SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 1ST-2ND

In my childrens book column this week I feature an explosive horse for younger readers, a sad monkey who begins to understand his dark moods, a giant award winning pumpkin and an uplifting coming of age drama with some sharp twists. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

COLIN THE CART HORSE BY GAVIN PUCKETT
CHILDRENS 5+
An hilarious rhyming tale about a cart horse who's bored with his usual hay so decides to try out the other farm animals food with some rather explosive results! At first the farmer is delighted with Colin's 'super manure' but when it becomes rather toxic the army have to step in. Wonderful for reading out loud with funny illustrations that will have kids and adults roaring with laughter. A sure fire hit from this talented Welsh author.
ISBN 9780571315437 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

WILLY AND THE CLOUD BY ANTHONY BROWNE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Willy the chimp is being followed by a cloud and its making him very sad. It's ruining his day and getting bigger but how can he get rid of it? This brilliant portrayal of what it feels like to have depression or anxiety shows a young mind how their 'cloud of sorrow' can hold them captive until they realise that it will go by learning to face their fears. A great book to share in the classroom.
ISBN 9781406366969 HB Walker Books £12.99

THE PUMPKIN PROJECT BY KATIE SMITH
CHILDRENS 5+
Lottie is determined to win the school project entitled Big and Small with some specialist help from her beloved Grandpa. Will her efforts be worth it or will the spoilt school bully Penelope outwit her again? Winner of Lorraine's Top Tales 2016 this is a heart warming story about family , friendship and never giving up. Peppered with charming line illustrations this is perfect for early readers and fans of Walliams, Dahl or Jacqueline Wilson.
ISBN 9781444936919 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

HOLDING UP THE UNIVERSE BY JENNIFER NIVEN
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Libby was once known as 'America's Fattest Teen' after she was literally cut out of her home. Jack is the cool guy in class hiding a secret, face blindness. Back in school, after a prank goes wrong they both find they are not so different after all. This is a coming of age story with a sharp twist boasting a vibrant cast of characters that will inspire us not to judge a book by its cover. Great for book clubs.

ISBN: 9780141357058 PB Penguin Books Ltd £7.99