 Is cúpla iad Amy agus Claire agus bíonn siad i gcónaí le chéile. Lá fliuch, tá siad istigh ag féachaint amach ar an mbáisteach. Chomh luath is a stopann sé bíonn siad réidh le dul amach ag súgradh, cóta báistí agus buataisí ar an mbeirt acu. Bíonn an-spraoi acu ag léimt sna loganna uisce. Ach, an mbeidh Mamaí sásta nuair a fheiceann sí iad agus iad fliuch báite?? Usáideann an t- údar an-chuid focail imeartha, rud a thaitneoidh go mór le páistí óga. [DNA’B]
MAEVE FRIEL ILLUSTRATED BY JOELLE DREIDEMY TIGER LILY: A HEROINE WITH A MISSION!! STRIPES PUBLISHING, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847150400 Animal- and book-lovers alike will enjoy meeting book-obsessed Tiger Lily, Sammy her Trusty Companion and Rosie the crazy three-legged greyhound in an adventure featuring loose wild boars, Big Unfriendly cycling Giants and a fair number of peacocks. With illustrations galore (be these Dreidemy's fresh black-and-white pictures or the many book-reports, diary-excerpts and even TV headlines), this second instalment of Friel's series makes for a fun and easy read. 7+ [JS] READ ALSO: Tiger Lily: A Heroine in the Making!
WILLIAM HENRY ILLUSTRATED BY DELPHINE ARNAULT TÍR NA nÓG, A NEW ADVENTURE MERCIER PRESS, 14.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355971 Luke, Danielle and David embark upon an incredible adventure the day they meet the beautiful lady coming from a secret land somewhere in the sea. The lady is Princess Niamh and the land Tír na nÓg. On a bold move, the children ask to be taken to Niamh’s country. A mad race against time and fate follows, during which we meet Oisín, Brasil and many more. A relatively easy, fast- paced read, it is a good introduction to the fantastic world of Irish mythology for readers aged 8+. [JS]
ALAN MACDONALD ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID ROBERTS DIRTY BERTIE: YUCK! STRIPES PUBLISHING, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847150394 Fans rejoice! Parents beware! The best-loved little horror is back with three more zany adventures: 'Yuck!' 'Beg!' and 'Bum!' If you think grannies are boring, parents reasonable and toddlers cute, go and ask Bertie. The illustrations are hilarious and add a lot to a simple and straightforward text. Yuck! is perhaps not as 'dirty' as you may fear (or hope!), but it is great fun all the same. [JS] READ ALSO: Dirty Bertie: My Book of Stuff
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 19 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:25 pm Page 20
Age 5–8
OISÍN McGANN WIRED TEETH THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170033 Wired Teeth is the cautionary tale of a school bully who rules the playground. His life changes when he is given experimental braces for his teeth by a crazy orthodontist. Jason begins to hear voices and sees a very nasty figure lurking around his school. This humorous fast-paced book is filled with hilarious illustrations, short chapters, snappy sentences and lots of mischief. This book will definitely appeal to boys and should encourage the most reluctant reader to read. [ED] READ ALSO: The Evil Hairdo; The Mad Grandad series
DAVID MELLING GOBLINS 4: SHADOW GOBLINS HODDER, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780340944110 All is not well in Black Wood. An entire flock of sheep have lost their shadows and it’s up to apprentice Shadow Goblins Pungent and Stringlip to solve the mystery. The only problem is they’re really not very good at being Shadow Goblins at all! Part spotters-guide, part conventional narrative, this fourth title in Melling’s popular series once again sees mildly eccentric prose and personable artwork combined to humorous effect. The result is an appealing and accessible adventure ideal for those gaining confidence as independent readers. [TD]
MÁRIE NÍ GHALLCHOBHAIR MAISITHE AG PETER DONNELLY NÍL CEAD SNÁMH SA LOCH LEABHAR BREAC, 4.90 (BOG), ISBN 9781898332268 Lá breá atá ann agus tógann Bean de Róiste rang Lúsaí ar shiúlóid sa choill. Cuireann an maor coille fáilte rompu agus siúlann sé leo. Is cailín lán le spraoi agus le greann í Lúsaí. Bíonn sé deacair smacht a choinnéal uirthi. Ag deireadh an lae téann Bean de Róiste abhaile agus í fliuch báite. Is scéal deas simplí é seo a bheadh oiriúnach don léitheoir óg. Cuidíonn na léaráidí leis an léitheoir míniú iomlán an scéil a fháil. [DNA’B]
JOE O’BRIEN ILLUSTRATED BY JEAN TEXIER ALFIE GREEN AND THE SUPERSONIC SUBWAY THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.95 (HBK), ISBN 9781847170958 Alfie is the only one who can save the Emerald Cactus that has exploded and covered Budsville in green sand. In his grandad’s shed he finds a special lawnmower. Can this machine help Alfie stop the Desert Elves and will Alfie and Fitzer take part in the go-kart race? The magical events flow into each other with an ease that gives an air of credibility. The excitement is enhanced by the detailed black and white illustrations. Readers will hang on every word. [ÚB] READ ALSO: Alfie Green and the Snowdrop Queen
20 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:25 pm Page 21
Age 5–8
EDITOR’S CHOICE SIOBHÁN PARKINSON ILLUSTRATED BY LISA JACKSON THE HENNY PENNY TREE THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780862789664 Great Uncle Fergus gives Littlest a copper coin. Not as good as the gold and silver he gave her older sisters Tall One and Middling. Or is it? There isn’t one word too many in this brilliant retelling of a traditional tale. It is funny and fast, and simultaneously modern and timeless. The family dynamics are pure Parkinson. Lisa Jackson’s illustrations serve the words admirably; they are fresh and full of energy, and bring an extra touch of modernity and quirkiness to the text. [JS] READ ALSO: Finn’s Thumb; The Riddle both by Felicity Hayes-McCoy
JUSTIN RICHARDS AGENT ALFIE, THUNDER RAKER HARPER COLLINS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007273577 By some mad coincidence, Alfie finds himself enlisted in a school for future secret agents, where Miss Fortune teaches Assassination Techniques (at least to the pupils who survive) and Mr Trick is in charge of Camouflage (that is, if the teacher can be found). Alfie turns out to be very good at it all. Richards’ style is punchy, and the plot at times hilariously silly yet well-mastered. This is the first of what promises to be a fun and eccentric series that will have boys and girls in stitches. [JS]
PHYLLIS ROOT ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID PARKINS AUNT NANCY AND THE BOTHERSOME VISITORS WALKER BOOKS, £3.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406310580 In four short, separate tales, Phyllis Root introduces us to an extraordinary cast of characters: Aunt Nancy who’s nobody’s fool; her cat Ezekiel who knows what’s good for him, Old Man Trouble, Cousin Lazybones, Old Woeful and Mister Death who do exactly what it says on the tin. Unusual in tone and rich in unexpected twists, these stories are very original and very endearing. David Parkins’ silhouette illustrations are extremely effective and add to the humour of the book. A real gem. [JS]
EDITOR’S CHOICE ANDY STANTON ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID TAZZYMAN MR GUM AND THE DANCING BEAR EGMONT, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405241793 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) This is the fifth book in the hilariously funny Mr Gum series and the best yet. This time it involves a depressed dancing bear, a mad pirate captain and a hot-air balloon. The baddies are more evil and gross than ever, but Polly is up for the challenge. While spinning a totally eccentric and totally unpredictable plot, Stanton still manages to infuse his text with poetry, of the nonsensical kind of course. What a feat! What a treat! [JS] SEE ALSO: http://egmontbooks.co.uk/mrGum/
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 21 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:16 pm Page 22
Age 5–8
MADDIE STEWART ILLUSTRATED BY GREG MASSARDIER HAL’S SLEEPOVER THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170347 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) What small child won’t identify with Hal? Hal’s big brother goes to a sleepover party where all needs will be catered for with sweets, movies, torchlight chases and no bedtime. But Hal is too small. Luckily Granny seems to understand, never having been to a sleepover party herself, and now being too old. Young and old, Granny and Hal organise their own ‘best ever ever’ sleepover party. With vibrant illustrations and text well judged for emerging readers this should appeal to 5+. [PM] READ ALSO: Molly’s Night Out by Úna Leavy
JEREMY STRONG ILLUSTRATED BY ROWAN CLIFFORD LOST! THE HUNDRED-MILE-AN-HOUR DOG PUFFIN BOOKS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141323251 Streaker the dog is REALLY lost! Having stowed away in a pie van she finds herself stranded miles from home. The journey back is fraught with danger. Butchers, baboons and other strange beasts lie in wait at every turn, and to make matters worse, she’s only got a clever-clogs cat for company! Using, for the first time, Streaker’s own words throughout, Strong brings a fresh twist to this fourth instalment of his ever-amusing series, whilst Clifford’s cheeky illustrations remain as appealing as ever. A doggy delight! [TD] SEE ALSO: www.Jeremystrong.co.uk
VALERIE THOMAS AGUS KORKY PAUL MÁIRTÍN Ó CLÉIRIGH A D’AISTRIGH LÁ BREITHE CHITÍ! AN GÚM, 6.95 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916942 Lá breithe Chití atá ann. Rinne Cití agus a cat, Smúróg, cinneadh cóisir gharraí a eagrú. Sheol sí na cuirí ar an ndraíocht-phost. Fuair Cití an-chuid bronntanaisí óna cairde. Bhí spórt agus spraoi go dtí gur shéid Cití an trumpa draíochta, ceann de na bronntanais a fuair sí. Go tobann, bhí gach duine imithe!! Conas a éireoidh le Cití a cairde a fháil ar ais go dtí an chóisir? Is leabhar breá tarraingteach é seo le léaraidí álainne, geala. Is cuid de shraith leabhair é seo faoi Cití Cailleach. [DNA’B]
MO WILLEMS MY FRIEND IS SAD WALKER BOOKS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406314687 Willems is an exceptional talent in picture books. This is a fantastic book for everyone aged five and upwards. This story of Elephant and Piggie is a brilliant bridge from reading aloud to reading alone. Willems is a master, using the bare minimum of text and illustration to convey very great stories, which are also incredibly funny. He uses a limited colour palette and plenty of white space very effectively. A great book and every one of the fifty-five pages should be savoured. [MW] READ ALSO: There is a Bird on Your Head!
22 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 23 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 24
Edited by Ruth Coleman Age 9–12
WRITING FOR YOUNG READERS: A CHALLENGE AND A PLEASURE – MARILYN TAYLOR
As a child, reading – thanks to my local library – provided a welcome refuge from humdrum daily life. Later, in Ireland, I wrote humorous articles for community magazines and newspapers. Later still, a long-time Dublin school librarian, I wrote to tempt reluctant teenage readers, finally turning to historical fiction, a genre which had given me a love of history. A ‘war baby’ growing up in the London Jewish community, I discovered that 1 only by an accident of geography had I escaped the fate of 1 ⁄2 million Jewish children murdered by the Nazis in Europe, just across the Channel. So it’s no accident that my two most recent novels are set in the 1940s – the decade that saw World War II, the Emergency and the Holocaust. These novels deal with racism, anti-Semitism and the disrupted lives of young refugees – themes that are all only too relevant today.
17 Martin Street by Marilyn Taylor is reviewed on page 32
AGE 9–12: A–Z
DAVID ALMOND ILLUSTRATED BY DAVE McKEAN THE SAVAGE WALKER BOOKS, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406308150 Using the convention of a story within a story, this sophisticated graphic novel introduces the reader to Blue. Having recently lost his father, Blue begins to write a story in an attempt to come to terms with his bereavement; however, this story soon blurs the boundary between Blue’s imagination and reality. Although parts of the narrative lack oomph, Blue’s dark and violent ‘savage’ is brought to life by McKean’s distorted yet stunning illustrations. Overall, an engaging read. [JC] READ ALSO: My Dad’s a Birdman
DAVE BARRY AND RIDLEY PEARSON ILLUSTRATED BY GREG CALL NEVERLAND: THE CAVE OF THE DARK WIND WALKER BOOKS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406307313 Based on JM Barrie’s world of Peter Pan and Neverland, Barry and Pearson have been inventing some adventures for the Lost Boys to get up to while Peter is away. The famous Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee are there to give the boys plenty of trouble. This is a rollicking, old-fashioned adventure narrative, with all the classic elements: pirates, cursed treasure, mysterious caves, an exotic island and rather politically retro island natives. A fun page- turner suitable for younger readers. [AKam]
24 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 25
Age 9–12
COLIN BATEMAN TITANIC 2020: CANNIBAL CITY HODDER, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780340944462 This second instalment in Bateman’s series sees Lucky Jimmy Armstrong, Claire and fellow crew members of the new Titanic dealing with the devastating fall-out of the deathly plague that swept the globe in Part 1. The ship has become a floating refuge for survivors. On land, things are becoming ever more sinister – civilisation as we know it an increasingly distant memory. As with the first book, action and dialogue is top of the agenda. Witty, pacey and scary in just the right doses. [TD] READ ALSO: Titanic 2020
HENRY CHANCELLOR THE REMARKABLE ADVENTURES OF TOM SCATTERHORN: THE MUSEUM’S SECRET OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £10.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192720832 There is something rather old-fashioned about this story of a boy discovering time-travel and talking to animals in a dusty Victorian museum. The details are very inventive, however, and there are plenty of larger-than-life characters. The marvels of taxidermy are just the beginning for Tom, who is soon on the trail of malevolent beetles and the elixir of eternal life. A captivating read, although the author seems to lose control of his material as the resolution becomes increasingly complex. Suitable for readers 11+ [AKam]
EMMA CLAYTON THE ROAR THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905294633 Twins Mika and Ellie have grown up behind a wall that allegedly protects them from the plague carried by the animals on the other side. Then Ellie disappears and is presumed dead, though Mika refuses to accept this. Not until the Minister for Youth Development launches the ‘Fit for Life’ project does the sinister truth begin to emerge, and Mika’s entire family finds itself in grave danger. A brilliantly imagined near-future world, with thrilling action sequences, about how we care for our planet and its inhabitants, animal and human. [LM]
EDITOR’S CHOICE EOIN COLFER AIRMAN PUFFIN BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141383354 Born in a balloon over the Paris World Fair only to be shot down moments later, it seems that Conor Broekhart was destined to fly. In the style of a true adventure tale, the reader is gripped from the first page. Early on, Conor saves the princess from certain death and quickly becomes a classic hero struggling through challenges that would leave Superman gasping. Colfer’s characters are wonderfully drawn – Bonvilain is the epitome of an evil pretender to the throne, while the self- serving prison officer Billtoe stands for all that is petty and small-minded. [RC] READ ALSO: Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox; Half Moon Investigations
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 25 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 26
Age 9–12
ZIZOU CORDER LEE RAVEN: BOY THIEF PUFFIN BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141322902 Lee is a street urchin living in a future London with global warming and petrol drought. On the run for pick-pocketing, he’s thrown into even more peril when he steals something far more valuable than he first thought – a book, which becomes the story the reader desires. Different character’s viewpoints are used to give a varied account of the happenings while developing the plot brilliantly. Lee is a delightful anti-hero with his own hilarious vernacular. Quirky, original and highly recommended. [DC] READ ALSO: The Lionboy Trilogy
FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE COSMIC MACMILLAN, £9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780230709782 Cottrell Boyce, a multi-award winning author and screenwriter, triumphs again with this story of Liam and his friend Florida. Liam is exceptionally tall for his age, so tall in fact, that he can sometimes pass himself off as Florida’s father. When they end up in China training for a space flight, Liam thinks that perhaps this time they might have gone too far. A funny and touching tale of friendship and fatherly relationships and a great adventure suspense story too. Age 11+ [MW] READ ALSO: Millions; Framed
JUDI CURTIN ALICE AND MEGAN FOREVER THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171191 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Megan and Alice are starting secondary school and dealing with new friends, new teachers and new subjects. Alice is thriving, but Megan finds it harder to settle in. The only friend she makes is class bad boy Mar cus; is he as bad as he seems or is there more to him? As well as dealing with teenage fun and friendship, Curtin writes about the transition to a new school, fitting in and bullying with the light, deft touch readers have come to expect from this series. Age 11+ [LM]
EMILY DIAMAND REAVERS’ RANSOM THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905294978 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Set two hundred years in the future, when the world has undergone catastrophic climate change and the coastline of Britain has been transformed by floods, this is the story of independent and resourceful Lilly Melkun, who, taking a ‘talking jewel’ as a ransom, sails off, with her sea cat, to rescue the Prime Minister’s young daughter, recently kidnapped from Lilly’s village by Medwin’s reavers, jeopardising the whole community of fisherfolk who are being held accountable. An exhilarating, funny adventure story, from a talented new writer. [LM]
26 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 27
Age 9–12
LARI DON ILLUSTRATED BY AMANDA SINCLAIR FIRST AID FOR FAIRIES AND OTHER FABLED BEASTS FLORIS BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780863156366 This is an enjoyable fast-paced yarn featuring Helen, whose day-to-day school life is punctuated by night-time adventures as a healer of fantastical creatures while saving them from the evil ‘Master of the Maze’. Secretly using her mother’s veterinary resources, Helen not only saves a fairy’s life, but heals an injured centaur, dragon and phoenix. The diverse characters and exciting storyline will enthrall readers who like animals and magic. This book would be even better with a few line drawings scattered throughout. [EG]
JOHN DOUGHERTY ILLUSTRATED BY JAMES DE LA RUE BANSI O’HARA AND THE BLOODLINE PROPHECY CORGI YEARLING, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780440867876 Bansi O’Hara and her parents travel to Ireland to visit her grandmother. What she doesn’t know is that she is part of an ancient prophecy which means that one side of the faery world will stop at nothing to protect her and the other to capture her. This is a funny, fast-paced read that will keep readers entertained. The antics of Bansi’s grandmother and her friend as they careen dangerously through the countryside are guaranteed to raise a smile. [RC] READ ALSO: Jack Slater, Monster Investigator
MALACHY DOYLE SWAP THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170538 A tale of mistaken identity gone awry – you’ve heard it before – but Doyle manages to put a modern twist on this classic set-up. Two boys, one Irish, one Welsh, realise they’re ‘the perfect spit’ of each other and devise a swap that quickly goes wrong. The story moves rapidly; the narrative is an exciting mix of dialogue and text-messaging, of Irish and of Welsh. Only an author with the knowledge of both cultures that Doyle possesses could have pulled off the story so eloquently. [JDen]
DEBORAH ELLIS THE PRISON RUNNER OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 97801392755483 A narrative written with great passion and conviction about the dispossessed in Bolivia, The characters, particularly thirteen-year-old Diego, speak directly to the reader. Diego lives in prison with his mother and baby sister Corina, while across the yard his father serves his sentence in the men’s gaol. Diego helps to support his family by running errands for the prisoners. One mistake ends in his making a rash decision, which endangers not only himself but also his family. [FO’S] READ ALSO: Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak
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Age 9–12
ROGHA AN EAGARTHÓRA MARVIN HALLERAKER AISTRITHE AG TREASA NÍ BHRUA AGUS MAGNUS VESTVOLL ADOLF SNA hARDA COIS LIFE, 9.00 (CRUA), ISBN 9871901176810 Is leabhar álainn smaointeach é seo faoi tiománaí craenach uaigneach, a chónaíonn ina chuid cabáin gan baint aige leis an domhan laistíos, ach amháin go gcloiseann gach éinne an ceol binn á sheinnt aige ar an bhflúgalchorn os cionn na cathrach istoíche. Go tobann, titeann sé i ngrá le Ramona agus bíonn air í a mhealladh ar bhealach éigin. Aistriúchán simplí oiriúnach is ea é ar bhunsaothar Ioruaise. Tá maisiúchán aoibhinn ann a chuireann atmaisféar dugaí, calafoirt agus long in iúl do leitheoir ar bith. [RNC] LÉIGH FREISIN: Poll agus a Mhac
JIM HALLIGAN ILLUSTRATED BY CARTOON SALOON DIABOLIC DOWNLOADS THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170651 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Having a hand-me-down phone can be torture for a child – or it can save his life. A new business comes to town promising free (!) ringtones to all – except Jack, whose phone is too old to be compatible. But beware of anything free: these downloads do strange, horrifying things to their owners. Creepy imagery and eerie situations fill this book and will captivate the readers. An exciting thriller. [JDen]
SAM HAY ILLUSTRATED BY EMMA DODSON BILLY ANGEL A & C BLACK, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780713688818 Up until now, Billy didn’t seem to have much choice of career, being next in line in a family of plumbers that went back to the dawn of time. But ther e is a shortage of angels in heaven and Billy has been called upon to step in. Strong comic characters, unexpected setting and storyline (involving zombies, eating contests and blocked pipes) and a very convincing and very funny narrative voice: Billy Angel ticks all the boxes. [JS]
JULIA GOLDING EMPTY QUARTER EGMONT, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405228190 Darcie Lock in another rollercoaster adventure in the world of espionage. Acting upon the suggestion of her grandfather – who just happens to be Director of Regional Affairs at MI6 – her parents send her on a cruise with Fresh Start Travel. But FST is a team-building programme for troubled teens, and the daughter of the US president is on board. Soon Darcie finds herself involved in an international incident, fighting for survival where lines between friend and foe are never clear. Are the odds stacked too high? 11+ [AKha]
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Age 9–12
SALLY GRINDLEY BROKEN GLASS BLOOMSBURY, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747586159 Sandeep and Suresh are living a relatively comfortable life in their village. Events in his work and home life plunge their domineering father into despair and outbursts of violence. Eventually the brothers flee and find themselves homeless and fending for themselves in the big city. Vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and aromas of India draw the reader into this enthralling tale of brotherhood and a desperate struggle for survival amongst the ragpickers. An important insight into the world inhabited by the world’s poorest children. Age 11+ [AKha] SEE ALSO: www.sallygrindley.co.uk
VIVIAN FRENCH THE BAG OF BONES WALKER BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406306248 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Wicked witch Truda Hangnail sets out to restore evil to its rightful place in the Five Kingdoms. An unlikely hero emerges in Loobly who with the help of Prince Marcus and Gracie Gillipot, amongst others, saves the day and dispatches Truda to the house of the Ancient Crones to face her punishment. A good rollicking story, French introduces not only a cast of amazing characters, but also situates the narrative in a cleverly constructed world where the unbelievable becomes believable. [FO’S] READ ALSO: The Robe of Skulls
F E HIGGINS THE BONE MAGICIAN MACMILLAN, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405090407 The Bone Magician – a mysterious man who claims that he can make the dead speak. Just one of a series of memorable, eccentric and occasionally menacing characters encountered by young Pin Carhue in the brilliantly dank, dreary city of Urbs Umida after his father’s disappearance under suspicious circumstances leaves him to fend for himself in this macabre, blackly humorous, inventive and very enjoyable tale of mystery, magic and illusion. [JK] SEE ALSO: www.thebonemagician.com READ ALSO: The Black Book of Secrets
EDITOR’S CHOICE DEREK LANDY SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT: PLAYING WITH FIRE HARPERCOLLINS, £12.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007257058 Written with gusto, wit and panache, this is the second fantasy adventure featuring a skeleton detective, Skulduggery Pleasant, and his protégée, thirteen- year-old Dubliner, Stephanie. This time the duo have to use their magical talents to fight ‘the Grotesquery’, a creature who has been created by weaving and stitching together body parts from mythical monsters and beasts. Knowledge of the first book would be an advantage, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I’d heartily recommend it to any reader, adults included. [SW]
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Age 9–12
DEAN LOREY NIGHTMARE ACADEMY: CHARLIE’S MONSTERS HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007257195 Charlie has been isolated most of his childhood life, because he has the power to manifest monsters from his imagination. Everything changes when he is rescued by a group of monster-catchers who bring him to a special academy to train him in. The idea behind this book is ingenious. There’s no lack of action or humour and Charlie’s journey from a scared and lonely boy to a great student of the Academy will keep readers glued to this excellent debut. [DC]
TADHG MAC DHONNAGÁIN KIERON BLACK A MHAISIGH BRAN AGUS SCEOLÁN AN GÚM, 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917116 Meascán idir Indiana Jones agus na Fir Bolg atá anseo! Leathanach i ndiaidh leathanach de eachtra i ndiaidh eachtra. Do-chreidte an méid a tharlaíonn taobh istigh de 64 leathanach. Tá na maisiúcháin go hálainn, r ud a chiallaíonn gur leabhar fíor so-léite atá ann. Le Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, ar ndóigh, tá greann is samhlaíocht ann. Níl mé iomlán cinnte faoi dheaireadh an leabhair. B’fhéidir go bhfuil an samhlaíocht sínithe beagáinín an iomarca. Sin ráite, is leabhar an-taitneamhach é. [TÓD] LÉIGH FREISIN: Fionn Mac Cumhaill – Taoiseach na Féinne
KATE McMAHON ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER THAT TOUCH OF MAGIC THE CHILDREN’S PRESS, 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781901737608 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Liz is the new girl at school and doesn’t like it one bit. Karen, her one potential friend, sees her as competition. To make matters worse, Liz’s Gran is on a mission to get Liz on the all-boy hurling team. W ill Liz ever find a way to fit in at St Gabriel’s? The trials and tribulations of life in the sixth class are realistically portrayed. It’s a story for any “new kid” or girl with both brains and brawn to relate to. [JDen] READ ALSO: Growing Pains
GARTH NIX SUPERIOR SATURDAY HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 978000717511 Another Challenge for Arthur as he tries to get the sixth key of the Kingdom. This time the task proves to be monumental as Superior Saturday is the most powerful sorcerer in the House. With the approaching Nothing destroying everything in its way, Arthur must reach Saturday’s Incomparable Gardens to claim the key. But using his powers makes him more Denizon and less able to return to save his family from the authorities’ decision to destroy his home and the spreading plague. Riveting stuff! [JDea] SEE ALSO: www.garthnix.co.uk
30 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 31
Age 9–12
COLMÁN Ó RAGHALLAIGH NA CAILLEACHA GRÁNNA CLÓ MHAIGH EO, 8.99 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922451 Cónaíonn Micilín agus a chlann i gcarabhan taobh leis na habhann. Nuair a théann Micilín agus a mháthair isteach sa choill chun cipíní a bhailiú le haghaidh na tine, casann siad ar chailín óg. Insíonn sí dóibh faoi conas ar éalaigh sí ó na cailleacha gránna agus go bhfuil go leor páistí eile fós gafa acu. Ceapann an chlann seift leis na páistí ar fad a shaorú le diúrachán draíochta. Leabhar simplí, taitneamhach atá ann le pictiúirí móra tarraingteacha. [RNíC]
WILL PETERSON TRISKELLION WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406307092 It is fascinating the way this story draws on elements of folklore, including the Green Man myths and Celtic history, although the plot itself is almost outrageously clichéd: fourteen-year-old American twins Rachel and Adam are sent to stay with their ancient grandmother in a mysterious and isolated English village, complete with an eccentric and mysterious old beekeeper, a cantankerous and mysterious old squire, a mean and mysterious old vicar, and so on. An intriguing book, nevertheless. [AKam]
PETER REGAN ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER RIVERSIDE: EXIT POINT THE CHILDREN’S PRESS, 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781901737592 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) The Riverside boys are back – and growing up. After passing his Leaving Cert, Jimmy Quinn decides it’s time to leave childhood behind and join the working world as a football reporter. Focused around a wild campaign to save a historic school, this is a story about saying hello to the adult world and good-bye to a childhood that’s hard to leave behind. Myler’s colourful, action-packed illustrations complement Regan’s convincing narrative of what it’s like to become adult – whether you like it or not! [JDen] READ ALSO: Riverside: Spring Fever
GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK RÓISÍN CURÉ A MHAISIGH NA DAOINE DALLA AN GÚM, 10.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857916805 Bhí Lugh de Paor agus a chairde amuigh ag imirt iomáint. Bhí siad cóngarach go leor le teach an chailligh críonna a fheiceáil. Gheall duine de na buachaillí a chamáin nua a thabhairt do Lugh dá bpógfadh sé an chailleach. Ní raibh an chailleach sásta go raibh siad ag magadh fúithi agus bheartaigh sí ar cheacht a mhúineadh dóibh. Tá buanna ag an leabhar seo le léaráidí ildaite tarraingteacha tríd, ach ní hé an leabhar is taitneamhaí do pháistí a léigh mise ariamh. [TÓD]
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 31 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 32
Age 9–12
MICHAEL SCOTT THE MAGICIAN DOUBLEDAY, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385613101 The second book in the Nicholas Flamel sequence, concerning ‘twins of legend’ Josh and Sophie Newman, takes the action to Paris where we encounter, among others, Joan of Arc, Nicolo Machiavelli and Mars, God of War. The action proceeds at the familiar breakneck pace and with more and more dark creatures from lore and mythology coming to light. The shape of the work is more evident in this book and we are also given a ‘taster’ from Book 3. Age 10+ [JO’H] READ ALSO: The Alchemyst
PAUL STEWART ILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS RIDDELL BARNABY GRIMES, RETURN OF THE EMERALD SKULL DOUBLEDAY, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552556224 When Barnaby Grimes is asked to deliver a mysterious package, he finds himself the unwitting accomplice in a sinister plot. Dashing across the rooftops of Victorian London, he sets out to fight the terrible evil he has helped unleash. Wonderfully illustrated, this is another successful collaboration between illustrator Chris Riddell and writer Paul Stewart and is the second in the Barnaby Grimes series. Packed with grisly goings-on and atmospheric adventure, it makes an exciting summer read. [CL] SEE ALSO: www.barnabygrimes.co.uk
TRENTON LEE STEWART THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781905294572 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Four exceptionally honest, creative and talented children are selected as secret agents by Mr Benedict and are sent on a mission to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (LIVE, or EVIL backwards!) to foil a dark and dastardly plan by the reclusive and ruthless Mr Curtain. Is Mr Benedict correct in his suspicions that thought-altering messages, currently being transmitted into minds through televisions and radios, will soon be broadcast directly into everyone’s minds? A very engaging debut novel with unpredictable plot twists and plenty of humour. [LM]
MARILYN TAYLOR 17 MARTIN STREET THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171252 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) A timely story about cultural differences set in Dublin during the ‘Emergency’ years and based on the true story of Renata Stern, a refugee from Berlin. In ‘Little Jerusalem’ Hetty, herself new to the area, tries to trace Renata, but when next-door neighbour Ben Byrne learns of this he wonders if he should report the refugee as a possible spy. Eventually they join forces to try and prevent Renata’s deportation. Taylor skillfully illustrates how newcomers have always enriched Irish communities in this historically accurate and moving story. [LM]
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Age 9–12
KATE THOMPSON ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY DUDDLE HIGHWAY ROBBERY THE BODLEY HEAD, £6.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780370329574 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) A dark stranger, a beautiful mare, some shifty individuals, a handful of redcoats and a golden guinea – there is mystery and trickery in the air. Be careful you are not the one who gets tricked! This is not exactly an adventure story, but a brilliantly written tall tale about trust, story-telling and story- making. Thompson’s first book for younger readers is lavishly produced with a black velvet cover, gold lettering and high-quality illustrations throughout. [JS]
KAYE UMANSKY ILLUSTRATED BY NICK PRICE CLOVER TWIG AND THE INCREDIBLE FLYING COTTAGE. BLOOMSBURY, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747590637 This magical book begins when Clover Twig takes a housekeeping job in Mrs Eckles’ cottage. Mrs Eckles’ cottage however is no ordinary cottage … it can fly! The problems start when Mrs Eckles’ nasty sister Mesmeranza wants this incredible cottage for herself and is prepared to go to any lengths to get it. The story has everything – loveable characters, chaotic adventures, witches and spells along with wacky illustrations making it an excellent read. [ED] READ ALSO: The Pongwiffy Series
Hooked RéRé Ó Ó L Laigaighléishléis
discovery of her husband’s infidelity. There are no discovery of her husband’s infidelity. There are no ribbons wrapped around the story here - it is hard, ribbons wrapped around the story here - it is hard, factual and written with sensitivity and skill. factual and written with sensitivity and skill. “His raw and concise style peels the layers from a s“Hishado rawwy andtopic co andnci makse styesle it peelaccesssib thele laye for rsbo fromth tee anag ers asnhdado theirwy p topareicnts.” and makes it accessible for both teenagers Samand anttheirha p areNovnts.”ick, Limerick Leader Weekender ISBN 978-0-9554079-3-2 Samantha Novick, Limerick Leader Weekender ISBNPrice 978- 0-955€12.504079-3-2 Price €12.50 MÓINÍN, Loch Reasca, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare MÓINÍN, Loch Reasca, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare MÓINÍN Available from MÓINÍN by phone: 353-65-7077256 MÓINÍN e-maAvailil: ablemoinin from@ei MÓrcomINÍN.net by or pho online:ne at35 www3-65-.moi7077256nin.ie e-mail: [email protected] or online at www.moinin.ie Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:17 pm Page 34
Edited by LIz Morris Age 12–14
EVERY BOOK IS DIFFERENT – KATE THOMPSON
Some ideas take months to mature and others take years. The basic outline of Creature of the Night had been with me for a long, long time, but every time I visited it I found that there was something missing – a certain quality or device that would lift it into life. In the spring of 2007, I was trying to write a different book, and it just wouldn’t happen. I tried all my old tricks but none of them would work. My mind was rebellious. It kept returning to Creature. But I didn’t want to write Creature. Creature wasn’t ready. In the end I had to listen. I abandoned the other book and embarked upon Creature. From the very first line, the character of Bobby began to emerge. He was so real to me that it felt as though he was in the room and looking over my shoulder. His character was that elusive thing I’d been looking for, and before I knew it he had taken over and was driving the book himself. That was a new and surprising experience for me. As I said, every book is different…
Creature of the Night by Kate Thompson is reviewed on page 41 and Highway Robbery on page 33
AGE 12–14: A–Z
DAVID ALMOND JACKDAW SUMMER HODDER, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780340881989 (PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 2008) This gripping novel, beautifully crafted, is David Almond writing at the top of his form. A jackdaw leads two boys to an abandoned baby, and this sets in motion the momentous events of the summer as tensions rise between for mer friends, and a palpable air of menace, even evil, seems to hang over the land. Violent yet sensitive, it packs a lot of emotional power into a short novel, and readers will be thinking and talking about it long after they’ve finished reading. [LM]
HOLLY BLACK IRONSIDE: A MODERN FAERIE TALE SIMON & SCHUSTER, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847380630 Caught between two dangerous faerie courts, the pixie changeling Kaye finds herself struggling to fulfil an impossible quest. Set in a dark and dangerous world, this edgy story skilfully combines a menacing fairy world with a journey of self-discovery for the teenage Kaye and her best friend Corny. Black cleverly manages to weave together themes of self-doubt, identity, hate, love and sexuality in this highly original and modern fantasy tale. A unique story that will really appeal equally to male and female readers. [RC] READ ALSO: Tithe
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Age 12–14
TIM BOWLER BLADE: PLAYING DEAD OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192754844 Bowler delves into a shorter, punchier story-format with his new series. Blade is a teenage fugitive with a dark past. This first book sees Blade witnessing a murder. Forced to go on the run again, he is discovered by old enemies and runs foul of a teenage girl gang along the way. More macho readers might be a bit put off by Blade’s constant doubts and fears, but Bowler has created a tough, dynamic character who promises plenty of tension, action and attitude. [OMcG] READ ALSO: Blade: Closing In
HERBIE BRENNAN FAERIE LORD BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747591009 Henry’s mission is to save the Faerie Realm from a mysterious age-inducing disease before time runs out for those infected – a daunting task for any human teenager. An intriguing suspense-filled plot with sorcery and espionage, where nothing is as it seems. The double-crossing antics culminate in a thrilling climax. An exciting tale of good versus evil, it is highly imaginative, visual, humorous and compelling. Like Tolkien, Brennan has created a complete world with its own history, language, mythology and beings. [LW] SEE ALSO: www.faeriewars.com
CATHY CASSIDY GINGERSNAPS PUFFIN BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 978014383279 On entering second-level school Ginger sheds her ‘loser’ image, delighted to be chosen as best friend by ‘cool, careless’ Shannon. The arrival of ‘hopelessly, gloriously weird’ Sam challenges Ginger to question her views and values and to think about what is important in friendship. Can Shannon and Ginger’s friendship survive Shannon’s thirteenth birthday party and its aftermath? Readers will identify with Ginger’s concealed insecurity and will enjoy her first romance. A story about the importance of being true to your own individuality. [RH] READ ALSO: Lucky Star; Sundae Girl
JACQUES COUVILLON CHICKEN DANCE BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747589303 Twelve-year-old Don narrates this quirky tale about his lonesome life on Horse Island chicken farm. He is tolerated, if frequently forgotten, by his querulous parents and generally ignored by schoolmates. Life is made tolerable by caring for his beloved chickens. When Don wins a chicken judging contest and is elevated to celebrity status, there are a few surprises all round. With an endearing protagonist, this funny and original novel is sure to get readers clucking. [JMit]
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Age 12–14
JACQUELINE DE BRÚN LÉARÁIDÍ LE CARTOON SALOON SCOIL AN CHNOIC AN GÚM, 8.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916799 Suite i scoil, scéal bleachtaireachta a bhfuil beagán den fhinscéalaíocht ag baint leis atá sa leabhar seo. Ní haon gnáth-shaol scoile í áfach. Tá an scoil suite ar chnoc atá chomh géar sin gur gá rópa a úsáid chun cabhrú leat dul suas ann. Tá rún nó dhó ag baint léi agus ról ag cuid de na múinteoirí sna heachtraí a tharlaíonn sa scoil agus sa leabharlann ina mbíonn an ríomhaire as feidhm i gcónaí. [DUíG]
SARAH DESSEN THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER PUFFIN BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141322926 Macy Queen is struggling to come to terms with her father’s death, but she feels horribly alone. Her mum is no use, she’s thrown herself into her work, selling upmarket housing, and Macy’s boyfriend, the rather serious and unemotional Jason, is off to ‘Brain Camp’ for the summer. But when she meets a group of new friends, including the gorgeous but troubled artist, Wes, her life starts to change. A highly readable, well-written and thoughtful teen novel about learning to be yourself. I loved it. [SW]
CATHERINE FORDE SUGARCOATED EGMONT, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405229319 Forde’s chilling story is anything but sugar-coated. In the opening chapter, comfort-eating Claudia, ‘Clod‘ to her Dad, is sole witness to a vicious gangland murder. Not long after, a handsome stranger becomes very interested in her. The senseless violence of Glasgow’s underworld is grippingly realised in Forde’s book as the killers piece together clues about Clod’s whereabouts. The cliff-hanger ending is sure to leave any reader breathless. A compulsive read. [AD]
PAULINE FRANCIS A WORLD AWAY USBORNE, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780746081129 Set in the turbulent late-sixteenth century, this book uses the blossoming relationship between Tom, an English blacksmith, and Nadie, an abducted North-American Indian girl, as its central plot, around which the political upheaval of the era revolves. Set in Plymouth, England and in the New World, their tale is told in alternating first-person chapters with interesting detail of life at the time. A thoughtful, though sometimes shocking and violent novel, further elucidation of the social and political environment would further enhance the plot. [JMit]
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Age 12–14
CORNELIA FUNKE INKDEATH THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781905294718 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Writer Fenoglio has run out of words and must watch Orpheus twist his words and plunder the last copy of Inkheart for treasure while new rulers destroy Ombra in this eagerly anticipated final instalment in the Ink trilogy, where storybook heroes and villains can be ‘read’ into real-world existence. Can Silvertongue and daughter Meggie rewrite the story with a happy ending? Inkdeath is complex, beautifully written and very dark, taking readers to a fairytale world inspired more by the Grimm brothers than by Disney. [LM]
JAMILA GAVIN THE ROBBER BARON’S DAUGHTER EGMONT, £7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405242936 Nettie has led an extremely pampered and sheltered existence but the sudden and mysterious disappearance of beloved tutor Miss Kovachev gradually forces her to recognise a world of crime, abuse and human trafficking that links her luxurious life in London with the Bulgarian underworld. Why are her parents telling her lies, and could her father really be involved in ‘the racket’? Only her Great Aunt’s ballet lessons can provide respite from her reluctant investigations. Written from two different viewpoints, Gavin handles a difficult and topical subject with sensitivity. [LM]
JULIA GOLDING DRAGONFLY OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192727602 Two cultures collide when reserved and dutiful high priestess, Princess Taoshira, ‘Tashi’, is promised in marriage to fun-loving and gregarious Prince Ramil. Neither of them is happy with the proposed union, although both are keen to serve their respective nations. Their loyalty to their countries, their gods and each other is tested when they are kidnapped by the malicious war lord Fergox. Golding’s lavishly written novel depicts a parallel world in which Tashi and Ramil must challenge deep-seated prejudices or perish. [AD]
KEITH GRAY GHOSTING BARRINGTON STOKE, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842994900 Sandy and younger brother Nat are well-practised in the art of ‘ghosting’, a skill learned from their mother. But when it seems that Sandy has accidentally contacted an evil spirit, one that exerts a malign influence on cherished possessions of her client, she sets in motion a series of events that convinces the unbelieving siblings that she is neither a fake nor con-artist who can trick vulnerable victims, but a medium who has – to her cost – realised her true potential as a medium. Gripping, dark, and completely unputdownable. [LM] READ ALSO: The Runner; The Chain
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Age 12–14
CATHY HOPKINS LOOKING FOR A HERO PICCADILLY PRESS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781853409752 The third in the bestselling Cinnamon Girl series sees India Jane giving up on Joe, her erstwhile ‘soulmate’, and looking for love elsewhere. Surely she’ll find love by Christmas? But boys seem to be like buses – there’s no sign of a suitable one for ages, and just as she is about to give up, two come along at once. Fans of Hopkins will devour this with as much relish as all her previous for its humour, warmth and sheer sense of fun. [LM] READ ALSO: Mates, Dates & Flirting
CONOR KOSTICK MOVE THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170101 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Conor Kostick is back with a bigger, better and even more thrilling book called Move. Liam O’Dwyer discovers he can move between parallel universes – when he wants something to go his way, he moves to the universe where it happens. But there are consequences to each move and they are starting to catch up with Liam and his friends. As with his two previous books, Epic and Saga, Conor has created a world that is hard not be sucked into. [DM]
TANYA LANDMAN AZTEC: THE GOLDSMITH’S DAUGHTER WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406307078 A new perspective on the arrival of Cortes’ army into Tenochtitlan. This book weaves together the last days of the Aztec Empire under Montezuma with the developing relationship between a Spanish soldier and a goldsmith’s daughter, Itacate. While some liberties are taken with historical facts, the main thrust of events is accurate. Beautifully told and gripping throughout, it provides a fresh insight into the destruction of a civilisation. [BO’T] READ ALSO: Apache
MICHELLE MAGORIAN JUST HENRY EGMONT, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405227575 Henry lives for the cinema. He struggles to fit in at school and in a home now filled with a step-father and an annoying half-sister. When given an expensive camera he is plunged into a mystery that will change his life forever. This is a gripping story that creates a wonderfully vivid picture of life in post-war Britain. Magorian has once again crafted a delicious mix of touchingly real characters and powerful drama. An achingly good read you won’t forgive yourself for missing. [RC]
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Age 12–14
JUDY MAY DIAMOND STAR GIRL THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN9781847170903 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Fifteen-year-old Tia is smart and funny, but she sometimes wishes she were cool and stylish instead, like her best friend Ro. When she and her friends are hired as extras on a film, Tia gets a chance to shine, and learns that the ‘cool’ people don’t necessarily make the best friends – or boyfriends! Written in diary form, this is a lively, warm-hearted story about learning to like yourself. There’s also plenty of behind-the-scenes information on filming for budding actors. [LM] READ ALSO: Blue Lavender Girl; Copper Girl; Hazel Wood Girl
EDITOR’S CHOICE OISÍN McGANN STRANGLED SILENCE CORGI, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552558624 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) It is only paranoia if they aren’t after you. In Oisín McGann’s new book they most certainly are after Amina, Chi and Ivor. Amina, a young journalism student, Ivor, a war veteran in his twenties and Chi, a hacker on a quest to uncover UFOs, are an unlikely trio to stop one of the world’s largest conspiracies. Strangled Silence is an exciting intriguing thriller with more twists than a Curly Wurly – a book to keep you looking over your shoulder as you read. [DM] SEE ALSO: www.oisinmcgann.com
SALLY NICHOLS WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER SCHOLASTIC, £7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781407104997 An accomplished debut novel, this beautiful and finely drawn study in character recounts in first person, eleven-year-old Sam McQueen’s final weeks as he loses his long fight with leukaemia. Sensitively told, with accurate medical detail, the poignant subject matter is skilfully lightened with wry humour, quirky detail and witty observation from the bright protagonist. A bittersweet tale, it permits us to closely observe Sam and his family struggling, not always successfully, to deal with the unfolding heartbreak. [JMit]
ROGHA AN EAGARTHÓRA COLMAN Ó RAGHALLAIGH STRAINSÉIRÍ CLÓ MHAIGH EO, 8.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922390 Cairdeas agus ciníochas, flaithiúlacht agus fuath ag suí lámh le lámh le chéile agus scríofa i mbealach an-speisialta. Lámhsaíonn an t-údar téamaí móra le tuiscint is le goilliúnachas a chruthaíonn scéal a théann i bhfeidhm go mór ar an léitheoir. Tá clúdach álainn ar an leabhar is tá usáid pictiúirí ó lár an chéid seo caite an-éifeachtach ar fad. Ní minic a déarfá gur fiú go mór agus gur chóir do gach déagóir leabhar a léamh – ach is eisceacht é seo. Tá píosa oibr e álainn ar leith cruthaithe ag an údar. [TÓD]
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 39 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:18 pm Page 40
Age 12–14
SIOBHÁN PARKINSON DIALANN SÁR-RÚNDA AMY NÍ CHONCHÚIR COIS LIFE, 10.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781901176780 Ceapann Amy nach bhfuil aici ach gnáth-shaol leadránach. Óna dialann, cuirimid aithne ar a cara galánta Lucy, go bhfuil a carta Visa féin aici. Faighimid amach faoi Marietta, go bhfuil dath glas ar a cuid gruaige, a chaitheann todógaí agus a phógann fear féasógach sa pháirc. Cad tá idir í agus an Máistir “Gloomy Twoomey”? Cad as a tháinig an cárta Vailintín? Cad a tharla ag bainis dheartháir Lucy? [AÓD]
ANN RINALDI HANG A THOUSAND TREES WITH RIBBONS WALKER BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406312485 This is the thought-provoking story of Phillis Wheately, an eighteenth-century slave and poet. Having survived an arduous journey to America she is bought by sympathetic and progressive owners. She is educated and encouraged by them to further her gift of poetry writing. Caught up in the politics of the time she longs for freedom but is afraid that she will hurt those who have helped her. Well-researched, this book brings the historical period to life from the perspective of both slave and owner. 13+ [JDea]
DARREN SHAN THE DEMONATA – DEATH’S SHADOW HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007260393 Grubbs Grady and the Disciples race against time to stop The Shadow, a new and very powerful demon from breaking through into our world. With the help of Bec, a priestess trapped for 1600 years and their new weapon the Kah- Gash, they try to close the windows between our world and the demon worlds forever. As always, Shan’s well drawn characters and otherworldly settings make this an unputdownable read. A must for all horror fans. [LC] SEE ALSO: www.darrenshan.com
JUSTIN STANCHFIELD SPACE COWBOY USBORNE, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780746087121 Sixteen-year-old Travis is one of a group of colonising ‘terraformers’ on the harsh, desolate planet called Aletha Three, his particular role being that of cattle drover. When ‘something unnatural’ takes up residence in the wastelands, he is involved in tracking down and confronting this avian creature, resulting in a narrative in which western and science fiction genres come together very entertainingly. Relationships in a small community riddled with tensions and rivalries are convincingly described, as is the barren landscape of Aletha itself: and there’s even the first, tentative signs of young romance! 13+ [RD]
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Age 12–14
JEREMY STRONG WEIRD PUFFIN BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141322025 Strong’s trademark sense of humour translates well into Weird, his second offering for teens. The story is told from the alternate viewpoints of the two main characters, Josh and Fizz, on work experience in a home for the elderly. This is a funny story about falling in love and learning to accept your family, even if they are weird and fill the house with stray goats! The elderly characters are also quirky and have interesting pasts. Ideal for young teens of both sexes. [MR] READ ALSO: Stuff
EDITOR’S CHOICE KATE THOMPSON CREATURE OF THE NIGHT THE BODLEY HEAD, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780370329291 A gritty tale about angry fourteen-year old Bobby, whose mother moves himself and his brother from a tough Dublin estate to the countryside. He fights with everyone on his personal journey to a reluctant realisation that country life holds some opportunity for his redemption. The characters are completely authentic and it is easy to understand Bobby’s frustrations as he deals with his struggling mother’s incompetence. With Kate’s signature hint of fantasy and supernatural, it is an original and very satisfying read. [JMit]
SEÁN UA CEARNAIGH BOB Ó CATHAIL A MHAISIGH AN GOBÁN SAOR AN GÚM, 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917086 Tá luas an leabhair seo iontach le go leor rudaí ag tarlú ann ón gcéad leathanach go dtí an leathanach dheireannach. Tógáil agus fuadach agus go leor eile … níl teorann ar bith leis an gcineál eachtra a tharlaíonn sa leabhar seo. Tá sé taitneamhach, éadrom, is bainfidh páistí sult as. É sin ráite, ní leabhar ar leith atá anseo, ach scéal a choinníonn suim an pháiste ón tús agus, ar ndóigh, cónaíonn gach duine go sona sásta go deo ag am deiridh. [TÓD] LÉIGH FREISIN: Cill Chais
JACQUELINE WILSON MY SISTER JODIE DOUBLEDAY, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385610124 The book has a fantastic setting, a Victorian boarding school called Melchester College. The central characters, Pearl and Jodie, are sisters and their parents have just started working as cook and caretaker at the school, so from the start the family are outsiders. Confident teenager, Jodie, has always been the leader but slowly things are shifting. Jodie doesn’t fit in at the new, ‘posh’ school, while nine-year-old Pearl is blossoming. Be warned, the ending is sad, yet deftly handled. Tissues at the ready. Also available on CD. [SW]
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Older Teens Edited by Liz Morris
MEET TIM BOWLER
I live in a small Devon village. It’s a peaceful place with fields, moor, sea and solitude within easy reach. My workroom is an old stone outhouse ten minutes’ walk from my home and known to the family as ‘Tim’s bolthole’. It’s sparse, cobwebby and decidedly eccentric but I like it. The only sound I hear when I’m working is birdsong and the occasional snort of horses in a nearby stable. Sometimes I take my laptop outside and write in a field overlooking the village. I have written stories since I was five. I believe in the power of stories to transform us. The great stories in our cultures travel with us through life. They become part of our emotional bloodstream and help to shape us. I love writing about teenagers. I find them complex, mysterious, fascinating. They’re not children or adults but a species all their own with more voices in their heads than a choir. Writing about teenagers involves remembering one’s own voices and listening for them again.
Bloodchild by Tim Bowler is reviewed on page 43 and Blade: Playing Dead on page 35
OLDER TEENS: A–Z
SHERMAN ALEXIE THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN ANDERSEN PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842708446 Encouraged by a teacher to move beyond the confines of the American Indian reservation where he lives, Junior switches to a wealthy, white school and immediately encounters resentment in his own community. Through his interactions with his new classmates, his relationship with his best friend and his cartoons – which are scattered throughout the text – we follow Junior’s struggles with personal and community identity. The narrative looks unflinchingly at reservation life, and is sometimes heartbreaking, yet the resilient, compelling hero means it’s never depressing, but often funny and uplifting. [HC]
EDITOR’S CHOICE TIM BOWLER BLOODCHILD OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780192719805 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Fifteen-year-old Will is involved in a very serious accident. When he awakes in hospital he can’t remember who he is. His family takes him home to their sleepy seaside village and the boy tries to piece together his memory – and find out why there seems to be a sinister conspiracy against him. A hint of the supernatural adds to the mystery. A tense, fast-paced, atmospheric thriller where neither protagonist nor reader can be sure in whom to trust. Bowler at his absolute best. [DL]
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Older Teens
KEVIN BROOKS BLACK RABBIT SUMMER PENGUIN BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141381459 ‘I wondered,’ ruminates the sixteen-year-old narrator of Brooks’s chilling novel, ‘if that’s what it was all about. Friends.’ The hazards of ‘friends’ being reunited serve as principal theme, starting on a sticky Saturday night when five teenagers, formerly childhood friends, agree to meet one final time in their old ‘den’. Drinking, drugs and an attempted sexual seduction all follow, though these are merely the prelude to a sequence of totally nightmarish events. Strong characterisation and equally strong realistic contemporary setting combine to give us a powerful and unnerving novel. [RD]
ANNE CASSIDY FORGET ME NOT SCHOLASTIC, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780439942904 This book centres on the mysterious disappearance of two toddlers who vanish twenty years apart. Both occurrences involve Stella’s mum, Terri, much to her daughter’s disbelief and suspicion. Present-day narration, interwoven with flashbacks to when Terri was a teenager, tantalisingly reveals the circumstances of events, and although the characterisation is a little unsteady at times, curiosity and intrigue are successfully sustained, making for a satisfying read. [JMit]
SIOBHÁN DOWD BOG CHILD DAVID FICKLING BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385614269 Bog Child is a moving story set in Northern Ireland during the time of the hunger strikes. Fergus’s life is upside down. He’s discovered a bog body, his brother is on hunger strike, he’s being blackmailed to courier mystery packages and he’s falling in love. The bog child’s story is gradually revealed through Fergus’s dreams while he works with the archaeologist and her daughter to discover the circumstances of her murder. This is a gripping read and proves again what a great storyteller Siobhán Dowd really was. [MR] READ ALSO: The London Eye Mystery
CLAIRE HENNESSY BIG PICTURE POOLBEG PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842233177 Approaches to the Leaving Certificate year are explored in this diary-format novel by ambitious, focussed Anna and her ‘naturally brilliant’ friend Vicky, who plans to study – sometime! Friends flit in and out of Vicky’s diary and inevitably become the ‘problem’ and there are broken relationships and friendships. Both girls ponder the value and structure of the Leaving Certificate examinations as a major step to the next phase of their lives, which would interest the pre- Leaving Certificate student. A realistic portrayal of a vital year in any young person’s life. [RH] READ ALSO: That Girl; Afterwards
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Older Teens
JACK GANTOS THE LOVE CURSE OF THE RUMBAUGHS MACMILLAN, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780230701854 Ivy stumbles on her families’ morbid secret when she is only seven and gradually comes to understand her connection to the elderly twins, her appreciation of the familial ‘love-curse’ and her deepening fear for the loss of her mother. This inevitable and rather homely horror tale ends when Ivy, now a taxidermist, is sixteen. Without ever scaring his reader, Gantos logically works us through what is essentially an unusual love story about preserving the unconditional love between mother and child. (I challenge you to forget it). [JMur]
EDITOR’S CHOICE KEITH GRAY OSTRICH BOYS DEFINITIONS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780099456575 A powerful and skilfully developed novel that reflects on the sensitive and rarely addressed subject of how teenage males deal with the unexpected death of a contemporary, particularly when there are suggestions that the friend, Ross, may have had a hand in his own death. This is a journey of self-discovery as much as a physical journey for Ross’s friends, as they steal the urn containing his ashes and take these to be scattered 261 miles away, in Ross, a small village in Scotland. Humorous, poignant, brilliant – not to be missed. [LM] READ ALSO: The Fearful; Malarkey
DENNIS HAMLEY DIVIDED LOYALTIES WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406304077 A German/English family’s experience during the WWII, told through third- and first-person narratives, this books gifts the reader a rare insight into both sides of the war from various characters’ perspectives, which is thought-provoking. Tensions within the family are well-explored and detail is remarkably authentic, particularly of battles, aircraft and military life. This excellent book, with good characterisation, makes a very satisfying read, appealing to readers with an interest in the era, or in a good human interest tale. [JMit]
MARY HOOPER NEWES FROM THE DEAD THE BODLEY HEAD, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780370329482 1650s Oxford. Servant girl Anne Green was hanged for infanticide after her premature baby died. As physicians gathered to begin dissection, signs of life were noticed and Anne was revived. This true story is told through Anne’s eyes – her seduction and pregnancy, imprisonment and trial – revealing the bleakness of servant life, especially for women, at that time. Despite a rather abrupt ending, this is a good read. [BO’T]
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Older Teens
EDITOR’S CHOICE CELINE KIERNAN THE POISON THRONE BOOK 1: THE MOOREHAWKE TRILOGY THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 12.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171108 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Fifteen-year-old Wynter Moorehawke returns with her father to the Kingdom after a five-year banishment. But much has changed, and religion and race have become divisive, fear and prejudice commonplace. Forced to abandon her ailing father, she and her friends attempt to restore the fragile kingdom to its former stability. The first in a trilogy, this novel, set in a fictionalised fourteenth-century Europe, is a remarkable combination of court intrigue, adventure and romance. The narrator’s voice is strong and the writing stylish. An excellent story from a debut Irish author. [CM]
MARGO LANAGAN RED SPIKES DAVID FICKLING, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385613224 These ten short stories from Australian writer Margo Lanagan will be a treat for readers not easily scared by forays into spooky fantasy domains. Her quirky, inventive and occasionally disturbing world – lightened at times by an engagingly macabre sense of humour – is given vivid realisation in narratives which successfully combine emotional and aesthetic impact. To gain an immediate flavour of their approach, start with ‘Winkie’, Lanagan’s re-working of the traditional nursery rhyme ‘Wee Willie Winkie’ – and keep the light on when you go to bed that evening. [RD]
CAROLYN MACKLER GUYAHOLIC WALKER BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406312164 V seems to have turned over a new leaf – after an unsettled childhood, she’s living with her grandparents, is headed for university and has a steady boyfriend. But a combination of events at graduation sends her on a road trip to visit her unreliable mother. On her journey, she reconnects with her past and makes some hard decisions about her future. Funny, at times poignant, but never self- pitying, this is an unsentimental account of V’s voyage of self-discovery. [HC] READ ALSO: Vegan, Virgin, Valentine
PATRICIA McCORMICK SOLD WALKER BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406313956 Thirteen-year-old Lakshmi is sold into sexual slavery, taken from her Nepalese village to a brothel in India, where her childish innocence is brutally shattered by the horrors of her new life. Powerful and uncompromising, this important book, endorsed by Amnesty International, tells the story of the 12,000 Nepali girls trafficked into the sex trade each year. While its ending suggests rescue and survival, the reader is left with the certainty that thousands of women do not escape. Disturbing but completely gripping from beginning to end. [BO’T] READ ALSO: Cut
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Older Teens
ANTHONY McGOWAN THE KNIFE THAT KILLED ME DEFINITIONS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781862306066 This chillingly realistic story exposes the harshness and casual brutality of secondary school life, where the pressure to belong and to fend off bullying compels Paul to accept a knife from another boy and to become involved in a gang fight. While the book’s title suggests the violence of the ending, its power is in the build-up to the shocking climax, and is both heartbreaking and riveting. A gripping novel. [BO’T]
PERRY MOORE HERO CORGI, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552555869 Being a teenager isn’t easy at the best of times, particularly if you are gay. Or a superhero. Hero does not shy away from taboos or controversial areas. However, this is an entertaining and witty read, with a well-developed and likeable central character. Although somewhat predictable, Hero is one of the most outstanding books of the year, bravely tackling sensitive issues with tact and sympathy in a gripping book that never fails to thrill or amuse. [PMcG]
PATRICK NESS THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO WALKER BOOKS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406310252 Patrick Ness reckons that his new book, The Knife of Never Letting Go, is like ‘reading Philip Pullman while simultaneously falling off a cliff’. It’s his first book for teenagers and it doesn’t let you stop to catch your breath from beginning to end. Todd Hewitt was born on New World. He can hear the thoughts of everyone in his village and they can hear his. But life on New World is full of secrets and Todd is about to start discovering the truth. [DM]
MEADHBH NÍ EADHRA FÁINNE FÍ FÍFÍ MÓINÍN, 9 (BOG), ISBN 9780955407956 Úrscéal é seo atá lonnaithe san Eoraip i saol an lae inniu. Tá sé dírithe ar dhéagóirí is tá taisteal, grá, fuath is feallaireacht ann. Tá an bealach a insítear an scéil an-suimiúil. Tá ceithre príomhcharachtair agus tógann siad muid tríd an scéal i gcaibidil difriúla. Thaitin an bealach seo go mór liom agus d’oibrigh sé. Bíodh sin ráite, bhí forbairt an scéil ró-mhall, rud a thóg ó thaitneamh an leabhair don léitheoir seo. Taobh amuigh de sin, is leabhar é seo a bhainfidh déagóirí sult as. [TÓD]
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Older Teens
HELENA PIELICHATY ACCIDENTAL FRIENDS OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192755100 What happens when your master-plan doesn’t work out? Pielichaty’s four characters become the ‘accidental friends’ of the title when they are thrust together on the first day of term, in a college that none of them wanted to end up in. The story of their reluctant friendship unfolds in this quirky and engaging novel charting the group’s eventful passage into adulthood. This is a story which will appeal to anyone who has ever waited on exam results. [AD]
SARAH SINGLETON THE AMETHYST CHILD SIMON & SCHUSTER, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781416925910 The Amethyst Child is a story of friendship, love and mystery that changes the lives of three teen misfits forever. Over the course of a summer, Amber finds herself drawn into a cult – a seemingly loving and harmonious group that hides some dark and dangerous secrets. The story is told in flashback, with scenes of Amber being interviewed at the police station. The author captures the vulnerability and confusion of lonely, unconventional teens very well. She also deals with some difficult issues, such as suicide, in a sensitive manner. [MR]
TABITHA SUZUMA A VOICE IN THE DISTANCE DEFINITIONS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781862303553 Suzuma’s challenging and memorable A Note of Madness introduced us to young musical genius Flynn and this is the sequel that excellent book deserves. Jennah, his lover, is a wonderful foil to the chaos that is Flynn as he once more faces his depression and deals not only with his condition but the lives of those who care for him: his friends, parents, brother and teachers at the College of Music. Suzuma is a master storyteller, dealing with her characters in a very realistic and uncompromising way. [FO’S]
JOHN VAN DE RUIT SPUD PUFFIN BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141323565 Spud Milton is thrown into the chaotic world of a South African boarding school in 1990. Through his diary he records his adventures as his world changes against the backdrop of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Rude, crude and raucous with plenty of talk of bodily functions – Van de Ruit has captured the spirit of a hormone-driven thirteen-year-old boy perfectly. The light- hearted tone doesn’t waiver but some of the comic set pieces are possibly just a little too farcical. [DL]
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Poetry Edited by Enda Wyley
SÉAMUS CASHMAN ‘…WITH MY LITTLE I…’
In 2004, when I wrote the preface to Something Beginning with P: New Poems from Irish Poets, I knew there was much of real value between the covers. But how to strike an enticing note for even the reluctant reader? Browsing through the collection, I found what seemed to be just the right words of introduction. The book, I wrote, ‘is a maze of poem-filled words, juggling with ideas and images, filled with laughter, sadnesses and wonders throughout all is a kind of madness – the madness of being alive…’ Now, four years later, with the book recently published in a seductively vibrant paperback format by The O’Brien Press, these words hold true for me. The ‘madness’ that energises these poems still shapes my surprise and delight each time I revisit the book – and will do so for years to come.
Something Beginning With P is reviewed on page 49
POETRY: A–Z
JOHN AGARD ILLUSTRATED BY SATOSHI KITAMURA THE YOUNG INFERNO FRANCES LINCOLN, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845077693 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Read Dante’s Inferno as never before in John Agard’s version written specifically for younger readers in a graphic novel format and wickedly illustrated by the inimitable Kitamura. In the city of Dis everyone disses everyone. But with Aesop as his guide, can the hoodie hero make it through nine circles of Hell and back again? And will he find his soulmate Beatrice? As Agard writes, ‘behind this adventure into hell lies a search for love.’ An explosive retelling of Dante’s classic. 8+ [EW]
EDITOR’S CHOICE SÉAMUS CASHMAN (ED) ILLUSTRATED BY CORRINA ASKIN AND ALAN CLARKE SOMETHING BEGINNING WITH P: NEW POEMS FROM IRISH POETS THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 14.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170927 The newly-issued paperback edition of ‘Something Beginning with P’ is a book full of words and wonder. Featuring a new cover illustration, this is an anthology in which the pictures and poems dance around each other in delight. All the work was especially commissioned for the book and the combined result makes the pieces leap off the page. Suitable for readers and listeners up to twelve-years-old, this book can equally be read from by parents or be used in the classroom. [JO’H]
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Poetry
JONARNO LAWSON (ED) ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY HANNAH INSIDE OUT WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406308143 In this anthology twenty-four poems are followed by notes from the twenty- four poets, giving a real sense of how a poem is made. Unfortunately this reviewer found the design irritating and the illustrations too busy. Small white text on a blue background will have young readers reaching for a magnifying glass – or worse, throwing the book aside! Which is a pity, as a feast of poems and comments by top class writers are there to enjoy – if only the design were more reader friendly. Age 8+ [EW]
ANDREW FUSEK PETERS AND POLLY PETERS ILLUSTRATED BY JIM COPLESTONE THE NO-NO BIRD FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845078102 The No-No’s favourite word is No! – that is until he meets the starving snake whose favourite food is No-No Bird. A simple narrative poem for young readers that might also be of use to parents dealing with feisty children who adore saying no. The rhymes are fun and the plot, though not hugely original, will no doubt keep younger readers guessing as to just how the bird escapes a sticky end. A perfect book for reading aloud and also to encourage independent reading. Age 3+ [EW]
CHOSEN BY ROGER McGOUGH ILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS MOULD YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! A COLLECTION OF CAUTIONARY VERSE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £8.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192792167 Grisly poems fill the pages of this collection of poetry compiled by Roger McGough. Great tall tailors snip thumbs off from thumb-sucking children, disobedient goblins have their ears twisted by angry mothers, mischievous boys cause havoc with dangerous toys … These are just some of the themes that fill this fun book of naughty verse. And what about poor Gr egory Gruber the glutton whose gut exploded? A collection that should keep readers giggling, and certainly one to pass on to friends for a laugh. Age 8+ [EW]
MICHAEL ROSEN ILLUSTRATED BY QUENTIN BLAKE MUSTARD, CUSTARD, GRUMBLE BELLY AND GRAVY BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747587385 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Looking for one of the best collections of poems for children? Bloomsbury has recently combined Michael Rosen’s groundbreaking You Can’t Catch Me and Don’t Put Mustard in the Custard into one volume. First published twenty-five years ago, these poems have stood the test of time and remain as unique as ever. The book is ingeniously illustrated by Quentin Blake and includes an introduction by Rosen and a CD of the poet masterfully reading his poems. Poetry for children doesn’t get much better than this. Age 4+ [EW]
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Poetry
CHOSEN BY ROGER STEVENS ILLUSTRATED BY NIGEL BAINES LET’S RECYCLE GRANDAD: A COLLECTION OF NEW AND RECYCLED POEMS A & C BLACK, £3.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780713688511 Roger Stevens has compiled many poetry anthologies, including The Monster that Ate the Universe and The Secret Life of Pants. He also runs the ‘Poetry Zone’ website for children, which admirably encourages children to read and write poetry. That Stevens is a dynamic, pro-active author shows in this great collection of poems for children, quirkily put together in sections such as ‘Things to Do in a Traffic Jam,’ ‘Things that go Bump in the Night’, or ‘The Last Laugh’. An exciting, inspiring read. Age 8 + [EW]
GORDON GREEN ILLUSTRATED BY SHOLTO WALKER BUZZ OFF! TWO PLUS4 PUBLISHING, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780955832208 Husband and wife team Maria Macklin and Gordon Green established an independent publishing company to ensure that Gordon’s story be illustrated, printed and reach a younger audience. It is a simple story which seems perfectly pitched at 3–5 year olds. When a weary fly seeks a bed for the night his request is rejected by all but one of the farmyard animals. A rhyming tale with a smelly end that will no doubt be much enjoyed by younger readers. Age 3+ [EW]
EDITOR’S CHOICE MARGARET MAHY ILLUSTRATED BY POLLY DUNBAR BUBBLE TROUBLE FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781845077587 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Margaret Mahy, one of the most outstanding writers for children today, and acclaimed illustrator Polly Dunbar team up in this wonderful book. ‘Little Mable blew a bubble and it caused a lot of tr ouble … Where it bobbled over baby and it wafted him away.’ The story flows along in hilarious and often tongue-twisting rhyme as the people of the town try to get the baby down from the bubble safe and sound. A fun, richly imaginative book for 3–5 year olds. Age 3+ [EW]
COMPILED BY JUDITH NICHOLLS ILLUSTRATED BY BETH KROMMES THE SUN IN ME, POEMS ABOUT THE PLANET BAREFOOT BOOKS, £7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781846861604 Poems from many different cultures are gathered here by the poet Judith Nicholls in a beautiful anthology which celebrates our planet and also encourages that we respect and conserve the natural wilderness we have. ‘Forest could keep secrets/ And we must keep forest.’ the poet Grace Nicholls advises, keeping very much to the spirit of this volume. Vibrant illustrations, important themes and strong poetry make this an essential book of poetry for any household. Age 8+ [EW]
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WRITING AN INFORMATION BOOK – LAOISE NÍ CHOMHRAÍ
I wrote the book Ag Taisteal le Tarlach sa tSeapáin because I wanted Irish children to have the opportunity to learn about other cultures in a way that was enjoyable. When I was a child I loved reading about other countries but the books were dated and I wasn’t interested in the level of pollution or modes of transport. I wanted to learn about the day-to-day lives of children: the food they ate, the games the played, the stories they were told, etc. I had lived in Japan and I found the country fascinating. The culture is very different and I knew that children would be interested in that. As well as making notes on ordinary things such as education and food I collected coins, dolls, clothes, festivals, traditions and stories. When I got home I put together the material and wrote the story around it. In the end there was so much material I set up a website (www.agtaistealletarlach.com) earlier this year.
Laoise Ní Chomhraí’s next book Ag Taisteal le Tarlach sa Pholainn will be published by An Gúm in November 2008.
INFORMATION BOOKS: A–Z
EDITOR’S CHOICE WE ARE ALL BORN FREE FRANCES LINCOLN, IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, UK SECTION, £14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845076504 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) The power of this book is in its simplicity – the thirty Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights laid out in unambiguous language, every page containing a superb illustration, all contributed by well-known authors / illustrators, including our own Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick. The different styles of each combine to create a unique tapestry. A must-have book. In this 60th anniversary year of the Declaration, a copy should be distributed free-of-charge to every household in the country. [BO’T]
CÉN FÁTH A mBÍONN RUDAÍ AITE AR BUN AG AINMHITHE DEASA? AN GÚM, 6.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916959 Leabhar eolais faoi ainmhithe é seo. Tá sé deas simplí le fíric amháin ar ghach leathanach m sh cén fáth a mbíonn madra ag tafann? Bheadh suim ag páistí uile an leabhair seo a léamh. Tá sé curtha ós comhair an léitheora i mbealach fíor-thaitneamhach. Tá pictiúir amháin ag dul le fíric amháin ar ghach uile leathanach, rud atá an-éifeachtach ar fad. Oiriúnach do léitheoirí aois 9–12. [DNA’B] LÉIGH FREISIN: Cén Fáth A Bhfuil Cuma Ait Orainn?
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Information Books
SIMON ADAMS ARCHAEOLOGY DETECTIVES OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £11.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780199116805 This book examines fifteen archaeological sites of significance from around the world. These sites cover the span of human history from the cave paintings of Altamira, to the wreck of the Titanic, and the four corners of the world from Mohenjo-Daro, a city in the Indus River Valley, Pakistan to Ozette, a Native-American village in Washington State, USA. Fascinating snippets of information about the places and objects and the people who discovered them are backed up by full-colour photographs and illustrations from bygone centuries. Age 8+ [HP]
DAVID BURNIE COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION: ANIMALS IN DANGER OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780199116003 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) This book discusses the species of animals that have already become extinct, and the others that are in danger of joining them. It covers the causes of extinction, concentrating on those that are the result of human interference. Hunting and the loss of habitat and the measures being taken to combat them are described in some detail. A note of optimism occurs occasionally with the inclusion of stories about the few species that have been successfully br ought back from the brink of extinction. Age 8+ [HP]
SALLY POMME CLAYTON ILLUSTRATED BY SOPHIE HERXHEIMER AMAZONS! WOMEN WARRIORS OF THE WORLD FRANCES LINCOLN, £14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845076603 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) This is an excellent collection of stories and myths from all over the world, each celebrating a strong female warrior. From the Chinese ‘Dragon Girl’, to ‘Durga’ the Indian Dragon Slayer and ‘Winning Eagle Feathers’, a Native-American Girl, they are fascinating, exciting tales, ideal for reading aloud. The lush, painterly illustrations by Sophie Herxheimer add visual drama to each page. The book closes with an empowering ‘Amazon Spell’, encouraging girls to be strong, brave and confident, based on a Sanskrit hymn. Age 7+ [SW]
DAVID DE ROTHSCHILD (ED) EARTH MATTERS DORLING KINDERSLEY, £17.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405318884 A beautifully produced book of over 200 pages which is packed with information about our planet and animals, from the story of the earth’s formation, to each climate zone, including its oceans, and its animals. It also explains what is happening to our planet and what people can do to help save the environment. As with a lot of DK books, the photographs are stunning, catching squirrels in mid flight, and snow leopards running, and this is a terrific, lively book for sharing with children. Age 7+ [MK]
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Information Books
MALACHY DOYLE ILLUSTRATED BY ANGELO RINALDI HORSE SIMON & SCHUSTER, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781416911036 Following Malachy Doyle and Angelo Rinaldi’s last collaboration, Horse is another impressive book that puts the reader at the paddock fence. The simple text introduces a beautiful palomino, then her foal, and follows its growth through the seasons until it’s ready to be trained. The stunning realistic oil paintings of the stable, the meadow, the dusky clouds and beach are idyllic. And the illustrations of the horse make you want to reach out to touch its mane and pet its nose. The reader can really appreciate the beauty and attraction of this magnificent animal. [PO’D]
NICOLE DRYBURGH THE WAY I SEE IT HODDER, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780340956922 It is hard not be moved by this remarkably upbeat story of a teenager’s battle with life-threatening spinal cancer over the past seven years. At the outset, Nicole – now eighteen-years-old, blind and wheelchair-bound – sets out rules for the reader: no pity or sympathy wanted. She delivers a blow-by-blow account of her experiences with her cancer and her determination nonetheless to get on with the things she likes doing. It also covers the experiences of her family, friends and care-team. This is essential reading for anyone facing serious illness, either firsthand or indirectly. Age 10+ [EG]
ALEX FIRTH ILLUSTRATED BY PETER ALLEN SEE INSIDE PLANET EARTH USBORNE BOOKS, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780746087541 This picture book explores the wonder that is planet Earth. It describes how special and how fragile it is. Scientific and environmental facts are scattered across the pages and hidden beneath copious flaps. The wealth of detail in the colourful, cheerful, cartoon-style illustrations makes repeated readings rewarding. There is a strong environmental theme throughout the book, and the final double- page spread is devoted to the small changes everyone can make to combat climate change. Friends of the Earth receives a donation for every copy sold. Age 6+ [HP]
EDITOR’S CHOICE LEONIE FLYNN, DANIEL HAHN AND SUSAN REUBEN THE ULTIMATE FIRST BOOK GUIDE A & C BLACK, £12.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780713673319 There are over 8,000 children’s books published every year, and guides like this are indispensable for parents, teachers, booksellers, librarians, and everyone working with children and children’s books. As well as being a brilliant guide to over 500 books for the 0 to 7s, it’s also great fun and so bright and well- designed it’s a joy to read. It doesn’t take itself too seriously either. Every library, school and home should have a copy of this great book. [SW]
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Information Books
ALAN GIBBONS ILLUSTRATED BY LEO BROWN CHARLES DARWIN KINGFISHER, £14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780753417294 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) Ten-year-old James is Charles Darwin’s assistant on the Beagle’s second voyage, helping him to study exotic animals and collect specimens. Through his eyes the reader learns about some of the most exciting natural history discoveries of the nineteenth-century. The text is well-written and funny in places, blending historical facts with a boy’s fictional diary to produce a most interesting book. The illustrations are colourful and packed with detail. Ideal for the classroom or for sharing at home. Age 7+ [SW]
REG GRANT WORLD WAR II DORLING KINDERSLEY, £17.99 (HBK WITH DVD), ISBN 9781405328715 Over 50 million people died during World War II and this book – produced in association with the Imperial War Museum – chronicles the war through the eyes of the people who lived through it, both soldiers and civilians. The text is well- written and informative, and each page is attractively laid out, with maps, diagrams and stunning photographs. The accompanying DVD shows film footage of the time, maps, charts and timelines, bringing this period of history vividly to life for modern children. Age 9+ [SW]
ROGHA AN EAGARTHÓRA BEATRICE HOLLYER SEOSAMH Ó MURCHÚ A RINNE AN LEAGAN GAEILGE RÉAMHFHOCAL LE ZADIE SMITH AN tUISCE, SÚ NA BEATHA AN GÚM, I GCOMHAR LE OXFAM, 7.50, ISBN 9781857917246 Is leabhar iontach é seo a phléann an tábhacht a bhaineann le huisce. Sa leabhar, buaileann muid le seisear páiste ó thíortha éagsúla. Tugann an seisear
eolas dúinn faoina saol agus an stadas atá ag uisce ina saoil. Tá a lán le Beatrice Hollyer i gcomhar le foghlaim sa leabhar. Tá grianghrafanna ann in áit pictiúirí, rud a cheadaíonn Réamhfhocal le Zadie Smith don léitheoir ceangal a dhéanamh leis na páistí atá sa leabhar. Is fiú go mór an leabhar seo a cheannach. [DNA’B]
CATHERINE JOHNSON ILLUSTRATED BY SEB CAMAGAJEVAC ARCTIC HERO: THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF MATTHEW HENSON BARRINGTON STOKE, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842994931 This gripping yarn is the true story of explorer Matthew Henson, a black male born just after the abolition of slavery in America. Henson was a hero to his comrades on Polar expeditions but discriminated against at home. It wasn’t until after his death that his achievements were fully recognised and honoured. Johnson has managed to express ‘grown-up’ concepts in a clear, concise fashion without being patronising. This book will appeal to reluctant readers, and have particular relevance in the classroom. Age 8+ [PM] READ ALSO: Escape From Colditz by Deborah Chancellor
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INformation Books
KIDS’ OWN PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP THIS IS THE PLACE I LIKE BEST KIDS’ OWN PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP, 15.00 (PBK), ISBN 9781902432298 A bright, zany, honest collection of stories, jokes, poems and art work by children themselves. The product of a series of Children’s Book Festival workshops in association with various libraries all over the country, from Deansgrange, to Donegal, and Clonakilty, it’s beautifully produced, well-edited, and a fascinating insight into what children living in Ireland, but from many different cultures, really think and feel about their towns. The eye-poppingly colourful artwork is a treat. This book should be in every library in the country. Age 4+ [SW]
KATE KNIGHTON ILLUSTRATED BY ADAM LARKUM WHY SHOULDN’T I EAT JUNK FOOD? USBORNE BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780746087558 This informative guide is clear, simple and factual, without being preachy. It is a good way to introduce children to the reasons why healthy eating is so important. Topics, such as food groups, processed food, the importance of exercise, Fairtrade, organic food and genetically modified food are all handled in a conversational style. With easy step-by-step recipes and alternative lunch box suggestions, accompanied by vibrant illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with parents, teachers and children. [SQ]
EDITOR’S CHOICE ÉANNA NÍ LAMHNA PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTHONY WOODS WILD DUBLIN: EXPLORING NATURE IN THE CITY THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 24.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847170125 A terrific book, by a wonderfully charismatic nature expert, crammed with interesting facts about Dublin wildlife, with glowing colour photographs by Anthony Woods. I had no idea there were lizards in Dundrum, or minks beside the Liffey, or that frogs were introduced to Ireland in the 1600s by a fellow of Trinity College Dublin who put frogspawn in College Park (or so the story goes). I had such fun reading this book, and it’s perfect for sharing with children. Highly recommended. Age 7+ [SW]
VINCENT McDONNELL MICHAEL COLLINS: MOST WANTED MAN COLLINS PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905172627 This book details the life and times of Michael Collins, beginning with his boyhood growing-up near Clonakilty to his death at Béal na mBláth. This a most enjoyable read, from the opening cinematic description of one of Collins’s closest escapes from pursuing British forces to the closing speculation on what he could have achieved if he had not died so prematurely. Although the author’s view of Collins is mostly uncritical, his penchant for biting the ears of his wrestling opponents is mentioned more than once. Age 10+ [HP]
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Information Books
ULTAN MACKEN THE STORY OF DANIEL O’CONNELL: IRISH HEROES FOR CHILDREN SERIES MERCIER PRESS, 9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781856355964 This is a short biography of Daniel O’Connell, who successfully fought for Catholic Emancipation in nineteenth-century Ireland. It covers his life, from childhood to death. The influences that shaped him and the notable events in his life are described in detail. The explanations of the background to his struggle makes his achievements appear all the more remarkable. The legacy of the man known as ‘the Liberator’ is described in glowing terms. This book is readable and informative, and a useful resource for project work. Age 10+ [HP]
MICK MANNING AND BRITA GRANSTROM TAIL-END CHARLIE FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845076511 (PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2008) This is a fascinating true account of World War II seen through the eyes of the author’s father, Charlie Manning, who was a tail-gunner in a B25. It covers RAF training, to flying into flak, facing enemy fighters, and much more. Full of original photographs, letters, newspaper cuttings and lively cartoon strip illustrations, this book really brings the war alive. A must for any child who is interested in history, the family story behind the book makes it all the more poignant. Age 6+ [SW]
AGNES NIEUWENHUIZEN RIGHT BOOK RIGHT TIME: 500 GREAT READS FOR TEENAGERS ALLEN & UNWIN, £12.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781741148831 Keeping teens reading is no easy matter, and this rewarding and comprehensive book is a vital tool for teachers, librarians and parents. Nieuwenhuizen is an Australian expert on children’s books and she reviews five hundred novels in twelve themed sections – from ‘When You Want to Laugh’ to ‘This Sporting Life’. Some of the titles were new to me, others familiar. The reviews are honest, funny, and above all, relevant. An excellent reference book for anyone interested in teenagers and what they read. Age Teens and Adults [SW]
RICHARD PLATT PAPER ENGINEERING BY DAVID HAWCOCK MOON LANDING: A POP-UP CELEBRATION OF APOLLO 11 WALKER BOOKS, £14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406315271 (PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 2008) What sets this spectacular book apart from many in the genre is the wealth of experience that the award-winning author and paper-engineer bring to the project. There is tremendous variety on each double-spread, guaranteeing that even the most reluctant reader will engage with the contents, picking up memorable gems from the accessible text. Presented in a way that could cater for a range of interest levels and ability, this is a highly recommended resource for school project work and general interest.7+ [MK] SEE ALSO: www.richardplatt.co.uk
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Information Books
JAMES ROY THE ‘S’ WORD: A BOYS’ GUIDE TO SEX, PUBERTY AND GROWING UP THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 11.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170569 James Roy is a trained nurse and also works with young people; and he certainly knows his stuff. Written in a funny, jaunty voice, with lots of cartoon illustrations, this is a hard-hitting, informative and slightly shocking guide to growing up for teenage boys. As the mother of such a creature, I found it most enlightening but it’s certainly not for the easily embarrassed (parent that is!). But it is ideal for teenage boys, and best of all, they might actually read it. Age 13/14 + [SW]
TRACEY TURNER AND RICHARD HORNE 101 THINGS YOU WISH YOU’D INVENTED BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747591986 It’s hard to find an information book that will keep a teenage boy reading, but here it is, a slightly unorthodox, but very entertaining book about cool inventions, real and imaginary. From the thermometer, to pizza, submarines, teleporters, and rollercoasters, this book is packed with interesting facts about the world we live in. There are also quizzes to take, Sudoku pages, things to make and even recipes. A seriously addictive, interactive book, ideal for boys with short attention spans. Age 11+ [SW]
MELANIE WALSH THINGS I CAN DO TO HELP MY WORLD WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406310863 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2009) This picture book lists the ways that even toddlers can help make our planet a better place. The illustrations are simple, bold and colourful, perfect for the youngest reader. These pictures, combined with the clever cut-outs, make turning every page an entertaining experience. Each of the ten points listed is followed by an aside, in smaller text. This explanation of the environmental value of each activity snakes through the relevant illustration. The book’s green credentials even extend to its manufacture: only recycled materials were used. Age 3+ [HP]
GEOFF WARING OSCAR AND THE BIRD: A BOOK ABOUT ELECTRICITY WALKER BOOKS, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406308136 (PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2008) Oscar is a curious cat with lots of questions. Luckily, wise Bird is there to provide some answers. How did the windscreen wiper start moving? What is electricity? How is it made? Bird explains how a switch can power it on and off. This simple, colourful picture book gives some answers to the everyday questions that young children ask. A gentle introduction to electrical power and the laws of physics. Strong, graphic illustrations add to the appeal of this attractive and useful book. Age 3+ [PO’D]
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Audio Books Edited by Sarah Webb
BETTY G BIRNEY, READ BY GREG PROOPS THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY FABER & FABER, £10.99 (AUDIO CD), ISBN 9780571240449 Comedian Greg Proops breathes life into this observation of life from the viewpoint of the ultimate outsider, the school hamster. Humphrey shows that brainy Sayeh is not just shy, that troublesome Garth has problems at home, and that even strict Mrs Brisbane needs compassion and help. An entertaining and charming rendition. 7+ [PM] READ ALSO: Friendship According to Humphrey
NICOLA DAVIS ILLUSTRATED BY NICK MALAND, READ BY STEPHEN TOMKINSON BIG BLUE WHALE WALKER BOOKS, £6.99, (PBK AND AUDIO CD), ISBN 9781846430718 This wonderfully informative book should satisfy even the most enquiring little minds. Cross-hatched pen and ink illustrations perfectly capture and convey the essence of the text (from the vastness of the whale to the loneliness of the ocean). The accompanying audio CD contains brilliant sound effects, a read-along version and a catchy ditty. 5+ [PM] READ ALSO: Ice-Bear; White Owl; Barn Owl
EDITOR’S CHOICE RÉ Ó LAIGHLÉIS LÉITE AG RÉ Ó LAIGHLÉIS AN NOLLAIG SA NAIGÍN MÓINÍN, 12.50 (DLÚTHDHIOSC CD), ISBN 9780955407901 Leagan CD de An Nollaig sa Naigín le glór an údair féin ag léamh na scéalta. É iniúchach paróisteach agus domhanda ag aon am amháin. É ar fheabhas leis féin nó mar thionlacan don leabhar. Aistear draíochtúil, aistear fírinne, ar saibhra dá bharr. 9+ [TÓD]
EDITOR’S CHOICE MAL PEET READ BY JAMES GOODE KEEPER WALKER BOOKS, £10.99 (AUDIO CD), ISBN 9781406310290 This unabridged audiobook is over six hours long but captivating. The narrative takes the form of an extended interview with a world-class goalkeeper, El Gato, The Cat, as he tells a football reporter a ghost story which explains how he learnt his craft as a boy in the Amazon Jungle. Gripping! 12+[LJ] LISTEN ALSO: The Penalty
WILL PETERSON READ BY TERESA GALLAGHER TRISKELLION WALKER BOOKS, £13.20 (AUDIO CD), ISBN 9781406316957 This audio version of teenage adventures in Triskellion will appeal to 11 to 14 year-olds interested in archaeology and the paranormal. Although well-voiced – the main characters’ American tones are skilfully woven with various English accents – the pace is uneven and the story’s disparate threads take a long time to come together. [EG]
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Irish Published Children's Books
AN GÚM MAOLÍOSA NÍ CHLÉIRIGH LEABHAR BREAC RÓISÍN CURÉ A MHAISIGH www.gaeilge.ie TURAS GO MAIGH EO www.leabharbreac.com MARY ARRIGAN 9.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857917437 MÁRIE NÍ GHALLCHOBHAIR, LOUELLA DE LAIGHT LAOISE NÍ CHOMHRAÍ MAISITHE AG PETER DONNELLY 8.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916652 AG TAISTEAL LE TARLACH SA NÍL CEAD SNÁMH SA LOCH PHOLAINN 4.90 (BOG), ISBN 9781898332268 MÁIRE BREATHNACH 10.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857917413 VERA AGUS A VEIDHLÍN LÉARÁIDÍ LE ROBERT BALLAGH GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK, RÓISÍN 10.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857917185 CURÉ A MHAISIGH MERCIER NA DAOINE DALLA www.mercierpress.ie STEVE CANNON 10.50 (CRUA), MAIRÉAD AGUS AN FOGHLAÍ ISBN 9781857916805 WILLIAM HENRY MARA TÍR NA nÓG – A NEW ADVENTURE 5.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917222 SEÁN UA CEARNAIGH, 14.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355971 BOB Ó CATHAIL A MHAISIGH ROSS COLLINS AN GOBÁN SAOR ULTAN MACKEN AN DAID IS CLISTE AR FAD! 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917086 THE STORY OF DANIEL 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917406 O’CONNELL 9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781856355964 CAROLYN CURTIS, ALISON JAY A MHAISIGH, GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK CLÓ MHAIGH EO IOSOLD NÍ DHEIRG A CHUIR I nGAEILGE www.leabhar.com THE STORY OF MICHAEL COLLINS THUGAS AN GHEALACH AG SIÚL 9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781856355957 COLMÁN Ó RAGHALLAIGH 6.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917093 NA CAILLEACHA GRÁNNA EILEEN O’HELY JACQUELINE DE BRÚN 8.99 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922451 PENNY THE ATHLETE CARTOON SALOON A RINNE NA LÉARÁIDÍ 8.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355704 COLMÁN Ó RAGHALLAIGH SCOIL AN CHNOIC STRAINSÉIRÍ 8.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916799 8.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922390 CLAIRE FREEDMAN & BEN CORT, MÓINÍN GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK A CHUIR I www.moinin.ie nGAEILGE COIS LIFE SEACHAIN DO BHRÍSTÍN! SUSAN EDWARDS & RÉ Ó www.coislife.ie LAIGHLÉIS, 7.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916997 LÉARÁIDÍ LE EMILY COLENSO MARVIN HALLERAKER, AISTRITHE AN PHLEIST MHÓR BEATRICE HOLLYER AG TREASA NÍ BHRUA AGUS AN tUISCE, SÚ NA BEATHA MAGNUS VESTVOLL 14.00 (CRUA), I gCOMHAR LE OXFAM, 7.50, ADOLF SNA HARDA ISBN 9780955407963 ISBN 9781857917246 9.00 (CRUA), ISBN 9871901176810 MEADHBH NÍ EADHRA TADHG MAC DHONNAGÁIN, KIERON SIOBHÁN PARKINSON FÁINNE FÍ FÍFÍ BLACK A MHAISIGH DIALANN SÁR-RÚNDA AMY NÍ 9.00 (BOG), ISBN 9780955407956 BRAN AGUS SCEOLÁN CHONCHÚIR 7.00, (BOG), ISBN 9781857917116 10.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781901176780
TADHG MAC DHONNAGÁIN PHAETON PUBLISHING OISÍN www.phaeton.ie 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917420 KIDS’ OWN PUBLISHING STACY AUMONIER www.kidsown.ie NICOLA MOFFAT EXTREMELY ENTERTAINING LÁ BREÁ FUAR THIS IS THE PLACE I LIKE BEST SHORT STORIES 4.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857917130 15.00 (PBK), ISBN 9781902432298 17.50 (PBK), ISBN 9780955375637
60 BOOKFEST 2008–2009 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:32 pm Page 61
Jan 2008–Dec 2008
POOLBEG JUDI CURTIN OISÍN McGANN ALICE AND MEGAN FOREVER WIRED TEETH www.poolbeg.com 7.99 (PBK) 9781847171191 6.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170033 CLAIRE HENNESSY JUDI CURTIN GREG MASSARDIER BIG PICTURE BONJOUR ALICE HAL’S SLEEPOVER: 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842233177 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170965 PANDA CUBS NO. 7 BRIANÓG BRADY DAWSON, 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170347 ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL CONNOR THE CHILDREN’S PRESS DANNY’S CRAZY CHRISTMAS: JUDY MAY PANDA NO. 37 DIAMOND STAR GIRL KATE McMAHON, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171245 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170903 ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER THAT TOUCH OF MAGIC ANNA DONOVAN, ÉANNA NÍ LAMHNA, PHOTOGRAPHS 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781901737608 ILLUSTRATED BY TATYANA FEENEY BY ANTHONY WOODS CÁ BHFUIL MURCHÚ? SOS 15 WILD DUBLIN: EXPLORING PETER REGAN, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171269 ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER NATURE IN THE CITY RIVERSIDE: EXIT POINT ANNA DONOVAN, 24.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847170125 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781901737592 ILLUSTRATED BY TATYANA FEENEY WHERE’S MURPHY? PANDA NO. 36 JOE O’BRIEN 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170811 LITTLE CROKER 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170460 THE COLLINS PRESS MALACHY DOYLE SWAP JOE O’BRIEN, www.collinspress.ie 7.99 (PBK) 9781847170538 ILLUSTRATED BY JEAN TEXIER VINCENT McDONNELL JIM HALLIGAN, ILLUSTRATED BY ALFIE GREEN AND THE MICHAEL COLLINS: MOST CARTOON SALOON SNOWDROP QUEEN WANTED MAN DIABOLIC DOWNLOADS 7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847171207 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905172627 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170651 JOE O’BRIEN, FELICITY HAYES-McCOY, ILLUSTRATED BY JEAN TEXIER ILLUSTRATED BY RANDALL THE O’BRIEN PRESS STEPHEN HALL ALFIE GREEN AND THE SUPERSONIC SUBWAY www.obrien.ie THE RIDDLE: PANDA LEGENDS 1 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170361 7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847170958 MARIAN BRODERICK, ILLUSTRATED FELICITY HAYES-McCOY, SIOBHÁN PARKINSON, BY FRANCESCA CARABELLI ILLUSTRATED BY RANDALL THE WITCH APPRENTICE ILLUSTRATED BY LISA JACKSON STEPHEN HALL 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171290 THE HENNY PENNY TREE: FINN’S THUMB: PANDA LEGENDS NO. 3 MARIAN BRODERICK, ILLUSTRATED PANDA LEGENDS 2 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780862789664 BY FRANCESCA CARABELLI 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170354 THE WITCH IN THE WOODS CELINE KIERNAN JAMES ROY 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171085 THE POISON THRONE BOOK 1: THE ‘S’ WORD: A BOYS’ GUIDE TO SEX, PUBERTY AND GROWING UP MARIE BURLINGTON THE MOOREHAWKE TRILOGY THE LITTLE WITCH WHO CAN’T 12.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171108 11.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170569 SPELL: FLYER NO. 18 CONOR KOSTICK MADDIE STEWART, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9780862789824 MOVE ILLUSTRATED BY MARILYN TAYLOR 9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170101 EDITED BY SÉAMUS CASHMAN, 17 MARTIN STREET ILLUSTRATED BY CORRINA ASKIN & ÚNA LEAVY, 9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847171252 ALAN CLARKE ILLUSTRATED BY WOODY FOX SOMETHING BEGINNING WITH P: MOLLY’S NIGHT OUT: PANDA GRACE WELLS NEW POEMS FROM IRISH POETS CUBS NO. 8 ICE DREAMS 14.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170927 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170682 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170453
BOOKFEST 2008–2009 61 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 4:32 pm Page 62
Competitions!
To celebrate the 2008 Children’s Book Festival, CBI is running two exciting new competitions! DESIGN A BOOK COVER COMPETITION
CBI has teamed up with The O’Brien Press to offer one lucky winner the chance to see their artwork on the front of a professionally published book. A brand new edition of Linda Moller’s classic tale The Great Pig Escape is due for publication in 2009 and we’re looking for young people nationwide to help design the cover! Go online to download an entry form. SPOOKY SHORT STORY COMPETITION
CBI is asking young writers to create a short story inspired by Tomm Moore’s fantastic festival artwork. In 250 words or less, tell us what you think the characters in this year’s CBF image have read in their book of Scary Tales. The winner will be chosen by Skulduggery Pleasant author Derek Landy, with a top prize of 1,000 worth of books for your school or local library.
For further details on both competitions and to download entry forms visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie
The closing date for both competitions is Wednesday 5th November 2008 Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 2:59 pm Page 2
Show your concern and fast
There are plenty You may choose to FAST Totakepartinthe orperhapstakepartinan ofwaystomakea ‘Eat Healthily Day’. Either Concern Christmas difference and help way, by doing the Concern FAST 2008 on children and families ChristmasFASTnotonlyare December 4th go to you helping Concern’s work in extreme poverty. overseas,youcouldalsobe www.concernfast.org inwithachancetowinagreat orcallustodayon Fewareasmuchfunas Children’s Books Ireland prize. 1850 50 50 55 the Concern Christmas Thisyear,wehopetoraise FAST 2008 – so make over `1.3 million for people sureyoutakeparton whoneedhelpinsomeofthe Concern Worldwide – committed to poorest countries of the world a world without poverty. December 4th. during the hunger season. Registered Charity No. CHY5745
11860-Fast-CBI-A5.indd 1 15/08/2008 12:03:09
Book Fest 2008.12 18/8/08 2:59 pm Page 1
RECOMMENDED READING GUIDE • TREOIR LÉITHEOIREACHTA MOLTA CelebrateCelebrate the the Children's Children's Book Book Festival Festival with with B O K F E S T FantasticFantastic new new reads reads for for toddlers toddlers to to teens! teens! / L E A B H R - F É I T H E R E C O M N D
by Liz Morris and Sarah Webb
R E A D I N G Edited G U I D E O F T H E C H I L D R E N ’ S B O K F E S T I V A L 2 0 8 E D I T B Y L I Z M O R I S A N D S A R H W E B FREE • PLEASE TAKE ONE TheThe O'Brien O'Brien Press, Press, 12 12 Terenure Terenure Road Road East, East, Dublin Dublin 6. 6. SAOR IN AISCE • TÓG CEANN LE DO THOIL P:P: 01 01 4923333; 4923333; F: 01F: 01 4922777; 4922777; E: E:[email protected]; [email protected]; www.obrien.ie www.obrien.ie