Ruth Ennis chooses new books for early readers
Books for early readers are all about challenges and overcoming difficulties. This seems fitting, as newly independent readers can see their next book as a challenge; understanding new characters, exploring new worlds, solving new problems. Today I want to share five books that introduce exciting and wild challenges that children aged 5-8 years will enjoy delving right into.
Beginning with what might be the most bizarre (and hugely entertaining) challenge a boy can face: being unwilfully transformed into a dinosaur after eating some dodgy pie. A double debut from writer Jen Wallace and illustrator Alan O’Rourke, Dinosaur Pie (Little Island) follows Rory and his friends as they try to turn Rory back into a human and uncover secret schemes along the way.
This book is filled with joy, laughs and the perfect amount of silliness
This book is filled with joy, laughs and the perfect amount of silliness. The cast is a very interesting trio: problem-solver Rory, who is also learning to live with his recent ADHD diagnosis, brainiac and dinosaur-enthusiast Daria, and unpredictable and internet-fanatic Oleg.
This is very much a story for the modern reader, with lots of references to contemporary internet culture and online gaming, all while maintaining elements of a classic adventure and mystery. Wallace’s writing style is a breath of fresh air, with a distinguished voice that evokes fun and humour on every page. O’Rourke’s illustrations are uniquely styled and perfectly suited to the story. A perfect read for fans of dinosaurs and chaotic adventures. Suitable for ages 7+ years.
Next is the first book in a new series, Lola and the Larch Fix a Fairy Forest (Nosy Crow) written by Sinéad O’Hart and illustrated by Rachel Seago. On their way home in the middle of a storm, Lola and her mum rescue a white rabbit. But Lola discovers the rabbit is actually a fairy in disguise called Larch. Lola agrees to help keep Larch safe from the evil fairy Euphorbia who is trying to steal Larch’s transformation powers.
What makes this story stand out are the loveable characters
There is always a need for good fairy books for young readers and this is a very welcome addition to the subgenre. What makes this story stand out are the loveable characters. Lola is a sweet, considerate, and brave girl who strives to do what’s right for others. Larch is funny, dramatic, and full of spunk – making the unlikely friends a great match. Filled with charming illustrations, it is a heartwarming story that inspires this duo to demonstrate courage and determination to overcome any challenge. I have no doubt this book will be a quick favourite for many children for years to come. Suitable for ages 7+ years.
A very welcome addition to Irish publishing is the new graphic novel Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune (Gill Books) by Chris Judge. Twin ducks Eddie and Flo are spending the week at their grandad’s house when they learn that many years ago his secret identity was the superhero Fearless Frank Duck. The twins accidentally release Frank’s frozen-in-time archnemesis Evil Duck from captivity. One (very quick) training montage later and the twins become Frank’s sidekicks on their quest to save the world from Evil Duck’s plan to steal the powerful feather of fortune and take over the world.
The rapport between characters, especially Evil Duck and his hench-birds, highlights the wit in Judge’s writing
This whirlwind of a book that is filled to the brim with goofy jokes, duck puns, and visual gags will be immensely enjoyed by young readers. The rapport between characters, especially Evil Duck and his hench-birds, highlights the wit in Judge’s writing. This is a well-produced book that is perfect for fans of Dog Man and The Investigators, suitable for ages 6+ years.
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle (Little Tiger) by Nicola Colton is wonderfully entertaining story about an inventor bear who can build a solution to any challenge. But one day Bertha’s confidences are betrayed by her former best friend Finnius the lion when he steals her idea for a new invention and receives fame and fortune for it. Bertha responds by running away and hiding in the wilderness. One day she hears unusual noises in the forest and decided to build herself a bird-inspired robot friend, Blink, to help investigate.
This book is filled to the brim with creativity and imagination
This book is filled to the brim with creativity and imagination. It’s full of heart as Bertha learns to overcome her fears, re-enter the wider world, and connect with new friends. Blink is an endearing sidekick, navigating the world with excitement and wonder. The vibrant illustrations are magnificent, from charming character design to eye-catching and dynamic settings. A true gem of a book and a must-read, Bertha and Blink comes highly recommended for ages 6+ years.
Lastly, we have The Dictionary Story (Walker Books) by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston. Dictionary is a very important book, holding all the words in her pages. But all she wants is to be able to make a story from these words, like all the other books to. So, she brings her words to life, which inevitably results in alphabetical chaos as an alligator chases a donut, a ghost spooks the moon, and a queen slips on soap. Only when they sing the alphabet song can Dictionary take control of the story, and she learns just how important her role is.
An inspired picturebook that turns storytelling on its head
I imagine this book to be a prime candidate for classroom story time, particularly when introducing the dictionary to students. It’s a simple story that can be enjoyed from a very young age, but older readers will thoroughly enjoy paying closer attention to read some of the more unusual definitions in this dictionary (e.g. all: the whole of or the complete amount of something. Close friends with everything and very happy when everyone’s involved). An inspired picturebook that turns storytelling on its head, it is well worth having on every book-lover’s shelf. Suitable for ages 5+ years.
No matter the challenge, be it a duck supervillain or fear of the unknown, these stories will undoubtedly inspire their readers to brave new worlds with courage and determination. What more can you ask from a good children’s book?
