06-05-2025
RTÉjr Book Club: New voices step out into the sun this May
In this month's RTÉjr Book Club, with thanks to our friends at Children's Books Ireland, Ruth Concannon showcases new voices in Irish Children's Books. What better way to enjoy a long sunny evening than by discovering your new favourite writer?
If you are a dedicated reader, I bet you have a favourite author or illustrator! You've probably read all their stories and eagerly await their latest books, rushing to the library or your local bookshop to grab a copy whenever they're in stock. Loyalty to your favourite is a fantastic thing but remember there are so many more favourites for you to still discover.
Branching out into something new can be really exciting! This month's book club highlights six new voices in Irish children's books. These authors and illustrators have bravely put their first books out into the world and are seeking readers just like you to enjoy their stories. We have picturebooks, non-fiction stories, graphic novels and plenty of action and adventure this month, but for more books from Irish artists you can always check out our website for further recommendations.
The Lost Treasure of Clew Bay by Sarah Kilcoyne, Gill Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781804582145
There are places in the world that have magic hidden inside them, and this début picturebook from Sarah Kilcoyne is one of them. The Lost Treasure of Clew Bay is a unique trip around the wild and magical Mayo coastline. When Saoirse visits her grandad on holiday, she ends up on an enchanting adventure sailing around Clew Bay with her dog Nessa. Saoirse is on the hunt for the mythical lost treasure of Clew Bay, once rumoured to have belonged to the legendary Granuaile and now seemingly lost forever. While the story leaves a question mark as to whether there is treasure in Clew Bay, there is no doubt that treasure abounds here in this book. (Age 5–7)
Don't Trust Fish! By Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat, Andersen Press, 40PP, ISBN 9781839136429
Lurking under water, where nobody can see them, the idea is that fish are watching over all us humans, scheming our downfall. Positioning fish as inherently untrustworthy, there is no end to the narrator's crazy ruminations about fish, including the thought that they hide long legs that they will one day use to take over the world! The reader is reminded constantly that, although they may look harmless, it's important not to be duped by these cunning fish. A self-aware story that can laugh at itself too, it is filled with the type of imagination that every child has and every grown-up likes to remember. (Age 5–7)
How to Love the Whole World: A Story About Artist Agnes Martin by Henry Martin, illustrated by Shelley Hampe, Cameron Kids, 40PP, ISBN 9781949480535
This is a beautiful and inspiring picturebook that introduces young readers to the work and mindset of the renowned artist Agnes Martin. The story offers a gentle, poetic exploration of how art can express love and emotion, while also highlighting the struggles that come with the creative process. The story delves into various aspects of art, such as the use of colour, shape, space, and line. How to Love the Whole World is an insightful and visually captivating book that encourages young readers to embrace art as a way to express love and understand the world around them. (Non-fiction, Age 5–7, 8–10)
Amelia Cheeseheart Investigates: Mummy Mayhem! By Cat Weldon, illustrated by Nene Lonergan, Guppy Books, 128PP, ISBN 9781916558359
Meet Amelia Cheeseheart, a brave and adventurous mouse aviator, and her best friend Webster, a banana-loving spider. They love hanging out together, and when items start to go missing at the museum, Amelia and Webster are determined to solve the mystery. Illustrated in a charming style, by Irish illustrator and Raising Voices fellow, Nene Lonergan, Amelia and Webster are captivating. The fun-filled plot is sure to be a winner for graphic novel fans and early readers alike. A story that will inspire readers to dream of adventures, explore different historical eras and with a sequel planned for later this year, we haven't seen the last of Amelia's adventures! (Graphic novel, Age 5–7, 8–10)
Giant by Judith McQuoid, Little Island Books, 224PP, ISBN 9781915071828
This lovely historical novel, McQuoid's début, takes place over a period of time in the life of the young C.S. Lewis. This is not, however, a biography of the iconic writer – the story is about Davy Caruth, a young Belfast boy who befriends Lewis, known personally to him as Jacks. Davy and Jacks's friendship helps them to navigate a transitional period when both are dealing with personal challenges. The novel is equally hopeful, magical and heartbreaking as Davy and Jacks face growing up and the pressures and expectations of their families. This book is truly a touching and universal tale of growing up and the beauty of friendship and creativity. (Age 10–12)
The Doomsday Club by Kevin Moran, The O'Brien Press, 266PP, ISBN 9781788495264
Beginning in an ancient primary-school building, but featuring characters who are bang up-to-date, this zingy novel borrows from Irish mythology while exploring themes of friendship, bullying, bravery and growing up. No time is wasted in delivering the reader straight into the action alongside Jack, Conan, Yash and Jerry, classmates who wouldn't exactly call themselves friends but find themselves banded together once they witness a shape-shifting creature emerge from a portal right outside their school yard during a rainy-day detention. This confident, enjoyable début will appeal hugely to fans of Eoin Colfer and Dave Rudden and with a second book in the works, there's plenty of adventures ahead for the Doomsday Club! (Age 10–12)
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.
