SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN MAY 28 TH-29TH

My childrens books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include the explosive final Cherub book, a sensitive picture book showing the young how to undertsand disability, an enchanting poetry book about ballet and an enviromentally themed adventure story. In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

NEW GUARD BY ROBERT MUCHAMORE

CHILDRENS 12+

The final cherub book goes out with a bang. Ryan Sharma is working undercover investigating a double kidnapping during which he must assemble a team of legendary cherub agents to save the day. These kids get away with what most would love to but can't. Strong characters and a crackling adventure with some cool gadgets and bond style villains thrown in, this has it all. Great appeal for girls and boys.

ISBN 9781444914122 HB Hodder Children’s £12.99

5/5 Stars

PERFECT BY NICOLA DAVIES
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The story of a young boy learning to accept his baby sister as being perfect in every way in spite of her disability. Perfect is an ideal way to open up the subject of disability with children, as well being a great story in its own right. Beautifully illustrated by Cathy Fisher using birds as a tool to symbolise his feelings this is a story of anticipation, disappointment, acceptance and, ultimately, love. Thoughtful and insightful.

ISBN: 9781910862469 PB Graffeg £8.99

5/5 Stars

BALLERINA BY EMILY HANCOX
CHILDRENS 7+
A delightful collection of poems for aspiring ballerinas everywhere. Taking you through a poetic journey of the life of a ballerina these beautiful poems will inspire and enthral dancers of all ages. Emily really captures the essence of all aspects of a dancers life from her first ballet class to her first performance. Its also a flip book so when you leaf through you can see a tiny ballerina dancing in the corner of the page!
ISBN 9780992762162 Tomser Cat Books £3.99
5/5 Stars

FENN HALFLIN AND THE FEARZERO BY FRANCESCA ARMOUR-CHELU

CHILDRENS 9+

The first in a chilling adventure series about a sinking world that subtly addresses themes of migration and global warming. The world is being unevenly divided and a young boy Fenn is on the run from the ruthless Terra Firma after spending his life hidden away. The waters are rising and resources are becoming scarce. Entering into a deadly game of cat and mouse will he fulfil his destiny? A great adventure with a heartfelt message.

ISBN 978140636911 PB Walker Books £6.99

4/5 Stars

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SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN MAY 21ST-22ND

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN MAY 21ST-22ND


This week is Mental Health Week and I picked some books reflecting issues that could arise and exacerbate mental health illness including death and loss and sexual abuse. I also picked a picture book about friendship and sharing which will add a little light relief and a middle grade gothic style book, also featuring loss, that has a Tim Burton style theme to it.

 Although some of these books deal with difficult issues they are extremely accessible to young children and can be a tool to raising discussion on problems a child is having. All the Rage which deals with a rape victim can hopefully raise talking points on how we treat boys and girls differently in society depending on background and gender amongst other things,

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GRAND WOLF BY AVRIL MCDONALD
PICTURE BOOK 4+

In Mental Health Awareness Week The Feel Brave series include five helpful books aimed at children with everyday worries and issues presented in a non threatening way. This one deals with how to cope with loss and grief. Wolfgang loves to visit Grand Wolf but one day finds him gone and it makes him very sad. Spider shows him by seeing the situation in a different way he can feel happy again, knowing true love never dies.

ISBN: 9781785830198 PB Crown House Publishing £7.99

5/5 Stars

SQUISH, SQUASH, SQUEEZE! BY TRACEY CORDEROY
PICTURE BOOK 3+
While Mouse is settling into his new house he discovers some unexpectedly large residents. Who is growling by the piano? Who's sliding down the banister? Richly illustrated by Jane Chapman this delightful story is full of colourful characters and surprises. Laugh out loud as mouse tries to live with tiger, crocodile and bear in the small space. This is a story all about unexpected friendships, team effort and being considerate and thoughtful. A great pop out ending.
ISBN: 9781848691896 HB Publisher: Little Tiger Press Group £10.99
5/5 Stars

MAGRIT BY LEE BATTERSBY
CHILDRENS 9+
A little girl, Magrit, lives in an abandoned cemetery. One day she finds a baby but her only friend, Master Puppet, tells her to get rid of it. For Magrit her world changes forever as she tries to look after Bugrat because as he grows she must face reality. Like a Tim Burton fantasy this lyrical and other worldly fable is beautifully presented with striking illustrations decorating the pages by Amy Daoud.
ISBN 9781925081343 HB Walker Books £8.99
5/5 Stars

ALL THE RAGE BY COURTNEY SUMMERS
YOUNG ADULT
Romy Grey was raped by the sheriffs son. No one wants to believe her but when another girl goes missing at a party she needs to make herself heard. A traumatic gritty fictional account of dealing with sexual abuse and the different reactions it can ignite. Hard hitting, this will give much food for thought with a list of helpful organisations at the back for those who have had similar experiences. Suitable for mature readers.
ISBN: 9781509817597 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99
4/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN May 14-15

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN May 14-15

This week my childrens books include the Queen going on a rip roaring adventure for her birthday weekend, a bear who finds a friend, a sea sick pug who goes on a seafaring adventure and a resistance fighter in Amsterdam pining for her lost love. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE QUEENS HANDBAG BY STEVE ANTONY
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A sneaky swan has stolen the Queen's handbag! Follow her on an hilarious journey in various modes of transport around the UK, including Snowdonia and Stonehenge as she tries to catch the naughty bird. Encouraging interactivity with Antony's signature witty illustrations and lots of things to look for this is a great introduction to some of our wonderful monuments around our country. Can you spot Mr Panda, Mary Berry or an alien? A great conversation starter!ISBN: 9781444925548 PB  Hodder Childrens £6.99

5/5 Stars

ALBERT'S TREE BY JENNI DESMOND

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Albert can't understand why his favourite tree is crying. What can be the matter with it? Albert and his friends Rabbit, Caribou and Squirrel all try to help but when the cry gets louder they think maybe its a monster! Albert must be brave! A charming story about finding friends in unusual places accompanied with adorable and sensitive illustrations. Funny, warm and insightful, its perfect for reading out loud.

ISBN 9781406362473 HB Walker Books £11.99

4/5 Stars

CAPTAIN PUG BY LAURA JAMES
CHILDRENS 5+

Adventures of a pug trying to be brave and find his owner, Lady Miranda. Deciding the best way is to become a Captain of a ship he boards many different vessels while trying to overcome his fear of water and indulging in his passion for jam tarts!! A delightful sea faring adventure series for young readers that is charming, funny and a stand-out debut. Perfect for fans of Claude and Squishy McFluff

• ISBN: 9781408866368 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £5.99

5/5 Stars

GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT BY MONICA HESSE
YOUNG ADULT FICTION

In Amsterdam, 1943, Hanneke works secretly in the black market while mourning her boyfriend, killed on the front line. When a customer asks her to find a Jewish girl she's been hiding things become a lot more dangerous. An intricately woven thriller full of suspense that will have your heart racing and breaking at the same time. Well researched you gain real insight into what it truly meant to be part of the resistance and the cost.

ISBN: 9781447295013 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

5/5 Stars

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SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN MAY 7-8TH

This week my pick of childrens book include an award winning enchanted emporium, a super hero brother, a magic football and a summer read full of friendship and laughter.



BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM BY ROSS MACKENZIE
CHILDRENS 9+
A magical adventure that is sure to weave its spell over you. Daniel, an orphan, only wants to hide in the Emporium but it seems the shop needs his help. He becomes an apprentice to a magician, discovers enchanted rooms, makes friends, travels through time and comes face to face with evil personified. The worthy winner of The Blue Peter Book Awards amongst others this will really inspire the imagination of all ages. Perfect for Harry Potter fans.
ISBN: 9781782501251 PB Floris Books £6.99

5/5 Stars

SUPER STAN BY MATT ROBERTSON
PICTUREBOOK 3+
Life is tough when your little brother is a superhero. Stan can run faster, jump higher and even fly. Nobody notices big brother Jack but sometimes even a superhero needs help. Great story for siblings who are a little fed up with feeling second best. Can Jack stop Stan crying and save the day? Witty illustrations full of detail and character, especially the lion. A great bedtime story exploring family relations.
ISBN: 9781408337288 HB Orchard Books £11.99
5/5 Stars

DEEP SEA DIVE BY FRANK LAMPARD
CHILDRENS 5+
Frankie's magic football takes him and his friends on a new underwater adventure. When the mermaids home is in danger can he and his team save them from a gang of sharks? Great for early readers, this inspires fair play, friendship and the enjoyment of sport and playing in a team. With simple black and white illustrations that could be coloured in and four game cards inside to share or collect this has something for everyone.
ISBN: 9780349132136 PB Little,Brown Books £4.99
4/5 Stars

THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING BY MORGAN MATSON
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Andie's fathers political scandal wrecks her summer plans. Rescued by a lot of crazy dogs, a geeky but very cute guy and her awesome friends it seems her holiday is not entirely lost. As Andie's world shifts on its axis change can't be ignored as she deals with ghosts of the past. A perfect holiday read sprinkled with romance, loss and most importantly friendship. The emoji 'conversations' are hilarious. For Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins fans.
ISBN: 9781471146145 PB Simon & Schuster Ltd £7.99
5/5 Stars

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM BY ROSS MACKENZIE

NOWHERE EMPORIUM BY ROSS MACKENZIE
CHILDRENS 9+

SYNOPSIS

Winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Award 2016 and the Scottish Children's Book Awards 2016.

When the mysterious Nowhere Emporium arrives in Glasgow, orphan Daniel Holmes stumbles upon it quite by accident.

Before long, the 'shop from nowhere' -- and its owner, Mr Silver -- draw Daniel into a breathtaking world of magic and enchantment. Recruited as Mr Silver's apprentice, Daniel learns the secrets of the Emporium's vast labyrinth of passageways and rooms -- rooms that contain wonders beyond anything Daniel has ever imagined. But when Mr Silver disappears, and a shadow from the past threatens everything, the Emporium and all its wonders begin to crumble.

Can Daniel save his home, and his new friends, before the Nowhere Emporium is destroyed forever?

Scottish Children's Book Award winner Ross MacKenzie unleashes a riot of imagination, colour and fantasy in this astonishing adventure, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Cornelia Funke and Neil Gaiman.

Winner of the 2015 NEBA (North East Book Award)

• MY MUSINGS
• A dazzling and magical adventure that will weave its spell over you.  Daniel, an orphan, on the run from bullies stumbles into a mysterious shop call The Nowhere Emporium with. 
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•  "The brickwork is as black as midnight and it sparkles strangely in the light." 
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• He just wants to hide but it seems the shop has other plans and needs Daniels help. The owner Mr Silver invites him to join the shape shifting, time travelling  emporium while he conjures up new rooms for the shop from his imagination for the delight of the customers. All they have to do is bring their imagination. Daniel also befriends Mr Silver's daughter and the marvelous eclectic mix of staff who work there.  Why can't they ever leave the shop? Why can only he go outside to explore with Mr Silver? 
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• As an evil magician, who has his own plans for the shop circles closer Silver disappears and Daniel must use all his imagination to save it. The description of the shop and the changing rooms are spellbinding drawing you into its maze of enchanted rooms. With an arch nemesis, friends to make and save this modern day classic will appeal to boys and girls of all ages its so seamlessly written.  Also great for Harry potter fans. 
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• The worthy winner of The Blue Peter Book Awards amongst others this will really inspire the imagination of all ages. A gem.

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• ISBN: 9781782501251PB Floris Books £6.99

I KINDLY RECEIVED A COPY OF THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM FROM HIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. 

YOU CAN BUY THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM BY ROSS MACKENZIE FROM HIVE HERE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP AT THE SAME TIME. 

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SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 30- MAY 1ST

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 30- MAY 1ST

Find my Childrens Book Review Column in The South Wales Evening Post this weekend April 30- May 1st. This week my picks include a beautiful tale of friendship by Kate Di Camillo, Catherine Rayner's ten year anniversary of Augustus, the tiger who lost his smile, Shakespeare re looked at by former childen's laureate Michael Rosen and an epic dragon fantasy adventure from Julie Kagawa.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE BY KATE DICAMILLO
CHILDRENS 9+
A moving story about friendship, family and the ties that bind. Three girls meet during a baton twirling contest and form an unlikely bond. Loosely based on the authors life in a small American town this is a heart warming tale of a child’s innocent view of an adult world. In the unlikeliest of circumstances including errant fathers, lost cats and narrow escapes they find hope, courage and humour in the face of tragedy. A delight.
ISBN: 9781406363135 HB Walker Books Ltd £9.99

AUGUSTUS AND HIS SMILE BY CATHERINE RAYNER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This classic celebrates its ten year anniversary with a glorious gold foiled hardback in association with The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. Augusts has lost his smile. He climbs the highest mountains and dives into the deepest oceans to find it. A sensitive portrayal of when someone is feeling sad and how to lift your mood. Stunning illustrations in rich jewelled watercolours and black ink captures the magnificence of the tiger.
ISBN: 9781848692329 HB Little Tiger Press Group £10.99
5/5 Stars

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT SHAKESPEARE? BY MICHAEL ROSEN
CHILDREN 7+
From ghosts, Roman murders, love potions, fairies and cruel kings Shakespeare's plays have it all. This is a wonderful introduction to our most famous playwright. How did he live? What do we know about him? Why is he so famous? As well as historical facts and his impact on every day language Rosen also studies four of his most famous plays and encourages us to see Shakespeare in the theatre or on film as it was intended. Inspiring.
ISBN: 9781406367416 PB Walker Books Ltd £6.99
4/5 Stars

SOLDIER BY JULIE KAGAWA
CHILDREN 12+ /YA FICTION
Dragons hiding amongst humans, secret organisations and mercenaries on their tail. The third book in this dark fantasy revolves around the doomed love between Ember the dragon human hybrid and Garret the dragon slaying soldier. Garret has uncovered secrets that will shake the very foundation of their beliefs. Can the danger reunite them? With plenty of action this series really breaths fire into the fantasy genre. There are laughs, heartbreak and a massive cliffhanger.
ISBN: 9781848453937 PB Harlequin (UK) £7.99
5/5 Stars

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