The arrival of the summer solstice on 21st June marks the longest day of the year, a phenomenon widely observed but uniquely experienced across the globe. Jen Breach’s children’s book, Solstice: The Longest, Shortest Day (What on Earth Books, £15.99, for ages 5 and up), offers readers insight into how this day unfurls in different parts of the world, from never-ending daylight in Svalbard, Norway, to complete darkness at the South Pole Research Station.
Skilfully illustrated by a collective of 14 international artists, the book harmoniously blends fact and narrative to bring each country’s unique solstice experience to life. Each captivating story, told through the observant eyes of a child, draws upon aspects such as cultural traditions and language and combines them with fascinating facts about the sun’s journey across the sky.
From Beijing to Britain and Nigeria to Nepal, the book includes 14 enchanting tales, lavishly enhanced by pictographs marking out each country’s geographic coordinates, average temperature, and daylight hours. This brilliantly crafted, fact-filled narrative is an excellent resource to build anticipation for the forthcoming midsummer solstice.
Meanwhile, Sarah Webb’s new historical fiction novel, The Weather Girls (O’Brien Press, €8.99, recommended for ages 10 and up), explores the influence of weather, and specifically sun movements, on our lives. Set in 1944 against the World War II backdrop, the story unfurls in Blacksod Lighthouse’s weather station. Despite Ireland’s political neutrality, the struggle of the war is palpable, intensified by a recent German warplane crash. However, as lead character Grace discovers, her weather report could play a critical role in the war’s trajectory. This true tale, underscored by strong bonds of female friendship and engaging prose, rapidly drives the narrative forward.
Kate Saunders, a highly acclaimed British author known for her exceptional children’s historical fiction, tragically passed away last year. One of her books, ‘A Drop of Golden Sun’ (Faber, priced at £7.99, suitable for ages 8 and over), notably carries a slice of her talent. The story, based in 1973, revolves around the backstage dramas of a World War-II themed musical film. The protagonist, Jenny, a 12-year-old child actor, confronts various challenges during the shoot in the French Alps, particularly dealing with the volatile lead actor. The storyline, rich with dramatic scenes, encapsulates deeply meaningful themes of cultural recovery and mental health in the aftermath of war. ‘A Drop of Golden Sun’ aptly serves as a lasting testament to Saunders’ impressive writing career.
‘Sarah Bowie’s inaugural middle-grade graphic story, ‘Nina Peanut is Amazing’ (Scholastic, priced at £8.99, suitable for ages 8 and over) revolves around Nina Peanut, a resilient girl leading her own YouTube channel and life, amidst facing constant criticism, particularly from the seemingly popular Megan Dunne. The colourful comic cleverly portrays the struggles of desiring acceptance and the challenges of not fitting into societal norms. The quirky nature of Nina proves far more intriguing than Megan’s meticulous portrayal to the world. The intriguing choice between an exuberant potato and an ostentatiously pampered poodle as companions makes an interesting storyline.
In Erika McGann’s unique and adventurous novel for young readers, ‘Chasing the Shy Town’ (Little Island, priced at £7.99, suitable for ages 6 and over), the protagonist Senan grapples with the decision to observe the unfolding mysteries of a disappearing village from his bedroom window or to venture out in search of the truth. The book, divided into short chapters with legible large font and complemented by striking pencil sketches drawn by Toni Galmes, traces the journey of Senan, his courageous neighbour Joshua and his spirited Gran in their quest to locate the evasive ‘Shy Town’ over a span of three days. As the story unfolds, Senan, who himself is a timid boy, learns to confront his fears with help from his friends and their shared sense of adventure. Serving as their companions are Paper Boy and Pearl, an abnormally large talking beetle, who all navigate through a series of absurd situations and lively characters alongside him.
Living just a stone’s throw away from the forest’s edge, Beti finds her joy. Her round house is nestled in the woods where she resides with her Mam, Tad and her pet goat – a gift for her birthday. “Beti and the Little Round House”, provided by Walker Books and priced at £12.99 for readers aged five and above, is an homage to the unadorned pleasures of life. It’s the brainchild of Atinuke, drawing from her own experiences of dwelling in a roundhouse in Wales. The narrative unfolds over four brief sections, each representing a season, with Beti and her family harmonising their lives to the ebb and flow of nature. Readers acquire quiet knowledge within these pages – gathering edible plants for a salad, keeping milk fresh without refrigeration – and are treated to depictions of family liberty that command envy. Emily Hughes’ illustrations bring to life the charms of their unusual dwelling, knit together in a pastoral paradise.