April Children's Books
Saturday April 04 2009
Children's publishing has never been stronger and this year Irish publishers Mercier enter the ring in a serious way with several strong novels.
Two new picture book talents have also emerged: Louise Yates and Lizzie Finlay.
A Small Surprise by Yates (Jonathan Cape, £10.99 hardback) is worth seeking out for its clever circus story and original illustrations, and I'd highly recommend Dandylion by Finlay (Red Fox £5.99), an empowering book about being different, with glorious artwork.
Newly independent readers will enjoy The Baby Giant by Oisin McGann (O'Brien Press €5.95), the witty tale of Finn, the Irish Giant outwitting a big Scottish bully.
Readers of six or seven plus will love the latest Megan McDonald book, Judy Moody Goes to College (Walker £4.99). Judy's maths skills need improving and she is eager to impress her tutor, an uber-cool college student called Chloe.
McDonald also has new series, The Sisters' Club (Walker, £4.99), perfect for older readers who like a giggle.
For readers of eight or nine, My Secret Diary by Jacqueline Wilson (Doubleday £12.99), chronicling her teenage years, will delight any fan of this prolific author and Damsel by SE Connolly (Mercier €8.99) is a charming, fast-paced tale about Annie, a damsel turned hero and her friend, Roger.
Readers who like their fiction fast, funny and a little gory will lap up Vampirates: Black Heart by Justin Somper (Simon and Schuster £6.99) a rollicking tale of vampire hunters, pirate treachery and loyalty. Perfect for any Darren Shan or Derek Landy fans.
Rowan the Strange by Julie Hearn (Oxford £9.99) packs quite a punch. Set in a mental asylum at the start of the Second World War, young Rowan's own battle against the experimental procedures is just beginning. Brave and gripping, teen readers will find plenty to consider in this powerful novel.
And finally, Jenny Valentine's The Ant Colony (HarperCollins £6.99) is a beautifully written, yet easy to read novel about families, friendship and secrets.
Clever, intense, dynamic and full of dark humour, it's perfect reading for the teenager in your life!
