SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 27-28

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a classic World War Two mystery set in Devon, a stunning picture book about unity, a fantasy adventure full of mayhem and monsters and an empathetic modern fable focusing on a young homeless girl. 

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LETTERS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE BY EMMA CARROLL

CHILDRENS 9+

Olive and her little brother are sent, from London, to stay with a mysterious lighthouse keeper in Devon, to escape the Blitz. Is he linked to her sisters disappearance? What is the meaning of her coded message? A gripping, historical adventure that will enthral and delight. This fast paced, middle grade thriller also has relevance for today and would be great for classroom discussion. The best kind of story that whisks you away into another world.

ISBN 9780571327584 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

UNDER THE SAME SKY BY BRITTA TECKENTRUP

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Dedicated to a united world, this talented illustrator shows how we still share the same hopes and dreams despite our differences. From penguins seeking solace, to singing whales, rabbits playing in the meadow and flamingo's sheltering from the storm, children will delight in the atmospheric pictures. With simple rhyming text and peek through illustrations we travel around the world celebrating variety and encouraging unity. A beautiful book to share.

ISBN 9781848575868 HB Caterpillar Books £10.99

QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN ARROW BY CARRIE JONES

CHILDREN 9+

Annie is one of the last humans who can control time. When her guardian is kidnapped, Annie is determined to save her and her enchanted home Aurora. On her quest she wins the trust of a dragon but there are secrets in Annie's past that are about to be revealed. Full of magical creatures, humour and adventure this is perfect for Percy Jackson and Harry Potter fans. The second book in the Time Stoppers series.

ISBN 9781408885437 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

THE GIRL IN BETWEEN BY SARAH CARROLL

CHILDREN 11+

In an abandoned mill in Dublin, Sam and her mother shelter from the memories of life on the streets. A place of safety. But when developers arrive their fragile security is about to be shattered. An empathetic story about homelessness which sheds light on those 'invisible' people who have fallen through the cracks of life. It shows the dangers, threats and vulnerabilities in this modern fable. A tense, haunting novel that will strike a chord.

ISBN 9781471160622 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99