In this edition of RTÉjr Book Club, with thanks to our friends at Children's Books Ireland, Ruth Concannon has picked some books written by people who share a name with a famous Saint...
In Ireland, the month of March always comes down to the big man in green: St Patrick. Irish people can choose to celebrate their patriotism on Ireland's national holiday in lots of ways – attending parades, dressing in green and generally giving thanks for the absence of snakes on our fair isle. But have you ever thought about indulging in some Patrick-themed reading?!
If you’re already more than familiar with the tales of St Patrick, there are plenty of Patricks, Patricias, Paddys and Pádraigs, who, like their namesake, have many stories to share. With high stakes adventures, funny stories, pigs, wolves, lizards and a conspicuous absence of snakes, we have loads of reading options available. If you’re searching for more Patricks you can always check out our website www.childrensbooksireland.ie for brilliant book recommendations.
Bugs by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup, Little Tiger, 26PP, ISBN 9781801046305
Exploring a tiny world full of life in an ingenious and enticing way for young readers, the strength of this book is the clever combination of illustrations and text. Representing what a child experiences when exploring the outside natural world, this simple, yet complex boardbook introduces many elements of the natural world. With lots of facts about nature that will encourage children to want to learn more about what they see, the images include beautiful details and a fun element of peek-a-boo holes throughout the book. All the elements of this story combine to engage the young reader, developing their concentration and attention to detail. This book truly is an adventure. (Non-fiction, Age 0–2, 2–4)
Na Trí Mhuicín by Áine Ní Ghlinn, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, Futa Fata, 32PP, ISBN 9781915684110
Fiú má tá an bunscéal ar eolas agat, tá saothar ealaíne úr cruthaithe ag an údar agus an maisitheoir atá chomh bríomhar agus ildaite leis an chéad tuar ceatha i ndiaidh geimhridh fhada. Is spraíúil iad na muca agus is scanrúil é an mac tíre. Beidh léitheoirí óga ag béicíl ar na muicíní agus iad aineolach ar an dainséar seo ar leac an dorais. Tá an rím agus an rithim tógálach agus beidh fonn ort an scéal a léamh arís agus arís eile. Clasaic úr do leabhragáin teaghlaigh. This poetic retelling of The Three Little Pigs is sure to have young readers shouting, 'He's behind you!’ With unforgettable illustrations and accessible rhyming Irish this is an appealing retelling of the popular classic. (Age 2–4, 5–8)
An Mac Tíre Deireanach by Patricia Forde, Futa Fata, 72PP, ISBN 9781915684066
Is scéal dóchasach é An Mac Tíre Deireanach faoi chrógacht, caillteanas, agus tábhacht an teaghlaigh. Mealann a chlúdach álainn an léitheoir isteach sula n-osclaítear an chéad leathanach fiú. Insíonn an scéal cumhachtach seo aistear Úna agus a hiarracht an mac tíre deireanach in Éirinn a shábháil in 1652. Agus meafar an mhic tíre á úsáid i rith an scéil, foghlaimímid faoin tábhacht an rud ceart agus cineálta a dhéanamh, fiú nuair a bhíonn an domhan ar fad ag rá go bhfuilimid contráilte. Based on the extinction of wolves that occurred during Cromwell’s tyranny of Ireland, Úna tries to save the last wolf in Ireland from Cromwell’s soldiers. A gripping tale of hope and bravery. (Age 8–10, 10–12)
Transcendent by Patrick Gallagher, Orion Children’s Books, 336PP, ISBN 9781510112421
Twins Jacob and Kira are specifically chosen by a mysterious billionaire to be part of a programme called Transcendent, but soon they learn that things are not always as they seem. Can they use their skills to save the world, or will everything be ruined by lies and betrayals? Gallagher brilliantly weaves discussions of climate change and environmental issues into the action, allowing readers to learn about these vital themes while enjoying the thrills. He also touches on important ideas of belonging, as Jacob and Kira share Ugandan and British heritage. Patrick Gallagher has created a brilliant action-packed adventure filled with twists and turns and with the story ending on an unexpected cliffhanger, readers will be left dying to know what happens next. (Age 10–12)
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Tim Miller, Walker Books, 208PP, ISBN 9781529517958
A school story with a twist, our tale opens as Zeke, Daniel and Alicia are given the job of being hall monitors; so far so normal. It just so happens that the three kids are lizards (Monitor Lizards) and the principal handing out the all-important sashes is a wombat! It’s a jungle in this school with birds, reptiles and all kinds of mammals making up the population. This story is a delight, mixing everyday problems with zany flights of fantasy and manages to be a real page-turner. Life isn’t plain sailing for the characters in the story, but Ness uses humour to keep things moving along nicely. Tim Miller’s simple line drawings further the fun elements to this madcap tale that shows the power of kindness. (Age 10–12)
After by Pádraig Kenny, Walker Books, 240PP, ISBN 9781529517804
This thrilling dystopia examines the aftermath of an apocalyptic event involving artificial intelligence and humans, in which the world as we know it has ended with few remaining survivors. From the outset, the reader is encouraged to question the dynamic between Jen and Father, as they hunt for food and try to avoid gangs of scavengers, hoping to find a better place or a community.
From its gripping first line – ‘Tell me again how the world ended’ – immediately setting the scene, to the final gripping climax, this book will open young readers’ minds to some big philosophical questions about what it means to be human, whether machines can learn to have feelings and how we treat those who are different to us. Who are the real monsters here, machines or humans? (Age 10–12, 12–14)
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.
See www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more.
And, you can look back on more great RTÉjr Book Club recommendations here!
