CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST OCT 7-8

This week my children's book reviews include a classic middle grade adventure that will sweep you away, a children's encyclopaedia, a ghostly adventure for reluctant readers and a really scary romance for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

NEVERMOOR:THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROW BY JESSICA TOWNSEND

CHILDREN 9+

Just as cursed child, Morrigan Crow is about to die on her eleventh birthday, a stranger called Jupiter North whisks her away to a magical city called Nevermoor. But she must compete in dangerous trials to stay there. An extraordinary world with a colourful cast, this is a future modern classic that is a combination of Harry Potter meets Alice in Wonderland. You will find a friend in Morrigan, the bold; bright and audacious heroine.

ISBN 9781510104112 HB Hachette £12.99

DK CHILDREN'S ENCYCLOPEDIA BY DORLING KINDERSLEY

CHILDREN 7+

Packed with fascinating and essential facts on favourite subjects, including animals, history, science and much more, this is a book of wonder. Beautiful illustrations, maps and photos bring every page to life. Ever wonder what a planet is? The difference between frogs and toads? Why not dive straight into a journey of discovery. This is a book to inspire and inform and will absorb and engage children of all ages. The perfect gift to treasure.

ISBN 9780241283868 HB Dorling Kindersley £25

TOO GHOUL FOR SCHOOL BY BARRY HUTCHISON

CHILDREN 9+

An hilarious story full of ghosts, magic and outrageous battles. When a secret ghost battling organisation, The Spectre Collectors, recruit Denzel and his best friend Smithy, they are thrown into a spooky and exciting adventure. Tested with awesome weapons and ancient magic, can Denzel use his special abilities to fight a fearsome enemy? Engaging characters, cool gadgets and monsters galore, this is a great story for reluctant readers. Ghostbusters meets the Goonies.

ISBN 9780857639608 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE BY STEPHANIE PERKINS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Makani lives in Nebraska and is running from her past. Just as life starts to look up, with new friends and a romance with mysterious outsider Ollie, the pupils at her school start to be brutally murdered. This unsettling horror is a departure from this author's usual romance. In the same genre as Scream and I know What You Did Last Summer, it will chill you to the bone. Perfect for the lead up to Halloween.

ISBN 9781509859801 PB Macmillan £7.99