Tales of Fame and Fortune on Ireland AM

Mei Mei the Bunny by Laufey and illustrated by Lauren O’Hara (Dorling Kindersley Limited)

Mei Mei is a little bunny with a big dream: to share her music with the world. Mei Mei’s first recital at the H’Opera House with an orchestra and in front of a full audience is coming up and she’s feeling excited, but also very nervous. Guided by her parents’ encouragement, Mei Mei listens to the melody in her heart to overcome the butterflies in her tummy. Mei Mei’s story is accompanied by beautiful watercolour illustrations from O’Hara with a soft touch, pastel tones and a touch of whimsy– a perfect fit for a story about harmony, both musically and within oneself! (Age 2–4, 5–7)

Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert by Sarah Bowie (Scholastic)

Excitement ensues when a new boy joins Nina Peanut’s class, although she is not the only one who has noticed him, and the situation becomes even more dramatic when Nina’s teacher announces the class will be staging Romeo and Juliet! Themes of friendship and frenemies as well as first crushes are explored with lots of funny, embarrassing and over-the-top situations. Readers will enjoy the relatable themes and have lots of laughs in this fun addition to the series. (Graphic novel, Age 8–10)

Séamus Almost Famous by Jessica Scott-Whyte and illustrated by Becka Moore (Gill Books)

Séamus belongs to ‘Ireland’s Five-Star Family’ – that’s his mam, dad, brother, sister and dog as the five stars. Yes, even the family pet is more famous than Séamus! Determined to never be overlooked again, Séamus enlists the help of his best friend, Dara, and sets about trying just about anything to earn the fame he feels destined for. This story moves at a fast pace with lots of humour throughout both text and illustrations. A fantastic, funny read. (Age 8–10, 10–12) 

Looking for Aurora by Zainab Boladale (The O’Brien Press)

Aurora Kutti is a teenage influencer living a glamorous life of constant attention. Her lifestyle is enviable but tightly controlled by her ‘momager’, and Aurora is starting to lose her sense of self. The rise of social media has seen an increase in young stars, whose personal and professional lives are increasingly blurred. Boladale approaches this topic gently but firmly, acknowledging the emotional toll and the real danger of living life online. Fans of Braids Take a Day will be delighted with the author’s second book. (Age 12–14)

From the Top, Sally Flynn by Méabh Collins (The O’Brien Press)

Fourteen-year-old Sally Flynn is at the beginning of her aspiring musical theatre career as she starts to pen her own original musical and attend a summer camp at the Lir. But as she continues writing her soon-to-be smash hit, her friends and family start to notice the parallels between the musical and Sally’s own life, offering us a glimpse into the more serious themes of the novel. With a loveable heroine, this book explores loss and grief in a wholly accessible way, with deep pockets of warmth and humour. (Age 12–14)

Effie is Offline by Karen Harte (Gill Books)

Effie Bright has grown up in front of millions. Her parents have made a career out of their home life, and nothing is too sacred to share. But after her father is caught red-handed having an affair, everything implodes. Effie flourishes when they relocate to the countryside, but gradually their influencer lifestyle creeps back in – can Effie keep control of her new life? Teenagers will be able to relate to Effie and the online vlogging lifestyle she has been raised in, in this fresh and original story. Harte is the next big name in graphic novels for teens. (Graphic novel, Age 12–14)