CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JANUARY 21-22

This week for my children's book review column in The South Wales Evening Post I have picked an endearing tale of friendship for fans of Winnie the Pooh, a fascinating book on football and all that surrounds it, a picture book for young creative minds and a fictional account of the refugee crisis inspired by real life. My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!



BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE PEST IN THE NEST BY JULIAN GOUGH & JIM FIELD
CHILDRENS 5+
Rabbit just wants some peace and quiet but everyone is SOOO NOISY! Especially his new neighbour Woodpecker. The second in the series, the witty banter and thoughtful storyline is perfect for reading out loud along side the endearing and magical illustrations. This little book has hidden depths that will really strike a chord. Adults will be begging to read it at bedtime. The same camaraderie and worldly wisdom as Winnie the Pooh. A modern classic.
ISBN 9781444934267 HB Hodder Childrens £9.99

DUCK GETS A JOB BY SONNY ROSS
PICTURE BOOK 4+

Duck wants a job so he gets one in the city the same as his friends. But trying to look the same and act the same as everyone else makes Duck very bored. What else could he do? This will really appeal to all creatives and those who feel different and don't want to follow the crowd. With charming illustrations that follows Duck's progress this endearing story will encourage young minds to follow their dreams.

ISBN 9781783705771 PB Templar £6.99

FOOTBALL SCHOOL BY ALEX BELLOS AND BEN LYTTLETON
CHILDREN 8+

This fascinating book even got me interested in football. It's packed full of an eclectic mix of interesting facts covering subjects such as biology, geography, nature and science. What makes the perfect pitch or player? Why are there mascots? Illustrated with hilarious cartoons this is the ideal gift for footy fans. Its amazing how much the beautiful game can inspire and teach by investigating the history, origins and customs. I’ll watch with new knowledge and enthusiasm!!

ISBN 9781406367249 HB Walker Books £8.99

WELCOME TO NOWHERE BY ELIZABETH LAIRD
CHILDREN 9+

Where do you go when its too dangerous to return home? This fictional account of the Syrian Refugee Crisis told through the eyes of twelve year old Omar is sensitively portrayed. This accessible and thought provoking read is inspired by the authors own experiences volunteering at refugee camps. Hopefully it will encourage empathy and understanding into the crisis. It certainly opened my eyes. 50p from each hardback will be donated to a refugee charity.

ISBN 9781509840496 HB Macmillan Children’s Books £9.99