CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 3-4

This week my pick of children's book include a tense whodunnit, two naughty crocodiles, the return of Tom Gates and a fantasy adventure epic. All in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ONE OF US IS LYING BY KAREN M. MCMANUS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When Simon, the notorious school gossip is murdered, four class mates are in the frame. The geek; the beauty; the bad boy and the jock. They all have secrets but how far will they go to keep them hidden? A gripping psychological murder mystery. This exciting, taut story will reel you in and keep you hooked until the final reveal. The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars.

ISBN9780141375632 PB Penguin Random House £7.99

SOLOMON AND MORTIMER BY CATHERINE RAYNER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Solomon crocodile has a new friend called Mortimer. But they are both bored and no one else wants to have fun. It's double trouble! When they play a trick on an unsuspecting hippo will the hippo jump out of his skin or will there be crocodile tears? Energetic illustrations really capture the crocodile's character and home. Children will delight in this naughty duo and it's a great story for reading out loud.

ISBN 9781509830459 PB Macmillan Childrens £6.99

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FURRY CREATURES BY LIZ PICHON

CHILDREN 7+

An hilarious new Tom Gates adventure. His teacher, Mr Fullerman sets them an new class assignment, mapping out a family tree! Is Tom ready for all the revelations he discovers about his family? A book that champions reading with family and friends. Hugely entertaining and heavily illustrated with a mix of different texts and doodles this will keep the most distractable child entertained in this laugh out loud caper.

ISBN 9781407168111 HB Scholastic £10.99

LORD OF SHADOWS BY CASSANDRA CLARE

YOUNG ADULT 13+

The second in the stunning Dark Artifices trilogy. Emma's love for her warrior partner, Julian is forbidden and could destroy them both. With new threats emerging, including the ruthless Faerie King, can Emma protect her family? Will the price for her love be too high? A breathtakingly epic fantasy adventure that will make you laugh and cry. Full of friendship; family; loyalty and love that crackles with excitement and romance. This has it all!

ISBN 9781471116650 PB Simon & Schuster £12.99