The Reading Chair Children's Book Column for South Wales Evening Post Sept 26th

The Reading Chair Children's Book Column for 

South Wales Evening Post Sept 26th

BOOK OF THE WEEK




GOTH GIRL AND THE WUTHERING FRIGHT BY CHRIS RIDDEL

This sumptuous and richly decorated treasure of a book is every little girls dream gift. The metallic embossed cover and intricate illustrations on virtually every page are a delight. The third in the series we follow the continuing adventures of Ada and her friends as they struggle to solve a mysterious plot in Lord Goth's Dog Show. There are plenty of clever literary references such as Sir Walter Splott and Plain Austen that will appeal to adults and laugh out loud humour for the children. A real gem.

ISBN 9781447277897 PB Pan Macmillan £10.99
5/5 Stars


Picture Book 4+

GRANDAD'S ISLAND BY BENJI DAVIES
A sensitively handled story dealing with the death of a grandparent for the very young who are struggling to understand their loss. Syd is very close to his grandad and together they go on an adventure to a tropical island. However, only Syd can go home. This could help parents explain a difficult subject to their child. I also recommend by the same author The Storm Whale, a beautiful story about family and friendship.

ISBN 9781471115684 PB Simon & Schuster Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens 9+

THE ACCIDENTAL PRIME MINISTER BY TOM MCLAUGHLIN

By complete fluke Joe finds himself as prime minister in the UK. A great introduction to politics, the power of the media and international relations. An hilarious take on how kids would rule the world! It will certainly encourage them to vote especially as it shows how one person can make a difference in the world. An ambitious yarn which introduces serious points in a very entertaining way.

ISBN 9780192737748 PB Oxford University Press £6.99

4/5 Stars


Young Adult Fiction

TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Angelini's first series Starcrossed was great but this really cranks it up a notch. Lily suffers life endangering allergies, has a schizophrenic mother and absent father. Calamitous events send her into an alternative world where Lily grows from a peace loving sensitive girl into a strong powerful witch. So many twists and turns in this book it had me hooked from the beginning. The second, Firewalker, is just out so you can binge read!
ISBN 9781509809875 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

4/5 Stars