Recommended Reads - Children

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The Pet: Cautionary Tales for Children and Grown-ups by Catherine Emmet, illustrated by David Tazzyman
Published by Macmillan 2021

David Tazzyman’s expressive characters go together perfectly with Catherine Emmet’s rhyming text to create this hilarious picturebook about the perils of improper pet-care. This book would be perfect as a read-aloud. With lots of illustrative details and a dramatic twist at the end, children will insist on reading it again and again.

Pet that Dog : A Handbook for Making Four-Legged Friends, by Gideon Kidd and Rachel Braunigan.
Published by Quirk Books 2021

Gideon Kidd has captured hearts all over Twitter and Instagram by sharing stories of the dogs he’s met and petted. Now, he’s written a guide to help young reader’s befriend our four-legged friends. With lots of useful tips from Gideon about doggie body language and how to pet new dogs, this book is the perfect companion for dog-lovers who like to make new canine friends.

The Babysitter’s Club by Raina Telgemeier
Published by Scholastic 2015

Based on the novel by Ann M. Martin, this classic children’s series has been given new life in graphic novel format. Raina Telgemeier is an acclaimed graphic novel writer and her style perfectly captures the drama and good humour of the original series. Perfect for fans of the Dork Diaries series.

Check out the full set in this series from our graphic novel collections in branches.

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
Published by Bloomsbury 2017

Fred, Con, Lila, and Max are on their way back to England from Manaus when the plane they’re on crashes and the pilot dies upon landing. For days they survive alone, until Fred finds a map that leads them to a ruined city, and to a secret.

This book is a well-paced tale of bravery and survival, with plenty of tension but is also warmth and emotion. Perfect for fans of Treasure Island and Swiss Family Robinson. - recommended by a Clare Library member.

While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLauglin
Published by Faber & Faber 2020

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends.
They wanted to give each other a great, big hug.
But they weren't allowed to touch.
"Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them."

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce
Published by Macmillan Children's Books 2020

Lincoln Pierce is better known for his hugely popular and funny Big Nate series and his trademark humour comes through in this new series with gusto. Max wants to be a knight! Too bad that dream is about as likely as finding a friendly dragon. But when Max's uncle Budrick is kidnapped by the cruel King Gastley, Max has to act...and fast!

“A hilariously funny story full of unexpected twists and turns. Suitable for newly confident readers or as a read aloud that the whole family can enjoy. This book is available in libraries or as an e-audiobook on BorrowBox” – recommended by a Clare County Library Staff Member.

Boy Underwater by Adam Baron
Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books 2018

Cymbeline (yes, really!) has never been swimming – not ever, not once – so he’s a bit nervous at the prospect of his first school swimming lesson ever. But how hard could it be? He’s Googled front crawl and he’s found his dad’s old pair of trunks. He’s totally ready for this.

“Cymbeline’s swimming escapades land him in deep water that turns his whole life upside-down and reveals family secrets that he never knew existed. This is a very funny story that touches on difficult topics such as mental health and absent parents in a very sensitive way. Available as an e-book and e-audiobook on BorrowBox as well as in libraries” – recommended by a Clare Library member.

El Deafo by Cece Bell
Published by Amulet Books 2014

Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

“This is a humorous and perceptive graphic novel memoir about growing up hearing impaired, and also just about growing up and all the weird and normal everyday moments that happen along the way. Suitable for ages 10+” – recommended by a Clare County Library Staff Member.

The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton
Published by Tate Publishing 2020

This delightful picturebook tells the story of Joe, a little boy who is surrounded by the greys of city life and loves to transport himself into imaginary worlds full of nature and colour. Joe wants to change his world so he decides to plant a seed. From that seed grows an apple tree, and then Joe plants another seed, and keeps planting and growing, until through love and hard work, Joe’s home becomes a flourishing garden full of life.

"This is a beautiful story that teaches us how we can positively impact a community with one small idea. The illustrations beautifully depict the evolution of Joe’s world into a lush living landscape that readers will love to explore again and again. The perfect accompaniment to our Grow it Forward seed campaign" - recommended by a Clare County Library Staff Member.

My Dad’s a Birdman by David Almond, illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Published by Walker Books 2015

David Almond excels at placing magical stories into every day settings in a way that allows young readers to explore difficult and raw emotions in very safe spaces. This book tells the story of Lizzie and her Dad who are coping with the loss of Lizzies’ mum. Lizzie is trying to be the grown up in the family because her Dad cannot, but it’s hard because Lizzie is a child, and wants to be a child. Lizzie’s Dad wants to join the Human Bird Competition and despite her worries Lizzie enters it with him.

"Polly Dunbar’s beautiful illustrations perfectly match this humorous whimsical story about grief and loss and following your dreams. Suitable for newly independent readers this book can also be enjoyed read together with an adult" - recommended by a Clare County Library Staff Member.

Can You See Me? By Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
Published by Scholastic 2019

This is an insightful and meaningful story written collaboratively by author Rebecca Westcott and eleven-year-old Libby Scott, based on her own experiences as an autistic child. Tally is autistic and is just about to start her first year at Kingswood Academy. Something is different about sixth grade, and Tally now feels like she has to act "normal." But as Tally hides her true self, she starts to wonder what "normal" means after all and whether fitting in is really what matters most.

"This is a moving story about friendship and loyalty that is perfect for fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Written partly in diary format, this book has been commended for its accurate portrayal of what it is like to be autistic and is an essential read to foster empathy and diversity in young readers" - recommended by a Clare County Library Staff Member.

Crater Lake by Jennifer Kilick
Published by Firefly Press 2020

Crater Lake is the first in a new spooky adventure series by Jennifer Killick. It tells the story of Lance and his friends Chet, Maksym, and Katja as they arrive at Crater Lake for their sixth class school trip. Before they even get off the bus events are taking a strange and creepy turn and the gang quickly realise that this is no ordinary school trip.

"Jennifer balances the perfect amount of suspense, horror and mystery with humour and good feelings to create a story that will keep even the most reluctant of readers on the edge of their seat. Perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series. Watch out for book two, available in Libraries for Summer Stars 2021" - recommended by a Clare County Library Staff Member.

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
Published by Putnam Publishing Group.

Aloo-ki glances up from fishing and sees her sled dogs floating off on an ice floe. She races after them and comes upon an igloo. Being a curious girl, she goes inside only to find no one home. That's because the polar bear family who lives there is out walking while their breakfast cools off. Aloo-ki eats some soup, tries on their boots, and finally crawls into the smallest bed for a nap. Meanwhile, Papa, Mama and Baby Bear see her dogs adrift, swim out to rescue them and return home to Aloo-ki fast asleep in Baby Bear's bed.

"Children will want to listen to this exciting version of a well-loved story over and over again". - Recommended by a Scariff Library Staff member.

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer
Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books

A return to the world of Artemis Fowl after 7 years, Fowl Twins brings us the bizarre adventures of Artemis’ younger twin brothers. Myles and Beckett are non-identical in every way except in their wit and brilliance which they need to wriggle out of the many crises they find themselves in.

"Packed with action this book is a mix of fantasy and science fiction full of Eoin Colfer humour that his fans will love. Suitable for older readers around the 9 to 12 age group." - Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member

Boot: The Rusty Rescue by Shane Hegarty
(author of the Darkmouth series for older readers)
Published by Hachette

Boot is a little robot with a big heart who has amazing adventures. Boot the Rusty Rescue is the second book in the series that introduces us to a new robot called Rusty, that Boot, his friend Gary and other pals in his robot gang meet on one of their adventures. The book is full of fun, great pictures and an exciting adventure plot to keep young readers turning the pages and waiting for the next book in the series.

" Suitable for ages 7 to 9 but this is a great story for everyone and would certainly be enjoyed by older children too." - Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member

Where Are You Puffling? An Irish Adventure by Erika McGann and illustrated by Gerry Daly
Published by O’Brien Press

Little Puffling who lives on Skellig Michael is lost and her neighbours and family friends work together to find her. This is a charming story full of cartoon type illustrations that children will love and they also have the added challenge of finding the miniature puffling on every page.
A picture book for younger readers. Also available as gaeilge Cá Bhfuil Puffin Beag translated by Muireann Ni Chiobháin

Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member

The House on Hawthorn Road by Megan Wynne

A mischievous boy from the 1950s; a shy girl from today; a time-slip adventure like no other. Beth didn’t want to move to Dublin – she misses her old life and her best friend back in London – and to make matters worse someone keeps messing up her new room … When she discovers that a boy called Robbie, from the 1950s, is slipping through time and into her house, things start to get REALLY weird!

"This book has to be one of my favourite books. It is about a girl named Beth and a boy
named Robbie. It is about them going to each other’s centuries. Robbie gets stuck in Beth’s
century only to find his father who is old and frail is still looking for him. This is my favourite book ever." - Mille, aged 11, Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub.

Dork Diaries, Holiday Heartbreak by Rachel Renee Russell

Love is in the air for Nikki Maxwell in this sixth book of the New York Times best-selling Dork Diaries series. It's the biggest dance of the year and Nikki Maxwell is hoping her crush, Brandon, wants to be her date. But time is running out. What if he doesn't ask her? Or worse...what if he asks Mackenzie?!!

"I loved this book as it had romance and humour. There is a lot of drama and excitement. I
have read nearly all of the series. I enjoyed this book a lot. I would recommend this to girls
aged 11-14. Rating: 9.5/10" - Cara, aged 11, Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub

The Witches by Roald Dahl

A Real Witch gets the same pleasure from squelching a child as you get from eating a plateful of strawberries and cream. What's even more unnerving is that real witches don't look like witches. So how can you tell when you meet one? You'll find out all you need to know in this remarkable story about the most gruesome gang of witches imaginable!

"This book is about a boy whose parents die and he has to live with his granny who believes
in witches. They go to a hotel in Bournemouth but they are in for a surprise.
I would recommend this book for 8-12 year olds and to a person who likes witches and scary
books. I give this book 9/10." - Noel, aged 11, Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub.

"This book is about a little boy who tries to get rid of all the evil witches and then turns in to
a mouse but still manages to get rid of all the witches in England.
I would recommend this book to my sister Belle because she loves stories with magic. I give this book 8/10." Elke, aged 11, Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub.

Shooting for the Stars: My Journey to Become Ireland’s First Astronaut by Norah Patten

At the tender age of 11 Norah’s interest in space was ignited after her first flight on a family holiday from Mayo to Ohio and her visit to the NASA space station.
Shooting for the Stars takes young readers on the journey of her life to the present day answering questions about space, stars, planets and how to follow your dreams.
This beautifully produced children’s book will appeal to 3rd class pupils and upwards with its endearing colourful illustrations, information bubbles on every page and different text formats throughout. And to show what happens when children dream big….
In 2017 Dr. Norah Patten, from Ballina in Co. Mayo, was one of 12 participants from around the world selected to take part in a unique scientist-astronaut training programme in Florida. She is on course to become Ireland’s first astronaut! - Recommended by a Library Staff Member

Buried Alive by Jacqueline Wilson

Tim can't wait to go on holiday - especially as he gets to bring his friend Biscuits along. But their trip unexpectedly becomes truly, terribly adventurous when an encounter with two local bully-boys threatens to disrupt the fun.

"Buried Alive written by Jacqueline Wilson is a very good book. This books characters are Tim, Biscuits (loves food), Kelly’s Mum’s boyfriend, Kelly’s Mum, Kelly and her younger brother Deano. The book was a lot more exciting than I thought it would be. Biscuits was the best character in my opinion as he is very funny. I would give this book 9 out of 10 stars".
Recommended by Noel, Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub

"I liked Buried Alive. I thought it was a great book after thinking at the start that I would dislike it. I thought the bit at the end was unnecessary where the bully puked. I like how Jacqueline Wilson did the diaries. I would recommend it".
Recommended by Millie, Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub

The Secret Island by Enid Blyton

The Arnold children live with their horrible aunt and uncle because their parents are missing and presumed dead in a plane crash. They run away to a deserted island with their friend Jack and have many adventures. They live happily on their own, undiscovered on the island until Christmas when Jack discovers something amazing.

Recommended by Kilmihil Library Junior Bookclub members, who say:

I would recommend this book to ages 8-11 for boys and girls. I think it was very interesting and liked it a lot. 10/10 - Senan

Anyone can read this book 10/10 - Elke

The story was good and I liked it 8/10 -Abby

I loved it 10/10 - Grace

The book was a nice flowing book, nicely laid out and a happy book for age 8-12 – Noel

There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
Published by Puffin, 2017.

What a treat this book is and so clever and beloved by children. It is so inventive and invites you to interact with the cute little blue monster by shaking the book to get him out. When he runs away you have to call him back and in the end you stroke his head as he falls asleep. I love the last page with a picture of him sleeping and you are asked to gently close the book so he doesn't wake up. I read this book to my own daughter and after one read she could do the actions herself and loved tickling the monster and getting him to sleep. It was also a hit at storytime in the library and got lots of giggles.

I have to commend the author and the illustrator on creating such an adorable character that children warm to immediately. I loved reading it look forward to demands for it to be read again! - Recommended by a Scariff Library staff member.

Stand By Me by Judi Curtin
Published by The O’Brien Press, 2017

Graham is Molly and Beth’s favourite uncle, so when Graham and his best friend were seperated in the 60’s, the girls know of a secret door that can bring them to the past. However , can they fix this friendship that was destroyed in the 60’s? The English is easy to read and understand. There are also really funny and sad bits when you least expect them. I enjoyed reading this book. - Recommended by a young reader in Ennistymon aged 10.

Top of the class (nearly) : Tom Gates [9] by Liz Pichon
Published by Scholastic, 2016

This book is very good. When Tom Gates keeps falling asleep and drawing, he decides to be the best pupil in the class, right? No. With Billy Buster and Marcus Meldren this won’t be so easy. But with his friends Derek and Norman, can Tom be top of the class? This is a very funny and exciting book and it is easy to read.- Recommended by a young reader at Ennistymon Library aged 10.

Paper Towns by John Green
Published by Bloomsbury, 2015

I thought this book was a very good book. I like the way it’s all one big adventure, in which something new happens on every page and makes you not want to put it down. I would definately recommend this book. - Recommended by a young reader in Liscannor N.S

The Princess and the Christmas Rescue by Caryl Hart
Published by Nosy Crow, 2016

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a great story. Meet the brainy and bright Princess Eliza who engineers wonderful contraptions to help Santa who is not feeling well, to get his long list under control and to keep boys and girls happy. The busy illustrations draw the reader into the workshop and the story stays with you after the book is read. One to read over and over again. - Recommended by a young reader at Ennistymon Library.

Dork Diaries: Holiday Heartbreak by Rachel Renée Russell
Published by Simon and Schuster, 2013

This is a very good book. I’d read it if I were you. It’s about the dance of the year. Will Nikki have the courage to ask her crush Brandon to the dance? This book contains a few surprises and a few laughs. - Recommended by a young reader at Ennistymon Library

Eva’s Holiday by Judi Curtin
Published by The O’Brien Press, 2011

Eva’s Holiday is a very good book. Once you read one of Judi Curtin’s books you can’t stop. It is about a girl called Eva. Eva likes fashion, fun and hanging out with friends. But when Eva goes on holiday and meets a girl called Kate who doesn’t care about being cool, she soon sees that the weirdest and coolest girls can make the best of friends. - Recommended by a young reader at Ennistymon Library aged 10.

Alice and Megan Forever by Judi Curtin
Published by The O’Brien Press, 2015

Alice and Megan Forever is a very good book! Alice and Megan start Secondary School with new subjects, teachers, seats and students. They feel sad to leave and go to different classes. But when Megan meets the bold pupil Marcus, things get bad. Will Megan ever find a new friend? The English in this book is easy to read. There are also fun and exciting twists to the story. This book is a good read. - Recommended by a young reader at Ennistymon Library aged 10.

Dork Diaries : Puppy Love by Rachel Renee Russell
Published by Simon and Schuster, 2015

Very good book. When Nikki and her crush Brandon find an abandoned dog and her pups, they decide to mind the dog and her pups.However when Nikki asks her parents they say no, so Nikki is going to smuggle them in, easy right? Umm no! Funny story you’ll be laughing your socks off! The English in this is easy to read. I recommend this book. - Recommended by a reader in Ennistymom library aged 10.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Originally published by Heinemann, 1982

War Horse was a very good read. I really enjoyed the journey the horse went on throughout the book, although I would have preferred if I had heard more from the horse’s owner. Overall it was a great book. - Recommended by a young reader in Liscannor N.S.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
Published by Canongate Books, 2016.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas is the sequel to A Boy Called Christmas and is an equally enchanting story that will melt the hearts of young and old. Santa knows he must find Amelia Wishart who is trapped in Mr. Creeper’s workhouse or Christmas may not happen. But elves, reindeer, the Queen and a man called Charles Dickens are willing to help and so the magical Christmas adventure begins.

"A feel-good Christmas read packed with all things good about the season that will warm your heart.
For readers aged 9/10 and over". - a Clare County Library staff member.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Published by HarperCollins, 2007

Just in case you haven’t read this book and even if you’ve read it a million times, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is compulsory reading for all ages for the season that’s in it!
The opening lines “Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” will resonate with many or will draw the reader in from the first line if you haven’t read it before.

"Sharing this book at Christmas may just trigger that lifelong love of reading in your child". - a Clare County Library staff member.

Katinka’s Tail by Judith Kerr
Published by HarperCollins, 2017

Almost 50 years after the appearance of the first Mog book, Judith Kerr who is just 6 years short of her centenary year has produced another delightful children’s classic, Katinka’s Tail. The story of a “perfectly ordinary cat with a not-so-ordinary tail” was inspired by the author’s own cat who “is a ridiculous-looking white cat with a tabby tail that looks as though it belonged to somebody else,” she said.

"This is the loveliest picture book to share with young children and their older siblings too, telling the tale of Katinka’s travels, far and wide. And for even more unique Christmas reading enjoyment, try Mog’s Christmas Calamity by the same author published in 2015". - a Clare County Library staff member.

The Spiral Path by Matt Griffin
Published by The O’Brien Press, 2017

Matt Griffin’s The Spiral Path is the final book in the Ayla trilogy. Preceeded by A Cage of Roots and Storm Weaver all three books are inspired by Irish myths, particularly the Tuatha Dé Danann and are illustrated by the author.

Ayla, Sean, Finny and Benvy are in no doubt that their home of Kilnabracka is once again in danger. Everyone in their home village has been tuned into zombies by the powerful Dagda while they were away fighting. The friends must rely on the powers of magic and humanity to save their people.

As they are drawn further and further into a trap, can the friends save themselves and the town of Kilnabracka?

"For readers 10 to 13 this is an exciting fantasy adventure and a powerful trilogy finale." - a Clare County Library staff member.

Sam Hannigan’s Woof Week by Alan Nolan
Published by The O’Brien Press, 2017

Sam Hannigan’s Woof Week is the latest hilarious children’s book from one of Ireland’s favourite authors and illustrators. Samantha Hannigan is an animal lover and champion Irish dancer who is in a serious muddle. Whilst messing around with Brain Swap 3000, one of her grandad’s crackpot inventions, along with her best friend Ajay, she has managed to get herself stuck inside the body of her neighbours’ dog.

How long can Ajay and Sam pretend she is just dressing up in a dog costume for charity? Are her chances of winning a big dance competition scuppered? What’s going on behind closed doors at Roger Fitzmaurice’s dog-biscuit factory? And, why has Sam suddenly started to chew on slippers and bark at the moon?

"Another madcap adventure from Alan Nolan ideally suited to readers aged 9 to 11." - a Clare County Library staff member.

The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop is a story is based on the character Charlie (Charlotte) Bass, a ten year old girl who accidentally buys a racehorse called ‘Noble Warrior’ and gets a shaggy pony called ‘Percy’ thrown in to the bargain for good measure. Though Noble Warrior is a well-bred racehorse, he fails miserably when faced with any challenges, unless he has ‘Percy’ by his side. Everyone gives up on believing that he could ever win a race, except for Charlie who stops at nothing to prove that he is 'winning material'. A wonderful book for any lovers of horse racing and horses.

“Such a fantastic book and loved by all the children (and myself) in the group.” - a Miltown Malbay Library Staff member and the Children’s Book Club.

Gruffalo Crumble and Other Recipes
Published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016

Gruffalo Crumble and Other Recipes based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson is a delightful first cookbook for kids. With Guidelines for Grown-Ups and Hints and Tips to Read Together, you and your little assistants can make Mouse Toast, Woodland Salad or Roasted Fox Sweet Potatoe Wedges.

“Delicious treats from the Deep Dark Wood will have little tummies rumbling before breakfast, lunch and dinner as you explore a bookful of amazing recipes laid out in the most child-friendly fashion with simple step-by-step instructions.” - a Clare County Library staff member.