Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:06 Page 1

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WELCOME TO BOOKFEST / LEABHAR-FHÉILE 2007

Welcome to BookFest, the guide to children’s books produced annually for the Children’s Book Festival, compiled and edited by Liz Morris and Sarah Webb. We believe passionately in the power of books. We believe that the right book in the hands of the right - child or teenager at the right time can be life- changing. We believe this because we have both seen it happen, time and time again. In this edition of BookFest we have brought The Recommended together the very best children’s and teen books from Reading Guide of the 2007: wonderful books for babies, striking picture Children’s Book Festival books, brilliant books for early readers, gripping novels, poetry and information books for confident readers, and thrilling, thoughtful and important reads for older readers of twelve years and over. Every book in this guide has been read and reviewed by an expert in the field of children’s books. Our review panel is made up of teachers, librarians, booksellers, editors, lecturers, parents, writers and illustrators. They all donate their time on a voluntary basis because, like us, they believe in and love children’s books. We would like to thank them all for their time and dedication. Without them there would be no guide. We would particularly like to thank fellow children’s book-lovers – Mags, Jenny and Tom – in Children’s Books Ireland, for their enthusiasm and tireless work; Kieran Nolan in Oldtown Design for the design and typesetting, and Mark Oliver for the Children’s Book Festival splendid cover illustration. 3rd–26th October 2007 We do hope you enjoy BookFest and find it useful. Please do contact Jenny in the CBI office by email if The Children’s Book Festival is a national you have any comments, suggestions or questions celebration of reading and books, with an about the guide: [email protected] emphasis on fun. There are hundreds of free events happening nationwide in bookshops, Happy reading! libraries, schools and community centres. Best wishes, Pick up a copy of our Event Guide or log on to Sarah Webb and Liz Morris www.childrensbooksireland.ie to find out BookFest editors what’s happening in your area. Join us for a [email protected] fun-filled festival! Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:11 Page 4

Contents Age 0-4 Age 5-8 Age 9-12

… pages 8–15 … pages 16–22

… pages 24 –33

BookFest Overall Editors Liz Morris and Sarah Webb Reviewers Andrea Burke-Khan, Helen Carr, Valerie Coghlan, Section Editors Ruth Coleman, Peter D’Amato, Judy Deacon, Tom Age 0–4 Sarah Webb Donegan, Robert Dunbar, Kieran Fanning, Eoin Fegan, Age 5–8 Tom Donegan & Mags Walsh Nikki Gamble, Alison Gilliland, Emma Hannon, Charis Age 9–12 Caitríona Magner Hughes, Lucinda Jacob, Anna Kamaralli, Patricia Kennon, Marian Keyes, Niamh McGuirk, Caitríona Poetry Enda Wyley Magner, Jane Mitchell, Liz Morris, Jenny Murray, Information Sarah Webb Áine Ní Ghlinn, Paddy O’Doherty, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Age 12–14 Liz Morris Finian O’Shea, Barbara O’Toole, Helen Power, Síne Older teens Liz Morris Quinn, Juliette Saumande, Niamh Sharkey, Bess Van Irish language Tomás Ó Dúlaing Sleeuwen, Mags Walsh, Sarah Webb, Enda Wyley

4 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:11 Page 5

Here are our editors’ top choices…

Poetry Age 12-14 Older Teens

… pages 34–35

Information

… pages 44 –50 … pages 52–57

Prize-winners … page 58 Irish-published children’s books 2006 … page 59 Participating bookshops … page 61 Competition … page 62

… pages 37– 43 Irish author /illustrator /publisher

CBI has made every effort to ensure the information provided in this guide is correct, however CBI cannot be held responsible for The Children’s Book Festival would like to thank: any errors or omissions. The Arts Council, Nestlé Munch Bunch, Foras na Gaeilge, Youth Libraries Group, Dublin City Libraries, To find out more about the Children’s Book International Education Supplies, Glennon Print, Festival 2007 please contact: Oldtown Design, MS READaTHON, The O’Brien Press, Tom Donegan The Goethe Institut, Alliance Française and Eason and Children’s Books Ireland, Sons Ltd. Also a big thank you to all the publishers for 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1. their continued support, particularly those who Tel: (01) 872 7475 advertised in BookFest. Fax: (01) 872 7476 Layout by Oldtown Design Email: [email protected] Cover Illustration by Mark Oliver Printed by Glennon Print Website: www.childrensbooksireland.ie

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 5 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:11 Page 6

Shadowing

Get Reading and Make Your Vote Count!! CBI runs the annual prestigious CBI Bisto Book of the Year Awards – Ireland’s leading children’s book awards. In 2005 we piloted a new shadowing scheme as part of the CBI Awards. Each year in excess of 100 books are submitted for these awards. Our panel of judges review all the titles over 6 months and after much heated debate a shortlist is decided on – it is this that forms the basis of the shadowing activities. We began the scheme in 2005 with 12 groups – we have since seen this figure rise dramatically to 140 school and library groups participating across the country. These groups reviewed, evaluated and championed the books on the shortlist, and then selected their own winner. In 2007, as in 2006, the shadowing groups’ overall winner matched that of the selected judging panel. John Boyne won the outright CBI/Bisto Book of the Year Award in 2007 for his title, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. This programme has proved to be very successful, and we are looking to expand the scheme and encourage more groups to get reading! We are looking for primary and post-primary school groups to participate in next year’s scheme. The time frame involved is as follows – the Awards Shortlist is released in March and the overall Award ceremony and winners announcement is in May. So between March and May our shadowing groups are busy devouring all the titles so they can get voting. To find out more and to request information sheets and registration forms for the Shadowing Programme, call the CBI office on 01 8727475 or email us at [email protected]. It’s a great programme to be involved in and one we hope will continue to grow.

‘Riotously funny’ The Times

Look out for Wilderness, Roddy’s ‘Brilliant’ amazing new Irish Independent novel out this autumn

www.scholastic.co.uk Out now in all good bookshops Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:11 Page 7

Children’s Books Ireland

Become a member of CBI today! CHILDREN’S BOOKS IRELAND is the national children’s book organisation, promoting quality books and reading. Our main activities include the annual adult Conference in May and the month-long Children’s Book Festival in October – both sit alongside other one-day events and author-tours held in venues up and down the country. CBI also runs the prestigious CBI/Bisto Book of the Year Awards, Ireland’s largest children’s book award. Membership of CBI will keep you up-to-date with new titles, trends and development in books for young people. If you are a parent, teacher, librarian, writer, illustrator, bookseller or in any way interested in children’s books, then CBI membership is for you! Membership includes four issues of our magazine Inis and copies of BookFest – the recommended reading guide – as well as the festival Event Guide and other publications. Members also receive reduced entry to all our events for adults.

Rates for membership are listed below, simply send payment to the listed address with your contact details and we will take it from there, or go online to www.childrensbooksireland.ie You can also sign on for CBI’s online newsletter.

CBI 2007 Membership Rates: Individual (Ireland and UK) ...... 30/£20 Institutional ...... 50/£35 Overseas ...... 60/£40/$70 Student/Unwaged (Ireland only) ...... 20/£15

Membership, Children’s Books Ireland, 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1. For more information, visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie or call us on tel. (01) 872 7475.

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

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 7 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:11 Page 8

Age 0-4 Edited by Sarah Webb

Reviewers: Valerie Coghlan, Peter D’Amato, Lucinda Jacob, Marian Keyes, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Síne Quinn, Niamh Sharkey, Sarah Webb

1 Books for Babies and Toddlers – Age 0 to 2 ⁄2 : Introduction

I’ve been testing these books out on my one-year-old, Jago, with interesting results. Dorothy Butler, the wonderful bookseller from New Zealand said in Babies Need Books, ‘Babies are never too little to look’, and she’s right. Even now, Jago can turn pages and listen to simple stories and rhymes. He loves bright, colourful artwork (like his mum) and he was particularly taken with the smiling baby in the Leslie Patricelli book, The Birthday Box, which I’ve made my editor’s choice. It’s a great year for board books I’m delighted to say, with more and more publishers trying their hand at this much overlooked and most important part of the reading popula- tion: babies and toddlers. Do please share books with your own baby or toddler; at this age they will only discover the joy of books and reading through you. And do encourage any new parents you know to start as early as possible. Give books as birth or christening presents, and book tokens to older children who are old enough to choose for themselves. Spread the sheer joy of reading!

1 Age 0-2 ⁄2: Editor’s Choice

LESLIE PATRICELLI THE BIRTHDAY BOX WALKER BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406305227 I love Leslie Patricelli’s books for babies and toddlers. Big, brash, loud, funny and sweet – she has a rare gift. In The Birthday Box a baby gets a present from his Grampa, wrapped in dotty red paper. He rips off the paper, it’s a cardboard box! He gives it a hug. Inside he finds a cuddly dog and together they have adventures in their brand new box. This charming book is guaranteed to make any parent smile in recognition. The illustrations are exceptional, and the colours striking – soar- ing sky blues, warm happy reds, and sorbet fresh yellows – a visual sweet shop! The baby, outlined in strong black, is full of expression, and when he climbs into the box and tells his new dog a bedtime story – ‘I am very lucky because today is my birthday and I got a box!’ – your heart just melts. It’s wonderful to see such accomplished artwork in a book designed for the very youngest readers, so many of their books these days are just scaled down versions of books for older children. More please! READ ALSO: Yummy Yucky; Quiet Loud

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1 Age 0-2 ⁄2: A-Z by author

CATHERINE AND LAURENCE ANHOLT CHIMP AND ZEE’S CLOTHES FRANCES LINCOLN, £2.99 (BOARD), ISBN 9781845077297 This chunky little board book is nicely hand-sized and features Anholt’s cheeky chimpanzee characters with a succession of familiar clothes. There is no narra- tive as such, but lots of fun can be had sharing these books with babies and toddlers and saying out loud the one word on each brightly-coloured page. [LJ] READ ALSO: Chimp and Zee’s Animals

LAUREN CHILD SIZZLES IS COMPLETELY NOT HERE PUFFIN BOOKS, £7.99 (BOARD), ISBN 9780141383378 Billed as a lift-the-flap with over fifty flaps (I counted 51!), this is the kind of book that makes reading fun. A simple story about Sizzles the dog, whom Lola has ‘mislaid’, it has Child’s signature use of collage, and strong, colourful illustrations. Joyful, well-designed and great fun to share. [SW] READ ALSO: Charlie and Lola’s Numbers; Charlie and Lola’s Opposites

LUCY COUSINS MAISY’S AMAZING BIG BOOK OF WORDS WALKER BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406300314 Maisy is an endearing favourite and this is bound to be another winner. This is a fun first dictionary, with words and pictures in familiar settings, but it’s the ‘flaps’, which really make it special. These are cleverly designed to bring action and a lovely sense of humour to this colour-saturated book. [LJ]

JUSTINE SMITH ILLUSTRATED BY FIONA LAND PEEKABOO BOOK LADYBIRD BOOKS, £7.99 (BOARD), ISBN 9781846460784 Ladybird has been producing wonderful, vibrant, solidly constructed board books for babies and toddlers for many years now and Peekaboo Book is no exception. Bright, child friendly illustrations, fun touchy-feely panels, gener- ously sized flaps and cut-outs, this is the perfect book to share with the very youngest reader. Highly recommended. [SW]

FIONA WATT ILLUSTRATED BY RACHEL WELLS THAT’S NOT MY PENGUIN USBORNE, £5.99 (BOARD), ISBN 9780746085509 ‘That’s not my penguin, its wings are too velvety’. So begins this charming touchy-feely board book for the very youngest readers. Striking, icy-coloured illus- trations, lots of different kinds of delightfully drawn penguins and a little mouse to spot on every page, no wonder this Usborne range is so very popular. [SW] READ ALSO: That’s Not My Car; That’s Not My Teddy

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1 Age 2 ⁄2 -4

1 Books for Age 2 ⁄2 to 4: Introduction

For BookFest every year I am sent over a hundred picture books to consider and as you can imagine, it’s hard to whittle them down. I gather together all the picture books from the various UK publishers and spread them in a patchwork over my floor. After scanning and skimming every single one, I put them into three piles – my ‘must include’ pile, my ‘maybe’ pile and my ‘not if hell freezes over’ pile. My ‘hell’ pile tends to be littered with poorly written and unimaginative bunny rabbit and teddy bear books – a pet hate of mine. My ‘maybe’ pile contains books I want to read properly and have a better look at before I decide. My ‘musts’ tend to be books that immediately catch my eye for one reason or another – well-written books, books with striking illustrations, and, above all, books where the illustrator or the author are trying to do something different, something original, something unusual. I’ve selected two editor’s choices this year, two up-and-coming young illustrators whose work really excites me.

1 Age 2 ⁄2-4: Editor’s Choice

POLLY DUNBAR PENGUIN WALKER BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781844280650 Ben opens a box on his birthday and finds a penguin inside, but try as he may, he just can’t get the penguin to talk. But when a huge aquama- rine lion eats Ben, Penguin bites Lion very hard on the nose, saving his new friend. Like the text, the illustrations are deceptively simple, all set against a plain off-white background. Ben, a young boy with a large forehead and rosy cheeks, is full of character, and Dunbar can convey in a few pen lines what other illustrators take pages to achieve. Brave, charming, and utterly original. [SW]

1 Age 2 ⁄2-4: Editor’s Choice

EMILY GRAVETT MONKEY AND ME MACMILLAN, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405089494 A young girl with stubby pigtails goes to the zoo with her toy monkey in tow. There she sees penguins, kangaroos and finally, monkeys. Again, the text is simple, but the illustrations are exceptional. From the lead- pencil drawings on the endpapers, showing the little girl struggling with her tights, to the cheeky swooping bats, these are the kind of joyful, exuberant illustrations that make the heart sing. [SW]

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Age 0-4: A-Z by author

WILLIAM BEE AND THE TRAIN GOES WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406301670 William Bee’s books are full of joie de vivre. The highly stylised illustrations, which remind me strongly of The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper’s cover, are full of exuberant colour and quirky detail: shiny gold buttons, James Joyce glasses. A train is rattling down the tracks, ‘Chuff chuff, chufferty chuff’, full of passengers in firework-bright carriages, from purple-clad ladies off to the races, ‘Lovely cake, Doris’, to chickens off to the market, ‘Cluckerty cluck’. A child will have great fun following each carriage over the page to the next spread. [SW]

ANTHONY BROWNE MY BROTHER DOUBLEDAY, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 978035611046 A boy celebrates all that is wonderful about his brother. He’s read hundreds of books, he’s a dazzling disco dancer, and he’s even brave enough to stand up to bullies. Browne has woven in lots of little details that an observant child can discover. Whimsical cartoon characters are sketched in coloured pencil on white lined notepaper. You get the feeling that a child had a large part in the making of this book. It captures the genuine love between siblings, without the syrup. Super! [NS]

EMMA CHICHESTER CLARK MELROSE AND CROC BESIDE THE SEA HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007182442 Melrose and Croc Beside the Sea is a delightful tale of friendship between two best buddies, the fourth in the series. Croc is a bit despondent but Melrose cheers him up with a fun guessing game and before long they’re off to the beach together. Croc gets a bit over-enthusiastic but Melrose is always patient and kind. A lovely book to explore moods, give-and-take and above all, companionship. Lovely sunny illustrations, with a timeless, Matisse-like qual- ity. I loved Melrose’s expressive ears in particular! [MK] READ ALSO: Melrose and Croc Friends for Life; I Love You, Blue Kangaroo

SCOIL CHIARÁIN, DUBLIN, WITH KAY MURPHY AND MARIA MURRAY TEN SCARY MONSTERS THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 8.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170026 This is quite a class project! ‘Ten scary monsters came knocking at my door. One scary monster fell through the floor.’ The simple rhyming text is illustrated by brightly coloured computer-generated pictures and each child in the class is represented by a different monster, some scary, some rather sweet-looking. I particularly like the monsters on the cover, who have softer edges and are less harshly coloured, but overall it’s a funny, inventive counting book with a great ending. Congratulations to the teachers behind this book. [SW]

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Age 0-4

JULIA DONALDSON ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID ROBERTS TYRANNOSAURUS DRIP MACMILLAN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405090001 What happens when a duckbilled dinosaur egg hatches in a Tyrannosaurus’s nest is told in joyous rhyme in a story where text and illustrations match each other perfectly; Donaldson and Roberts are true descendants of Edward Lear. The Tyrannosauruses are large and red and solid (and rather stupid), and the greeny toned duckbilled dinosaurs are slightly dotty-looking as they hoot in jolly fashion along by the water’s edge. And if you want to know what happens, read the book. You’ll love it! [VC]

MARIE-LOUISE FITZPATRICK SILLY SCHOOL FRANCES LINCOLN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845074692 Our feisty young heroine, Beth, is back again – a lass who knows her own mind and is unafraid to express herself. With a sumptuous palette of creamy pinks and purples, hot oranges and avocado greens, this book is a visual pleasure, with imaginative angles showing a child’s-eye view of the world. Children will identify with Beth’s predicament, enjoy the resolution and envy Beth’s central role in this happy extended family. A deceptively simple story, this is the perfect book to encourage any reluctant recruit to playschool. [MK] READ ALSO: Silly Mummy, Silly Daddy; I Am I

TIM HOPGOOD A DOG CALLED ROD MACMILLAN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405092693 Elsa longs for a dog, so she invents Rod. When she gets a real dog to look after, she realises just how much work they are and decides to ‘keep’ Rod and get a mouse instead. Hopgood uses some delicious, candy-coloured pinks and yellows in his fresh, lively illustrations. Having a pet is a subject close to many children’s hearts and this book deals with the desire and the reality in a witty, clever manner. [SW]

PETR HORACEK BUTTERFLY, BUTTERFLY WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781844288441 Czech author/illustrator Horacek has produced some wonderful picture books in the last few years, and although the text in this book is rather perfunctory, the illustrations, strongly reminiscent of Eric Carle’s, more than make up for it. His spreads crackle with colour: zesty yellow, dragonfly blue, and ladybird red. The simple story of a little girl who is looking for a lost butterfly, Horacek’s use of cuts-outs, black crayon outlines, and collage makes this book sing. An illustrator to watch out for in the future. [SW]

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Age 0-4

OLIVER JEFFERS THE WAY BACK HOME HARPERCOLLINS, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007182282 A boy finds an aeroplane in a cupboard and flies it to the moon. Running out of petrol, he lands on the moon, where meets a Martian who is also in diffi- culties with his spacecraft. Some imaginative thinking and co-operation provide a solution to their problems, enabling them both to return home safely. Jeffers’ sketchy line, moody palette and wonderfully-designed pages make this a treat to be savoured time and again. [VC] READ ALSO: How to Catch a Star; Lost and Found

NOELLE LAMBERT ILLUSTRATED BY RONAN KENNEDY CAN I PLAY TOO? VERITAS, 10.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781853909443 In the park all the dogs play together until a new dog, Sandy, asks to join in. Bruno says no. ‘I don’t like him … I don’t like the shape of his face.’ Every day Bruno excludes another dog. The outcasts meet and send a message inviting all dogs to play. Lonely Bruno shows up, apologises, and is allowed to join in, because: ‘All dogs belong.’ This cautionary tale addresses prejudice, bullying and the importance of friendship. The message is also emphasised through the bright illustrations. [SQ]

GILLIAN LOBEL ADRIENNE GEOGHEGAN A MHAISIGH A LEITHÉID! AN GÚM, 8.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857916362 Leabhar geal, tarraingteach é seo. Tá léaráidí iontacha, ildaite ann a chuireann go mór leis an leabhar. Is pleisiúir é gach uile leathanach a chasadh agus ‘bualadh’ leis na hainmhithe éagsúla. Tháinig Caoimhe Corr ar uibheacha sa ghaineamh. Cén saghas uibheacha iad? Cé a d’fhág ansin iad? Bhí an-spórt ag Caoimhe agus a cairde ag iarraidh a shamhlú cén saghas báibíní a thiocfadh ar an saol. Tá ábhair iontas le fáil ag an deireadh. Bainfidh tuismitheoirí an-sult as an leabhar iontach, aoibhinn seo a léamh dá bpáistí. Aoisghrúpa – 3 go 8. [TÓD]

JANE O’CONNOR ILLUSTRATED BY ROBIN PREISS GLASSER FANCY NANCY HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007253463 Nancy likes being ‘fancy’. She wears ribboned ballet shoes decorated with silk flowers, sunglasses in the shape of hearts, and yards of fluffy feather boa. She decides to give her family ‘fancy’ lessons and even persuades them to dr ess up ‘fancy’ for a family trip to the diner. But when her ‘fancy’ plans go wrong, her family are right by her side. The highly detailed (and very pink) cartoon style illustrations capture the little firecracker that is Nancy perfectly. Warm, funny and original. [SW]

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Age 0-4

ANDREW FUSEK PETERS ILLUSTRATED BY ANNA WADHAM THE ANT AND THE BIG BAD BULLY GOAT CHILD’S PLAY, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781846430794 In this traditional Iberian story, Badger is put out of his tidy home when a bad old billy goat creeps in, causing chaos. Badger tries to enlist the aid of Bull and Boar and Bear, but all the big animals are afraid of Goat. It is instead the crafty intelligence of Ant rather than might that puts Goat to flight. Stylised artwork and warm, solid colours create an inviting atmosphere for a delight- fully told tale. [VC]

CHRIS RIDDELL WENDELL’S WORKSHOP MACMILLAN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780230017801 Shades of Heath Robinson here with Wendell, an inventor so caught up in his work that he never tidies his workshop. Inventing a robot to do the job for him seems a good idea, but things get so out of hand that the process has to be reversed with more robots to undo the tidying until normality (sort of) is restored. The pages sizzle with Riddell’s own inventiveness, providing readers with lots to look at and maybe to inspire young inventors, but perhaps not to tidying! [VC] CBI AD 16/8/07 09:45 Page 1

JOEL STEWART DEXTER BEXLEY AND THE BIG BLUE BEASTIE DOUBLEDAY, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385610056 The Big Blue Beastie wants to eat Dexter. But clever Dexter invents all kinds of adventures for them to share, from setting up a flower delivery company to becoming private detectives. In the end the Beastie decides not to eat Dexter as they have now become friends. Stewart’s quirky Beastie has a pointy jaw, banana-curved feet, and sideways-teardrop eyes – knock-out original. Dexter reminds me of a Sendak child, small, squat and wonderfully knowing. Together Unit 4, Westend Retail Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. they make quite a pair. A delightfully quirky book – not to be missed. [SW]

FIONA TIERNEY ILLUSTRATED BY ÚNA HEALY PEEK AT THE WEEK IN THE ZOO PRIMARY ABC, 8.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780954583774 Zookeeper is ready for a holiday. But leaving the zoo unsupervised, and in the hands of Shirtle, Towl, Sockadile and the other animals isn’t such a great idea. Forsaking the real days of the week, the animals concoct their own, replacing Sunday with Funday. Children will laugh as the recently clothed animals overturn chronological conventions and turn the zoo inside out. The jaunty, brightly coloured cartoon illustrations are by Irish artist, Úna Healy. Knowledge of the previous ‘zoo’ title would be helpful to children. [PD] READ ALSO: Look What Blew into the Zoo

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Age 0-4

ED VERE BANANA! PUFFIN BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141500591 Follow one little monkey as he tries every trick in the book to get his friend’s banana. Using only two words and plenty of funny monkey facial expressions it’s sure to please little ones. It’s also a zany first introduction to manners. The cheeky monkey finally finds the magic word – ‘Please’. Its funky design includes Warhol-inspired endpapers, a gigantic banana illustration on the title page and lots of vibrant colours that are dazzling to the eye. [NS]

MARTIN WADDELL ILLUSTRATED BY BARBARA FIRTH BEE FROG WALKER BOOKS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781844285419 When Bee Frog pretends to be a fierce dragon, everyone’s too busy to pay attention to her. So Bee decides to hop off on her own and never come back. She has a terrific time belting out dragon noises in a secluded spot. Just when Bee begins to get bored, her parents come to get her; delighted to have their full attention, she hops back home. A simple charming story highlighting the fun of make-believe and imaginative play, complemented by expressive and appealing illustrations. [SQ]

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Age 5-8 Edited by Tom Donegan and Mags Walsh

Reviewers: Peter D’Amato, Tom Donegan, Kieran Fanning, Emma Hannon, Anna Kamaralli, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Mags Walsh Age 5-8: Editor’s Choice

ASTRID LINDGREN ILLUSTRATED BY LAUREN CHILD TRANSLATED BY TIINA NUNNALLY PIPPI LONGSTOCKING OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780192782403 Lingren’s text, first published in 1945, is engaging, hilarious and completely unique. Who can resist Pippi? Here is a girl who can lift a horse, who lives alone in a house called Villa Villekula and who has a pet monkey. In this luxurious edition, Child’s vibrant collage illustrations in her trademark quirky style are superb and match Lingren’s story perfectly. There are clever typographical flourishes too, to engage a more sophisticated reader. It has everything a six to eight-year-old looks for in a book – an engaging central character, a child-centred plot, and a sense of the absurd, as well as action-packed illus- trations. At nearly two hundred pages, an emerging reader will need support, but Pippi is just the character to encourage a child to read on. I can’t think of a better book to share at bedtime. Read it first for the story, again for the illustrations, again for both together and then again and again and again! A family classic! [MW]

Age 5-8: A-Z by author

MARIAN BRODERICK THE WITCH APPRENTICE (FORBIDDEN FILES) THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 6.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170392 When Anna’s new guardians, Grizz and Wormella, turn out to be witches things go from bad to worse for her. She is treated like a slave, locked in the cellar and banned from having friends. Luckily, the witches are not as powerful as they think and Anna is more powerful than she ever imagined. Using her new powers, she hatches a plan to escape. Strong characters mixed with a well-paced plot and good writing make this book a ‘spell’ to enchant readers eight and older. [KF]

EOIN COLFER ILLUSTRATED BY TONY ROSS THE LEGEND OF THE WORST BOY IN THE WORLD PUFFIN BOOKS, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141381312 Poor Will has four brothers and never gets a chance to tell mum and dad about his problems. So Will’s grandad suggests the two of them meet every Saturday to share their troubles. Compared with stories of tinfoil toilet-paper and shark attacks, however, Will’s woes don’t really seem all that bad, until the tables are turned by the legend of the Worst Boy in the World! A well-crafted fable about sharing the burden, given added charm by Ross’ quirky line-drawn illustrations. [TD]

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Age 5-8

JOHN DOUGHERTY ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGIEN OVERWATER ZEUS TO THE RESCUE YOUNG CORGI, £3.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552553735 A second title about Zeus and his visits to Alex’s life. This time Alex asks for his help to deal with new girl Diana, who is having a strange effect on their classmates and their teacher. Zeus reveals that Diana is not at all what she seems and things get really complicated. A bull in the swimming pool, special golden rain, and a beetle who can talk make this a zany read. Alex’s tale will appeal to readers aged seven and up. [MW] READ ALSO: Zeus on the Loose; Niteracy Hour

HEATHER DYER ILLUSTRATED BY PETER BAILEY THE BOY IN THE BISCUIT TIN THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905294282 Ibby is sent to stay with her aunt and cousins, Francis and Alex, and is a little nervous about what might happen. She is soon proved right when the boys discover a box of old magic tricks in the attic. Each of the children experi- ences the weird and wonderful effects of the box and uncovers some family history along the way. Dyer has written a witty dramatic tale for young readers who prefer stand-alone books to series. A quality writer to look out for. [MW] READ ALSO: The Fish in Room 11; The Girl with the Broken Wing

JOE FRIEDMAN ILLUSTRATED BY SAM CHILDS BOOBELA AND WORM ORION, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842555392 After Worm makes friends with Boobela, an eight-year-old giant, and encour- ages her to stop being so shy, this book takes them on a series of short adventures. Feisty Worm is just the friend Boobela has always needed, and helps her find out that she has some magic powers yet to be developed, and that not everyone will be frightened of her. Illustrations are a simple blend of pencil drawings and collage. A very happy book for six and up. [AK]

MAEVE FRIEL ILLUSTRATED BY JOELLE DREIDEMY TIGER LILY: A HEROINE IN THE MAKING STRIPES, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847150196 In Tiger Lily: A Heroine in the Making, Maeve Friel creates an engaging story with a cast of cleverly-named, colourful characters, disguised within what seems a boring backdrop. In ‘The Middle of Nowhere’, what seems dull and boring becomes anything but. I challenge you to try and find a more likeable heroine than the bookworm, Tiger. This is a fantastic collection of stories within a story and is proof that, equipped with the most powerful plaything of all, imagination, the potential for adventure is never far away. [EH] SEE ALSO: www.maevefriel.com

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Age 5-8

CORNELIA FUNKE ILLUSTRATED BY KERSTIN MEYER PRINCESS PIGSTY SCHOLASTIC, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780439885546 Princess Isabella is miserable spending her days being taught princess behav- iour and having her hair curled. When she is banished to the pigsty, she discovers where she really likes to be. There are lots of gorgeous piggy pictures and children can spend time hunting for the details (Meyer clearly loves pigs). It’s a fun story about finding out who you really are, and it’s easy to be on Isabella’s side. What’s so good about being clean anyway? [AK]

KES GRAY ILLUSTRATED BY NICK SHARRATT DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH LIFE RED FOX, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781862301672 She’s in trouble, she’s grounded and she’s got plenty of time to think about what she’s done. The result is Daisy’s evaluation of ‘the trouble with life’, which includes everything from goldfish who’d rather be dolphins, to not being about twenty-fiveish. Nick Sharratt’s unmistakable trademark illustrations accompany this snappy newcomer to the Daisy series. An enlightening vision that will have young fans nodding along in agreement and delight. [EH] SEE ALSO: www.daisyclub.co.uk

KAREN HESSE ILLUSTRATED BY WENDY WATSON THE CATS IN KRASINSKI SQUARE FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845077013 A brave little girl in Nazi-occupied Warsaw finds a way for the stray cats she befriends to help in a dangerous project to smuggle food to her friends incar- cerated in the Jewish Ghetto. The writing is sensitive and the sepia watercolour illustrations sublime – Watson knows how to capture a cat with a few strokes. The book doesn’t pretend that the daring plan is going to make everything all right, but shows how important a small gesture of hope and courage can be. For seven plus. [AK]

CONOR KOSTICK ILLUSTRATED BY JULIE PARKER THE BOOK OF CURSES THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 6.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170552 Alex Zwick is the most annoying boy in school – exactly the sort that you wouldn’t wish to come under the influence of an ancient tome with the power to grant evil wishes! A cautionary tale in the mythical mould, Kostick’s first contribution to the Forbidden Files series pitches far beyond the superficially scary, with zombie grannies and killer gnomes rubbing shoulders with Midas and Janus! Parker’s illustrations add an extra element of gross-out humour as the action unfolds. For horror fans of seven plus. [TD] READ ALSO: The Evil Hairdo; The Poison Factory

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Age 5-8

TADHG MAC DHONNAGÁIN LÉARÁIDÍ LE KIERON BLACK FIONN MAC CUMHAILL – TAOISEACH NA FÉINNE AN GÚM, 7.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916676 Trí scéal a ritheann gan stró isteach ina chéile atá sa leabhar taitneamhach seo. Is cé go bhfuil fuil, fathaigh fíochmmhara agus marú ann, tá atmasféar éadtrom, réidhchúiseach is greannmhar ag rith tríd na leathanaigh a ghéarann an ‘dochar’ ar fad ón scéal don léitheóir óg. Cuidíonn na maisiúcháin go mór le seo. Is éard atá fágtha sa deireadh ná scéal aoibhinn, lán le éachta éagsúla is fir cróga, fearúla, a thógann an léitheóir óg ar thuras a bheadh Indiana Jones an-bhródiúil as. Aoisghrúpa – 7+. [TÓD]

ALAN MACDONALD ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID ROBERTS DIRTY BERTIE: PANTS! STRIPES, £3.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781847150172 “Try not to cause any trouble”. A desperate and vain appeal from Bertie’s mum, as all Bertie will be causing in Pants! is trouble. From tricking his arch- enemy Know-All Nick into showing the whole school his pants, to destr oying the set during his local theatre’s play, to ruining Royston Rich’s birthday party, wherever Bertie goes, pandemonium erupts. The humorous collection of short stories is set off by Roberts’s quirky drawings and taste for the bizarre. [PD]

OISÍN McGANN MAD GRANDAD’S WICKED PICTURES THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170637 A trip to Grandad’s to help paint the inside of the house shouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary. With some strange, old paint, Lenny and Grandad decide to design two scary creatures. To Lenny and Grandad’s horror, the monsters come alive and trap the two in a painting. Now they must out-run their own terrifying creations. The story is unique and weird, and the pace is exhilaratingly fast, though no one in the audience should have trouble following it. [PD] READ ALSO: Mad Grandad and the Kleptoes; Mad Grandad and the Mutant River SEE ALSO: www.oisinmcgann.com

TESSA MOORE ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER A HORSE CALLED HARRY THE CHILDREN’S PRESS, 5.99 (PBK), ISBN: 9781901737554 Another strong runner from The Children’s Press ‘Chimps’ series, A Horse Called Harry follows the exploits of ambitious young race horse, Harry, as he sets out to realise his dream of winning the Gold Cup. Mischief is afoot, however, with the dodgy dealings of trainer, Tricky Dickie threatening to ruin his chances of victory. Can his stablemates come up with a plan to save the day? Generous-sized type, short words and sentences combined with jolly illustrations help bring this horsey adventure alive for children. [TD]

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Age 5-8

MÁIRÉAD NÍ GHRÁDA LÉARÁIDÍ LE JONATHAN BARRY LUAITHRÍONA AN GÚM, 4.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857916751 Seanscéal é seo a bhfuil dúil ag páistí ann leis na céadta bliain agus a bhogann ó ghlúin go glúin gan stró ar bith. Is scéal fíor-thaitneamhach é le draíocht, rúndiamhar is mistéir ann, is tá na tréithe seo go léir ar fáil go forleathan sa scéal buanseasmhach seo. Jonathan Barry a mhaisigh an t-eagrán seo sa stíl chlasaiceach, stíl nach bhfuil an-coitianta i go leor leabhair nua-aimseartha don aos óg. Leabhar é seo a léifeadh tuismitheoir dá pháiste óg. [TÓD]

GABRIELLE NÍ MHEACHAIR LÉARÁIDÍ LE DÓMHNAL Ó BRIC LIAM AGUS AN LEIPREACHÁN AN GÚM, 6.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916782 Díreach roimh am dul a chodladh, impíonn na páistí ar Mhamaí an scéal faoi Liam agus an Leipreachán a insint dóibh. Ar ndóigh aontaíonn Mam, agus tugann sí cur síos ar eachtraí a chuireann Liam, a bhean cantalach agus Paidí an Leipreachán os comhair an léitheora óig. Tá pota óir ann, tá sonas agus saibhreas ann agus go leor den chinéal meascán atá ar fáil i go leor leabhair eile atá dírithe ar an aois seo. É sin ráite, is beag r ud atá sa leabhair seo atá eisceachtiúil nó as an gnáth. Bainfidh an léitheoir nó an éisteoir óg taitneamh as an leabhar seo, ach ní dóigh liom clampar ann le filleadh air arís. [TÓD]

CAITRÍONA NÍ MHURCHÚ LÉARÁIDÍ LE TATYANA FEENEY AN RÚN MÓR THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.95 (BOG), ISBN 9781847170163 Scéal deas, simplí é seo. Tosaíonn sé le focail a thuigfidh gach uile páiste, “Níl cead agat agus sin sin!”. Tá piscín ó Mhailí ach níl cead aici ceann a fháil mar go mbeadh ailléirge ar a clann go léir. Níl sí sásta le sin is cuireann sí plean le chéile. Taitneoidh an príomh-charachtar Mailí go mór leis na daoine óga. Cé go bhfuil na léaraidí simplí, cuidíonn said go mór don léitheoir óg míniú iomlán an scéil a fháil. An-oiriúnach don léitheoir óg. Leabhar 14 i sraith leabhair iontach, SOS. [TÓD] LÉIGH FREISIN: An Buachaill Bó; Mo Mhadra Beoga

JOE O’BRIEN ILLUSTRATED BY JEAN TEXIER ALFIE GREEN AND THE MONKEY PUZZLER; ALFIE GREEN AND THE CONKER KING THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.95, (HBK) ISBN 9781847170330; 9781847170224 In The Monkey Puzzler, Alfie Green and Fitzer have just received invites to a circus run by monkeys – free! But when an accident forces Alfie and Fitzer to flee home, they discover that these primates are doing a fair bit of monkeying around. In The Conker King, Alfie and Fitzer must team up with Conor, the worst conker player in the world, to defeat Whacker Walsh in the annual competition. These stories are packed with excitement and goofy humour for kids. [PD]

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Age 5-8

EILEEN O’HELY ILLUSTRATED BY NICKY PHELAN PENNY THE STAR MERCIER PRESS, 8.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355421 After finding her way into the pocket of Rick, lead actor in ‘Officer Cool’, Penny the Pencil realises her dream of being a TV star as Officer Cool’s pencil sidekick. Problems pile up: the show is floundering due to poor scripts and the evil Black Texta has broken into the studio to get even with Penny. Penny will have to rely on her wits to conquer Texta and save the show. Slapstick mixed with excitement in a tale filled with sticky situations and narrow escapes. [PD] READ ALSO: Penny the Pencil

GILLIAN PERDUE ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL CONNOR CONOR’S CANVAS THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170439 What is art? Everyone at school who is preparing for the art exhibition seems to think that an artist can only paint landscapes, or objects such as bowls of fruit and tall ships. But Conor knows exactly what to paint – and it is certainly not anything that anyone could hope to easily explain. Channelling Jackson Pollock, Conor sets out to create his masterpiece. This book, in a humorous way, rubbishes artistic traditions and could usefully spark discussion on what makes art art. [PD] READ ALSO: Conor’s Cowboy Suit; Conor’s Concert

LOUIS SACHAR SOMEDAY ANGELINE BLOOMSBURY, £4.99 (PBK) ISBN 9789747587231 Sachar, best known as the author of Holes, heads for new territory with this story of Angeline and her dad. Angeline’s ability is well above average and in school she is misunderstood. Her isolation and alienation is compounded by her unique comprehension of the world. A surprisingly mature and complex story, brilliantly handled with sensitivity and liberal helpings of humour. One for strong readers, or a great book for reading aloud to a child; parents will appreciate the deft handling of family relationships and life. [MW]

ELIZABETH SHAW THE TIMID RABBIT THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170620 Timmy has grown up to be a remarkably timid child because of his overbear- ing granny. Timmy is afraid of everything: from dogs, to water, to the other boys in town. One day, a fox shows up and everyone else shows their true colours and runs away, leaving Timmy to defend himself and his little cousin. This warming story teaches children about the importance of thinking self- lessly when someone you care about is in trouble and how even the most timid can become brave. [PD] READ ALSO: The Little Black Sheep

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 21 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:16 Page 22

Age 5-8

GORDON SNELL THE SUPERMARKET GHOST THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 6.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170491 A supermarket is the last place you would expect to find a ghost but that’s where Maria meets Davy, a boy who drowned in a local lake twenty years ago. Davy, with Maria’s help, haunts the supermarket to drive out the owner who cheated Davy’s family out of the shop two decades ago. A nice read for a competent reader aged seven plus. [KF] READ ALSO: Tina and the Tooth Fairy

ANDY STANTON ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID TAZZYMAN MR GUM AND THE BISCUIT BILLIONAIRE EGMONT, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405228152 Blow me down with an oil tanker, that horror of horrors Mr Gum is back and he fancies bein’ even more evil than usual! There’s a new super-rich gingerbread man in town and Mr Gum is plotting to steal his billions and spoil everybody’s fun. Can Polly save the day or will the grimster robbers make their getaway? Once again, Stanton’s anarchic wit and Tazzyman’s keen eye for the absurd make for a wonderfully imaginative romp through a world blissfully free of rules and logic. Seven plus. [TD] READ ALSO: You’re a Bad Man Mr Gum!; Mr Gum and the Goblins

JOEL STEWART THE TROUBLE WITH WENLOCKS: A STANLEY WELLS MYSTERY DOUBLEDAY, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385610070 In this delightfully dark and strange tale, Stanley Wells finds himself at the centre of a bizarre mystery when he encounters a Wenlock, which he confuses for a ticket inspector on the train to visit his father. Armed with only a green ukulele and their wits, Joel Stewart’s beautifully illustrated quirky characters set out to unravel the peculiar puzzle involving Wenlocks, Sorrow Creatures, and a missing girl. This imaginative and kooky story will have young readers racing through the pages; a weird and wonderful treasure. [EH]

JEANNE WILLIS ILLUSTRATED BY JESSICA MESERVE GRANDAD AND JOHN WALKER BOOKS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781844288984 Six year-old John doesn’t have a dad. So when mum goes off to work, it’s left to Grandad to look after him and keep him out of trouble. Seen through the eyes of its young protagonist, the refreshingly down-to-earth text effortlessly engages us in the day-to-day dynamics of their relationship – with generational differences resulting in moments of both comedy and pathos. Illustrated by an engaging combination of evocative charcoal sketches and simple photographs, this touching novella will delight readers of seven plus. [TD]

22 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:16 Page 23

Now bigger and better, reaching 180,000 families nationwide, for What’s On Where To Go What To Do ...it has to be

Primary Times Dublin: 01 492 5923 Primary Times Leinster: 01 627 5785 Primary Times Northwest: 04871 860900 Primary Times South: 058 56838 Primary Times West: 091 527232 Register for our monthly e-zine and receive regular news, competitions and offers at www.primarytimes.ie Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:16 Page 24

Age 9-12 Edited by Caitríona Magner

Reviewers: Andrea Burke-Khan, Ruth Coleman, Peter D’Amato, Kieran Fanning, Charis Hughes, Patricia Kennon, Áine Ní Ghlinn, Paddy O’Doherty, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Caitríona Magner, Jenny Murray, Juliette Saumande, Bess Van Sleeuwen, Sarah Webb Age 9-12: Editor’s Choice

DEREK LANDY SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT HARPERCOLLINS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007241620 Skulduggery Pleasant is the debut novel of Irish playwright Derek Landy, who acccording to his publisher, filled his first novel with all the things he liked best – martial arts, super powers, action, magic, horror, mystery, murder and revenge. With this magnificent mix, Landy has reinvented fantasy, creating an original and memorable read. His secret weapon is humour! Unlike other titles in the genre, this fantasy novel does not take itself too seriously. The central character, Skulduggery, is a wise-cracking, sophisticated, well- dressed magician and detective, who just happens to be a skeleton! The tagline on the front cover reads ‘And he’s the good guy.’ Accompanied by his assistant, twelve-year-old Stephanie, Skulduggery Pleasant and his allies must prevent an evil sorcerer from unleashing a weapon of terrible power on the world. Stephanie is a feisty and interesting side-kick, who revels in the adventure. The pace of the action and the sense of danger in this adventure never lets up. Skulduggery Pleasant is great fun, and thankfully the story ends with a definite conclusion. That said I’m already looking forward to reading the sequel! [CM] SEE ALSO: www.skulduggerypleasant.com Age 9-12: Editor’s Choice

SIOBHAN DOWD THE LONDON EYE MYSTERY DAVID FICKLING BOOKS, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385612661 Inevitably there will be comparisons made between The London Eye Mystery and Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. In both stories there is a boy narrator with Asperger’s Syndrome, who is trying to solve a perplexing mystery. Unlike Haddon’s lead character, Ted’s at the “high-functioning” end of the syndrome, and is surrounded by a loving family. When his cousin Salim vanishes into thin air on the London Eye, even the police are baffled. So Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, teams up with his older sister Kat to solve the riddle. Ted bases his detective work on the premise that how things are depends on how you look at them. Salim’s eventual recovery is thanks to Ted’s unique, and analytical, powers of intelligence. Dowd’s prose is simple, yet masterful, and her sense of humour jumps off the page. The tension is kept high throughout the story and the reader is left guessing until the very last as to how Salim escaped from the pod. A must- read for fans of the traditional mystery genre! [CM]

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Age 9-12: A-Z by author

DAVE BARRY & RIDLEY PEARSON PETER AND THE SHADOWTHIEVES WALKER BOOKS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406304848 The fantastic follow up to Peter and the Starcatchers and second instalment in the prequel to JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. A truly exhilarating adventure that sees Peter Pan and his beloved sidekick Tinker Bell leave the safety of Mollusk Island to endure a perilous journey to an equally dangerous Victorian London. Once there he finds Molly, and together they must protect the world from Lord Ombra and his Shadow Thieves by keeping the precious starstuff from his evil clutches. Impossible to put down! [ABK] READ ALSO: Peter and the Starcatchers

TOM BECKER DARKSIDE SCHOLASTIC, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780439944366 Jonathan Starling is having a very bad time: his dad’s sick, he has no friends at school or anywhere else, and neon-haired bounty hunters keep trying to kidnap him. To make matters worse, he discovers that his city has a r otten underbelly – literally. Its name is Darkside and Jonathan seems destined to explore it. Readers who enjoy dark, gothic adventure and fast-paced story- telling will be keen to join him, through this and planned future instalments. Exciting and well-written, the trip to Darkside is well worth taking. [CH]

JON BERKELEY ILLUSTRATED BY BRANDON DORMAN THE TIGER’S EGG, THE WEDNESDAY TALES 2 SIMON & SCHUSTER, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847381286 Miles Wednesday jumps into a second roller-coaster adventure. Together with Little, the ex-angel girl, Miles joins the Circus Bolsillo. But there is more to circus life than having knives thrown at you or collecting the elephants’ poo. There’s mysterious Doctor Tau-Tau who claims that Miles’s father is still alive and then, there’s the Tiger’s Egg. It is funny and refreshing, written in Berkeley’s highly imaginative style and Dorman’s illustrations are fabulous. Fans of The Palace of Laughter will run to this second instalment “like cheetahs on roller skates”! [JS]

HOLLY BLACK AND TONY DITERLIZZI THE NIXIE’S SONG, BOOK 1 BEYOND THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES SIMON & SCHUSTER, £6.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781847381385 Eleven year-old Nick struggles to accept his new fairy-obsessed stepsister Laurie. Confronted with the reality of a nixie being threatened by a fire-breathing giant, the children must work together to devise a plan to save Mangrove Hollow. With a host of unusual and not always likable magical creatures and a guest appearance from Jared, The Nixie’s Song will definitely appeal to fans of the original Spider- wick Chronicles. Despite a little bit of an awkward start, a strong finish promises more adventure and fun to come. [RC] SEE ALSO: www.spiderwick.com

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 25 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:16 Page 26

Age 9-12

MICHAEL CARROLL THE NEW HEROES ABSOLUTE POWER HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), IBSN 9780007210947 The third book of the New Heroes is a fast-paced, action-packed story, in which the central character, Colin, is drawn into the Trutopian fold. His friends endeavour to release him from a forced allegiance to the enemy; thus, the ensuing epic battle between the new superheroes and the Trutopians. Carroll’s novel challenges the reader to question if anybody can be trusted in this world of deception. This is a busy but dramatic novel which escalates towards a blis- tering climax. [ÁNíG] READ ALSO: The Quantum Prophecy; Sakkara

JUDI CURTIN ALICE IN THE MIDDLE THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170385 Alice and Megan are back, in the fourth book in Judi Curtin’s popular series. The girls are at summer camp, where they meet pretty, wealthy Hazel, who doesn’t have much time for Megan, but thinks Alice is great. As Alice and Hazel grow closer, Megan fears that she’s losing her best friend. This is a funny and touching book, dealing with issues very relevant to pre-teen girls – shifting friendships and the pain of being left out – without sacrificing the humour and lightness of touch that characterise this series. [JM] READ ALSO: Alice Next Door; Alice Again; Don’t Ask Alice

JUDI CURTIN & ROISIN MEANEY SEE IF I CARE THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170217 When Luke and Elma are forced to correspond through a school pen-pal scheme, things aren’t going well for Elma; she’s in trouble at school and at home. She can’t confide in a strange boy, so she invents and describes a new, wonderful and much happier life. But soon she suspects that Luke isn’t telling the whole truth either. Written in letter-form, and deftly handling issues concerning family and friends, this is a light-hearted yet insightful book. 11+ [LM]

JOSEPH DELANEY THE SPOOK’S BATTLE THE BODLEY HEAD, £9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780370328928 Book 4 in The Wardstone Chronicles follows Tom (the Spook’s apprentice) in his quest to prevent three powerful witch clans from raising the dark made flesh – namely the Devil. This epic tale is a cross between Middle-Earth and Middle Ages rural England full of “proper” scary witches, not those fluffy, friendly types who have given witches a bad name. This is fantasy at its best, utterly convincing, terrifically terrifying and packed with wonderful charac- ters, unique creatures and the spookiest of places. Chilling and compelling, give me more! [KF] SEE ALSO: www.spooksbooks.com

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Age 9-12

DAVID DONOHUE ALIEN TIMEBOMB EGMONT, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405219990 A meteorite is on its way to destroy Earth and it seems the only person who can save the world is Walter Speazlebud. Walter gets ready to travel back in time using his amazing ability to spell backwards. Alien Timebomb is a funny, action-packed read that has everything from aliens to kidnapping to time-travel and more. Walter is a quirky hero and his adventures will enthral young and old would-be time travellers alike. Directions for use: Read from cover to cover without stopping! [RC] SEE ALSO: www.speazlebud.com READ ALSO: Walter Speazlebud; Moon Man

SALAMANDA DRAKE DRAGONSDALE THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905294305 It isn’t easy being the daughter of the stern Dragonmaster of the prestigious Dragonsdale Riding School. Cara wants to fly, but her father forbids it. Things get worse when Cara’s conceited and wealthy rival, Hortense, buys her favourite dragon only to spite her. Will Cara be able to get her dragon back and finally fly free? The narrative draws the reader into Cara’s perspective to experience every moment of sadness, fear, and excitement. [PD]

VIVIEN FRENCH ILLUSTRATED BY ROSS COLLINS THE ROBE OF SKULLS WALKER BOOKS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780744583618 Sorceress Lady Lamorna fancies a beautiful new robe and Her Evilness resorts to mischief to get the money she needs. But Foyce, a beautiful, wicked were-girl, hijacks Lamorna’s plans and mischief becomes malevolence. A wily bat, Marlon, must call on two young heroes, Gracie and Marcus, to champion the causes of good. Quirky narration, strong character development, and a unique storyline make this novel excellent fun to read. Beautifully detailed illustrations poignantly capture the enormity of the struggles faced by the two young heroes. [PD]

CORNELIA FUNKE IGRAINE THE BRAVE THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781905294459 Despite all the pressure from her family to become a wizard, Igraine has no desire to learn magic. Instead, she longs to be like her great-grandfather Palleas, a brave knight whose life was full of adventure. So when her family’s castle is besieged by a wicked sorcerer and his castellan, Igraine may find the thrill she craves. It is a tale of honour, adventure, and redemption and Funke tells it superbly. The dialogue feels genuine, the characters are complex, and the narrative is perfectly balanced. [PD] SEE ALSO: www.corneliafunkefans.com

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 27 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:16 Page 28

Age 9-12

JULIA GOLDING DEN OF THIEVES EGMONT, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405228183 The feisty heroine Cat Royal returns for a third escapade that is filled with plots, kidnaps and rescues. Set in 1791 London, Cat loses her job and home when the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane closes. Her employer Sheridan gives her a new role as his eyes and ears in Revolutionary France. In Paris she disguises herself as a member of the ballerina corps with hilarious conse- quences! Den of Thieves will undoubtedly please readers of historical fiction, and perhaps persuade some readers to try the genre for the first time. [CM] READ ALSO: The Diamond of Drury Lane; Cat Among the Pigeons

F E HIGGINS THE BLACK BOOK OF SECRETS MACMILLAN, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405089791 Full of Dahl-like humour, this is an impressive debut novel. Ludlow Fitch is running away from a most terrible past. He crosses paths with Joe Zabbidou – a mysterious pawnbroker who trades secrets, not goods, for cash. Employed as Joe’s assistant, Ludlow records the villagers’ fiendish confessions in an ancient leather-bound volume: “The Black Book of Secrets”. Children aged ten plus will love Higgins’ comic stories of grave robbing, pies with dead rats, not to mention the psychic frog! [CM] SEE ALSO: www.theblackbookofsecrets.com

BELINDA HOLLYER RIVER SONG ORCHARD BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781943629436 Set in New Zealand, River Song is a beautiful novel about a young girl who is torn between her grandmother and her carefree mother. To complicate matters, Jessye is Maori and her mother is not. Hollyer has captured with great skill Jessye’s inner turmoil as she struggles to protect her grandmother’s land from an unforeseen threat – her own mother’s get-rich-quick schemes. The values of the Maori culture – the importance of the land, the power of storytelling and the taniwha – permeate the entire novel, enchanting the reader. [CM]

BIDDY JENKINSON AGUS RÍBÓ AN BHANRÍON BESS AGUS GUSAÍ GAIMBÍN COISCÉIM, 10.00 (CLÚDACH BOG), GAN AON ISBN TUGTHA Tá Lios na gCat i mbaol. Tá plean ag ‘muc mór áitiúil’ an air gid’s an áit a scriosadh agus casino a thógáil ann. Bíonn ar ghnáth-dhaoine an cheantair teacht le chéile agus troid ar son a mbaile. Tá samhlaíocht iontach sa mbealach a insítear an scéal, is go leor greann ann chomh maith. Ach nílim cinnte go n-oibríonn an bealach a chuirtear an scéal os comhair an léitheora. Tá an cur i láthair an-éagsúil, rud atá in-mholta, ach ní dóigh liom go réiteoidh sé le chuile léitheoir. [TÓD]

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Age 9-12

TOM KELLY THE THING WITH FINN MACMILLIAN, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405090216 What do you do when your ten-year-old twin brother dies and you think it’s your fault? Do you stop talking? Throw bricks at your neighbour’s windows or run away from home? That’s a start. Danny’s start in any case. The Thing with Finn is an immensely moving novel that deals with grief, guilt, identity, Jaffa cakes and otters (!). Kelly’s debut novel is written with an impressive lightness of touch and tons of humour (toilet and otherwise). Both uplifting and haunting. [JS]

ELIZABETH LAIRD CRUSADE MACMILLAN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780330443111 This historical novel powerfully explores the time of the Third Crusade through the perspectives and experiences of two very different boys, Adam, an English Christian serf, and Salim, a Muslim apprentice to a Jewish doctor in Acre. Laird skilfully combines a topical exploration of the concept of holy wars with an engrossing page-turning adventure. Enjoyable yet thought-provoking, this story raises challenging yet accessible opportunities for young readers to engage with issues of propaganda, prejudice, intolerance, conflict and the potential for intercultural understanding. Age 11+ [PK]

MICHAEL MORPURGO BEST MATE HARPERCOLLINS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007230570 Young Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal, and after much pleading, his parents allow him to keep one, which he names Best Mate. Faster than a speeding bullet, it’s not long before Best Mate attracts unwanted attention. Kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, Best Mate begins a new, but difficult life as a champion race dog. Morpurgo exposes in this poignant story, the systematic cruelty of greyhound racing, and the strength of loyalty between a dog and his owner. Age 8–10 [CM]

CHRIS MOULD SOMETHING WICKEDLY WEIRD: THE WOODEN MILE HODDER, £6.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780340944776 One of three titles in the Wickedly Weird series, this is a dark and twisted tale about an eleven-year-old boy, Stanley Buggles. Despite being so young, Stanley inherits Candlestick Hall, located on Crompton Rock, a mile-long jetty that can only be reached at low tide. Inevitably there are many dark secrets and strange goings-on in this isolated community, which is populated by a plethora of creepy characters. Fast-paced and accompanied by Mould’s own dark illustra- tions, The Wooden Mile is a riveting read for newly independent readers. [CM] READ ALSO: The Icy Hand; The Silver Casket

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Age 9-12

PATRICIA MURPHY THE CHINGLES AND THE VAMPIRE KING: CHINGLES TRILOGY, BOOK 3 POOLBEG PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842232309 Cassie, Thomas and Nancy embark on a desperate search to save four babies who have been kidnapped by evil crime lord Vladimir. In this action-packed adventure the children travel to Eastern Europe to face the terrible hag Baba Yaga, and a horde of the undead, to rescue the babies. Full of gods, goddesses and magical creatures from around the world, this book will be a treat for mythology lovers, but could have benefited from a more relaxed pace at times. [RC]

ÁINE NÍ GHLINN LÉARÁIDÍ LE OLIVIA GOLDEN MADRA MEABHRACH COIS LIFE, 8 (CLÚDACH CRUA), ISBN 9781901176704 Seo leabhar eisceachtiúil a phléann téamaí atá sean is síoraí. Samhlaigh madra ag iarraidh dul ar scoil!! Céard a cheapfaidh na comharsan? Náire dá mhuintir, éad ar mhadraí an cheantair agus aisfhreagra an-láidir ón dá ghrúpa. An madra é fós má tá sé in ann léamh, is má tá eolas ar an saol ‘amuigh’ uaidh? Tarlaíonn eachtra ag an deireadh a dheireann an t-uafás faoi ionnanas is faoi éagsúlacht, agus tá na téamaí móra seo curtha os ár gcomhair i mbealach so-thuigthe agus tarraingteach. Ceannaigh an leabhar seo agus bain sult as! [TÓD]

AINE NÍ GHLINN ÉASCA PÉASCA (SCÉAL EILE) CLÓ UÍ BHRIAIN/THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 6.95 (CLÚDACH BOG), ISBN 9781847170477 Féachann Niamh agus Aonghus ar Mharie-Claire, an au pair nua, is cuireann said seift le chéile chun fáil réidh leí. D’éirigh leo fáil réidh le seachtar au pair roimpi is tá Marie-Claire ‘petite’, is óg go leor. Ach, ní ghnáthbhean óg í Marie- Claire, mar a fhaigheann an bheirt amach. Tá an cinéal scéal seo coitianta i litríocht pháistí is níl tosach an leabhair ró-iontach. Feabhasaíonn sé de réir mar a théann sé ar aghaidh, is tá críoch taitneamhach is éagsúil ag an scéal. [TÓD]

GABRIELLE NÍ MHEACHAIR LÉARÁIDÍ LE OLIVIA GOLDEN ÉILE RUA – AN CHÉAD SEILCHÍ COIS LIFE, 9.00 (CLÚDACH CRUA), ISBN 9781901176742 Cónaíonn Éile ar oileán amach ó chósta Chorcaí. Tá an-suim aici sna rónnta a shnámhann thart timpeall. Glaonn sí Ronán ar ‘Rí na Rónnta’ is éiríonn caird- eas ar leith eatartha. Trí thimpiste, tagann Éile ar an eolas gur féidir leí tionntú isteach ina rón is a saol a roinnt idir an fharraige agus an mórthír. Ach tá a smaointe féin ag Dónall, buachaill láidir an oileáin a thiteann i ngrá léi, is cruthaíonn sé seift gránna chun a bhealach a fháil. Le ghrá, feallaireacht agus Gaeilge álainn is fiú an leabhar taitneamhach seo a léamh. [TÓD] LÉIGH FREISIN: An Chailleach agus a Cuid Gruaige FÉACH AR: www.coislife.ie

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Age 9-12

SONIA NIMR ILLUSTRATED BY HANNAH SHAW GHADDAR THE GHOUL AND OTHER PALESTINIAN STORIES FRANCES LINCOLN, £8.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781845077716 Have you ever wondered what a Ghoul is, or why mosquitos can’t sing? This book contains beautifully written short stories that make you want to believe in fairy tales again. Sonia Nimr has captured the rich tradition of Palestinian storytelling and gives the reader a little insight into this magical world. Originally these folk stories were told to ‘grown-ups’ but, together with the beautiful illustrations, this book is a must-read for ‘grown-ups to be’. With an introduction to the art of storytelling in Arab countries by writer and broadcaster Ghada Karmi. [BVS]

GARTH NIX LADY FRIDAY HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007175093 In Lady Friday, the fifth book in Garth Nix’s fantasy-adventure series, The Keys to the Kingdom, Arthur Penhaligon, having defeated four of the seven Trustees and taken their Keys, must now face the Piper’s encroaching army and solve the disappearance of his friend Leaf and his mother due to Lady Friday’s disturbing plans. Despite a complicated and slow-moving plot, fans of the series will be pleased by the increasingly epic atmosphere and the further unfolding of the tantalising mystery of the Middle House. [PK] SEE ALSO: www.keystothekingdom.com.au

VINCENT O’DONNELL TITANIC TRAGEDY THE COLLINS PRESS, 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905172412 A chilling tale charting the excitement at the launching of the Titanic and the horror of her sinking in 1912. A most informative book, it offers deep insights into the class-ridden society of the early twentieth century. McDonnell writes vividly and fluently, delving beneath the surface to examine the mysterious sinking of this ship on its maiden voyage. This stirring novel succeeds in painting a picture of the heroism and courage of many, while unveiling the cowardice of others. A gripping read! [ÁNíG]

SIOBHÁN PARKINSON BLUE LIKE FRIDAY PUFFIN BOOKS, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780141320946 Following on from the success of Something Invisible, Siobhán Parkinson has written an equally moving novel about a child’s inability to overcome the loss of a parent. Blue Like Friday tells the story of Olivia and her best friend Hal, who is a little weird. Hal thinks Fridays are blue, and tangy, like blue lemon sherbet. He also has a plan to make his sort-of-stepfather, Alec, leave home, so that everything will once again be rosy in the garden, or will it? Age 11+ [CM] READ ALSO: The Moon King; Second Fiddle

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Age 9-12

SIAN PATTENDEN OPERATION WARD TEN SHORT BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781904977896 Meet Agatha Bilke, ‘The Worst Girl Known to Humanity’. When she ends up in hospital following a fire (which she is being blamed for) she meets the eccen- tric patients of Ward Ten. Agatha almost kills Cauliflower Trinkle, performs minor surgery on Matron Cakebread and runs over her sister in an ambulance. She also manages to find time to fall in love and prove her own innocence. Full of zany characters, witty writing and short chapters, this story will keep 10+ readers laughing until the final page. [KF] SEE ALSO: www.agathabilke.com

PETER REGAN ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER RIVERSIDE: SAMBA SOCCER THE CHILDREN’S PRESS, 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781901737585 Book 13 of the series set in Bray, Co Wicklow sees Chippy, Jimmy and the gang forming a Samba soccer school, to turn local players into Pelés. Only one problem: the ‘Brazilian’ trainers are in fact junior members of Chippy’s own second-tier UK club, and are closer to Scunthorpe than Sao Paulo. It will take some fancy footwork indeed to pull it all off! Simple, direct and engaging, this will appeal particularly to the football crazy but has enough sly humour to capture a wider audience. [CH] READ ALSO: Loot!; The Croke Park Conspiracy

ANGIE SAGE SEPTIMUS HEAP; BOOK THREE: PHYSIK BLOOMSBURY, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780747583974 What an exciting read this novel is! The third in the series, it envelops the reader in a world of mystery and adventure where ghosts and spirits can be either threatening or helpful presences. Sage’s ability to create a variety of credible characters and an authentic world is laudable indeed. The presence of the evil Queen Etheldredda dominates the story but Sage’s humour, aided by her illustrations, never allows the novel to become too dark. This is a book which truly fires the imagination. Strongly recommended! [ÁNíG]

PAUL STEWART ILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS RIDDELL BARNABY GRIMES CURSE OF THE NIGHTWOLF DOUBLEDAY, £8.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385611886 In this relentless romp, tick-tock lad Barnaby Grimes is a regular sight around the rooftops of Dickensian London, ‘high-stacking’ and running errands, ear to the ground for mysteries to solve or tales to tell. Attacked one night by a large rooftop dog, he kills it with his swordstick, but when his friend Benjamin goes missing, his curiosity begins to grow. Investigations lead him to a world of lawless doctors, pauper patients, inept tonics and this season’s must-have fur! A fantastic thriller- horror, particularly for boys. [JM] SEE ALSO: www.barnabygrimes.co.uk READ ALSO: Far-Flung Adventures, The Edge Chronicles

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Age 9-12

JACQUELINE WILSON JACKY DAYDREAM, THE STORY OF HER CHILDHOOD RANDOM HOUSE/DOUBLEDAY , £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385610155 A refreshingly honest and chatty autobiographical account of Jacqueline Wilson’s childhood. Her story gives readers a fascinating insight into how everyday experiences, events and people helped to create many of her plots and characters. Wilson’s love of writing and the worlds she created are clear. Budding young writers will be taking their cue from her by keeping a watchful eye on and taking note of all that happens around them – you have been warned! [ABK]

ENDA WYLEY THE SILVER NOTEBOOK THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170200 Timothy Finn lives with his Mum, an artist, in a small coastal town. An imagi- native boy with a great love of words and story-telling, he dreams of becoming a writer – and of finding the father who mysteriously went away befor e he was born. Then out of the blue he receives a beautiful silver notebook for his birth- day – from his father. Timothy and his friend Fleur decide to look for some answers. This emotionally charged novel is about the power of words, story, secrets and the importance of knowing the truth. It would be of special inter- est to aspiring young writers. [PO’D] Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:16 Page 34

Poetry Edited by Enda Wyley

Reviewers: Mags Walsh, Enda Wyley Age 2-4: Editor’s Choice

COLLECTED BY JANE YOLEN AND ANDREW FUSEK PETERS ILLUSTRATED BY POLLY DUNBAR HERE’S A LITTLE POEM: A VERY FIRST BOOK OF POETRY WALKER BOOKS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781844287536 Work by John Agard, Hilaire Belloc, Gertrude Stein and many others is gathered here – all embodying the innocence, wonder and joy with which very young children encounter the world around them. The poems are quirky and full of imagination. Here, for example, Spike Milligan writes unforgettably about rain: ‘There are holes in the sky/where the rain gets in,/But they’re ever so small/ That’s why rain is thin.’ This is a book blessed by Polly Dunbar’s wonderful illustrations which capture exactly how children see things. And the result is a simple, beautiful book, which young children will enjoy looking at, as much as reading or having it read to them by grown-ups. Equally, there are invaluable rhythms and ideas here that will instil in the young reader an early and enthusiastic love of poetry. Over sixty poems demonstrating what poetry at its very best can be. Age 3+[EW]

Poetry: A-Z by author

CHOSEN BY PIE CORBETT THE WORKS 6: EVERY KIND OF POEM YOU WILL EVER NEED FOR ASSEMBLY MACMILLAN, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780330434393 Created to provide teachers with every kind of poem they could possibly need for assembly, this anthology is also an invaluable collection of poems for any young lover of poetry. The first poem, a traditional Burundi lullaby, immediately warmed my heart to this book and is just one of the many wonderful poems caringly compiled by Pie Corbett. Highly recommended. Age 8+ [EW]

GABRIEL FITZMAURICE ILLUSTRATED BY STELLA MACDONALD REALLY ROTTEN RHYMES MERCIER PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355445 A truly revolting collection by Kerry poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice. Pooh, snot, burps, farts, and many more rotten subjects fill up the pages of this book. ‘A pimple on your backside/ is lumpy to the touch/ But what can you do about it? /Not Much.’ Fitzmaurice delights in his ‘deliciously disgusting’ poems. And certainly they will appeal not only to children but to what he describes as ‘the naughty child’s place in many adult hearts.’ Age 7+ [EW]

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Poetry

JOHN FOSTER THE POETRY CHEST OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192763419 There are three parts to this collection by John Foster, all of which cover a myriad of themes and types of poetry. For this reviewer, the final section was by far the most interesting because it uses poems in the book as a framework for writing poetry through a variety of simple exercises, followed by an excellent glossary of poetic terms. A thought-provoking book, this treasure trove will offer children lots of ideas for playing with and enjoying words. Age 8+ [EW]

STEVEN HERRICK ILLUSTRATED BY BETH NORLING NAKED BUNNYIP DANCING: THE STORY OF ANNA, BILLY THE PUNK, J-MAN AND EVERYONE ELSE ALLEN AND UNWIN CHILDREN’S BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781741146554 A verse-novel by Australian writer Steven Herrick, this collection of poems celebrates the diverse voices of class 6C. With their teacher Mr Carey the Hairy, the children are preparing for a concert they will never forget. As the story progresses we come to identify with each of the characters, their feelings and aspirations – and more importantly, to care for them. This is a verse-novel which is novel because Herrick has a gift for writing strong poetry in the voices of young people. Age 8+ [EW]

TONY MITTON ILLUSTRATED BY PETER BAILEY THE TALE OF TALES PICTURE CORGI, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552548878 It is the morning of The Tale of Tales and ‘of the Story Road that led to it.’ Monkey and Elephant set off on a journey to Volcano Valley to hear the great- est story of all. As they go, they are joined by a collection of animal friends, all with their own special tale to tell in verse. Shades of Kipling and Chaucer are present throughout this magical book made timeless by Peter Bailey’s bold and beautiful ink drawings. Age 8 + [EW]

NICK TOCZEK AND DAVID HARMER READ ME OUT LOUD: A POEM FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR MACMILLAN, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780330446211 The collection that does what it says on the tin – an eclectic anthology with a poem listed for every day in the year. Inviting and bright, it is perfect for dipping into. You’ll jump to today’s poem but then you’ll hop about to birthdays, anniversaries and other days, enjoying a good mixture of classic and contemporary verse on the way. The encouragements to read out loud work very well and even if a rap might be challenging for some readers, you’ll certainly have a go. [MW]

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Information Edited by Sarah Webb

Reviewers: Robert Dunbar, Lucinda Jacob, Jane Mitchell, Tomás Ó Dúlaing, Helen Power, Juliette Saumande, Sarah Webb Information Books: Editor’s Choice

BRENDAN O’BRIEN ILLUSTRATED BY CARTOON SALOON THE STORY OF IRELAND THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 19.95 (HBK), ISBN 9780862788810 The O’Brien Press is one of a few publishers willing to take a chance on ambitious illustrated projects – think of their award-winning poetry collection, Something Beginning with P (2005). The Story of Ireland is another O’Brien Press book which is bound to win praise from children and adults alike. Written in a lively, informal style its attractive pages are full of informative facts broken down into child-friendly, bite-sized pieces, ideal for internet savvy modern young- sters. From Celts to the Celtic Tiger, it’s a rollercoaster ride through Irish history. The excellent illustrations by Cartoon Saloon are full of witty, authentic detail. Their work has an almost child-like exuberance and I particularly like the delicate, wafting verdigris ‘statue’ heads and the chubby American tourists in tartan trousers outside the GPO, both in the ‘Statues with a Story’ chapter. There are also maps and photographs, old and new. Every household in Ireland should have a copy, not to mention libraries and schools. I can’t recommend it highly enough. A triumph! [SW] SEE ALSO: www.cartoonsaloon.ie

Information Books: A-Z by author

JACOB BERKOWITZ JURASSIC POOP! A & C BLACK, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780713685619 You wouldn’t think that a big pile of poo could contain so much – so much infor- mation, that is. This hilarious (yet very serious) book touches on an unexpected variety of topics including the best spots to find coprolites (fossilised doo-doo), ancient medicine, medieval menus and global warming. It seems dung has its part to tell in the very history of life. Brilliant. Age 7+ [JS]

RUTH BROCKLEHURST & HENRY BROOK THE USBORNE INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST WORLD WAR USBORNE, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780746076552 This book gives an overview of the entire First World War from the rise of Prus- sia, to the aftermath of the Treaty of Versailles. Contemporary pictures and paintings amply convey the experiences of those who lived and died during the Great War. Numerous maps illustrate the major battle-zones and all aspects and consequences of this world-changing war are outlined briefly, with the promise of further information via Internet links. Age 9+ [HP] READ ALSO: The Usborne Introduction to the Second World War

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Information

MARIA DE FATIMA CAMPOS VICTORIA’S DAY FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845075712 In this book we follow Victoria through her day in photographs that show her busy and active at home, and in infant class in school. Taken by her professional photographer mother, there is no difference between her day and that of any other small child, despite her Down’s Syndrome. Nowhere in the child-friendly text is her condition mentioned, but there is an impassioned page of information at the back of the book championing the benefits of integrated schooling for children like Victoria. A well-designed, thoughtful book for homes, schools and libraries. [LJ]

CAROL DONOUGHUE THE STORY OF WRITING THE BRITISH MUSEUM PRESS, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780714130231 You are a young scribe in the city of Sumer in 3000 BC, a novice in a medieval scriptorium, a trainee in Guttenberg’s printing workshop, a pupil in a Chinese school today – and you are learning to write. In this original book, the reader gets a chance to discover at first-hand scripts used throughout history and around the world, writing tools and various teaching methods. Beautifully illustrated, with clear and accessible layout and text, it will appeal to readers with enquiring minds and a taste for time travel. Age 8+ [JS]

DEBORAH ELLIS THREE WISHES: PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI CHILDREN SPEAK FRANCES LINCOLN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845077433 This book is distressing and, at times, shocking and comprises of interviews with Palestinian and Israeli children, about their lives and perceptions of the war. Through their voices it tells us bleakly what we already know – that ‘war children’ are deeply damaged and traumatised. What is also highlighted, perhaps inadvertently, is the marked contrast between the comfortable life of the Israeli children, compared with the impoverished existence and relentless hardship faced by the Palestinians. Age 10+ [JM]

AL GORE AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH BLOOMSBURY, £9.99 (PBK), ISBN 978074790965 This is a pared-down version of the adult book of the same name. The first fourteen chapters make a forceful argument for the reality of global warming. The final chapter addresses the potential solutions to the problem of climate change. The text is sparse but backed up by copious graphs and images, including shrinking glaciers and the twenty-five named hurricanes of 2005. The persistent assumption that the reader is from the USA is a slight distrac- tion from the message of this compelling book. Age 9+ [HP]

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Information

MONICA GRADY ILLUSTRATED BY LUCIA DE LEIRIS STARDUST FROM SPACE FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845075705 This beautiful book is a gentle introduction to the topic of astronomy. The author has written a sparse and simple narrative that uses stardust as the starting point from which the origins of the solar system are explored. The serene illustrations are uncluttered but sufficiently detailed to back up the text. The descriptions of a shooting star as a cosmic firework, and asteroids looking like giant peanuts are enchanting. This is the perfect book for even the youngest child who wants to know about stars. Age 6+ [HP]

MINNA LACEY ILLUSTRATED BY STEPHEN CARTWRIGHT FIRST NATURE BOOK USBORNE, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780746085158 A charming and useful book, which introduces nature to young children. From how to recognise common garden birds and butterflies, to identifying different spiders and how a tadpole turns into a frog, it covers a wide range of nature topics which are of real interest to young children. There are also suggestions for lots of fun activities to do, like leaf rubbing and making a creepy crawly catcher. Each page has a nice mixture of photographs and friendly-looking illustrations. Ideal for the home or the classroom. Age 5+ [SW]

KATE LENNARD ILLUSTRATED BY DERMOT FLYNN SMILE! HUTCHINSON, £4.99 (BOARD), ISBN 9780091798451 ‘If you want your smile to glow, Let us animals show you how.’ This is an inno- vative board book that stands up on its own and has a little mirror at its centre so children can watch themselves brush their own teeth like the animals in the book. What makes it stand out are the strong, charming and deliciously coloured animal illustrations by Irish artist, Dermot Flynn. This is his first children’s book and I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future. Age 2+ [SW]

ANN MCPHERSON AND AIDAN MACFARLANE THE TRUTH: A TEENAGER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192727039 The authors are the team behind Diary of a Teenage Health Freak, and they also run a health website for teenagers. This book contains the questions which they are most often asked, like ‘What should I do when I’m really stressed?’ and ‘What weight should I be?’ The authors answer the questions directly and without judgement. Their advice is well-considered and honest, and the book also contains advice to teens from their peers. A good book for both teens and their anxious parents. Age 13+ [SW]

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JAN MARK ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD HOLLAND THE MUSEUM BOOK WALKER BOOKS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781844287499 ‘Suppose you went into a museum and you didn’t know what it was.’ The opening sentence of this clever, thoughtful and always entertaining book serves as a perfect introduction to its prevailing style and tone, as the reader is seduced into embarking on a wonderful journey into museums, their origins, their numerous varieties and their purposes. The elegance of the prose narrative is brilliantly matched in Holland’s montage-style illustrations, which are as quirkily diverting as the stories that Mark has to tell. Age 8+ [RD]

MENNO METSELAAR AND RUUD VAN DER ROL TRANSLATED BY ARNOLD J POMERANS THE LIFE OF ANNE FRANK MACMILLAN, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780230014190 Who was Anne Frank? What happened after she was arrested? How did her diary survive? These questions and more are answered in this compelling book. On page one the striking photograph of a red-and-beige checked diary fills the entire space, setting the tone for this most visual look at the girl behind the diary. Packed with never-before-seen photographs – Anne as a baby, Margot in the baby bath – it makes Anne and her family come alive. Beautifully written, utterly heart-breaking, a must-read. Age 11+ [SW]

MATTHEW MORRISON ILLUSTRATED BY GARY CHALK BIG QUESTIONS: INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES IN THINKING WIZARD BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781840466706 Truth and knowledge, right and wrong, God and nature … don’t let these impressive and somewhat heavy topics put you off. This book is very child- friendly. Well-written and very simple (but not simplistic), it translates time-old philosophical issues into contemporary questions that children do ask, from animal rights to the war in Iraq. You won’t find any answers to the Big Questions here, but you will be well-armed with information to explore them and to decide the answers for yourself. Age 9+ [JS]

ANITA NAIK BODY BLIPS, WOBBLY BITS AND GREAT BIG ZITS PICCADILLY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781853409097 A book for teenage girls about learning to feel good about yourself. Written in a lively, accessible style it combines no-nonsense information with fun quizzes, and quotes and advice from other teens. Covering a wide range of subjects from self-esteem to diet and exercise, it’s an excellent resource for teenagers. There’s a sensible chapter on Getting into Shape, which advises healthy eating and explains why weight fluctuation is normal. Ignore the Barbie-pink cover; Naik speaks a lot of sense. Fun illustrations by Sue Hellard. Age 11+ [SW]

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LAOISE NÍ CHOMHRAÍ BARRY MURPHY A RINNE NE PICTIÚIR AG TAISTEAL LE TARLACH SA tSEAPÁIN AN GÚM, 10.50 (HBK), ISBN 9781857916195 Leabhar eolais é seo faoin tSeapáin atá an-oiriúnach do pháistí sinsearacha sa bhunscoil. Téann Tarlach ar chuairt ar a chara cleithe, Satomi, sa tSeapáin is tógann an leabhar an léitheoir ar an turas leis. Ar an mbealach, cuirtear go leor eolais ar fáil faoi theanga, sibhialtacht is chultúir mhuintir an tSeapáin. Ó thaobh léaráidí de, tá meascán deas idir cartúin and fíor-phictiúirí. Ní leabhar é seo a léifeá in aon léamh amháin ach tá píosa eolais nua le foghlaim gach uair a d’osclófá é. Is acmhainne an-áisiúil agus tarraingteach é. Aoisghrúpa – 10 go 12. [TÓD]

MÁIRTÍN Ó CLÉIRIGH, COLMCILLE Ó MONACHÁIN AGUS CAOIMHÍN Ó HÍCÍ LEABHAIR MÓR AN EOLAIS AN GÚM, 16.50, ISBN 978185791348 200 leathanach, 9 gcaibideal is gach uile orlach de fáiscithe le eolais is fíricí. An rud is iontaí faoin leabhair seo ná an leagan amach, go speisialta ó thaobh usáid dathanna. Tá dath ar leith ag dul le gach caibideal is usáidtear dathanna éagsúla ar chuile leathanach chun an t-eolas a dhéanamh níos suimiúla is níos tarraingtí. Tá pictiúirí iontacha ar ghach uile leathanach chomh maith le léaráidí atá cliste is áisiúil. Má tá píosa beag eolais ag teastáil faoi réimse leathan ábhair, bheadh sé deacair an leabhair seo a shárú. [TÓD]

IFEOMA ONYEFULU IKENNA GOES TO NIGERIA – CHILDREN RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS SERIES FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 978-1-84507-585-9 Ikenna leaves his London home to visit Nigeria, homeland of his extended family, in the company of his mother, the award-winning author and photogra- pher, Ifeoma. He describes the many interesting and unusual things he notices on the very long journey from Lagos to Onitsha to meet his many relatives, and we experience them too, through his mother’s exciting and informative photo- graphs. He celebrates his birthday, receiving homemade gifts and sharing a meal of Jellof Rice. Beautifully produced, highly recommended. [LM] READ ALSO: Shanyi Goes to China; Prita Goes to India

SHAZIA RAZZAK AND PRODEEPTA DAS P IS FOR PAKISTAN FRANCES LINCOLN, £11.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845074838 ‘A is for Asslam-U-Alaikum. This is how people in Pakistan say hello!’ Lush photography and jaunty text combine to make this a charming and vibrant book about the people and the traditions of Pakistan. An A to Z of all things Pakistani, from the River Indus, to Laddu, sweet balls made of chickpea flour and sugar, and jasmine, the national flower of Pakistan, each entry is illus- trated by a colourful photograph. Age 4+ [LJ]

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ROBERT SABUDA AND MATTHEW REINHART MEGA BEASTS WALKER BOOKS, £19.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781406305913 This book charts the rise and demise of the great Sky Lizards (Pterosaurs) and extinct mammals of prehistoric times. From the Quetzalcoatlus on the first page to the Woolly Mammoth head on the last, the intricacy of the pop-ups will enthral and amaze readers of all ages. The text is presented in bite-sized chunks that complement the illustrations and pop-ups perfectly. It has the same compelling characteristics as a top-notch website without requiring a computer. This is a worthy finale to the Encyclopaedia Prehistorica trilogy. Age 5+ [HP]

FLEUR STAR 24 HOURS: MOUNTAIN DORLING KINDERSLEY, £7.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405316231 Spend 24 hours in the Andes in the company of a host of animals, from spec- tacled bears, to pumas, owls and chinchillas, and discover how they eat, sleep and survive in this unforgiving mountain environment. Stunning photography and easy-to-read text combine to make this an entertaining and useful book for younger readers. Beautifully designed and laid out, the detailed information is presented in an accessible and visually punchy manner, in carefully selected short snippets. Bound to keep any young animal lover enthralled. Age 6+ [SW]

CLAIRE THORNE A Very Special Children's Book from DRAW LIKE AN EGYPTIAN BRITISH MUSEUM, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780714131146 To You ... Using artefacts from the British Museum, this densely packed book gives clear step-by-step illustrations on how to ‘draw like an Egyptian’, while at the The Most Beautiful Letter same time giving insight into the culture and society that produced these in the World wonderfully stylised and instantly recognisable images. While not perhaps the most creative way of working, copying the style of other artists is an estab- lished way of honing drawing skills; and a child who is keen on either Egypt or drawing will get a lot out of this book. Age 7+ [SW] When Poppy finds a mysterious envelope in the park addressed 'To You', CLARE VICKERS WITH DELLA SUMMERS ILLUSTRATED BY MIKE PHILLIPS she opens it and finds the LADYBIRD SCHOOL THESAURUS most beautiful letter LADYBIRD, £5.99 (PBK), 97818465109 in the world ... An essential reference book for any young writer. It’s a pity Ladybird put ‘school’ on the cover as it’s a lively, well-designed book with lots of cartoon illustrations, As she makes her way but if it means it will be put on school book lists, that’s great news. There are home, the letter continues to many (lots, stacks, piles, tons…) of different words suggested for each entry, work its magic on Poppy and these words are used in context in a sentence, making selection easy and everyone she meets. Available from bookshops nationwide (simple, effortless, undemanding…). You get the idea! Age 7+ [SW] from November READ ALSO: School Dictionary Picture Dictionary

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Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 43

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RICHARD WALKER INSIDE YOU DORLING KINDERSLEY, £12.99 (HBK), 9781405318723 How does your body fight disease? What happens when you sneeze? What’s in a spot? This is an utterly fascinating look at how the body works, with all the gory bits left in – eyelash mites, head lice, and athlete’s foot. Perfect for hold- ing the attention of any budding nurse or doctor, or any child with a rather morbid curiosity. Packed full with incredibly detailed photographs, CT scans, and illustrations, it even comes with its own special animated DVD. This is the kind of book that makes learning fun. Age 9+ [SW]

VALERIE WILDING THE PRINCESS FILES OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780199115792 Do princesses go to school? Do they have jobs? Can they do what they want? This informative book is concerned with historical and current figures from all around the world. It is packed with facts, profiles and tips, such as how to say hello to a Nepalese princess and where to find Prince Charming. The Files are definitely pink, but they also show the less glittery side of real princesses’ lives: the weight of responsibility, the formality, the publicity. Humorous and light of tone, it will fascinate girls aged 8+. [JS]

A Very Special Children's Book from To You ... The Most Beautiful Letter in the World

When Poppy finds a mysterious envelope in the park addressed 'To You', she opens it and finds the most beautiful letter in the world ...

As she makes her way home, the letter continues to work its magic on Poppy and everyone she meets. Available from bookshops nationwide from November Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 44

Age 12-14 Edited by Liz Morris

Reviewers: Andrea Burke-Khan, Helen Carr, Judy Deacon, Eoin Fegan, Patricia Kennon, Niamh McGuirk, Jane Mitchell, Liz Morris, Finian O’Shea, Barbara O’Toole, Bess Van Sleeuwen, Sarah Webb Age 12-14: Editor’s Choice

LINZI GLASS RUBY RED PENGUIN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141382807 Seventeen-year-old Ruby Winters leads a double life: once she sets foot inside the school grounds she is the perfect A-student, popular with teachers and students alike but it is in the company of her parents that Ruby is her real self. Her classmates cannot guess that Ruby is very skilled at guarding secrets, for telling the truth could see the imprisonment of her parents and would certainly lead to brutal retaliation and ‘rough justice’ for their black friends and associates. Her mother runs a controversial art gallery where she shows the work of banned black artists and her father is a lawyer who represents activists of the proscribed ANC. But when she rejects the advances of a rich and powerful classmate and soon after is seen with Afrikaans boy, Johann, Ruby sets in train a sequence of events that leads to disaster. For this is Johannesburg 1976, and the Soweto riots that will spark the protests that ultimately force an end to the extraordinarily unjust system of apartheid are just around the corner. This is a powerful story of love and loyalty in troubled times, and a moving portrayal of the lives of ordinary people whose convictions and actions bring about extraordinary change. [LM]

Age 12-14: Editor’s Choice

DAVID LEVITHAN ARE WE THERE YET? HARPERCOLLINS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9870007191406 Danny Silver is a dynamic and hard-working executive; brother Elijah is seven years younger, easy-going and affable but reluctant to accept change, to go to college, to become an adult. These are brothers who could be said to inhabit different universes. Sent to Italy by parents anxious that their sons should repair their relationship, each dreads the prospect of spending nine days in enforced togetherness. Levithan handles the apparent disconnectedness of the brothers with skill and subtlety: the reader is aware of the many attitudes and experiences they share, though these remain unspoken and so unknown to them. We see their private reactions and are gradually made aware, through humorous flashbacks, of how these brothers, once so close, have drifted apart. This is a thoughtful novel, full of humour and insight, about family and other relationships. It is also a beautifully written travelogue, complete with vivid and detailed images of their respective sights and sounds, for three of the most beautiful cities in Europe; it is a novel that will convince any reader to visit, or revisit, Italy. [LM]

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Age 12-14: A-Z by author

ANNE CASSIDY THE BONE ROOM BARRINGTON STOKE, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842994498 Paul and Lulu stumble on a haunted cottage, but appearances are deceptive. What’s really going on is far more sinister, and they find themselves dragged into danger and people smuggling. This publisher specialises in short books for older children who are dyslexic, struggling to read, or reluctant to sit down with a book. The content has been stripped of superfluous words, complex plots and expressive language, but still manages to build considerable excite- ment and tension. [JM] READ ALSO: Looking For JJ

RODDY DOYLE WILDERNESS SCHOLASTIC, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781407102313 Set in Dublin and Finland, this is an extraordinary book – part snow-bound adventure tale, part gritty family drama. Two brothers, Tom and Johnny go on a husky safari with their mum, Sandra. Meanwhile their half-sister, Gráinne meets the mother who abandoned her many years ago. Doyle writes so well, and his dialogue is so natural, that you forget you are reading; you can almost feel the icy air of Finland and the dogs’ musky stench. Funny, tender, exciting, explosive; this book deserves to be read over and over. [SW]

JULIA GOLDING RINGMASTER EGMONT, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781405230506 Darcie Lock leads a privileged life in Nairobi, Kenya. She fills her days with school, football matches and fencing lessons, but all that is about to change. Her father, who works in a dreary job at the British Consulate, is kidnapped and their home ransacked. Darcie is drawn into a treacherous world of spies, smuggling rackets and a possible coup. Nothing is as it seems and nobody can be trusted. Can Darcie save her father and unmask the elusive Ringmaster? A fantastic spy tale. 14+ [ABK]

RODERICK GORDON & BRIAN WILLIAMS TUNNELS THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905294428 Will Burrows has a passion for excavating which surpasses even that of the father he constantly seeks to impress. Digging also allows him to escape from an unconventional and unsettling family life. When Dr Burrows disappears down a tunnel, Will decides to investigate with the help of his one real friend, Chester. They discover a whole underground world, and a terrifying secret which may cost them their lives. A thrilling read, this is fantasy with a dash of horror that will go down well with all but the claustrophobic! [LM]

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Age 12-14

ROSEMARY HAYES MIXING IT FRANCES LINCOLN, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781845074951 Taking a look at multicultural Britain and the fear of terrorism, this is a topi- cal and well-researched book. Fatimah is a devout Muslim, while Steve isn’t religious at all. They attend the same school, but their paths don’t cross until the day they are both injured by a terrorist bomb. Brought together by tragedy, a friendship grows between the teenagers, despite their differences. But not everybody in their communities wants understanding and tolerance and things may get worse before they get better. [HC]

JULIE HEARN HAZEL OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192792143 Epsom Derby, June 1913 is a turning point in the life of Hazel Louise Mull- Dare when she witnesses a woman throwing herself under the King’s horse. Her respectable world of servants and school for young girls is turned on its head when she begins to investigate, and when she is sent away to relatives in the Caribbean following her father’s collapse, the revelations about her family are startling. Another superb story from this skilled storyteller. [JD] READ ALSO: Ivy

CLAIRE HENNESSY THAT GIRL POOLBEG PRESS, 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842232880 Kim’s turning sixteen and planning a celebration. She’s normally quite chilled-out and laid-back, but the party-planning is really getting to her; some friends don’t seem to care about her birthday, while others may drink too much and cause trouble. Less issue-driven than Hennessy’s previous books, this is an insightful look at real teenage concerns – embarrassing parents, boyfriend-problems and mixing different groups of friends. With its romantic sub-plot and realistic, Irish dialogue, this is a fun teen read. Age 13+ [HC] READ ALSO: Afterwards; Good Girls Don’t

CATHY HOPKINS CINNAMON GIRL: STARTING OVER PICCADILLY PRESS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781853409165 India Jane has just started a new school and is anxious about making friends, though at least she’s in the same school as Joe, the boy she met on holiday in Greece. Her story is written with the trademark humour and empathy loved by Hopkins’ fans who can’t get enough of those cringe-making and laugh-out- loud situations in teen life whether involving friends, parents or, obviously, boys. The second in the new Cinnamon Girl series and perfect escapist read- ing from the author of the massively popular ‘Mates, Dates’ series. [LM]

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Age 12-14

ANTHONY HOROWITZ NIGHT RISE WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781844286218 The third in the best-selling Power of Five series focuses on telepathic fourteen- year-old twins Scott and Jamie Tyler. When a sinister multinational corporation, Nightrise, kidnaps Scott, Jamie discovers that he and his brother are two of the five young Gatekeepers whose destiny it is to protect the world against the vicious Old Ones. This dark supernatural thriller contains some disturbing scenes and atmosphere but Horowitz’s direct, vivid and fast-paced style provides sufficient plot-twists and emotional detail to engross even reluctant readers. [PK]

HANNA JANSEN OVER A THOUSAND HILLS I WALK WITH YOU ANDERSEN PRESS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842706732 Eight-year-old Jeanne is the only member of her family to survive the Rwan- dan genocide. Her story is told by her adoptive mother in Germany, where Jeanne now lives. A deeply affecting, powerful testimony of the events of 1994 in which one million Tutsis were murdered, captured through the story of one family and told through the eyes of one child who lived to bear witness. An extraordinary and unforgettable tale. [BO’T]

TANYA LANDMAN APACHE WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406303315 Siki dreams of becoming an Apache warrior and strives to prove her worth in every thought and action. Apache is an engaging and thought-provoking insight to the plight of one Native American tribe’s struggle for survival in a rapidly changing world. Landman has provided a wonderful tale of adventure, love and self-discovery. Readers who pick up this fictional tale about the many aspects of Siki’s life won’t want to put it down! [NMcG]

TIM LOTT FEARLESS WALKER BOOKS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406308624 Main character Little Fearless is a courageous little girl seeking truth and free- dom for herself and her friends. The community school where they reside hides many nasty secrets from the outside world. Little Fearless’s bid for justice sees her involved in many dangerous, exciting but ultimately worth- while adventures. An inspired tale of hope and truth in a troubled world, that will appeal to those who thirst for justice or enjoy a novel with an edge. [NMcG]

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Age 12-14

CATHERINE MACPHAIL ILLUSTRATED BY TOM PERCIVAL UNDER THE SKIN BARRINGTON STOKE, £4.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842994535 This is a quite complex novel handling a number of serious issues all at once. Omar is being bullied by Sam, but Omar is also inhabiting a quite hostile world of racism and prejudice as he negotiates his way though his new world. The reader has some sympathy for Omar here but the author shows that Omar himself is not above reproach, thus making the reader consider the issues as well as the characters. This is a finely observed novel, and another fine piece of writing from Catherine MacPhail. [FO’S]

JUDY MAY HAZEL WOOD GIRL THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 9780862789923 Poppy and her family move from the city to the country, and she finds it diffi- cult to fit in. But when she meets music-fanatic Emma-Jo, and enigmatic neighbour Christophe, she becomes involved in forming a band and begins to come out of her shell, though she’s still too shy to perform in public. Written in diary form, this journal perfectly captures the angst and self-doubt of the early teen years. [LM] READ ALSO: Blue Lavender Girl; Copper Girl

ROWLAND MOLONY AFTER THE DEATH OF ALICE BENNETT OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780192754721 Sam’s mother has died. His teacher writes that coping with the death of some- one you love is one of the biggest lessons in life. But Sam has to find his own way of coping with the loss of his mother. He wonders if there is a way to stay in touch with her in the ‘next world’ or if this is just his imagination as his sister Becky thinks. This story deals with loss and how to cope with grief in a unique, touching manner. [BVS]

WILLIAM NICHOLSON NOMAN EGMONT, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781405231671 Noman is the final part in the Noble Warriors trilogy – the culmination of an epic quest by Seeker, Morning Star and Wildman to find a hidden garden in which the all-powerful Noman, the god-figure of the story, is said to live. Love and friendship are put to the test as danger and betrayal come from unex- pected quarters in this compelling and many-layered story of their search for the truth. Inventive and disturbing, Noman is a rewarding conclusion to an engrossing and original trilogy. [LM]

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Age 12-14

LOUISE RENNISON LUURVE IS A MANY TROUSERED THING HARPERCOLLINS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007222100 The funniest narrator in teen fiction is back! In this eighth instalment of her fabbity-fab confessions Georgia is torn between Massimo, the Italian stallion and Robbie, the original sex-god! She’s trapped in the cake shop of luurve and doesn’t know which bun she fancies! Though a little lighter on plot than the previous books, all the old suspects – including the Ace Gang and the irre- pressible Dave the laugh – are back, and fans won’t be disappointed. The camping trip with Herr Kamyer is laugh-out-loud funny. Read it and weep (with laughter). [HC]

NIGEL RICHARDSON THE ROPE LADDER OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, £5.99 (PBK), 9780192719775 After the death of his father, Mungo McFall leaves his beloved London for a new home in the countryside. He quickly realises that there is little there for him. However, the culture-shock of moving house is nothing compared to the bizarre chain of events that begins when he meets a mysterious boy who shares his name and appearance. Could they be distant relatives? An atmospheric, intriguing page-turner that will appeal to younger teenagers. [EF]

JAMES RIORDAN REBEL CARGO FRANCES LINCOLN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781845077747 A swash-buckling, nail-biting tale set in Jamaica, Africa and England, this recounts the experiences of a white orphan and a black slave during the height of the slave trade in the eighteenth century. Full of archetypal images of life on the high seas, including evil pirates, walking the plank, mutiny and shark attacks, there’s also a great deal of pain and suffering in this action- packed story, which still manages to end on a positive note. [JM]

JK ROWLING HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS BLOOMSBURY, £17.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780747591054 The book the whole world awaited with bated breath doesn’t disappoint. In this seventh and final Potter adventure, Harry, Ron and Hermione are on the run from Voldemort and his Death-Eaters. As always, nothing is black and white – there is betrayal and loyalty, and Harry has no idea whom to trust. More frightening and violent than previous the novels, this is a perfect finale to a truly epic series and the end of a children’s book era. [LM]

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Age 12-14

MICHAEL SCOTT THE ALCHEMYST DOUBLEDAY, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385612937 Nicholas Flamel is hundreds of years old, and has within his protection the Book of Abraham the Mage, a book which, in the wrong hands, can wreak worldwide havoc. Irish twins Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones who can help him overcome the Dark Elders and save the world. Set in America, this is a tautly plotted, epic fantasy adventure tale which uses elements from Irish and world mythology to create a realistic parallel world. Cracking charac- ters, sizzling action scenes; a brilliant read. [SW]

DARREN SHAN BLOOD BEAST HARPERCOLLINS, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007231324 The prolific Darren Shan sustains his spine-tingling reputation with this, the fifth title of the Demonata series. Grubbs Grady’s growing magical powers may hold the key to his salvation from his animal side as he fights not to succumb to his family curse of lycanthropy but they also threaten to overwhelm any hopes for a ‘normal’ life. Despite a slow beginning, Shan’s gripping style leads up to a terrifying climax in this dark, disturbing and gory fantasy. [PK] SEE ALSO: www.darrenshan.com

KATE THOMPSON THE LAST OF THE HIGH KINGS BODLEY HEAD, £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780370329253 An engaging fantasy embedded in modern-day Irish family life. In this sequel to the multiple-award-winning The New Policeman, JJ Liddy is now grown-up and married to Aisling, with four children: Hazel, Jenny, Donal and little Aidan. The intractable and otherworldly Jenny’s friendships with both the white mountain goat who is more than he seems and with the lonely ghost boy guarding the ancient beacon on the summit, provides the catalyst for this rich and imaginative adventure. [PK]

LINDA PRESS WULF THE NIGHT OF THE BURNING BLOOMSBURY, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780747587170 1920s Poland is no place for Jews, and the Jewish community in South Africa instructs Isaac ‘Daddy’ Ochberg to offer homes to two hundred children orphaned by the pogroms, by the Great War and the typhoid that raged in its wake. This haunting story of two such children, Devorah Lehrman and younger sister Nechama tells of their differing responses to their new lives thousands of miles from the anti-Semitism of their native village. Based on the memories and first-hand account of Devorah, the author’s mother-in-law. [LM]

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Older Teens Edited by Liz Morris

Reviewers: Peter D’Amato, Helen Carr, Ruth Coleman, Judy Deacon, Robert Dunbar, Nikki Gamble, Alison Gilliland, Niamh McGuirk, Jane Mitchell, Liz Morris, Finian O’Shea, Barbara O’Toole, Sarah Webb Older Teens: Editor’s Choice

M T ANDERSON THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING CANDLEWICK PRESS £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780763624026 One of the most affecting reads of 2007, this is about the history of slavery, set in Boston on the cusp of the Revolutionary War. Young African-American Octavian is raised by a group of rational philosophers, dressed in the finest silks and educated to the highest classical standard. His mother is an African princess, famed for her beauty and wit. After entering a forbidden room he learns the chilling truth about the philosophers’ experiment and his part in it, and once the veil of deceit has been lifted, things can never be the same. Anderson’s historical research is impec- cable and Octavian is a realistically violent book, which confronts sickness, sanitation, war and the treatment of slaves. It is also a complex story, which raises many difficult questions about freedom and suppression. Written as a dual narra- tive in eighteenth century diction from Octavian’s point of view, and as a series of letters from a soldier who befriends him, it requires effort on the part of the reader, but perseverance will be richly rewarded. Octavian Nothing will undoubtedly chal- lenge and disconcert: the themes of slavery, racism, captivity, free will and the search for identity resonate in the modern world. [NG]

Older Teens: Editor’s Choice

MARCUS SEDGWICK BLOOD RED SNOW WHITE ORION, £9.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781842551844 Idealistic, radical, possible Bolshevik spy and friend of Lenin and Trotsky – not perhaps the images most readily associated with Arthur Ransome! However, this is at least as intriguing as any adventure story Ransome, author of the Swallows and Amazons books, ever imagined. This is a fictionalised version of his time in Russia, of his experiences of war and its aftermath, of revolution and the exhila- rating feeling of liberation it initially inspired, of the conspiracies and intrigues of both MI5 and the Cheka, of his friendships with the most powerful people of the time, of his failed marriage and subsequent love affair with Trotsky’s secretary. Sedgwick combines legend and folklore with Secret Service files and historical detail – the image of the dying Rasputin crawling in the snow while the bear that is Russia stirs in its cave is one of many unforgettable images. This is a rich and totally spellbinding account of a most interesting period in the history of one of the most fascinating countries in the world as experienced by Arthur Ransome, journalist and spy (and smuggler?), and author of Old Peter’s Russian Tales and winner of the first Carnegie Medal for children’s literature. [LM]

52 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 53

Older Teens: A-Z by author

JULIA BELL DIRTY WORK YOUNG PICADOR, £9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780330415217 This is a shocking story. Hope is spoilt, and her relationship with her parents very strained. Oksana has left her dad and brother back in Russia as she trav- elled to a better life in the West. But being sold to prostitution was not what she bargained for and when Hope joins her in terrifying circumstances their opposite worlds must be put aside to survive. Gripping reading, this story is uncomfortably realistic. With a donation to UNICEF from every sale. [JD] READ ALSO: Massive

JULIE BERTAGNA ZENITH YOUNG PICADOR, £9.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780230015340 The world is flooded. Mara’s precious book says there is still land in the north. Stealing a ship, she ploughs into Gypsea-boy Tuck’s floating city of Pomperoy. He chases her for revenge. Mara’s partner Fox has stayed, plotting revolution beneath the towers of New Mungo, the sky city. Can the three teenagers survive to begin a new life in this very different world? Pertinent to the current concern of global warming, this is a particularly inventive story. [JD] READ ALSO: Exodus

COLLECTED BY MALORIE BLACKMAN UNHEARD VOICES CORGI BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552556002 Published to mark the 200th anniversary of the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, this book contains twenty-one painful accounts on the theme of slavery. Blackman has drawn on a wide variety of historical and contempo- rary material, including extracts from Alex Hayley’s visceral Roots and James Berry’s award-winning Ajeemah and his Son, poems from Benjamin Zephaniah and John Agard. It will be a revelation to many people and will increase an understanding of the evils of slavery and of human rights, and should be in every home and school in the country. [LM]

ELISE BROACH DESERT CROSSING WALKER BOOKS, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406303681 The cover on this book belies the taut thriller it turns out to be. Set in New Mexico, it tells of Jamie, Kit and Lucy who, when driving to Phoenix, hit some- thing in the dark. The tension between the three main characters mirrors the tension that builds through the story, where every chapter throws something unexpected at the reader. The geographical desert is not the only one to be crossed. The protagonist demands sympathy, although at times, needs to be shaken to her senses. [JM]

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 53 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 54

Older Teens

KEVIN BROOKS BEING PENGUIN, £9.99 (PBK), ISBN 97801413814422 Being is the tale of sixteen-year-old Robert Smith who finds himself on a jour- ney of discovery like no other. A routine operation reveals that Robert’s physical make-up glitters with an electrical core. It is not only Robert who is interested in knowing more about his unusual body. Not knowing who to trust and with nowhere to hide; Robert’s adventure is fraught with danger! The interesting story concept is, at times, let down by stilted story-telling. [NMcG]

MICHAEL COLEMAN THE CURE ORCHARD BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781846163449 The year is 274 AD, but it’s not Anno Domini. The Republic, ruled by the Authority, strictly follows The Writings. Raul and Arym live in a nurture-house, that is, until Raul begins to question The Writings. Surely there is more to his existence than pure science? Banished to the Parens Island Sanatorium he soon finds out that life holds a much deeper meaning, knowledge that will change him forever. A challenging and thought-provoking story about belief and humanity. [JD]

SHARON DOGAR WAVES THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781905294244 Quite a complex novel by any standar d. The main protagonist is fifteen-year- old Hal, whose sister Charley is in a coma following an accident. The family goes on holiday to Cor nwall as they always have done in pr evious years, and Hal finds himself having an unusual and strong connection with the life of his shattered sister. A debut novel dealing with first love and loss, it will present a challenge for even the most competent of readers. Highly recommended. [FO’S]

JENNY DOWNHAM BEFORE I DIE DAVID FICKLING, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385613460 I could barely read the final pages of this astonishing book as my eyes were so swimmy with tears. This book grabs you by the throat. Tessa is sixteen and has leukaemia. After endless hospital visits she has been given only months to live, and decides to make the most of them. She makes a list of things to do before she dies: number one is to have sex. Downham’s prose is so perfect, so involving, you forget you’re reading. Unmissable. [SW]

54 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 55

Older Teens

SIMMONE HOWELL NOTES FROM THE TEENAGE UNDERGROUND BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747585121 Seventeen-year-old film buff, Gem, is part of a tight-knit threesome that spurn the mainstream and regard themselves as outsiders. But she’s afraid that Lo and Mira are closer to each other than to her; when Gem decides to make a Warhol- style film, it seems like her friends are trying to sabotage her and she begins to lose control of her project. Despite dealing with boys, the future, family life and friendship, Notes is much more than an ‘issue’ novel – every character is fully realised and alive, and Gem is a thoughtful, convincing heroine. [HC]

GERALDINE MCCAUGHREAN TAMBURLAINE’S ELEPHANTS USBORNE BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780746078778 I really loved this book. Set in fourteenth-century India, during the siege of Delhi, it pitches two boys, Rusti and Kavi, who are enemies into an uneasy relationship which over time develops into a friendship. This is a challenging read, capturing the realities of a war and its aftermath in unflinching detail. McCaughrean is one of children’s literature’s finest ‘stars’ and this book enhances that reputation even more. An absolute must-read. [FO’S]

OISÍN MCGANN ANCIENT APPETITES DOUBLEDAY, £10.99 (PBK), 9780385610865 Nate Wildenstern is struggling with the perils of being born into the richest, most hated family in Ireland. For him, assassination attempts and terrorist acts are commonplace and the family encourages fratricide as a means of advancement. When his brother dies in a ‘climbing accident’, Nate fears the family suspects him of murder and sets out to find the killer. Stitching sci-fi into a framework of historical fiction, this dark novel entwines ample nar rative elements in a thriller for young adults. [PD] READ ALSO: Small-Minded Giants; The Gods and their Machines SEE ALSO: www.oisinmcgann.com

GRAHAM MARKS OMEGA PLACE BLOOMSBURY, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780747589631 A riveting, tense and fast-paced political thriller that begins where it ends, with a phone ringing in the house where police officers have arrived to discuss the ‘possible death’ of teenager Paul Hendry. What they fail to mention is Paul’s involvement with Omega Place, and the small group of activists dedi- cated to raising awareness about the real purpose behind the proliferation of static CCTV cameras and a top-secret government satellite programme. Just how far will the government go to keep its secret safe? Riveting! [LM] READ ALSO: Zoo, Snatched!, How It Works SEE ALSO: www.marksworks.co.uk

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 55 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 56

Older Teens

SIMON MORDEN THE LOST ART DAVID FICKLING BOOKS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780385609647 A thrilling adventure set in a future where people live tribally in the aftermath of a technology induced apocalypse. The stories of the three main characters: Va, the soldier turned monk; Solomon, a seeming magician; and Benzamir, who appears to be a mysterious key between the past, the present and the future, are skilfully interwoven, lifting the reader towards an exciting and satisfying finish. While the technology imagined manages to be excitingly futuristic, it adds to rather than overpowers the story. [RC]

MEG ROSOFF WHAT I WAS PENGUIN, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780141383439 It is 1962 and the male narrator of this totally enthralling novel is sixteen. Or, more exactly, it is 2046 and he is a centenarian, recalling how, some eighty years previously, he ‘discovered love.’ Set on the bleak East Anglian coast, in an archetypically English boarding school, this is a story imbued with adoles- cent loneliness, longing and loss, its 20th centur y details tellingly counterpointed by evocative echoes of a landscape which has numerous concealed histories of its own. Be prepared for some dazzling twists in plot and characterisation! [RD] READ ALSO: How I Live Now

LAURA RUBY GOOD GIRLS HARPERCOLLINS, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780007242047 A-student Audrey is sixteen-years-old. An only child, a Goth, she is best friends with Ash, second best friends with Joelle, and in the throes of confusing love with Luke DeSalvio when her sexual life is parachuted into the public eye by digital technology. This honest and unsentimental story is sensitively-written and details the actions, reactions, perceptions and emotions that radiate from this incident. Through these details the important things in teenage life are emphasised – in effect the struggle to understand and be understood. [AG]

STEWART/WEISMAN/BRIGG CATHY’S BOOK BLOOMSBURY, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 0747588627 Cathy’s Book is a new departure for the teen novel; it’s completely interactive –it is Cathy’s diary, complete with a pocketful of ‘evidence’ she’s left behind. Old photographs, Chinese menus, napkins, phone numbers scrawled on pieces of paper spill out, and the reader can look up websites, call the numbers and contact Cathy’s friends to unravel the mystery. It’s a suspenseful novel about a bright, art-loving girl who gets caught up in shady business. Should appeal to the My Space and Bebo generation. [HC]

56 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 57

Older Teens

TABITHA SUZUMA FROM WHERE I STAND THE BODLEY HEAD, £8.99 (PBK), ISBN9780370329062. I am an unashamed fan of this fine author. The story follows the life of Raven, a disturbed teenager who, after witnessing his mother’s death, is fostered to a well-meaning family that tries to help him deal with his grief, and also with being a teenager. With friend Lotte, another misfit at his new school, he exposes his mother’s killer with gripping and drastic consequences. Enough turns and twists to keep any reader engaged. [FO’S] READ ALSO: A Note of Madness

JENNY VALENTINE FINDING VIOLET PARK HARPERCOLLINS, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780007214457 This is quite a surprising book: basically a well-written mystery novel with a very unusual and different theme. The protagonist, sixteen-year-old Lucas, finds the ashes of eighty-year-old Violet Park abandoned amongst the lost property in a taxi office. With the help of his Gran Pansy, he goes on a quest to find out who Violet was and in the process comes to terms with the disap- pearance of his dad five years before. This debut novel is excellent and quite the page-turner. [FO’S]

MATT WHYMAN INSIDE THE CAGE SIMON & SCHUSTER, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781416926696 A page-turner guaranteed to become a big hit with teen readers. Seventeen-year- old Carl must question his notion of ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ when he is taken on an extraordinary rendition flight for US military interrogation in a remote prison camp. There is a turning point when he realises the cynicism of his captors, and he begins to resist rather than comply. That’s when violence explodes in the camp, and the story takes off in a very different direction… [BO’T]

KATE WILD FIGHT GAME THE CHICKEN HOUSE, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905294237 Fifteen-year-old gypsy Freedom Smith was born with the ‘Hercules gene’ – he is literally a born fighter with super strength. To avoid trumped-up charges of manslaughter, he agrees to work undercover for the ‘gavvers’ (police) to infiltrate a sinister fight game that is recruiting runaway boys. But the truth is bigger and scarier than even that – and Freedom has been a target all along. Fight Game adds some welcome grittiness to the Alex Rider genre. It’s well-plotted and fast- paced, with a very realistic and unusual hero in Freedom Smith. [LM] SEE ALSO: www.fightgame.co.uk

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 57 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 58

Irish-Published Children’s Books

THE CHILDREN’S PRESS CLÓ MHAIGH EO DUNCAN CROSBIE www.leabhar.com LIFE IN AN IRISH CASTLE PETER REGAN 18.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780717142736 ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER HEATHER HENNING RIVERSIDE: SAMBA SOCCER MAISTHE AG PAULA MARTYR PAT HEGARTY AND TONY 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781901737585 MÚINTEOIR MOLLY AGUS AN POTTER RANG EALAÍNE SPACE STATION TESSA MOORE  7.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922420 12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780717143726 ILLUSTRATED BY TERRY MYLER A HORSE CALLED HARRY HEATHER HENNING 5.99 (PBK), ISBN: 9781901737554 MAISTHE AG PAULA MARTYR KIDS’ OWN PUBLISHING MÚINTEOIR MOLLY AGUS AN LÁ www.kidsown.ie AN GÚM SPÓIRT 7.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922437 ST FRANCIS SNS, COOLOCK, www.gaeilge.ie CO DUBLIN COLMÁN Ó RAGHALLAIGH AGUS MÁIRÉAD NÍ GHRÁDA A WORLD OF OUR OWN, INSIDE ANNE MARIE CARROLL JONATHAN BARRY A MHAISIGH AND OUT RÍRÁ LE RUAIRÍ LUAITHRÍONA 10 (PBK) ISBN 9781902432281 7 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922246 4.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857916751 TEENAGERS FROM BALLYMENA GABRIELLE NÍ MHEACHAIR COISCÉIM AND DERRY DÓMHNAL Ó BRIC A MHAISIGH COTTON WOOL IS A DANGEROUS LIAM AGUS AN LEIPREACHÁN BIDDY JENKINSON AGUS RÍBÓ SUBSTANCE 6.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916782 AN BHANRÍON BESS AGUS DOWNLOAD FROM WWW.KIDSOWN.IE GUSAÍ GAIMBÍN GILLIAN LOBEL 10.00 (BOG), GAN AON ISBN THE MERCY COLLEGE, CO SLIGO, ADRIENNE GEOGHEGAN A TUGTHA MHAISIGH DEVENISH COLLEGE, A LEITHÉID! ENNISKILLEN, CO FERMANAGH 8.50, ISBN 9781857916362 COIS LIFE KIDS’ OWN VOICES: SHOUT IT www.coislife.ie OUT LAOISE NÍ CHOMHRAÍ 10 (PBK) MAISTHE AG BARRY MURPHY ÁINE NÍ GHLINN AG TAISTEAL LE TARLACH SA LÉARÁIDÍ LE OLIVA GOLDEN tSEAPÁIN MADRA MEABHRACH MERCIER 10.50 (CRUA), ISBN 9781857916195 8 (CLÚDACH CRUA), ISBN 9781901176704 www.mercierpress.ie MÁIRTÍN Ó CLÉIRIGH, BAIRBRE MCCARTHY COLMCILLE Ó MONACHÁIN AGUS GABRIELLE NÍ MHEACHAIR, THE KEEPER OF THE CROCK OF CAOIMHÍN Ó HÍCÍ LÉARÁIDÍ LE OLIVIA GOLDEN GOLD LEABHAIR MÓR AN EOLAIS ÉILE RUA – AN CHÉAD SEILCHÍ 14.99 (HBK), ISBN 9781856355643 16.50, ISBN 978185791348 9 (CRUA), ISBN 9781901176742

SIOBHÁN NÍ DHÚILL EILEEN O’HELY MARIA MURRAY A MHAISIGH ILLUSTRATED BY NICKY AR THÓIR AN ÓIR GILL & MACMILLAN PHELAN 12.50 (BOG), ISBN 9781857916454 www.gillmacmillian.ie PENNY THE STAR 8.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355421 ABAIR É LE MAIGHNEADAÍ 16.99 (CRUA), ISBN AN tSNÁTHAID MHÓR GABRIEL FITZMAURICE 9780717143047 CAITRIÓNA NIC SHEAÍN MAISTHE AG STELLA MAC ANDREW WHITSON A MHAISIGH FIONA WATERS DONAL GAISCÍOCH NA BEILTE UAINE GREAT IRISH HEROES REALLY ROTTEN RHYMES £15 (CRUA), ISBN 9780955227103 4.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780717142194 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781856355445

58 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 59

(published in 2007)

MÓINÍN THE O’BRIEN PRESS CAITRÍONA NÍ MHURCHÚ www.moinin.ie www.obrien.ie LÉARÁIDÍ LE TATYANA FEENEY AN RÚN MÓR RÉ Ó LAIGHLÉIS JUDI CURTIN 5.95 (BOG), ISBN 9781847170163 BATTLE FOR THE BURREN ALICE IN THE MIDDLE 14 (PBK), ISBN 97809554079 7.75 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170385 JOE O’BRIEN ILLUSTRATED BY JEAN TEXIER JUDI CURTIN & ROISIN MEANEY ALFIE GREEN AND THE CONKER PHAETON PUBLISHING SEE IF I CARE KING 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170217 01-4981893 7.95, (HBK), ISBN 9781847170330

ARTEMESIA D’ECCA MADDIE STEWART JOE O’BRIEN THE SECRET OF JULES AND ILLUSTRATED BY ALISON ILLUSTRATED BY JEAN TEXIER SPENCER JOSEPHINE ALFIE GREEN AND THE MONKEY CINDERS £12.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780955375606 PUZZLER 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170279 7.95 (HBK), ISBN 9781847170224

WES MAGEE POOLBEG GILLIAN PERDUE ILLUSTRATED BY MARGARET www.poolbeg.com ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL SUGGS CONNOR ANN CARROLL BLUE, WHERE ARE YOU? 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170095 CONOR’S CANVAS ROSIE’S LAST ADVENTURE 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170439 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 978 1842232910 KARL O’NEILL ELIZABETH SHAW CLAIRE HENNESSY ILLUSTRATED BY EMMA BYRNE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LETTER THE TIMID RABBIT THAT GIRL 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170620 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842232880 IN THE WORLD 9.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170118 GORDON SNELL PATRICIA MURPHY ÁINE NÍ GHLINN THE SUPERMARKET GHOST THE CHINGLES AND THE 6.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170491 ÉASCA PÉASCA (SCEÁL EILE) VAMPIRE KING: CHINGLES 6.95 (BOG), ISBN 9781847170477 TRILOGY, BOOK 3 SCOIL CHIARÁIN, DUBLIN, WITH 7.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781842232309 ENDA WYLEY KAY MURPHY AND MARIA MURRAY THE SILVER NOTEBOOK TEN SCARY MONSTERS 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 139781847170200 8.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170026 PRIMARY ABC www.primaryabc.ie JUDY MAY BRENDAN O’BRIEN HAZEL WOOD GIRL ILLUSTRATED BY CARTOON FIONA TIERNEY 7.95 (PBK), ISBN 9700862789923 SALOON ILLUSTRATED BY ÚNA HEALY THE STORY OF IRELAND PEEK AT THE WEEK IN THE ZOO MARIAN BRODERICK 19.95 (HBK), ISBN 9780862788810 8.99, ISBN 9780954583774 THE WITCH APPRENTICE (FORBIDDEN FILES) 6.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170392 VERITAS THE COLLINS PRESS www.veritas.ie www.collinspress.com CONOR KOSTICK ILLUSTRATED BY JULIE PARKER NOELLE LAMBERT VINCENT O’DONNELL THE BOOK OF CURSES ILLUSTRATED BY RONAN KENNEDY TITANIC TRAGEDY 6.95 (PBK) ISBN 9781847170552 CAN I PLAY TOO? 6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905172412 10.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781853909443 OISÍN MCGANN NATIONAL PARENTS COUNCIL MAD GRANDAD’S WICKED ELEANOR GORMALLY MORE WHIZ QUIZ PICTURES CHRISTMAS WITH AUNTIE MARY 5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781905172504 5.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847170637 9.95 (PBK), ISBN 9781847300492

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 59 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 60

Prize-Winning Books 2005-2006

CBI /BISTO AWARDS 2006–2007

CBI/BISTO BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD John Boyne THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS (David Fickling)

EILÍS DILLON AWARD Siobhan Dowd A SWIFT PURE CRY (David Fickling)

HONOUR AWARDS Oliver Jeffers (Author/Illustrator) THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY (HarperCollins) Éilís Ní Dhuibhne HURLAMABOC (Cois Life) Siobhán Parkinson SOMETHING INVISIBLE (Penguin)

SHORTLISTED Jon Berkeley THE PALACE OF LAUGHTER (Simon & Schuster) Eoin Colfer ARTEMIS FOWL AND THE LOST COLONY (Puffin) PJ Lynch (Illustrator) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Walker Books) Colmán Ó Raghallaigh (Author) and the Cartoon Saloon (Illustrations) AN TÁIN (Cló Mhaigh Eo) Kate Thompson THE FOURTH HORSEMAN (The Bodley Head)

OTHER AWARDS

DUBLIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY IRISH CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR JUNIOR: Oliver Jeffers (Author/Illustrator) THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY (HarperCollins) SENIOR: John Boyne THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS (David Fickling)

THE CARNEGIE MEDAL 2007 Meg Rosoff JUST IN CASE (Penguin)

THE KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL 2007 Mini Grey THE ADVENTURES OF THE DISH AND THE SPOON (Jonathan Cape)

NESTLÉ CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE 2006 (Gold Medals Only) Age 9–11: Julia Golding THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE (Egmont Press) Age 6–8: Darren King (Author) & David Roberts (Illustrator) MOUSE NOSES ON TOAST (Faber and Faber) Age 5 & Under: Cressida Cowell & Neal Layton THAT RABBIT BELONGS TO EMILY BROWN (Orchard Books)

60 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 61

Irish Bookshops

We would like to thank the following children’s booksellers for actively supporting The Children’s Book Festival 2007.

ABTREE – THE BOOK & EASONS HAMPTON BOOKS STATIONARY STORE www.eason.ie 93A Morehampton Road Unit 27, Donnybrook, Superquinn Shopping Centre, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 Dublin 4 Lucan, Tel: 01-8583800 Tel: 01-6673072 Co Dublin Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01-6213030 Tel: 01-6771255 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SERVICES ARGOSY The Square, Tallaght Town Centre, Weston Industrial Estate, Unit 12, North Park, Dublin 24 Salmon Leap, Leixlip, North Road, Tel: 014524855 Co Kildare Finglas, 130 Tullow Street, Carlow www.iesltd.ie Dublin 11 Tel: 059-9134338 Tel: 01-6210310 Tel: 01- 8239500 www.argosybooks.ie Blanchardstown Town Centre, LAOIS EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES Dublin 15 Church Street, BOOKWISE – THE BOOK SELLER Tel: 01-8221117 Portlaoise, Metges Lane, The Pavilions Shopping Centre Co Laois Navan, Swords, Co. Dublin Tel: 0502-20466 Co Meath Tel: 01-8900978 Tel: 046-9027722 NCW BOOKSTORE LTD www.bookwise.ie Liffey Valley S.C. Market Yard, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Newcastle West, CRANNÓG BOOKSHOP Tel: 01-6261040 Co Limerick Church Street, Tel: 069-66456 5 Upper George’s Street Cavan www.newcastlewestbookstore.com Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Tel: 049-4332861 Tel: 01-805528 THE BOOK CENTRE DUBRAY BOOKS Dundrum Town Centre Main Street, Bray, Co Wicklow Sandyford Road, Dublin 16 Ballybofey, Tel: 01-2869370 Tel: 01-2169160 Co Donegal Tel: 074-9131992 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 Irish Life Centre, Tel: 01-6775568 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Tel: 01-8727010 THE ENNIS BOOKSHOP Rathmines, Dublin 6 13 Abbey Street, Tel: 01-4979722 1 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Ennis, Tel: 01-6771255 Co Clare High Street, Kilkenny Tel: 065-6829000 White Water Shopping Centre Tel: 056-52800 www.ennis-bookshop.ie Newbridge, Co. Kildare Stillorgan, Co Dublin Tel: 045-433347 Tel: 01-2886341 THE LAHINCH BOOKSHOP The Marshes Shopping Centre Main Street, Shop Street, Co Galway The Ramparts, Lahinch, Tel: 091-569070 Dundalk, Co. Louth Co Clare Tel: 042-93 6527 Tel: 065-7081300 Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin www.ennis-bookshop.ie Tel: 01-2809917 17 West Street, Drogheda, Co Louth Blackrock, Co Dublin Tel: 041-9838654 Tel: 01-2832193 Golden Island Shopping Centre Athlone, Co. Westmeath Tel: 090-6472350

BOOKFEST 2007–2008 61 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:21 Page 62

Competition BOOKS OVERBOARD! oks r favourite children’s bo ous quotations from you Sixteen fam o put them and we need your help t have fallen into the sea ! back where they belong

WHAT TO DO… igned Children’s Book Oliver’s gorgeously des track down one of Mark he First you need to on the CBI website. At t hool, bookshop or online s in your local library, sc t which Festival Poster ngst the waves. Work ou ty quotations hidden amo he image you’ll find twen chance of bottom of t d you could be in with a otations is taken from an fairytale each of the qu tration, as well book or original Mark Oliver illus ks for your school and an ning 1000 worth of boo ails. win sireland.ie for more det See www.childrensbook as other fantastic prizes!

HOW TO ENTER… or To enter, either visit the website your local pick up an entry form at library and post to:

CBF Mark Oliver Competition, Children’s Books Ireland, Street, 17 North Great Georges Dublin 1.

will be accepted. entries on official entry forms NB. Only age on Sept 1st between 5 & 15 years of Entrants must be conditions person. For full terms and 2007. Only one entry per see www.childrensbooksireland.ie

62 BOOKFEST 2007–2008 Book Fest 2007.7 28/08/2007 12:06 Page 2

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N U F R O E R H FA T MILIES ON BOOKFEST 2007–2008 63

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