CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST AUG 26-27

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure in the Russian revolution, an introduction to Picasso's drawings, a quirky and creepy middle grade mystery and a contemporary coming of age drama for social media lovers. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE RASPUTIN DAGGER BY THERESA BRESLIN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Russia 1916, a country on the brink of revolution. To escape her past Nina Ivanova must travel to St Petersburg and forge her own future. Stefan, an idealist, dreams of a new Russia. When their paths become entangled with a strange monk called Rasputin, will their love survive? Rich with historical detail this fascinating and epic tale will sweep you away whilst reminding us of the chaos and turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Riveting.

ISBN 9780552565257 PB Penguin £7.99

BIRDS & OTHER ANIMALS WITH PABLO PICASSO

PICTURE BOOK 1+

A stunning board book in which the very young can learn about animals through art while adults can appreciate the artistic genius of Picasso and his beautiful use of line. Rarely seen drawings are cleverly combined with simple, informative text for the very young. Inspired by poetry written by his friend, Guillaume Apollinaire, Picasso's drawings fill the pages with birds, horses, fish and owls. This little book is a wonderful introduction to this famous artist.

ISBN 9780714874128 HB Phaidon £6.95

A PLACE CALLED PERFECT BY HELENA DUGGAN

CHILDREN 9+

Violet has to move to the spooky town of Perfect when her dad is offered a job at the local optician there. When he disappears can Violet save her family with the help of an invisible boy and a lot of imagination? An unforgettably magical and creepy tale with an eye-catching and quirky heroine who refuses to see everything through rose tinted glasses. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton.

ISBN 9781474924160 PB Usborne £6.99

LOLA OFFLINE BY NICOLA DOHERTY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

We've all regretted writing something on social media. But what if it went viral? When Delilah makes a huge mistake on Twitter and becomes the 'story' she changes her name to Lola and moves to Paris. Can she be a normal teenager or will the internet find her? A modern day tale of learning to be yourself and not to be defined by other people or their expectations. For fans of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.

ISBN 9781510100510 PB Orion £7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST AUG 19-20

This week my children's book reviews include a picture book about a child with autism, a picture book remembering sunny days, a big book celebrating cars and an anthology by BAME writers.

All in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THROUGH THE EYES OF ME BY JON ROBERTS

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A sensitive and illuminating account of life as a child with autism, inspired by the author's daughter. As we get to know four year old Kya, we discover her likes and dislikes. The story also explains Kya's differences and beautiful quirks. The enchanting and playful pen and wash illustrations, by Hannah Rounding, compliment the eye catching and engaging text. A perfect introduction for children and adults, to help raise awareness and understanding about autism.

ISBN 9781912213009 PB Graffeg £6.99

SUN BY SAM USHER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The perfect antidote to a rainy Summer. A boy and his granddad set off on a scorching adventure. It's hotter than broccoli soup! Eventually, they find the perfect spot for a picnic but some pirates have beaten them to it. Wondrous, atmospheric illustrations that pulsate with the fiery heat of a summer's day. It also encapsulates the lovely bond between granddad and grandson. Richly told, this will captivate kids imagination. For Quentin Blake fans.
ISBN 9781783707959 PB Templar £6.99

THE STORY OF THE CAR BY GILES CHAPMAN

CHILDREN 8+

A rip roaring ride through the history of the world's most iconic and popular cars of all time. From Benz's first motor wagon to the jet-propelled ThrustSSC. The slick and bold graphics describe the beauty of line and design of the car as it develops over the ages. How they effect our lives, as well as the developments of the car's inner workings. An ideal gift that can be shared by motoring enthusiasts of all ages.

ISBN 9781526360267 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME BY VARIOUS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

An anthology featuring BAME writers. A variety of genre's including historical, contemporary, magical realism and dystopia. A rallying call to empower young people to take charge of their future. The stories and poems address the themes of race, mental health and identity. Deeply thought provoking, this is a must for schools and book clubs to raise awareness and discussion. Includes a list of resources to help with the issues raised.

ISBN 9781847158390 PB Stripes £7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST AUG 12-13

This week my children's book reviews include an amazon adventure, a jungle sticker book, the return of Fighting Fantasy and an historical tale of freedom.

All in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE EXPLORER BY KATHERINE RUNDELL

CHILDREN 9+

After their plane crashes deep in the Amazon, four children must try and survive. Can they find their way out? Has someone been there before them? A wonderfully exotic adventure that makes you feel you're also in the rainforest with them, discovering little jewels of fascinating facts, along the way. A tale of friendship, bravery and survival, edged with lush illustrations. A story encouraging you to expand your horizons. Favourite quote, “You are right to be afraid. Be brave anyway.”

ISBN 9781408854877 HB Bloomsbury £12.99

STICKER ART JUNGLE BY CRAIG AND KARL

CHILDREN 5+

Create one of eight colourful and stylish sticker-by-number animal portraits with this new series. Guaranteed to keep children entertained during the rainy holidays! Fill the numbered spaces with vivid coloured stickers and watch the animal art materialise. Each animal, such as a tiger, toucan or viper, comes with a fascinating list of facts. In association with the Natural History Museum. Also, available in the series is Ocean, Savannah and Woodland.

ISBN 9781847809452 PB Frances Lincoln £5.99

THE PORT OF PERIL BY IAN LIVINGSTONE

CHILDRENS 8+

Fighting Fantasy celebrates it's 35^th anniversary, with the release of a brand new game book. I loved these books as a child and was thrilled to see their return. The reader plays the hero, picking their own route, not knowing where the adventure leads or into what danger. Use your imagination to battle monsters, solve clues and compete with perilous guests. Part story, part game, this is perfect for fantasy lovers.

ISBN 9781407181295 PB Scholastic £6.99

PASSING FOR WHITE BY TANYA LANDMAN

YOUNG ADULT (READING AGE OF 8+)

It's 1848 in America's Deep South. Slave girl Rosa, is pale-skinned enough to 'pass for white'. For a chance of freedom, she poses as a white gentleman and her husband's master and both attempt a daring escape. This courageous tale is inspired by the real life odyssey of Ellen and William Craft. Also suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers, with short chapters, distinctive font and clear language. A thought provoking and empathetic read great for historical discussion.

ISBN 9781781126813 Barrington Stoke PB £6.99