SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

My pick of children's books this week include a young child fighting for survival in WW2, a bear cub discovering the seasons, an adventure series for Sherlock fans and an epic fantasy classic.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN BY GAVRIEL SAVIT

CHILDRENS 12+

In Nazi occupied Poland a linguistics professor leaves his young daughter for work and never comes back. With an age old instinct to survive Anna attaches herself to a tall mysterious stranger she calls Swallow Man. Savit spins a dark and heartbreaking tale of history and fable seen through the eyes of a child. A thought provoking read, great for book clubs, suitable for children and adults. For lovers of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and The Book Thief.

ISBN:9781782300526 HB Penguin Random House £9.99

5/5 Stars

LITTLE ONE BY JO WEAVER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A touching story of discovery shown through changing seasons. Soft charcoal illustrations perfectly capture a mummy bear as she introduces her cub to life in the wild. The simple text gives room for the reader to elaborate on the story and add their own observations. The panoramic scenes really give a sense of the true vastness of nature and a sense of our smallness which little ones will relate to.

ISBN: 9781444922738 HB  Hodder Childrens £11.99

5/5 Stars

3 OF A KIND BY ROHAN GAVIN
CHILDRENS 9+

For Darkus Knightley sleuthing is in his blood and when their family's loyal housekeeper goes missing he finds himself in Las Vegas facing a deadly crime syndicate. Darkus has to use all his extraordinary powers of deduction in this exciting crime caper which will delight all Sherlock and adventure fans alike. Thrills galore laced with wicked humour and a great ensemble cast of characters,. The third in this great series won't disappoint. Check out www.knightleyandson.com for tips on investigating.

ISBN: 9781408860083 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £ 6.99

4/5 Stars

CITY OF BONES BY CASSANDRA CLARE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

As the TV Show starts I couldn't resist rereading one of my favourite fantasy series. The epic series begins with Clary finding out she's a demon hunter and joining a secret society to save the world from an evil warrior. Heart breaking romance and adventure will sweep you away into the world of the Shadowhunters. The tight band of friends fight for survival but who will betray who? Monumental series worth reading before watching. 
ISBN: 9781406362169 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99
5/5 Stars