South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column #TheReadingChair Sept 5th

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column #TheReadingChair in The Weekend section Sept 5th
I pick a selection of four books for children suitable for all ages from picture books to Young Adult Fiction every Saturday

Childrens Book of the Week

Listen To The Moon by Michael Morpurgo 9+
Another riveting bitter sweet tale from the much loved author of War Horse. A girl is washed up on the shores of the Scilly Isles in World War One. But who is she and where did she come from? Inspired by the true events of the sinking of the Lusitania is tells the tale of love, loss and survival as Lucy's past is slowly revealed. The twists and turns in this moving tale will have some children and adults reaching for their hankies! What sets Morpurgo apart is that he is able to convey real life events through a fascinating story that educational and enjoyable without being preachy. My only niggle is that it is a little long for this age group.
ISBN 9780007339655 PB £6.99 Harper Collins

4/5

ISBN 9780007339655 PB £6.99 Harper Collins

Picture Book 4+

The Big Blue Whale by Nicola Davies
After I saw the extraordinary sighting of a blue whale on Big Blue Live I was delighted to find this enchanting book has just been relaunched. Nicola is a zoologist who's poetic writing style is perfect for curious young minds wanting to know about the largest mammal on earth. Stunning illustrations by Nick Maland compliment the fascinating text. I loved the line, “The whale has eyes "as big as a teacup and as dark as the deep sea."


ISBN: 9780744578966 Walker Books, PB £6.99
5/5 Stars


For Children 7+

The Spy Who loved School Dinners by Pamela Buthart
Worthy winner of The Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story as voted for by children this is an hilarious mystery about a group of friends who think the new girl at is a spy. Izzy and her friends are suspicious of Matilde. Why is she so strange and why does she like school dinners nicknamed poison? She must be a school inspector! The witty illustrations really bring the engaging first person diary format to life.


ISBN 9780857632579 Nosy Crow, PB, £5.99
4/5 Stars


Young Adult/ Teen Fiction

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Already a huge fan of her inaugural fantasy series The Throne of Glass which is inspired by Cinderella becoming an assassin imagine my excitement getting my hands on her new series A Court of Thornes and Roses. Based on Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Greek myth thrown in this blend off romance and adventure set in a darker, decadent fairy world will certainly raise the pulse of older teens. For Celeana fans the latest Queen of Shadows is out now.


ISBN 9781408857861 PB £7.99 Bloomsbury
Rating 5/5 Stars