Irish books of the year 2024
We look back at our favourite Irish books of the year 2024.
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The Golden Hare
Author: Paddy Donnelly
Publisher: O’Brien
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 6-8Paddy Donnelly’s lovely book – inspired by a unusual type of hare found on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland – is a must for young nature lovers, or for anyone looking for a sweet, calming read with some lovely nature facts woven in.
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The Other Side of the Valley
Author: Ashling Lindsay
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 7+This simple and moving picture book tells the story of Pip and his fear of the unknown. After pushing himself beyond his comfort zone, he learns that new experiences can be positive.
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Bug Hotel / Óstán na bhFeithidí
Author: Áine Ní Ghlinn Illustrator: Mr Ando
Publisher: An tSnáthaid Mhór
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 5-6Get to know the bugs of Ireland in an uplifting way.
Cuir aithne ar fheithidí na hÉireann ar bhealach spreagúil.
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Ava and the Acorn
Author: Lu Fraser Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 5-7
Reading age: 7+Ava and her grandad share happy memories of an old oak tree in this heartfelt exploration of growth, change and loss told through the magic of seasonal changes. A beautiful picture book.
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The Ballad of Cactus Joe
Author: Lily Murray Illustrator: Clive McFarland
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5
Cactus Joe is lean and mean and happy by himself. Or is he? Funny and visually enticing, this is a must-read for the grumpy cactus’s expressions alone!
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Wonders of the Wild
Author: Éanna Ní Lamhna Illustrator: Brian Fitzgerald
Publisher: The O’Brien Press
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+Discover why spiders don’t stick to their own webs, why rabbits eat their own poo and why frogs don’t drown when they hibernate at the bottom of ponds, in this fascinating, fully-illustrated nature book.
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Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune
Author: Chris Judge
Publisher: Gill Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+Evil Duck plans to destroy Ducklin City! Can twins Eddie and Flo help stop him? A colourful, funny graphic novel packed with gags and action.
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Stitch
Author: Pádraig Kenny Illustrator: Steve McCarthy
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+A powerful re-imagining of Frankenstein that provokes empathy and compassion. Compelling and thrilling.
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Nina Peanut is Amazing
Author: Sarah Bowie
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+Nina Peanut is a hilarious, aspiring content creator. When one of her videos goes viral, she must learn how to cope with the challenges of fame, friendship and self-confidence.
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The Weather Girls
Author: Sarah Webb
Publisher: O’Brien
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+When a German fighter plane crashes nearby, Grace saves the pilot’s life. But she will play an even greater part in World War II than she realises. Sheds light on an unusual part of wartime history.
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Pirates of Darksea
Author: Catherine Doyle
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+When Max answers the call to join Captain O’Malley’s pirate ship instead of his brother, who’s ill, it’s the start of a rip-roaring fantastical adventure. A page-turner that will have children gripped and moved.
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Fia and the Last Snow Deer
Author: Eilish Fisher Illustrator: Dermot Flynn
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 9-11Set in prehistoric Ireland during an endless winter, Fia and her snow deer set out on a perilous adventure to find the Deer Mother and bring warmth and hope back to her people.
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The Haunting of Fortune Farm
Author: Sophie Kirtley Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Edie is thrust into a world of restless spirits and fearsome Viking warriors in this chilling ghost story that will send shivers down your spine.
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The Last Boy
Author: Eve McDonnell
Publisher: Everything with Words Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+An extraordinary story based on the horror of child exploitation in Victorian times, but crammed with positivity, determination, hope and edge-of-seat drama. Anyone lucky enough to read it will not forget it for a very long time.
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Someone’s Been Messing with Reality
Author: John Hearne
Publisher: Little Island
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Martin thinks he might be an alien – and now he has to save the entire human race! Fast-paced and fresh, this is a funny, thrilling adventure.
