Children's book reviews: A sense of wonderment can bring kids on unexpected adventures

The Search for Carmella by Chloe Savage (Walker Books)

Hearing the whispered legends of the mysterious sea-beast Carmella, Dr Rose dives to the depths of the ocean to uncover Carmella’s secrets. 

The intricacies of Dr Rose, her crew, and the sea creatures they encounter are captivatingly detailed, while the slow, delicious, tension of the search for Carmella builds in the breathtaking watercolour illustrations.

A huge hit at the Children’s Books Ireland conference this year, Savage is a star on the rise. (4+)

I Wonder by Philip Bunting (Walker Books)

A non-fiction read for the curious mind, this book does exactly what it says in the title: asks a series of questions with no real answers. Indeed, many of the philosophical and existential questions posed from the sublime, ‘I wonder why we’re here?’, to the ridiculous, ‘I wonder if we’ll ever cure hiccups?’, could have multiple answers. 

Deceptively simple, with its dynamic illustrations and big questions, this is a ponderous read that would make for great discussions with wise young readers. (Non-fiction, 7+)

The Great Irish Biodiversity Book by Éanna Ní Lamhna and Barry Falls (Gill Books)

With something for all types of nature lovers, this non-fiction read is a whistle-stop tour of the unique habitats, plants, animals, trees, and insects that make up the wildlife of Ireland. 

Wildlife expert Ní Lamhna’s breadth of knowledge is a treasure to read, while Falls’ stunning illustrations are almost photographic in their level of detail and care. 

The perfect read for embracing and appreciating nature in the winter months. (Non-fiction, 8+)

Rise and Fall: Great Empires that Shaped the World by Peter Allen (Cicada Books)

Detailing nine civilisations that shaped and influenced the world, Allen explores the art, architecture, society, and religions of civilisations from the Persians to the Aztecs, charting their golden ages and their declines. 

Much care has been taken to accurately share what research has been recovered on each ancient civilisation in both text and illustration, with the author also making notes of where gaps in knowledge exist. 

An absorbing adventure through time for budding young historians. (Non-fiction, 9+)

Ireland in Numbers by Jackie McCann and illustrated by Dermot Flynn (Gill Books)

Fact fiends will love delving into this fascinating overview of Ireland delivered in numbers, facts, and statistics. 

Spanning from the foundation of the Irish Free State to the present day, McCann captures a genuinely fascinating numerical breakdown at how Irish society has changed over the past 100 years. 

Bitesize information is interpreted by Dermot Flynn’s eye-catching illustrations, with the design of this book lending itself well to readers who enjoy short bursts of interesting reading. (Non-fiction, 9+)

Anzu and the Realm of Darkness by Mai K Nguyen and Diana Tsai Santos (Piccadilly Press)

When Anzu finds herself in the strange underworld realm of Yomi — a place of mythology from her Obaachan’s stories, she must race against time to return to the human realm; but can she save some lost children from the dreaded Izanami in the meantime? 

Loosely based on Shinto mythology, Yomi is strikingly rendered in a colour palette of purples, oranges, and greens, with a nod to illustration style of Japanese Anime.

 An action-packed graphic novel adventure for older readers looking to move on from Luke Pearson’s ‘Hilda’ series. (11+)

Inis Mara 2 by Tristan Rosenstock and illustrated by Mark Wickham (LeabhairCOMHAR)

Éabha returns in the second Inis Mara adventure, this time to help the people of Inis Sia, whose land has been sold by their money-grabbing leader, the odious Smugairle Rónán. 

Rosenstock delicately tackles themes of corruption, environmental exploitation, and displacement while emphasising the importance of kindness and community through the actions of resourceful heroine Éabha. 

A great read for thoughtful children who are confident reading as Gaeilge with a gluais included at the end to provide support for improving readers. (12+)

Silver by Oliva Levez (Picadilly Press)

Silver has been raised with one purpose: to become First Pioneer leading Project Ultima to claim Earth for the Charybdians. 

Inhabiting the body of a female human, Silver learns that humanity may be something very different to what Charybdian leaders have led her to believe. 

Though the premise of this sci-fi thriller may sound familiar, Silver’s journey is filled with just as much warmth and humour as it is peril and alien-themed action, leading readers to ponder what it is to be human. (14+)

When It’s Your Turn for Midnight by Blessing Musariri (Zephyr)

Chiante’s homelife has always been chaotic, but she’s always known where she belongs. That is, until her mother reveals a secret that leads to questions about who Chiante’s father really is. 

With her life blown apart, she escapes to the home of her grandmother. Lessons on family, sisterhood, and bravery are learned through the sparkling characterisations of Chiante’s Ambuya and her Gogos Stella, Ropa, and Tapera. 

Another short but meaningful tale from a vibrant voice in YA fiction. (14+)

Dialann Emily Porter; Caillte agus Aimsithe by Richie Conroy and illustrated by Don Conroy (LeabhairCOMHAR)

In the third instalment of the popular series, it’s 1997 and Emily is preparing for her leaving cert, planning a summer holiday, and getting ready to head off to college. 

A breath of fresh air, this story is filled with relatable young adult angst and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. 

With a diary format and an accessible level of Irish language lending itself well to young adult readers, older ’90s kids will also enjoy the many moments of nostalgia to be found in Emily’s musings. (15+)

Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar (Hodder Children’s Books)

Sick of being constantly compared to perfect Rani Choudhury, Meghna is furious to discover that her boyfriend Zac has been cheating on her with her arch-nemesis; but Rani has been wronged too. 

Forging an unlikely bond, the girls are determined to join forces to win the European Young Scientist Award, humiliating Zac in the process. 

Teen queen Jaigirdar never misses on delivering stories that strike the perfect balance between being both entertaining and thoughtful. (15+)

The Moss by Lisa Lueddecke (Uclan Publishing)

The sudden disappearances of Emma’s mother and sister have never been solved. 

Yet, the vast bogland surrounding their home, known as the Moss, always seemed to call to them, with dark shadows appearing on the peripheries before inexplicably vanishing. 

When the only way out is through, can Emma figure out the truth without becoming a ghost of the past herself? 

This is the perfect slow-build spooky read for November nights. Highly recommended to fans of Deirdre Sullivan. (15+)

• Ruth Concannon is the publications officer for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Their mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.
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