Top 50 Children’s Books of the Year 2022
These reviews first appeared in The Irish Independent on Sat 10th December
By giving the gift of a book, you are giving a child the chance to fall into a magical world, a world of bravery and adventure, of fox tailers, heroic penguins, and mythical Irish goddesses. From the hundreds of children’s books I’ve read this year I’ve selected my favourites, with lots of Irish titles included. Happy Reading!
Picturebooks
Picturebook of the Year
Be Wild, Little One by Olivia Hope and Daniel Egnéus (Bloomsbury)
Wake Up Early, don’t be shy,/this bright world can make you fly./Be wild, little one.’ So begins this lyrical ode to being yourself and finding your own personal wild. The text is a joy to read aloud and the illustrations are magical. Age 2+
Eoinín agus a Charide by Muireann Ní Chíobháin and Róisín Hahessy (Futa Fata)
Eoinín the little lamb is off to a new school. Will he make new friends? A charming Irish language board book for young children, with friendly, colourful illustrations. Age 2+
Fox and Sons Tailers by Paddy Donnelly (The O’Brien Press)
Young Rory the Tailer’s son longs to make tails that are a bit different. But his traditional father doesn’t see Rory’s talent at first. The story is clever and the illustrations are full of tiny details for young eyes to pour over. Age 3+
Well Done, Mummy Penguin by Chris Haughton (Walker Books)
A brave and clever Mummy Penguin goes off to find food in the Antarctic, overcoming many obstacles and dangers along the way. The chilly landscape is wonderfully captured in shades of blue, with pops of warm reds and purples. Age 2+
Chirp! by Mary Murphy (Walker Books)
‘Chirp says the Sparrow. Warble goes the Thrush. Tooraloo, whistles the Blackbird from the blackberry bush.’ The birds are getting ready for the dawn chorus, making songs and calls. A lyrically written story that is great fun to read out loud, with strong, vibrant illustrations. Age 3+
Our Big Day by Bob Johnson and Michael Emberley (O’Brien Press)
When David and Simon decide to get married, David’s niece helps them make their wedding invitations and on the big day she is the ring-bearer. But disaster strikes when the rings go missing! Emberley’s lively illustrations make the story come alive. Age 4+
Once Upon a Fairytale by Natalie O’Hara and Lauen O’Hara (Macmillan)
Become the hero of your own fairytale in this beautifully illustrated choose-your-own-adventure book. Will you ride on a unicorn or feast with fairies? You decide! Age 4+
Amuigh Faoin Spéir by Sadhbh Devlin and Brian Fitzgerald (Futa Fata)
Rua is encouraged off the sofa to have a nature adventure outside. A charming story illustrated with bright, child-friendly artwork. Age 4+
A Practical Present for Philippa Pheasant by Briony May Smith (Walker Books)
Philippa Pheasant is determined to protect all the animals who cross the Old Oak Road by becoming the first pheasant lollypop lady. This heart-warming story about kindness is illustrated with detail and care. Age 4+
Age 5+
Age 5+ Book of the Year
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell (Walker Books)
Loki, the Norse trickster god has been banished by Odin and as punishment for his terrible behaviour is sent to earth where he must live as an eleven-year-old boy. Clever, original and hilarious, with witty line drawings. A real winner! Age 8+
The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy (Walker Books)
Oktober Vasylenko is afraid of the wild and the fabled monster called The Wilderness. But he discovers that maybe monsters (and fears) aren’t so scary after all. The autumnal-coloured illustrations are sublime. Age 5+
Cloud Babies by Eoin Colfer and Chris Judge (Walker Books)
Erin becomes ill and has to spend a lot of time in hospital. Back at school, she feels left behind. Can her two lives – hospital and school – ever come together? The clever cloud illustrations will make any reader smile. Age 5+
Everybody Feels Fear by Ashwin Chacko (DK)
This book’s message - it’s ok to feel fear as we are built to deal with it - is powerful and the strong illustrations sing with colour. Chacko brings a lot of gentle humour to the topic too. Age 5+
Bumble and Snug and the Angry Pirates by Mark Bradley (Hachette Children’s Books)
Best friends Bumble and Snug find pirate treasure and get caught up in a strange adventure involving a giant octopus. A vibrantly coloured, exuberant comic book which is great fun but is also richly layered and thoughtful. Age 6+
The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams by Shane Hegarty, illustrated by Jeff Crowther (Hodder Children’s Books)
Limpet’s mother is about to open an ice cream shop. But the evil Mr Fluffy who already runs an ice cream shop in the seaside town has other ideas. Sweet, funny and highly inventive, this book is a real treat. Age 7+
Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin (Neal Porter Books)
Based on the author’s own childhood, this beautifully illustrated picturebook is about a girl who has to help her parents collect watercress from the side of the road. She is embarrassed by this and by her hand me down clothes until her mother shares the story of her own difficult childhood back in China. Age 7+
Age 9+
Age 9+ Book of the Year
Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley (Scholastic)
Frankie is eleven, the smallest in her class and has always felt different. She’s always wondered who her dad is and decides to try and find him, with her best friend’s help. Inspired by Dooley’s childhood and own autism journey, this graphic novel with striking illustrations is a wonderfully charming, honest and funny look at growing up. Age 9+
Girls Who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan, illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald (HarperCollins Ireland)
These tales of daring, courage and ingenuity, featuring forgotten goddesses from Ireland’s mythological past are beautifully written but also highly accessible, making them perfect for modern readers. The mesmerising, atmospheric illustrations are outstanding. Age 9+
The Sackville Street Caper by Alan Nolan (The O’Brien Press)
Set in Dublin in 1858, when young Bram Stoker’s notebook is stolen by Molly Malone’s gang of child ‘spooks’ or pickpockets, he stumbles upon the adventure of a lifetime. Brilliant characters, puns and word play galore, plus rotten fish, nappies, ghosts - this cracking book has it all! Age 9+
Unleash Your Creative Monster: A Children’s Guide to Writing by Andy Jones, illustrated by Olaf Falafel (Walker Books)
One of the best creative writing books for children I’ve come across in recent years, full of useful information and written in lively, accessible prose. Each page is brought to life by witty cartoon illustrations. Age 9+
One Time by Sharon Creech (Guppy Publishing)
Gina Filomena is a girl bursting with imagination. Too much imagination if you ask her old teacher. When a new boy moves in next door to her, she wants to know everything about him. The right reader will love this book - a thoughtful, imaginative child who loves writing and art. Age 10+
When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr (Bloomsbury)
Natty has to move to a small village in the Welsh countryside to stay with her cousins Huw and Nerys. Huw joined the army when he was only fourteen, fighting in the First World War and coming home traumatised. A beautifully written, accessible historical novel with strong characters and a compelling story. Age 10+
The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold (HarperCollins)
Rio has been sent to LA to stay with his granny while his mum is in hospital but he’s upset and shuts his granny out. He meets a kind, calm girl called Miranda whose dad runs a whale watching boat and soon gets caught up in a special whale’s life. A compelling animal, friendship and family tale. Age 9+
While the Storm Rages by Phil Earle (Andersen Press)
When the British government orders everyone to put down their pets to help the war preparations, Noah is devastated. But instead of bringing his dog, Winn to the vets, he runs away with him, along with two friends and as many animals as they can save. A fast-paced historical adventure story which will have readers gripped. Age 9+
My Friend the Octopus by Lindsay Galvin, illustrations by Gordy Wright (Chicken House Books)
Vinnie is sent to Brighton to stay with her aunt. There’s mystery (her mother has disappeared to Paris), new friends, a wonderful giant octopus and adventure galore. Set in 1893, this is historical fiction with oodles of charm. Age 9+
My Aunt the Monster by Reimena Yee (RH Graphic)
Safia thinks that being blind means she won’t have adventures. How wrong can she be? She goes on a remarkable trip with her wonderful Aunty Whimsy who has been cursed to live as a monster. A brilliant romp, this graphic novel is ideal for readers who love travel and thrills. Age 9+
Spellstoppers by Cat Gray
When Max touches anything mechanical or electrical it blows up. He’s packed off to stay with his grandfather, a Spellstopper or person who can drain misbehaving magic. Can he help Max control his powers? Clever, funny and full of original ideas, this is fantasy at its best. Age 9+
The Book of Secrets by Alex Dunne (O’Brien Press)
Cat and Shane band together to save their siblings from the fairies in this thrilling, adventure-packed novel blending modern Ireland with Irish folklore. Age 10+
The Chestnut Roaster by Eve McDonnell (Everything with Words)
Set in Paris in 1888, this novel brings the reader underground to the Paris catacombs, quite the setting! Twelve-year-old Piaf can remember everything and along with her brother, must try to find lost Parisian children. The plot is as clever and twisting as the catacombs themselves. Age 10+
Lily Takes a Chance by Judi Curtin (The O’Brien Press)
Set in 1915, Lily the housemaid at Lissadell is determined to follow her dreams and be a teaching assistant, but can she get the glowing reference she needs to secure the position? An enchanting friendship story written with warmth and humour. Age 9+
The Lost Girl King by Catherine Doyle (Bloosmbury)
After walking through an enchanted waterfall, Amy and Liam find themselves in Tír na nÓg. When Liam is kidnapped by headless horsemen, it’s up to Amy to save him. Beautifully written, this is a terrific myth-inspired fantasy adventure. Age 10+
The Ministry of Unladylike Activity by Robin Stevens (Puffin)
May Wong finds herself in a big country house with fellow young ‘detectives’ Eric and Fionnuala. Can they solve a murder and prove themselves? A gripping murder mystery set in 1940. Age 10+
The Little Match Girl by Emma Carroll, illustrated by Lauren Child (Simon and Schuster)
Bridie works as a match girl on the streets of Victorian London. But some of her matches are magic and she realises she has the power to change things for both herself and the match factory girls. Perfect for Judi Curtin fans. Age 9+
Paradise Sands by Levi Pinfold (Walker Studio)
A stunning, unusual picturebook which reads like a traditional fable. A young girl and her brothers visit a strange hotel and fall under a spell. But only the girl is strong and wise enough to free them from the enchantment. Outstanding illustrations. Age 9+
And Everything Will Be Glad to See You by Ella Risbridger, illustrated by Anna Shepeta (Nosy Crow)
Magical, enchanting, thought-provoking poems, from old favourites by Maya Angelou to new discoveries. The illustrations are magnificent, full of powerful colour and striking details. A joyful book, an important book. Age 9+
Age 11+
Age 11+ Book of the Year
The Light in Everything by Katya Balen (Bloomsbury)
Tom is often afraid. Zoifa was ‘born in a storm’ and is wild and free. When Zofia’s dad and Tom’s mum decide to blend the two families, both young people are horrified. But when tragedy threatens to strike the new family, things begin to change. Balen’s prose is hummingbird-beautiful, every line is so carefully crafted it seems effortless. Unmissable. Age 12+
Tyger by S F Said, illustrated by David McKean (David Fickling Books)
When Adam finds an Immortal Tyger hidden in a rubbish dump, he knows he must help her. Saving her may also save the world. Set in an alternate London where there is slavery and ghettos, this is an amazing book, full of ideas, and it’s a credit to Said’s craft that it manages to be both a page turner and profound. Age 11+
The Truth About Riley by Sinead Moriarty (Gill Books)
When Riley’s dad dies he leaves behind so much debt that they lose the family home. Riley and her mum have to live in their car but Riley is determined to keep this from her classmates. But luckily kindness comes from unexpected places. This is a genuinely moving novel, written with compassion and honesty. Age 11+
You’re Not the Boss of Me! by Catherine Wilkins (Nosy Crow)
Amy loves writing comedy sketches, but a misguided teacher hands over the running of the school comedy show to a boy in Amy’s class. Harry doesn’t believe girls can be funny, especially Amy who couldn’t give a hoot what Harry thinks of her, making her dangerous and a problem to squash. I laughed my way through this clever, thought-provoking book. Age 11+
You Don’t Know What War is by Yeva Skalietska (Bloomsbury)
Yeva is a young Ukrainian girl and this is her diary. It starts on 14th February 2022, her twelfth birthday and chronicles her flight from war, along with her grandmother, ending up in Ireland. It’s written with honestly and heart and gives an important child’s eye view of war. Age 12+
The Shark and the Scar by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald (Orion)
Jay wakes up in hospital. His dad tells Jay he’s been the victim of a terrible shark attack, leaving him scarred and afraid. But what if his dad is lying? An intriguing tale of family, friendship, love and loss. The mystery at the centre of this book will keep the reader gripped. Age 12+
My Heart and Other Breakables by Alex Barclay (HarperCollins)
Ellery Brown has recently lost her mother and is trying to find her long lost father using clues from her mum’s bookshelves and with the help of her kind and supportive best friend, Megan. Written with a lot of humour, this book is a joy to read and genuinely moving. Age 12+
Run for Your Life by Jane Mitchell (Little Island)
Azari flees to Ireland with her mother to find a new life. They are placed in a Direct Provision Centre and must work hard to stay positive and healthy. Azari tries to create a new life for herself and reconnects with her love of running. Mitchell researched this novel meticulously and portrays life in Direct Provision starkly and honestly. Age 12+
YA (Young Adult)
YA Book of the Year
Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber (HarperCollins)
Princess Rose Valhart is polite, respectful and trusting. Wren Greenrock is her secret sister, a strong, outspoken young woman who has been raised by witches and is determined to usurp the princess. Wren arranges for Rose to be kidnapped and she takes her place in the castle. But her plan doesn’t exactly run smoothly! There’s so much to enjoy in this book - horse rides across deserts, dashing bodyguards, dialogue that sparkles with wit and intelligence. Great fun! Age 14+
The Secrets Act by Alison Weatherby (Chicken House)
Set in Bletchley Park during World War 2, this novel about a Welsh teen code breaker, Ellen and her English messenger friend, Pearl, is perfect for fans of historical novels that have friendship and romance themes in the mix. Age 13+
Things I Know by Helena Close (Little Island)
When Saoirse's ex-boyfriend dies by suicide everyone blames her, and she blames herself. She gets lost in a spiral of pain and crippling anxiety, and the counsellor who is supposed to be helping her only makes things worse. Can she manage to find herself again? A well-written examination of a teenager on the brink, honest and ultimately hopeful. Age 15+
Truth Be Told by Sue Divin (Macmillan)
Tara and Faith run into each other at a ‘cross-community peace-building residential’. They couldn’t be more different, Tara is a loud, brash Derry girl, Faith is quiet, reserved and from rural Armagh. But as soon as they set eyes on each other, their lives change because they could be twins. A powerful and darkly funny family and friendship novel set in contemporary Northern Ireland. Age 14+
Big Bad Me by Aislinn O’Loughlin (Little Island)
Evie Wilder has just found out she’s a werewolf but that’s only the start of her problems. Her mum is missing and she’s being hunted down by vampires. Written with confidence, panache and oodles of humour, this book is a must for Buffy fans. Age 14+
these are the words: Fearless verse to find your voice (all lower case apart from the word Fearless, Gareth) by Nikita Gill (Macmillan)
This is Gill’s first collection for teens and she writes about being a girl, a sister and a friend with clarity and truth. Her themes range from wild girls and aunties, to body hair, and it would be a great choice for any young person with an interest in poetry or creative writing. Age 14+
Activist by Louisa Reid (Guppy Books)
The boys at Cassie’s outdated secondary school believe they can treat girls any way they like without consequences and Cassie has had enough. She decides to rise up, speaking out and refusing to stop, not matter what the personal repercussions. She is, in a word, magnificent. This searing YA novel in verse celebrates the strength of one lone, brave voice. Age 15+
Gift Books for Christmas
Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by PJ Lynch, (Walker Books)
No one does snow like P J Lynch and his illustrations in this picturebook are stunning. He brings Frost’s classic 1922 poem to enchanting life. Age 6+
The Grumpus and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan by Alex Smith (Macmillan)
Looking for a new ‘Grinch’ to read aloud this Christmas? Look no further, this book is perfect! Funny, charming and heart-warming. Age 4+
Sir Adam the Brave and the Moody Monsters by David King and Rhiannon Archard (Penguin Sandycove)
Adam the Brave must save his village from moody monsters. Luckily his kindness wins out. A charming story with attractive, colourful illustrations. Age 4+
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories
Various authors, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre (Faber Children’s Books)
A handsome hardback collection of short stories for young readers. The high quality of both the writing and the illustrations makes this collection a real winner for reading aloud at bedtime. Age 5+
The Magic of the Ballet by Vivian French, illustrated by Lauren O’Hara (Walker Books)
A retelling of seven famous ballets, with sumptuous illustrations. A must for ballet fans. Age 6+
Glorious Goddesses of Ancient Ireland by Karen Wallace, illustrated by Paula McGloin (Beehive Books)
Colourful illustrations bring Irish goddesses alive for younger readers. Age 6+