SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 11-12

This week my children's book reviews include books about a magical ballerina, a rabbit discovering the moon, a blind cat with ninja powers and a science fiction romance.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE MAGIC TOYSHOP BY JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Discover a world of fairytale toymakers and dancing dolls in the beautiful introduction to the classic ballet, La Boutique Fantastique. Ella Bella steps into an enchanted toy shop to discover a new magical ballet adventure. Can she stop two dolls, who are in love, from being separated? Exquisitely and richly detailed illustrations throughout, this is perfect for little ballerinas. The latest in a wonderful series introducing famous ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

ISBN 9781408336854 HB Orchard Books £12.99

GOODNIGHT BABY MOON BY JAMES MITCHEM AND CLAIRE PATANE

BOARD BOOK 2+

Follow a family of curious rabbits and the phases of the moon in this enchanting bedtime story. Easy to follow text, rhythmic phrases and magical twilight illustrations; little ones will want to return to this special board book again and again. I especially loved the LED moon on the front cover which lights up with the press of a button. A beautiful gift for all occasions.

ISBN 9780241276396 HB Dorling Kindersley £11.99

TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE BY DERMOT O'LEARY

CHILDRENS 7+

Toto is no ordinary furry feline. She may be almost blind, but she also has incredible ninja skills. Follow Toto and her cheeky brother Silver, on their first rip-roaring adventure. A deadly Cobra has escaped from the zoo. Can they find the giant snake before it's too late? The characterful illustrations by Nick East compliment the irreverent humour and daring deeds throughout the tale. Purrrfect for early readers and to read aloud.

ISBN 9781444939453 PB Hodder £6.99

MY SIDE OF THE DIAMOND BY SALLY GARDNER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When Jazmin's best friend, Becky vanishes, she is shunned by everyone. Did Jazmin have something to do with her disappearance? Or was it more to do with Icarus, with whom Becky had become besotted? When Becky jumped off a building why did no one see her reach the ground? With detailed and intriguing illustrations throughout, this mysterious and spooky tale will fascinate and beguile. A quirky and unusual science fiction romance for fans of Stranger Things.

ISBN 9781471406430 PB Hot Key Books £9.99