In this edition of RTÉjr Book Club, with thanks to our friends at Children's Books Ireland, Ruth Concannon has great reads for all you sports fans out there.
Spring has sprung and at last it's safe to venture out into the great outdoors. After being cooped up during the long, stormy month of January it’s time to stretch the legs and get active!
For this month’s RTÉjr Book Club, we have plenty of stories to inspire the sportiest of readers; whether you love rugby, are a sports day star, a football fiend, or an Olympian aficionado, we have plenty of books for all ages and sports.
So, on your marks, get set and go have some fun! Remember if you are in need of more sporty reads you can always check out our website www.childrensbooksireland.ie for brilliant book recommendations.
Let’s Play Rugby by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard, illustrated by Ashwin Chacko, Little Island Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781915071774
If there are any small rugby enthusiasts or slightly energetic children in your house, then this is the perfect book for you to enjoy; with the bonus of helping to expend some of the aforementioned energy! This interactive book encourages readers to get up and move, as the book becomes the rugby ball!
The words are interwoven throughout the bright artwork, rising and falling within the pages, acting as a support to lend the story pace as the reader turns the pages. All comes together beautifully to ensure that this book is a delight to read aloud, as the ball (book) spins, is kicked and, at one stage, gets completely lost in a scrum! A very simple concept that is sure to delight any young reader. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
World of Sport by Lawrence Alexander, illustrated by Violeta Noy, Templar Books, 64PP, ISBN 9781787416642
An enjoyable guide to sport that takes young readers on a journey exploring over one hundred different types of sports. Covering a range of activities, including ball sports, athletics, water sports, and gymnastics. In addition to providing overviews of each sport, this book also shines a spotlight on the iconic athletes who have become legends in their fields. Interestingly, there is also an exploration of sports beyond the mainstream, introducing children to Paralympic events like wheelchair basketball and rugby. Bookended by facts about the Ancient Olympics and the Modern Olympics, this is perfect for readers who were captivated by the recent 2024 Olympic Games. A super read - this book might even be the spark that ignites a young readers’ passion for a new sport! (Non-fiction, Age 5–7, 8–10)
Milly McCarthy and the Sports Day Shambles by Leona Forde, illustrated by Karen Harte, Gill Books 160PP, ISBN 9780717196159
When Milly’s class receives the terrible news that Múinteoir Emer must take some time off for a bunion removal panic sets in: how will the class cope for five weeks with a substitute teacher? As they prepare for their first sports day under the watchful eye of PE-obsessed Mr. Wright, Milly is determined not to let her friends down.
Never someone to give up, Milly’s actions result in some hilarious consequences. The third in the series, the Milly McCarthy books are a must-read for all primary school kids. Dotted with playful, zingy illustrations that perfectly accompany the humorous antics, this book is the perfect blend of chaos and craic. (Age 8–10, 9–11)
You can read Chapter 13 on the RTÉ Kids website here!
The Book of Irish Sporting Heroes by Adrian Russell, illustrated by Graham Corcoran, Red Shed, 96PP, ISBN 9780008646943
Certain to appeal to sports fans young and old, this is a beautifully illustrated, highly entertaining, informative book on the history of Irish sports stars. Beginning with a comprehensive look at soccer in Ireland, before moving onto Gaelic Games, our national stadiums, Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium get a special mention before we delve into the world of Irish rugby.
Trailblazer tagged characters pop-up regularly, as do snappy 'did you know’ boxes which contain fascinating titbits such as ‘the invention of the solo’. A Rising Star section follows which highlights a diverse range of new sports stars. There truly is something for everyone in this highly recommended book that can be enjoyed time and time again. (Non-fiction, Age 8–10, 10–12)
Twin Power: The Lost Cup by Emma Larkin, The O’Brien Press, 208PP, ISBN 9781788494106
Aoife and Aidan Power, the Gaelic-football loving twins are back for a second instalment and another exciting adventure. The mystery of the lost cup dominates proceedings this time around, but other changes and challenges are afoot for the twins as they negotiate evolving friendships, football injuries and the realities of attempting to balance school, sport and family life.
Emma Larkin’s prose is both accessible and challenging and her characters of Aoife and Aidan are relatable and compelling as are the friends and rivals who surround them! A fabulously written, warm and witty adventure with real heart and wonderful characters at its core. This reviewer can’t wait for the next one! (Age 10–12)
The Story of Irish Rugby by Gerard Siggins, illustrated by Graham Corcoran, The O’Brien Press, 48PP, ISBN 9781788494564
From international tournaments to schools rugby, no stone is left unturned in capturing the spirit and significance of rugby to the island of Ireland. Gerard Siggins brings a lifetime of passion and knowledge to every page of this book, managing to strike a formidable balance between faithful detail and broad accessibility.
Each page is loaded with information about players, venues, regions and outstanding matches, giving the reader a sense of the prominence and importance of the game to Irish life. Graham Corcoran’s illustrations are immersive, combining a robust use of colour and bold lines with a convincing sense of momentum. A compelling introduction to rugby in Ireland, this book will be treasured by seasoned fans and those exploring the game for the very first time. (Non-fiction, 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.
See www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more.
