SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JUNE 25TH - 26TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a brilliant outdoor book that will encourage kids to go out in the fresh air, a colour monster who understands your moods, a naughty little liar and the perfect summer story collection. All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!




BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE USBORNE OUTDOOR BOOK BY ALICE JAMES AND EMILY BONE, ILLUSTRATED BY BRIONY MAY SMITH
CHILDRENS 6+

This brilliant book is a perfect way to encourage children to play outdoors whether it be in the park, garden, seashore or woods. A shocking poll revealed 37% of kids have not played outside by themselves in the last 6 months. This sumptuously illustrated book is a great way to change that and provides loads of inspiration from beach games, bird watching to building a shelter. Its packed full of exciting activities you hadn't even thought of!

ISBN 9781409599104 HB Usborne Publishing £9.99
5/5 Stars

THE COLOUR MONSTER BY ANNA LLENAS
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A stunning picture book that explores colour and moods in a fun and gentle way. The colour monster doesn’t know if he is happy, sad, calm, angry or scared. To help understand the difference his friend shows him through colour. With sensitively accessible collage style illustrations this will help children share and explore their feelings and also show a way to manage them. A pop up and colour activity book are also available in this delightful series.

ISBN 9781783704231 PB Templar Publishing £6.99
5/5 Stars

BEAKY MALONE:WORLDS GREATEST LIAR BY BARRY HUTCHISON
CHILDRENS 8+

Beaky Malone is famous for telling porky pies but his sister has had enough and shoves him in a truth telling machine! Now all he can say is the toe curling truth to everyone's horror. Reminiscent of the film Liar, Liar this is bubbling with irreverent humour as Beaky vomits one unfortunate gem after the other. As his troubles grow his madcap capers will have you roaring with laughter while rooting for Beaky throughout.

ISBN 9781847156730 PB Stripes Publishing £5.99

5/5 Stars

SUMMER DAYS AND SUMMER NIGHTS BY STEPHANIE PERKINS
YOUNG ADULT 12+

A resplendent collection of twelve romantic short stories by some of our most popular YA authors writing today. Including Cassandra Clare, Stephanie Perkins and Veronica Roth these eclectic tales have something for everyone. From contemporary to fantasy, it doesn't shy away from tackling a wide variety of issues and not all have happy endings. It's the perfect book to dip into for the summer on the beach or having a readathon snuggled up in bed.

ISBN9781509809899 HB Pan Macmillan £10.99

4/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JUNE 17TH-18TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a detective dog written by one of our best loved authors, an inspiring book for Fathers Day and not forgetting one for all the little football fans out there. Last but not least the perfect summer read for the holidays after exams.  All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DETECTIVE DOG BY JULIA DONALDSON AND SARA OGILVIE
CHILDRENS 4+
Peter's dog Nell has an amazing sense of smell so when school books disappear she's on the case. A topical subject this is a wonderful celebration of reading and libraries. A fast paced adventure from the UK’s most beloved author showing off her trade mark rhyming story telling to perfection. Nell's detective work is joyfully captured in Sara Ogilvie's adorable illustrations. A reminder of how inspirational books can be and the importance of free access to them.
ISBN:9781509801596 HB Pan Macmillan £11.99
5/5 Stars

WHEN DAD SHOWED ME THE UNIVERSE BY ULF STARK
CHILDRENS 5+

A father takes his son out on a night time adventure to show him the universe hoping to inspire him and share his own interests. However when the child sees the world from a different viewpoint both their eyes are opened in new ways. A poignant funny tale with sensitive illustrations that really capture their emotional journey. Even though they have a wonderful time for different reasons the memory of their trip will always be remembered together. Philosophical
ISBN: 9781927271827 PB Gecko Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

FOOTBALL STICKER AND COLOURING BOOK BY SAM TAPLIN
CHILDRENS 6+
If any little footie fans are having withdrawals between the UEFA Euro 2016 matches this is the perfect book to keep them occupied. Part of the 'First Colouring' series from Usborne it contains over 150 stickers to recreate matches. The backgrounds are already coloured in so all children have to do is concentrate on the fun details like team kits. Packed with fans, players and goals galore this will satisfy every little sporting fan.
ISBN: 9781409597537 PB Usborne Publishing Ltd £7.99
4/5 Stars

THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER BY HARRIET REUTER HAPGOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A contemporary coming of age drama with a twist. When Gottie's beloved grandfather dies her world becomes fragmented so she theorises these events past, present and future with her love of science to cope with the changes. Reminiscent of a modern day Brideshead Revisited it has a real bohemian vibe. When a kiss can be earth shattering and a touch heart stopping Gottie tries to reconcile her first love with her last. A perfect sumptuous summer read

ISBN: 9781509808281 PB  Pan Macmillan £7.99

5/5 Stars

CHILDRENS PICTURE BOOKS FOR FATHERS DAY

A selection of perfect childrens picture books for Fathers Day. 

Books about their special bond, sharing adventures and their love. 

WHEN DAD SHOWED ME THE UNIVERSE BY ULF STARK
CHILDRENS 5+
A father takes his son out on a night time adventure to show him the universe hoping to inspire him and share his own interests. However when the child sees the world from a different viewpoint both their eyes are opened in new ways. A poignant funny tale with sensitive illustrations that really capture their emotional journey. Even though they have a wonderful time for different reasons the memory of their trip will always be remembered together. Philosophical
ISBN: 9781927271827 PB Gecko Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

A BRAVE BEAR BY SEAN TAYLOR
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A young bear goes on a fun adventure with his dad. This story explores their father son relationship as they run and jump in the forest but what happens when little bear falls down? His dad helps him of course! Emanating a wonderful sense of security, comfort and the closeness of family this is a charming story for Fathers Day. The illustrations really capture their bond as well as the hot sunny day.
ISBN: 9781406351323 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Stars

AMAZING DADDY BY RACHEL BRIGHT

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A glorious rhyming thankyou to all amazing fathers. Join Daddy Panda and Little Panda as they share their special moments and really bond over different activities such as story time, cooking and bath time. Many will recognise traits of their own Dads and the joyful bright illustrations really bring this joyful picture book to life. Full of warmth, love and laughter this is like giving a big bear hug wrapped up as a book.

• Hachette Children's Group PB iSBN: 9781408331682 £6.99

 I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY LAMBERT
PICTURE BOOK 2+

A gorgeously illustrated celebration of the eternal love and bond between a parent and child. Simple lyrical rhyming text set in a twilight world as a bear takes his cub on a journey of discovery through dense woodland, blue mountains and sparkling rivers. This makes a beautiful gift for the very young or new parent. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You.

ISBN:9781848692114 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

5/5 Stars

Daddy Pig's Words of Wisdom 

Daddy Pig is an expert on many things - looking after Peppa and George, DIY, cooking and much more.

Find out his top tips and celebrate all the things that are wonderful about daddies with this perfect gift for children to share with their fathers. Based on the hit preschool animation Peppa Pig, shown daily on Five's Milkshake and Nick Jnr.

• Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 9780241249888 £5.99 HB

I Love My Daddy by Giles Andreae

From the author of Giraffes Can't Dance and the award-winning team behind I Love My Mummy, comes a celebration of the special relationship between father and child.

The joy of spending a fun-filled day with Daddy is explored with true-to-life humour and lovely pictures.

The perfect present for every family, this book will delight time and time again.

From bestselling author Giles Andreae, whose rhyming text perfectly captures the joys of everyday family life; and award-winning illustrator, Emma Dodd, whose exuberant but tender illustrations delight children and their parents everywhere.

• Hachette Children's Group ISBN: 9781408313015 £6.99 PB

Spot Loves His Dad by Eric Hill.

In 'Spot Loves His Dad', Spot enjoys spending time with his Dad.

They do lots of fun things together - from playing football to flying a kite to feeding ducks.

Spot loves Dad, and Dad loves Spot. This book is delightful for father and son to share together. And will make an especially lovely gift - for Father's Day, a birthday - or any other celebration day!

Spot story books have been delighting children and parents for years with their gentle storylines and bright, colourful scenes.

Spot is always the star of these books and his experiences with his family, friends and the wider world are those experienced by very young children.

Eric Hill's wonderfully bold and simple illustrations have ensured Spot has become a modern classic and everyone's favourite puppy. 

Penguin Books Ltd hb  ISBN: 9780723254829 £4.99

JUST LIKE MY DAD BY DAVID MELLING

One little lion cub can't wait to grow up and do everything just like his dad. From the bestselling creator of Hugless Douglas, this humorous, touching tale is for anyone who loves their dad - even if they are moody, lazy and good at pretending to be busy! David Melling is one of the UK's best-loved author-illustrators and his stories combine brilliantly imaginative illustrations with an endearing sense of what it is like to be a small child learning about the world.

•  Hachette Children's Group PB ISBN: 9780340944035 £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JUNE 11TH - 12TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include two perfect picture books to give for Fathers Day celebrating the special bond between father and child, an epic book about what happens under the sea and earth and a contemporary teen adventure about friendship and loyalty. All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

A BRAVE BEAR BY SEAN TAYLOR
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A young bear goes on a fun adventure with his dad. This story explores their father son relationship as they run and jump in the forest but what happens when little bear falls down? His dad helps him of course! Emanating a wonderful sense of security, comfort and the closeness of family this is a charming story for Fathers Day. The illustrations really capture their bond as well as the hot sunny day.
ISBN: 9781406351323 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99
5/5 Stars

AMAZING DADDY BY RACHEL BRIGHT
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A glorious rhyming thankyou to all amazing fathers. Join Daddy Panda and Little Panda as they share their special moments and really bond over different activities such as story time, cooking and bath time. Many will recognise traits of their own Dads and the joyful bright illustrations really bring this joyful picture book to life. Full of warmth, love and laughter this is like giving a big bear hug wrapped up as a book.
ISBN: 9781408331682 PB Orchard Books £6.99

5/5 Stars

  

UNDER EARTH, UNDER WATER BY ALEKSANDRA & DANIEL MIZIELINSKI
CHILDRENS 7+
A two in one epic book that takes us exploring under the earth and water. Under the earth you'll meet cavers, miners, discover fossils as well as burrows and dens. Under water you'll meet record breaking divers, giants of the sea as well as submarines and shipwrecks. Hugely detailed and overflowing with illustrations this is a fantastic present for any little explorer and scientist. A treasure that parents will also enjoy.
 ISBN 9781783703647 HB Templar Books £20
5/5 Stars

NIGHTWANDERERS BY C.J. FLOOD
CHILDRENS 12+
A twilight contemporary tale of friendship, loyalty and redemption. Rosie and Titania are total opposites but are closer than sisters. They love wandering the town after dark, sharing secrets and adventures. When Rosie betrays Titania it sets off a series of events that will effect both their lives. Sensitively portraying school hierarchy, the opposing viewpoints of the teen and adult world and dysfunctional families this is thought provoking, moving and heartfelt.
ISBN 9780857078056 PB Simon & Schuster £7.99

4/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JUNE 4TH - 5TH

My childrens books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a beautiful debut full of magic and myth, a seafaring dog, a madcap alternative fairytale and a twisted thriller that will have your heart racing.  In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GIRL OF INK & STARS BY KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

CHILDRENS 11+

Isabella dreams of exploring The Forgotten Territories her father once mapped. Her opportunity comes when she must find her best friend Lupe with only an ancient map and the stars to guide. Monsters, myth and magic draw the reader into this modern day classic of friendship and sacrifice. An enchanting début in a gorgeously presented book peppered with maps and symbols that will enthral. For fans of Philip Pullman and Katherine Rundell. Spellbinding.

ISBN: 9781910002742 PB Chicken House Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

CLAUDE ALL AT SEA BY ALEX T. SMITH

PICTUREBOOK 3+

Claude and Sir Bobblysock are swooshed away on a seafaring adventure, in their first picture book, when they accidentally leave the bath taps on! Children will love the colourful array of characters including Nigel the sea monster and Captain Poopdeck. With irreverent humour and engaging illustrations this is perfect to be read out loud and will appeal to anyone who wants to go on a secret escapade!

ISBN 9781444903676 HB Hodder Childrens Book £11.99

5/5 Stars

THE ADVENTURES OF ALFIE ONION BY VIVIAN FRENCH

CHILDRENS 7+

Alfie Onion is off on an adventure with his big brother Magnifico but only as his servant! When things go awry Alfie must save the day helped by some delightfully impudent animals including a talking horse. A new look at the traditional fairytale this is great for early readers with characterful illustrations throughout and short chapters. Endearing story touching on responsibility, family ties with lots of laughs in this mad cap adventure. More Shrek than Sleeping Beauty.

ISBN: 9781406363104 PB  Walker Books Ltd £ 5.99

4/5 Stars

WOLF BY WOLF BY RYAN GRAUDIN

CHILDRENS 13+

Yael is a shape shifting resistance fighter in this alternative historical thriller imaging if Hitler had won the war. In disguise she competes in an epic motor bike race to reek revenge and kill the Fuhrer. High tension, epic adventure and a very feisty heroine this would suite fans of the Hunger Games and X-Men to All The Light We Cannot See. Fascinating and disturbing this is perfect fodder for any book group.

ISBN 9781780622033 PB  Hachette Books £7.99

5/5 Stars

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