Children’s Books Ireland: Best books for November
A book can be a guiding light through adjusting to the colder temperatures and shorter days.
As we ease towards the end of the year, and with the darker evenings drawing in, a book can be a guiding light through adjusting to the colder temperatures and shorter days. This month’s books include a cosy hotel for bugs, stories of family ties, colossal creatures and spooky tales, all ideal for reading under the covers with a torch.
The lights are being illuminated in the bug hotel, as different creatures make their way indoors. Watch as the bumblebee, the dragonfly and the ladybird among others make their way in to settle down for the night. A delightful Irish language bedtime story, non-fluent speakers will find the rhyming text easy to follow, with a useful foclóir included for learning the different names of the insects and creatures that visit the bug hotel. (4+)
Making friends is not easy, particularly when you are a king lion, whose roars of loneliness in search of friendship are mistaken by those around you for aggression. But not everyone flees in terror from King Lion, as one small girl sees through his bravado and hatches a plan of her own. Vibrant illustrations highlight the gap between King Lion’s intentions and how he is perceived, creating a joyous story on the importance of understanding. (4+)
Bear desperately wants to help build a snowman, but his sledge is stuck! Can Bear’s friends work together to help him join the fun? A delightful early reader that explores the scientific concept of force in a fun and enjoyable way. Parents of early readers will also love the handy tips, vocabulary lists and activities to encourage independent reading. (5+)
Here, readers join a mother and son as they lie in bed, swapping treasured memories of picnics, bike rides, and sheltering from rainstorms. The cosy atmosphere is shattered as we realise how their lives have changed since, and the challenge they now face to create new memories. A story that captures both the beginning of something new and the end of something treasured, this is a gorgeous tale of endurance. (6+)
Ita’s family have moved to a new town to be closer to her ailing grandmother. With this move has come a lot of change, leaving Ita feeling out of sorts and nervous of making friends. But a surprising magic found at the river uncovers a secret that just might bring her family back together. A tale of love and connection with illustrations throughout, this is ideal for children who are becoming more confident and independent in their reading. (7+)
Have you ever wondered how big the paw of a Siberian tiger is? Or the head of a Gaboon viper? Wonder no more, as this guide uses scale to explore both the miniscule and massive creatures that live on planet earth. From the mighty silverback gorilla to the teeny — but tough — water bear, there is much to discover. True-to-life-sized illustrations give the reader an idea of just how big or small these interesting animals, plants, insects, seeds and sea creatures really are. A wonder to explore. (8+)
Uncovering the human side to Stem and how wonderful technological advancements have shaped history, this comprehensive read journeys from the inventions of prehistoric tools all the way up to current research on artificial intelligence. A fascinating look at the impact of modern inventions on our daily lives, from the zipper to the printing press. With lively illustrations and easy to follow infographics, readers will find it difficult to put this one down. (9+)
Casander is a boy with no memory, waking up every morning outside a curiosity shop with no knowledge of how he came to live there. A chance encounter and a chase through the streets of London find him in the thrilling world of Wayward, a checkpoint between the magical and normal realms. Could his new friend, Warrior, be right about him being the mythical Foretold? This high-speed adventure with glorious magical world-building will enthral any fans of magic and mystery. (9+)
Julian and Chie are on a journey from Tokyo to Northern Japan, as they lead lost boy Akira to find his family. Sharing ghost stories along the way, the reader encounters a series of interconnected tales featuring monsters and ghosts of the spirit world. Fusing short stories and manga, this captivating book is an interesting entry point into Japanese culture, with the pace and atmosphere making it a great option for reluctant readers (who aren’t afraid of a spooky tale). A truly unique reading experience. (14+)
When Mati and her siblings travel from the UK to Zimbabwe with their father, they are forced to confront the new difficulties of their family’s dynamics following the passing of their mother. An unexpected guest on their road trip comes in the form of Meticais, a strange spirit guide who only Mati can see. Tender and powerful, this short-read packs so much into its pages, including an interesting viewpoint on growing up between two cultures. (14+)
Ned’s simple life as a gravedigger is disrupted when bodysnatchers begin to cause trouble resurrecting the recently deceased. Meanwhile, Obedience has her own problems to deal with, as the sinister Phineas Mourdant starts poking into the research of her late uncle Herbert. Fans of dark academia will be on the edge of their seats as Ned and Obedience’s fates intertwine, in this eerie tale that’s perfect for dark, spooky nights. (12+)
Spanning three generations, from the MGM studios of 1930s LA to modern day Iran, this is an awe-inspiring story of love and family. Encompassing the stories of Moud, his father Saeed and his grandfather Bobby, this book opens with Moud’s first visit to his father’s homeland of Iran, where he must conceal his gay identity for his own safety. Unravelling the years, the threads of the three stories combine to a stunning conclusion. Unmissable and unforgettable. (16+)
- 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.
- Its mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share 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 childrensbooksireland.ie for more.
- See www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more
