Our Top Five Picks for Older Readers

Our lovely customers come to us from all over Ireland and beyond for the best in illustrated picture books. Most people are either buying for young children or buying for themselves, because of an interest in art and design. But did you know we’ve also got a carefully selected range of chapter books for slightly older children? And of course for adults who love a bit of nostalgia and magic! Here are some of our favourite chapter books for slightly older audiences. Next time you pop into Tales for Tadpoles, make sure you ask to be shown the chapter book shelf!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Kate DiCamillo’s instant classic The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane had to be first on our list. This is one of the only books in the shop which is equally loved by every member of the team. It even made a couple of us cry…in a good way! It tells the story of Edward, a toy china bunny who thinks ever so highly of himself. Edward has very little regard for anyone else, including the girl who dotes on him, dresses him in fine clothes, and sets him a place at the dinner table. But when Edward finds himself getting lost, he sets out on a journey that introduces him to all kinds of people and teaches him the true meaning of love.

We love hearing feedback from customers who take on our recommendations, and we've never once heard anything less than a rave review from anyone who  bought The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. We even heard back from one customer about a little girl who loved it so much that she was getting her very own china bunny for Christmas! This book is perfect for confident young readers, or small children who can concentrate on longer stories when they're read aloud. It will also delight adults.

The Dollmaker of Krakow

Set in Krakow, Poland, in 1939, The Dollmaker of Krakow is an example of magic realism, blending historical fiction with fantasy. An enchantment brings a little doll named Karolina to life in a toyshop. She becomes friends with the gentle, broken-hearted Dollmaker who owns the shop. When the darkness of the Nazi occupation sweeps over the city, Karolina and the Dollmaker must use their magic to save their Jewish friends from a terrible danger, no matter what the risks.

R.M. Romero weaves together magic and folklore in a way that both adults and confident younger readers will enjoy. Intricate silhouette illustrations by Tomislav Tomić adorn every page of this beautiful book.

The Magician’s Elephant

This is another instant classic from Kate DiCamillo. A little boy called Peter is sent to market to buy bread, but he instead spends the money on a fortune teller in the hopes that they can help him find his long lost sister. The fortune teller tells Peter he must look for an elephant who will lead the boy to his sibling. The boy goes home brokenhearted at this impossible prospect. Until suddenly, an elephant appears in his town! 

This is a magical story for any age, suitable for any child who has moved onto longer chapter books. Any child who's reading books like the Harry Potter series will be well able for this!

No Kiss for Mother

Heralded as an "outrageous and controversial classic" by its publisher Phaidon, this illustrated novella by Tomi Ungerer is hilarious, but also quite touching! It's branded as controversial because of the way it subverts traditional, mushy children's bedtime stories. No Kiss for Mother tells the story of Piper Paw, a little kitten who hates being mollycoddled by his mother, and refuses to kiss her. This is the perfect story for kids who like a bit of mischief in their stories. Fans of Roald Dahl will take to Ungerer's edgy humour with relish. 

Jane, the Fox & Me

We've stocked Jane, the Fox and Me since our Drury Street shop opened, and it's one of our most underrated books! This graphic novel tells the story of Helene, a young girl who escapes her bullies and loneliness by burying her nose in the novel Jane Eyre. 

Illustrator Isabelle Arsenault uses different styles and colouring to differentiate between the story of Helene and her heroine Jane. As Jane grows in confidence and begins to make friends, hints of bright colour from Jane Eyre's life sneak into Helene's monochrome world. This is a great book for adults or for young people transitioning to adulthood. 

We're always happy to recommend a book for readers of all ages and abilities! Pop into our shop at 47 Drury Street, Dublin 2, call us for a chat on 01 679 2155, or drop us a message at hello@talesfortadpoles.ie for a personalised recommendation.