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