The summer holidays are officially here, so Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland and a team of avid young readers joined Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1 for the 2026 Children’s Summer Book Show Special.
They reviewed books for all ages. Here, we will take you through titles aimed at Primary School children.
The show kicked off with young reviewers in studio Caoileann Ní Fhiannachta (8) and Erin Hearne (7) in studio – press play up top to listen now.
Books reviewed:
The Flying Feminist
When Tad Kicked Vlad
Pablo and Splash Viking
Koalas in Capes: The Zombie
Lúiscín
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Then we moved on to children’s books for ages 10-12 with Aisling Hearne (12) and Keelan Hearne (11).
Books reviewed:
The Thing about Giants
Saving Grace
The Case of the Disappearing Double
The Common Criminals
For any young people who might want to take part as a book reviewer in the future, ask a grown-up to email the team at oliver@rte.ie.
You can listen to the full show with reviews of titles for teens and young adults here.
For more content from Children’s Books Ireland visit – www.childrensbooksireland.ie
And check out the RTÉ KIDS Book Club every month for more great reading recommendations with thanks to CBI.