Spring Reads: Kids & YA

With two weeks of Easter break coming up, we know that reading will be just one of the great ways to keep the kids entertained. So, we’ve rounded up a selection of brand new children’s and YA books we love, with something for all ages.

Cá dTosaíonn an Spéir? by Philip Elliott

Seo scéal faoi bhuachaill. Faoi eilifint. Agus faoin spéir. Is buachaill fiosrach é Cian agus bíonn go leor ceisteanna aige faoin domhan ina thimpeall. Lá amháin, cuireann sé ceist ar a chara, Eilifint: “Cá dtosaíonn an spéir?” Tar ar thuras in éineacht le Cian agus Eilifint agus iad ag iarraidh freagra na ceiste móire sin a oibriú amach!

Cian is an inquisitive little boy who loves asking questions about the world around him. “How high is the sky?” he asks his friend, Elephant. And, “Where does the sky begin?” Author-illustrator Philip Elliott perfectly captures the wonder and mystery of the natural world in this fun, informative journey of an inquisitive boy and his wise friend, Elephant, as they ponder the ever-changing sky above.

Age guideline: 3+ yrs
Published by Futa Fata (March)

The Upside-Down Lighthouse by Paddy Donnelly

This latest picturebook from the much-loved author-illustrator is a magical journey into a topsy-turvy world. On a mysterious, foggy island, way out at sea, stands an upside-down lighthouse. Here, fish fly and birds swim. Stars shine during the day and waterfalls fall upwards! Step into this book filled with Donnelly’s captivating trademark illustrations, where you will join Grandad and Meara on this journey to an island full of wonders and share the magic of looking at the world upside-down!

Age guideline: 3+ yrs
Published by The O’Brien Press (March)

Under the Floorboards of 39A by Lucy Kennedy

Do you believe in magic? This heart-warming and humour-filled story brings to life the tiny elves hard at work under the creaky floorboards of 39A Cove Street in Dublin, making magic from all the things you drop between the cracks! Meet Joey and Freddie O’Brien, nine-year-old twin elves who get up to all sorts of mischief together. From their missions Up-Up to borrow supplies from their human neighbour, Bee-Bee, and stay out of the path of her big St Bernard dog, to their adventures in Squirby Village, creating magic out of the things we leave behind. But when the twins see Bee-Bee is not herself, and needs help, they gather their friends and rush to the rescue! Beautifully illustrated by Alisa Coburn.

Age guideline: 5 – 11 yrs

Published by Gill Books (February)

Animals of Irish Name and Origin by Aga Grandowicz

This brand new book by wildlife artist, designer and author of non-fiction books about animals, Aga Grandowicz, is an eye-opening and beautifully illustrated spotlight on forty-nine animals with an Irish name and heritage – native and long-established species and breeds tied to Ireland’s landscape, culture, and language. Packed with fascinating facts, eye-catching design and vibrant illustrations, this book invites readers to explore Ireland’s unique natural world and celebrate the stories behind its own animals. An essential resource that is bound to spark curiosity around the natural world.

Age guideline: 8+ yrs
Published by Natural World Publishing (March)

Heroes of Light and Shadow by Conor Forrest

A brilliant new debut perfect for young readers captivated by fast-paced adventure and the stories from mythology. Oisin dreams of being a hero, like the ones he reads about in books. So when he overhears a plot for a midnight raid on a Dublin museum, he knows this is his chance. But Oisin soon realises that heroes must fight monsters. And the sinister Fomorians don’t take kindly to those who get in their way. A thrilling adventure exploring old Irish Myths, new dangers and the chance to be a modern day legend!

Age guideline: 9+ yrs
Published by The O’Brien Press (March)

Bilal agus Cócó by Áine Uí Fhoghlú

Buachaill dhá bhliain déag d’aois é Bilal. Tá a dheirfiúr Salma sé bliana d’aois. Mohammed is ainm dá Dhaidí agus Mariam is ainm dá Mhamaí. Is as an bPalaistín dóibh. Tá cónaí orthu go sealadach in Óstán an Chaisleáin, Baile Átha Cliath, Éire. Agus é ar an mbealach abhaile ón scoil lá, tagann Bilal ar phuisín beag gleoite a chaith duine éigin sa bhruscar. Déannann sé í a tharrtháil, ach ní cheadaítear ainmhithe san óstán, agus faigheann Bilal amach nach bhfuil sé éasca puisín beag a choimeád faoi rún i seomra óstáin! Beidh ar Bilal teacht ar phlean chun a chinntiú nach gcaillfidh sé a dhlúthchara nua. Scéal lán le croí é seo a mheabhraíonn dúinn an tábhacht a bhaineann le cineáltas agus cairdeas.

Bilal is a twelve year old boy, and his little sister Salma is six. His Dad is called Mohammed and his Mam is called Mariam. They are from Palestine. They live temporarily in The Castle Hotel, Dublin, Ireland. On his way home from school one day, Bilal finds a beautiful little kitten. Someone has thrown her in the bin. He manages to save her, but animals are not allowed in the hotel, and Bilal discovers that it’s not easy to keep a little kitten secret in a hotel room! Bilal must come up with a plan to make sure he doesn’t lose his new best friend. This is a heart-warming story that reminds us of the importance of kindness and friendship.

Age guideline: 10 – 14 yrs
Published by LeabhairCOMHAR (March)

Nell on Earth by Dave Rudden

Award-winning author Dave Rudden is back with the next book in his gripping Dark Isle series. Twelve-year-old Nell Cafferty didn’t ask to be the eldest of four children. Acting as babysitter, bodyguard and bouncer all week long while her parents work has left no room for her ambitions of being a wrestling star. But when her siblings are taken hostage by enormous were-otters, it’s on Nell to save them, and she’ll do anything to get them back. Even if that means challenging their monstrous king who has terrible ambitions of his own …

Age guideline: 10 – 14yrs
Published by Gill Books (March)

Shorelines by Ruth Ennis

This stunning verse novel, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid, brings a fresh twist to this powerful classic, touching on contemporary themes including the climate crisis, the depletion of earth’s resources, and the cruelty of humans towards each other—body shaming in particular. Muireann is a mermaid, fierce, curious and proud of the body that keeps her warm beneath the waves, but life underwater is becoming ever more challenging, so she flees her climate-ravaged ocean in search of hope on land. Here she finds that the human world isn’t the haven she hoped for. It’s colder, crueller – and here, her large body is seen not as strength, but as something to be ashamed of. An enthralling journey where Muireann must find her voice and fight for where she belongs – whether that be beneath the waves, or above them.

Age guideline: 13+ yrs
Published by Little Island (February)

Wishing all the kids a happy Easter break and happy reading!