LOVE THIS, WOULD BE PERFECT FOR WALES WITH ALL OUR RAIN!
I review children's books from picture books, middle grade fiction, non fiction and young adult books. Formerly the children's book reviewer for The South Wales Evening Post
Thursday, 29 September 2016
Saturday, 24 September 2016
SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 24-25TH
My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a snail who's loves receiving postcards, a leaf who becomes a pet, a celebration of Peter Rabbit and a thought provoking fictional tale about a young black boy surviving in 1960's America . All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!
BOOK OF THE WEEK
SNAIL MAIL BY SHARON KING-CHAI
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Sam the Sea Snail's big brother Tiger sends him exciting postcards from around the world. Bright colourful illustrations with gorgeous pull out postcards to pour over you can learn about Tigers' adventures as well as how to say hello in new languages like Japanese. There's even a birthday surprise at the end. Styled to be the new Jolly Postman for this generation you can have fun encouraging children to write and decorate their own postcards!
ISBN 9781444922547 HB Hodder Childrens £12.99
5/5 Stars
LEAFY THE PET LEAF BY PHILIP ARDAGH & ELISSA ELWICK
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Join the Little Adventurers whose mandate includes being brave, being kind to animals and looking after the planet. It's Bring In A Pet Day so Sprat brings Leafy! But can a leaf really be a pet? With its green message, animal facts and activity ideas for playing outside it will inspire the imagination and creativity. This eclectic mix of characters will have wide appeal and after reading kids can have fun making their own pet leaf.
ISBN 9781406364354 PB Walker Books £6.99
5/5 Stars
THE ULTIMATE PETER RABBIT BY CAMILLA HALLINAN
CHILDRENS 7+
This special anniversary edition celebrates the birth of Beatrix Potter 150 years ago. A compendium of her life as one of our most beloved authors this gives a tantalising glimpse behind her best selling books and inspirations. Discover the true story of Peter Rabbit and each of your favourite characters, marvel at her extraordinary sketch books and peek into family albums. A treasure trove that will truly delight Potter fans young and old.
ISBN 9780241289655 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars
THE HYPNOTIST BY LAURENCE ANHOLT
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Pip is a young black boy in 1960's America and tensions are running high. Bought by a white couple, who's own son is just back from the terrors of Vietnam, life is fraught with dangers. A neighbouring Professor tries to help school him but can he save him from the Ku Klux Klan? A nod to The Color Purple and Great Expectations this is a thought provoking read perfect for book groups from teenage to adult.
ISBN 9780552573450 PB Corgi £7.99
5/5 Stars
BOOK OF THE WEEK
SNAIL MAIL BY SHARON KING-CHAI
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Sam the Sea Snail's big brother Tiger sends him exciting postcards from around the world. Bright colourful illustrations with gorgeous pull out postcards to pour over you can learn about Tigers' adventures as well as how to say hello in new languages like Japanese. There's even a birthday surprise at the end. Styled to be the new Jolly Postman for this generation you can have fun encouraging children to write and decorate their own postcards!
ISBN 9781444922547 HB Hodder Childrens £12.99
5/5 Stars
LEAFY THE PET LEAF BY PHILIP ARDAGH & ELISSA ELWICK
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Join the Little Adventurers whose mandate includes being brave, being kind to animals and looking after the planet. It's Bring In A Pet Day so Sprat brings Leafy! But can a leaf really be a pet? With its green message, animal facts and activity ideas for playing outside it will inspire the imagination and creativity. This eclectic mix of characters will have wide appeal and after reading kids can have fun making their own pet leaf.
ISBN 9781406364354 PB Walker Books £6.99
5/5 Stars
THE ULTIMATE PETER RABBIT BY CAMILLA HALLINAN
CHILDRENS 7+
This special anniversary edition celebrates the birth of Beatrix Potter 150 years ago. A compendium of her life as one of our most beloved authors this gives a tantalising glimpse behind her best selling books and inspirations. Discover the true story of Peter Rabbit and each of your favourite characters, marvel at her extraordinary sketch books and peek into family albums. A treasure trove that will truly delight Potter fans young and old.
ISBN 9780241289655 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars
THE HYPNOTIST BY LAURENCE ANHOLT
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Pip is a young black boy in 1960's America and tensions are running high. Bought by a white couple, who's own son is just back from the terrors of Vietnam, life is fraught with dangers. A neighbouring Professor tries to help school him but can he save him from the Ku Klux Klan? A nod to The Color Purple and Great Expectations this is a thought provoking read perfect for book groups from teenage to adult.
ISBN 9780552573450 PB Corgi £7.99
5/5 Stars
Saturday, 17 September 2016
SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 17TH-18TH
My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a magical retelling of an ancient folk tale, a hungry worm determined to get his apple, a tutu wearing guinea pig and a magical mash up of literary fairytales full of adventure for older children . All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!
BOOK OF THE WEEK
THE WHITE HARE BY NICOLA DAVIES
CHILDRENS 9+
The first of the Shadow and Light series, this is a retelling of ancient folk tales that will weave a spell over a new generation. In a time when people lived off the land and were closer to nature Ostra must watch helplessly as her would be suitor slays her family to force her hand in marriage. Will Ostra's connection with her animal friends come to her rescue? Accompanied by ethereal watercolours from Anastasia Izlesou. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781910862483 HB Graffeg £8.99
5/5 Stars
TOTO'S APPLE BY MATHIEU LAVOIE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Toto, a tenacious worm is determined to get his apple. Plan after plan fails but he never gives up. The bold and dynamic illustrations will engage little minds in this fast paced story as we follow in his escapades and root for his determined spirit. Really reminded me of Scrat, the acorn obsessed saber-toothed squirrel in the Iceage films. They share a similar obsession to obtain their favourite food by any means necessary. Perfect for Autumn reading
ISBN 9780714872513 HB Phaidon £11.95
5/5 Stars
SOPHIE'S SQUEAKY SURPRISE BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDRENS 6+
BEYOND THE KINGDOMS BY CHRIS COLFER
CHILDRENS 11+
A tantalising fourth book in this imaginative series that is a mix of Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and Shrek. Alex and Conner enter the Land of Stories where fairy tales are real but not quite as they remember. Can they stop The Masked Man from recruiting an army of literature's greatest villains? Aided by legends like Goldilocks, Jack and Red Riding Hood they battle through Neverland, Wonderland and Oz. Will it be happily ever after? Fantastical
ISBN: 9780349124407 PB Little Brown £7.99
5/5 Stars
BOOK OF THE WEEK
THE WHITE HARE BY NICOLA DAVIES
CHILDRENS 9+
The first of the Shadow and Light series, this is a retelling of ancient folk tales that will weave a spell over a new generation. In a time when people lived off the land and were closer to nature Ostra must watch helplessly as her would be suitor slays her family to force her hand in marriage. Will Ostra's connection with her animal friends come to her rescue? Accompanied by ethereal watercolours from Anastasia Izlesou. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781910862483 HB Graffeg £8.99
5/5 Stars
TOTO'S APPLE BY MATHIEU LAVOIE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Toto, a tenacious worm is determined to get his apple. Plan after plan fails but he never gives up. The bold and dynamic illustrations will engage little minds in this fast paced story as we follow in his escapades and root for his determined spirit. Really reminded me of Scrat, the acorn obsessed saber-toothed squirrel in the Iceage films. They share a similar obsession to obtain their favourite food by any means necessary. Perfect for Autumn reading
ISBN 9780714872513 HB Phaidon £11.95
5/5 Stars
SOPHIE'S SQUEAKY SURPRISE BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDRENS 6+
This
book is a little bundle of cuteness that deals with bigger issues.
Sophie has moved to Paris and is being bullied in her new school.
Then she meets Josephine, a new friend who happens to be a macaroon
loving, tutu wearing guinea pig who lives under the Sacre Coeur!! A
delightful adventure with characterful illustrations by Clare Elsom
that will warm your heart. Perfect for beginner readers while
exploring themes of moving house and making new friends.
ISBN
9781407154329 PB Scholastic £4.99
5/5
Stars
BEYOND THE KINGDOMS BY CHRIS COLFER
CHILDRENS 11+
A tantalising fourth book in this imaginative series that is a mix of Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and Shrek. Alex and Conner enter the Land of Stories where fairy tales are real but not quite as they remember. Can they stop The Masked Man from recruiting an army of literature's greatest villains? Aided by legends like Goldilocks, Jack and Red Riding Hood they battle through Neverland, Wonderland and Oz. Will it be happily ever after? Fantastical
ISBN: 9780349124407 PB Little Brown £7.99
5/5 Stars
Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent
Saturday, 10 September 2016
SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 10TH-11TH
My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a return to the feisty Lois Lane of Superman fame, an encyclopedia must have for young minds, doodles to celebrate Roald Dahl's centenary and an adventurous secret passion for baking, great for fans of the Great British Bake Off. All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!
BOOK OF THE WEEK
DOUBLE DOWN BY GWENDA BOND
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Lois Lane is back on the case. Being a huge fan of Superman I loved this reimagining of her teenage years. An army brat in a new school with a secret pen pal called 'SmallvilleGuy' and a job at the local rag, The Daily Planet, this has all the ingredients to keep fans happy. In her second adventure Lois is catapulted into a dangerous mystery of greed, politics and revenge. Precocious and sassy.
ISBN 9781782023692 PB Curious Fox £6.99
5/5 Stars
MY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VERY IMPORTANT THINGS
CHILDRENS 4+
Inquisitive little learners always need a book of extremely useful facts for all those niggling questions about the world around them. Look no further because this will certainly take them on an educational journey of discovery through different cultures, people and places which will set young minds alight. Brimming with facts and figures alongside an array of photos and colour illustrations this is a brilliant addition to a child’s library. Supports the KS1 National Curriculum.
ISBN 9780241224939 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars
ROALD DAHL SCRIBBLE BOOK BY ROALD DAHL
CHILDREN 7+
Celebrate the centenary of one of our greatest children’s authors with this creative book inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl. 'Squibble' and colour your way through the fun activities featuring his most famous characters including the BFG, Willy Wonka and my favourite, Matilda. Draw your own Chocolate Factory or design a fantastic home for Mr Fox! Illustrations by the irrepressible Quentin Blake means this 'whoopsy whiffling' book will inspire hours of 'phizz-whizzing' fun.
ISBN 9780141368245 PB Penguin £6.99
5/5 Stars
THE SECRET COOKING CLUB BY LAUREL REMINGTON
CHILDRENS 9+
Scarlett is having a tough time at school since her mum became a famous blogger using her for toe curling inspiration. Withdrawing from anything that could potentially attract her mums attention she finds solace in secretly cooking. A sharply observed story about family, friends and the world of social media, this mixes the magic ingredients of baking and blogging to create a perfect literary treat. Worthy winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition.
ISBN 9781910655245 PB Chicken House £6.99
5/5 Stars
BOOK OF THE WEEK
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Lois Lane is back on the case. Being a huge fan of Superman I loved this reimagining of her teenage years. An army brat in a new school with a secret pen pal called 'SmallvilleGuy' and a job at the local rag, The Daily Planet, this has all the ingredients to keep fans happy. In her second adventure Lois is catapulted into a dangerous mystery of greed, politics and revenge. Precocious and sassy.
ISBN 9781782023692 PB Curious Fox £6.99
5/5 Stars
MY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VERY IMPORTANT THINGS
CHILDRENS 4+
Inquisitive little learners always need a book of extremely useful facts for all those niggling questions about the world around them. Look no further because this will certainly take them on an educational journey of discovery through different cultures, people and places which will set young minds alight. Brimming with facts and figures alongside an array of photos and colour illustrations this is a brilliant addition to a child’s library. Supports the KS1 National Curriculum.
ISBN 9780241224939 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars
ROALD DAHL SCRIBBLE BOOK BY ROALD DAHL
CHILDREN 7+
Celebrate the centenary of one of our greatest children’s authors with this creative book inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl. 'Squibble' and colour your way through the fun activities featuring his most famous characters including the BFG, Willy Wonka and my favourite, Matilda. Draw your own Chocolate Factory or design a fantastic home for Mr Fox! Illustrations by the irrepressible Quentin Blake means this 'whoopsy whiffling' book will inspire hours of 'phizz-whizzing' fun.
ISBN 9780141368245 PB Penguin £6.99
5/5 Stars
THE SECRET COOKING CLUB BY LAUREL REMINGTON
CHILDRENS 9+
Scarlett is having a tough time at school since her mum became a famous blogger using her for toe curling inspiration. Withdrawing from anything that could potentially attract her mums attention she finds solace in secretly cooking. A sharply observed story about family, friends and the world of social media, this mixes the magic ingredients of baking and blogging to create a perfect literary treat. Worthy winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition.
ISBN 9781910655245 PB Chicken House £6.99
5/5 Stars
Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent
Saturday, 3 September 2016
SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 3TH-4TH
It's back to school!! My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a magical book of numbers, words to learn especially for school, a worm making an unusual friend on an adventure and a homeless boy fighting to survive through cage fighting. All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!
BOOK OF THE WEEK
THE WORLD-FAMOUS BOOK OF MAGICAL NUMBERS BY SARAH GOODREAU
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A beautiful numerical book full of ingenious lift the flap pop-up or pull down pages teaching the basic numbers from one to ten for early learners. Marvel at the flying doves, uncover the white rabbits and be amazed at the marvellously moustached circus master's magic tricks. Ingenious paper engineering combined with beautiful Victorian style illustrations that liven up learning with its brilliant interactivity will be sure to enchant even the most reluctant little pupils.
ISBN 9781783704644 HB Big Picture Press £12.99
5/5 Stars
MY FIRST WORD BOOK ABOUT SCHOOL BY HOLLY BATHIE
BOARD BOOK 2+
THEY
DIDN'T TEACH THIS IN WORM SCHOOL! BY SIMONE LIA
CHILDRENS 7+
Marcus is a worm who loves digging holes but his life hangs in the balance when he meets Laurence, a chicken who thinks he's a flamingo! Will he survive or be slurped up like a bit of spaghetti? Great for a first reader sprinkled with funny illustrations and lots of laughs. Full of adventure including riding a giraffe, finding unlikely friendships and never giving up on yours dreams this tale really shows if you don't succeed try try again and there's always more than one solution to a problem. A book about communication and celebrating our differences rather than being frightened of them.
ISBN9781406346503 HB Walker Books £8.99
5/5 Stars
CAGED BY THERESA BRESLIN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
BOOK OF THE WEEK
THE WORLD-FAMOUS BOOK OF MAGICAL NUMBERS BY SARAH GOODREAU
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A beautiful numerical book full of ingenious lift the flap pop-up or pull down pages teaching the basic numbers from one to ten for early learners. Marvel at the flying doves, uncover the white rabbits and be amazed at the marvellously moustached circus master's magic tricks. Ingenious paper engineering combined with beautiful Victorian style illustrations that liven up learning with its brilliant interactivity will be sure to enchant even the most reluctant little pupils.
ISBN 9781783704644 HB Big Picture Press £12.99
5/5 Stars
MY FIRST WORD BOOK ABOUT SCHOOL BY HOLLY BATHIE
BOARD BOOK 2+
Starting
at a new school is always so nerve racking and this makes the perfect
introduction to what a child will see and experience on their first
days. With over 300 familiar words such as 'desk' and 'friends'
arranged in themes from the playground to the classroom this is sure
to give confidence and ease any fears about the unknown. A new
addition to a series covering subjects such as food, farms and
transport vehicles.
ISBN:
9781474919067 HB Usborne £8.99
5/5 Stars
CHILDRENS 7+
Marcus is a worm who loves digging holes but his life hangs in the balance when he meets Laurence, a chicken who thinks he's a flamingo! Will he survive or be slurped up like a bit of spaghetti? Great for a first reader sprinkled with funny illustrations and lots of laughs. Full of adventure including riding a giraffe, finding unlikely friendships and never giving up on yours dreams this tale really shows if you don't succeed try try again and there's always more than one solution to a problem. A book about communication and celebrating our differences rather than being frightened of them.
ISBN9781406346503 HB Walker Books £8.99
5/5 Stars
CAGED BY THERESA BRESLIN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Homeless
Kal joins other troubled teenagers in an underground sanctuary
beneath London whilst learning to cage fight for money to go towards
their new lives and new beginnings. Taking place over one week this
pacy and thrilling adventure unveils arch rivalry, hidden dangers and
betrayal by those closest to them. This has shadows of a darker
Oliver Twist and Fagin which will hold you in its grip until the
knock-out blow. Punching above its weight.
ISBN
9780552565226 PB Penguin £7.99
5/5 Stars