SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS DEC 31-JAN 1

My pick of childrens books this week for the South Wales Evening Post include a quirky who done it, a picture book looking at friendship, a sewing kit for kids and a story about hope. My childrens book review column can be found in the magazine section of the paper every weekend. 

 Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GOLDFISH BOY BY LISA THOMPSON

CHILDRENS 10+

Matthew suffers from crippling OCD which makes him a virtual recluse. He chooses to see life pass by from his bedroom window. When a toddler goes missing can he help solve his disappearance and face his fears at the same time? A psychological thriller that has an endearing protagonist amongst a bevy of colourful characters. An intriguing modern day Poirot with heart. Perfectly pitched for middle grader readers who love a good mystery.

ISBN 9781407170992 PB Scholastic £6.99

OWL BAT BAT OWL BY MARIE-LOUISE FITZPATRICK
PICTURE BOOK 2+
Told through illustrations only we watch as mummy owl and three baby owls settle down for the night. Annoyingly they are disturbed by a family of bats hanging upside down on the same branch. When a terrible storm arrives the babies fall off one by one. Who will save them? A sweet story about helping your neighbour despite their differences, working together and finding true friendship. A strong message simply and powerfully told.
ISBN 9781406364392 HB Walker Books £11.99

SEWING KIT BY ABIGAIL WHEATLEY
CHILDRENS 7+
This perfect little sewing kit has everything you need to make seven felt animals. Children who love crafts and making things will delighted in the simple step by step guide book. Also included is everything you need such as stuffing, needles, buttons, pins and thread. Most helpful are the links to video clips for demonstrations, tips and techniques. With clear layout this is brilliant for absolute beginners, even telling you how to thread a needle.

ISBN: 9781409599227 PB Usborne £12.99

MIRACULOUS MIRANDA BY SIOBHAN PARKINSON
CHILDRENS 9+

A poignant and touching tale of hope and miracles, imagination and the belief that anything is possible. When Miranda's sister is taken to hospital she escapes into an imaginary world Magnanimous. Thought provoking and profound this endearing tale gives an insight into family and friendship and how people deal with stressful situations. Sometimes a child’s innocence can have a powerful impact and is more able to see through dark times. Full of empathy.

ISBN 9781444929072 HB Hodder Childrens £10.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN DEC 25-25

My childrens book pick for the Christmas Weekend in The South Wales Evening Post includes a little grey rabbit, a monster sprout, a naughty princess and a chilling adventure. Hope you all enjoy the festive season. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LITTLE GREY RABBIT'S CHRISTMAS BY ALISON UTTLEY
CHILDRENS 5+
First published in 1929 this new edition will continue to capture the hearts of children. The woodland animals are preparing for Christmas but when a special gift is lost in the snow can they find it? Magical illustrations by Margaret Tempest will enchant anyone who's a fan of Beatrix Potter bringing to life this charming festive story. A talking snowball, tobogganing by moonlight and a magical Christmas tree makes a perfect bedtime story for the holidays.


ISBN 9781783706723 HB Templar Publishing £5.99

SPROUTZILLA VS CHRISTMAS BY TOM JAMIESON
PICTURE BOOK 3+


A bit of fiendish fun for the festive season. Jack loves everything about Christmas except one thing, sprouts! When his parents bring home a gigantic sprout that turns into a monster, determined to destroy Christmas Jack is the only one who can stop him. The wickedly hilarious vivid illustrations by Mike Byrne will entertain even the fussiest of eaters this holiday. They may even be tempted to eat one or two! Sproutlicious!
ISBN 9781509822782 PB Macmillan £6.99

CHRISTMAS WITH PRINCESS MIRA-BELLE BY JULIA DONALDSON
CHILDRENS 6+
This special hardback edition, illustrated by Lydia Monks, features two new adventures and festive things to do. Ellen's life is turned into chaos when naughty Princess Mirror-Belle sweeps her into her Christmas escapades. From dancing in Swan Lake, attending a fancy dress party and trying to catch Father Christmas Ellen barely has time to catch her breath. Also included are activities such as making tree decorations to festive biscuits. A great stocking filler for early readers.
ISBN 9781509814268 HB Macmillan £8.99
4/5 Stars

MYSTERY AT THE ICE HOTEL BY SARA GRANT
CHILDRENS 11+
Action packed thriller in the Arctic Circle. Teens Mackenzie and Chase are having fun in an exclusive resort when the guests start to go missing. Can this detective duo solve the mystery or will they come to chilly end? Full of fun, family and friendship this really captures the icy setting in this exhilarating and exciting series. An action packed mix of Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones but in the snow!!


ISBN 9781407163307 PB Scholastic £5.99
5/5 stars

A List of Wonderfully Educational and Activity Childrens Books from 2016 to inspire

There have been some fascinating and wonderful educational and activity books this year for all ages. Here are just a few starting with books for the youngest then up to young adult. From animal to insects, learning about different types of people and the world in general this will open up the eyes of children to the amazing diversity we experience around us. 

BEE BY PATRICIA HEGARTY & BRITTA TECKENTRUP
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A thought provoking book celebrating the importance of the bumble bee. This stunning book raises awareness of their plight inspiring our future generations to learn about their journey, gathering nectar and spreading life. The pages of this vibrant peep through book opens up into a bouquet of brilliance that will entrance as you follow them from flower to flower. It s a love poem to this BEEautiful and much needed little striped powerhouse.

ISBN 9781848692886 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

A FIRST BOOK OF ANIMALS BY NICOLA DAVIES AND PETRA HORACEK
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A celebration of the amazing and enormous variety in the animal kingdom. This sumptuous volume brings to life its true wonders through the lyrical text of Nicola Davies and atmospheric illustrations of Petra Horacek. From the whale shark to the tiny hummingbird, the speeding cheetah to the languorous sloth this is an absolute delight for little animal lovers. A book to treasure and inspire a new generation to hopefully protect and conserve these amazing creatures. 
ISBN 9781406359633 HB Walker Books £14.99

ISAAC AND HIS AMAZING ASPERGER SUPERPOWERS! BY MELANIE WALSH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A great introduction to explaining Aspergers to very young children. Isaac feels he has superhero strengths and he shows us how he's sees the world in a different way. The story makes the subject more accessible and encourages readers to have a greater understanding. The superhero guise makes the uninformed appreciate the strengths and the struggles of those who have this condition. Great for teachers as well.

ISBN: 9781406344455 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

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

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

SLOT TOGETHER THEATRE BY ANNA MILBOURNE
CHILDREN 6+ 
A chance for children and adults to be inspired by two classic Christmas shows. Including scenes, characters and a book of clear instructions you can put together a theatre and tell the story of the Nutcracker Ballet and Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream with music. Simply slot the sturdy pieces together and the step by step guide with script and cast will be perfect for budding thespians and dancers to put on some great entertainment for the family.
ISBN 9781474916172 HB Usborne £25

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN DEEPEST OCEAN BY PAGE TSOU
CHILDRENS BOOK 6+
A visual feast of a compendium that will open your eyes to the extraordinary world we live in. Do you know which is the longest living animal? The oldest tree? The biggest storm? Discover all the answers in this fascinating large format book of visual comparisons with beautifully detailed illustrations that have a vintage and contemporary flavour. For fans of Animalium, Maps and future David Attenboroughs! Indulge your curiosity. 
ISBN 9781783704842 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

THE CURIOUS GUIDE TO THINGS THAT AREN'T BY JOHN D. FIXX & JAMES F. FIXX
CHILDRENS 7+

Thought provoking riddles about a range of things you can't see, touch or hear and yet they still exist. Can you guess what they are? There is one riddle for every letter of the alphabet so you will have enormous fun trying gthe class room as well as a great stocking filler.

ISBN 9781633221765 HB Walter Foster JR £8.99

ATLAS OF ODDITIES BY CLIVE GIFFORD
CHILDREN 7+
A beautiful gift atlas full of brilliantly bizarre facts and figures of the natural and not so natural world we live in. Did you know in Ninotaria, Japan you can bath in a giant pool of red wine, green tea, coffee or noodle soup! Wales is also included with mentions of Port Talbot’s Baked Beans Museum and Llanwrtyd Well’s World Bog Snorkelling Championship! Accompanied by Tracy Worrall's bold punchy illustrations this will entertain and inform the whole family. 
ISBN 9781405281362 HB Egmont UK £16.99

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

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

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

HERE I STAND BY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK 
YOUNG ADULT 12+
In partnership with Amnesty International twenty five leading authors and illustrators including Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell unite to explore human rights in today’s society. A collection of powerful hard hitting stories that look at issues such as gender equality, race hatred, immigration and freedom of speech amongst other issues. This is a great book for igniting debate, encouraging empathy and raising questions especially in the classroom. A must for every school library. 
ISBN 9781406358384 HB Walker Books £10.99

A LIST OF MY FAVOURITE PICTURE BOOKS FROM 2016

Some of my favourite Picture Books from 2016. Its a very eclectic mix so there is something for everyone!

TIGER IN A TUTU BY FABI SANTIAGO
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A striking picture book about a tiger who aspires to be a ballet dancer in Paris. Against all the odds he follows his dream and with a little help from his new friend finally performs in a proper theatre. The bold limited palette really captures the French capital and the twilight world of theatre life. Enchanting and inspiring with the lovely sentiment that nothing is impossible this is the perfect present for little dancers everywhere.
ISBN: 9781408336885 HB Orchard Books £11.99

WE FOUND A HAT BY JON KLASSEN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Two turtles find a hat in the desert. It looks good on both of them but which one should have it? A finely observed tale of friendship, sharing and generosity of spirit. Their shifting eyes say so much with so little you really feel the turtles emotions as one fights his need for the hat. A visual comedy in three parts will amuse with its deadpan humour. Really heart warming finale to the acclaimed hat trilogy. Quietly profound and very special. 
ISBN 9781406347517 HB Walker Books £12.99

FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The real life story and inspiration of Winnie the Pooh. When soldier and vet Harry finds a real bear cub at a station in 1914 he decides to keep her and takes her to war where she becomes a much loved mascot. This delightful story, charmingly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, describes their wonderful relationship and later how Christopher Robin met Winnie in London Zoo. It is made especially poignant with photos of the 'real Winnie' at the end. 
ISBN 9781408340240 PB Orchard Books £5.99

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

THE KNIGHT WHO WOULDN'T FIGHT BY HELEN & THOMAS DOCHERTY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Leo's parents want him to be a proper knight fighting dragons but really he just wants to read! Can Leo show them the book is mightier than the sword? Taming monsters along the way this is a wonderful advocate for the joys of reading together and the power of stories. Another modern classic from best selling husband and wife team (who happen to live in Swansea!) with stunning illustrations and witty rhyming text.

ISBN 9781407163482 PB Scholastic £6.99

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

THE LONELY GIANT BY SOPHIE AMBROSE
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A beautiful modern day fable about conserving the environment, friendship and freedom. A giant loves to destroy all that is around him but when he's left alone with no home or friends he realises his terrible mistake and is determined to rectify it. Lovingly told with winsome illustrations this will charm any child whilst teaching them to value and respect the natural world and its inhabitants. Friendship is given freely and cannot be forced.

ISBN: 9781406361544 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

THE LION INSIDE BY RACHEL BRIGHT & JIM FIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Mouse is fed up being ignored. Just because he is small and meek doesn't mean he is invisible. Is he brave enough to ask for help from the king of the jungle? It seems however that even the strongest of us have some weaknesses as well. A thoroughly entertaining story with a positive message about overcoming your fears. Also makes a great bedtime story for fans of the Gruffalo. 

• ISBN: 9781408331606 PB Hachette Childrens Group £6.99

I AM BEAR BY BEN BAILEY SMITH AND SAV AKYUZ
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This wildly funny Bear will have you in stitches with his purple fur suit and talent for finding trouble wherever he is. Bear is seriously naughty, from stealing honey and doughnuts to playing fiendish tricks just for kicks. Great for reading aloud with punchy bold illustrations that really add to the jokes. This will be a sure fire hit with little rebels and wannabe rappers alike.
ISBN: 9781406359251 HB Walker Books £11.99 Out in PB 5/1/16

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

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 OUT NOW IN PB

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

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

KINGS OF THE CASTLE BY VICTORIA TURNBULL
PICTURE BOOK 3+
An ethereal picture book of adventure, imagination and friendship. When George meets the strangest creature he's ever seen the night takes an unusual turn. With a gorgeous pull out of an enormous sandcastle this will enchant little ones and inspire sand castles par excellence. However different we are we can always find common ground and mutual interests as well as learn from one another. Through acceptance and discovery we are open to knew and wonderful experiences. 
ISBN 9781783702596 PB Templar Publishing £6.99