SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 30-31

This week my children's book reviews include a Jurassic World style adventure, an enormous book of art, a map of monsters and a time travelling football adventure!

Also in the Weekend section of

The South Wales Evening Post.

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE EXTINCTION TRIALS BY S.M.WILSON

YOUNG ADULT 12+

In a land full of monsters the only way to survive is to risk everything. Stormchaser wants to escape her starved, grey life while Lincoln wants to save his dying sister. To do so they must enter a dangerous competition on an island of dinosaurs. Atmospheric world building and a strong cast, this is a nerve-jangling, gut-wrenching, vivid story of survival, friendship and betrayal. Jurassic Park meets Hunger Games.

ISBN 9781474927345 PB Usborne £7.99

A IS FOR ART BY PAUL THURLBY

CHILDREN 5+

Discover famous painters and timeless works of art on an alphabetical tour of the National Gallery in London. From Da Vinci to Monet, from medieval masters to the French impressionists this will demystify some of the nations greatest art treasures for little ones. The large format book is bursting with fascinating facts and sumptuous high quality reproductions that makes it perfect for art lovers of all ages to share.

ISBN 9781444933673 HB Hodder £14.99

THE ATLAS OF MONSTERS BY STUART HILL & SANDRA LAWRENCE

CHILDREN 7+

A mysterious collection of maps has been discovered showing where in the world mythological monsters can be found. Has intrepid explorer, Cornelius Walters, really recorded the truth or is it a hoax? Inside you will find trolls and dragons, minotaurs and krackens, plus there is also a puzzle for young adventurers to solve along the way. The spectacular illustrations evoke the beauty of a medieval map in this large format book but with a contemporary twist.

ISBN 9781783706969 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

DEFENDERS: DARK ARENA BY TOM PALMER

CHILDREN 9+

The second in a spooky new series that combines the thrills of football, history and supernatural sleuthing. Seth and Nadiya must investigate when ghostly activities threaten a premier League club as they build a new stadium on Roman ruins. Can the friends face their fears against an army of zombie-slaves and a ruthless and corrupt tycoon? An accessible and exciting read that will enthrall the most reluctant of readers.

ISBN 9781781127308 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!

Zoe x

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 16-17

This week my children's book reviews include an enchanting Christmas adventure, festive dolls to dress, a puffin and his friend hatching a surprise for the holidays and a much loved teddy bear meeting Santa Claus.

Also in the Weekend section of

The South Wales Evening Post.

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ONE CHRISTMAS WISH BY KATHERINE RUNDELL & EMILY SUTTON

CHILDREN 5+

It's Christmas Eve, and Theo is lonely. He makes a wish to have some friends to keep him company. Moments later four Christmas decorations, a tin soldier, a rocking horse, an angel and a robin, come to life. They embark on an enchanting Christmas adventure and a little mischief! Written with generous helpings of warmth and humour, this is a story about treasuring the people you love at this time of year. A beautiful gift to treasure.

ISBN 9781408885727 HB Bloomsbury £14.99

LITTLE STICKER DOLLY DRESSING: CHRISTMAS BY FIONA WATT & LIZZIE MACKAY

CHILDREN 5+

An entertaining little book full of dolls in winter scenes to dress and accessorize using the two hundred stickers included. Visit the winter forest and dress Belle and Bianca to keep them warm or build a snowman and go ice skating. Then children can decorate the Christmas tree or go to the Nutcracker ballet and dress Clara in a tutu. A perfect stocking filler that will provide hours of festive fun.

ISBN 9781474927970 PB Usborne £5.99

POLLY AND THE PUFFIN: THE HAPPY CHRISTMAS BY JENNY COLGAN & THOMAS DOCHERTY

CHILDREN 5+

Polly and her puffin friend Neil have wrapped their presents and written to Santa, but Christmas is taking too long to arrive! Worse still Neil is helping to keep an egg warm and has no time to play. Will it hatch in time for Christmas? With gorgeous two-colour illustrations throughout this little hardback is perfect for reading aloud and includes festive recipes and activities. A little treasure that would make it a lovely gift.

ISBN 978510200920 HB Little, Brown Books £7.99

TEDDY ROBINSON MEETS FATHER CHRISTMAS AND OTHER STORIES BY JOAN G. ROBINSON

CHILDREN 6+

A collection of seasonal adventures with the much-loved bear Teddy Robinson. The little bear and his best friend Deborah meets Father Christmas, is bewitched by some cheeky fairies and sees his first firework display. These sweet and nostalgic stories, illustrated with the author's gorgeous line drawings, will enchant readers and are perfect bedtime stories to share on a winter night. A cosy classic full of warmth and humour that will ignite a child's imagination.

ISBN 9781509806133 PB Macmillan £5.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 9-10

This week my children's book reviews include a stunning non fiction title about the ways of the wolf, a interactive nativity story, a tale about a young boy who tries to be Father Christmas and a young girl who time travels back to World War Two and befriends a sheepdog on a Welsh Farm.

Also in the Weekend section of

The South Wales Evening Post.

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WAYS OF THE WOLF BY SMRITI PRASADAM-HALLS & JONATHAN WOODWARD

CHILDREN 7+

This stunning book unveils the natural history of wolves and their bid for survival in an ever decreasing habitat. Endorsed by the Wolf Conservation Trust, children can learn about the different types of wolves, how they communicate and hunt and the legends that follow them. The haunting and powerful imagery which accompany the lyrical text makes it a poem about the beauty of the wolf. Gripping and fascinating, this is a Christmas present to treasure!!

ISBN 9781526360304 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

MAKE & PLAY NATIVITY BY JOEY CHOU

CHILDREN 4+

In this innovative activity book children can assemble their own nativity scene. Featuring twenty figures and animals; the press out pieces can simply slot together to create the perfect display at Christmas time. It includes Mary, Joseph, the three kings, animals and a manger which can also be used as teaching tool. After reading the story, kids can sing Christmas songs and make crafts as instructed in the back. A festive treat to share and enjoy!

ISBN 9781788000062 HB Nosy Crow £7.99

I KILLED FATHER CHRISTMAS BY ANTHONY MCGOWAN ILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS RIDDELL

CHILDREN 5+

Jo-Jo thinks that Christmas is cancelled and it's all his fault. To make amends, he decides that he must become Father Christmas! This hilarious and tender-hearted tale, with family and friendship at its centre, is ideal for dyslexic, early and reluctant readers. Richly illustrated by Chris Riddell, in full colour, this merry little story is ideal for reading alone or sharing and also has activities and jokes inside the jacket flaps. A great stocking filler!

ISBN 9781781127100 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

THE STORM DOG BY HOLLY WEBB

CHILDREN 7+

Tilly is excited to spend Christmas in Wales but when she falls asleep on the train she wakes up to find herself in World War Two experiencing the same journey as her great-gran. Tilly is evacuated to a Welsh Farm and befriends,Tarran, a sheepdog. When they are cut off by a snowstorm, she needs to be brave. A magical winter adventure that is accompanied by charming line illustrations. Ideal to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.

ISBN 9781847157935 HB Stripes £8.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 2-3

This week my children's book reviews include a Christmas activity book perfect for the festive season, the story of the nativity for the very young, a musical retelling of the Nutcracker and a new doggy super hero from the author of Captain Underpants.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE USBORNE LITTLE CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY BOOK

CHILDREN 5+

The ideal stocking filler for the holidays. An activity book packed with things to do so grab a pen and have fun! Children can colour in decorations and spot a missing elf or penguin. They can also use the stickers included to decorate cookies, a Christmas tree or dress Santa and Mrs Claus. It is packed full of puzzles and games galore that kids can play on their own or share with a friend.

ISBN 9781474923897 PB Usborne £6.99

BUSY NATIVITY BY EMILY BOLAM

BOARD BOOK 2+

The perfect introduction for little ones to the story of the first Christmas. Children can push, pull and turn the tabs while joining Mary and Joseph on their long journey to Bethlehem. They can spot angels, kings and animals or rock baby Jesus in his crib. A bright and colourful sturdy board book with rhyming text as well as a question on each spread to encourage gentle discussion.

ISBN 9781509828951 HB Campbell Books £4.99

THE STORY ORCHESTRA: THE NUTCRACKER BY JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE

CHILDREN 5+

A magical retelling of the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. Each spread features a musical note to touch so you can hear ten seconds of Tchaikovsky's original score to bring the story to life. Follow Clara as she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, watch the battle of the Mouse King and journey to the Land of Sweets. An excellent introduction to a family favourite and classical music and ballet.

ISBN 9781786030009 HB Frances Lincoln £14.99

DOG MAN: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES BY DAV PILKEY

CHILDREN 7+

The newest superhero from the creator of Captain Underpants hasn't always been a paw-sitive addition to the police force. He need to impress his Chief by catching two cat burglars. Will Dog Man catch these devious furballs and prove he's top dog or will they get away with the purrfect crime? A full-colour comic book series encouraging reluctant readers and also perfect for graphic novel fans. It's bursting with jokes, cartoons and tail wagging antics.

ISBN 9780545935210 HB Scholastic £10.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 25-26

This week my children's book reviews include a book of dastardly pirates, a magical journey on a dragon, Santa taking a holiday and a gigantic book of dinosaurs.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

PIRATES MAGNIFIED BY DAVID LONG & HARRY BLOOM

CHILDREN 5+

Let's embark on an exciting pirate adventure! Grab the magnifying glass included and search for treasure to see how pirates lived and what cargo they stole. Look out for the Welsh pirate Black Bart, as well. Each double spread contains ten things to look for within the intricate and detailed illustrations that fill the pages. So hoist the mainsail me hearty's and enjoy a rollicking adventure! Hours of fun, perfect for the holidays!

ISBN 9781786030276 HB Wide Eyed Editions £14.99

ONE MOONLIT NIGHT BY ZANNA DAVIDSON & SEO KIM

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A little girl goes on a magical journey with a dragon through the night. On every page, there is an exquisite pop up picture; intricately designed to show her riding over stormy seas and visiting magical islands. It is partnered with poetic prose that is perfect for bedtime, igniting children's imagination. Bursting with dragons, stars and adventure, sail away in a 'silvery boat of dreams'. An enchanting gift and a pleasure to share at bedtime.

ISBN 9781783705818 HB Templar £14.99

SANTA SELFIE BY PETER BENTLY& ANNA CHERNYSHOVA

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Santa needs a holiday so he leaves his elves in charge of Christmas to relax in the Winter Sun. But when everyone wants a selfie his holiday slowly becomes a disaster! An alternative Christmas story about the perils of being famous. A lovely touch is the pull-out photo frame included so you can have your own 'selfie' with Santa. Great fun is seeing Santa in unusual settings, from Paris to Brazil to the Grand Canyon.

ISBN 9781509831142 PB Macmillan Children £6.99

DINOSAURIUM BY CHRIS WORMELL & LILY MURRAY

CHILDREN 8+

Journey back millions of years to discover the largest and most ferocious animals that ever lived. This beautiful large format book brings an enormous range of dinosaurs to life. From favourites such as Tyrannosaurus Rex to lesser known such as Coelophysis, dinosaur lovers can explore the striking artwork and learn from the plethora of facts for hours. How did they evolve? Why did some have scales and others feathers? A Jurassic sized gift suitable for all ages.

ISBN 9781783707928 HB Big Picture Press £20

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 18-19

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure full of magical tricks, a little girl who finds an enchanted reindeer, a book full of unicorns and Christmas classic which is accessible to all. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GREATEST MAGICIAN IN THE WORLD BY MATT EDMONDSON & GARRY PARSONS

CHILDREN 6+

Elliot loves magic and wants to follow in his great grandfather's footsteps; The Amazing Dextrini! He is determined to find the Greatest Magician in the World to learn how to perform magic tricks. On Elliot's adventure young readers can also learn amazing tricks whether it's how to make an object vanish; perform a card trick or predict the future. This interactive book is certain to be a big hit at Christmas for the whole family.

ISBN 9781509806188 HB Macmillan £14.99

LAST STOP ON THE REINDEER EXPRESS BY MAUDI POWELL-TUCK & KARL JAMES MOUNTFORD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

When Mia's dad can't come home for Christmas, she takes a ride on an enchanted reindeer so she deliver her card to him. Join Mia through peek-through pages and hidden flaps, that will envelop you in the warmth of the festive season. It reminds us that family makes it special however far away they are. This is perfect for little ones who are anxious about spending time apart from a family member, for the first time.

ISBN 9781848696938 HB Little Tiger £12.99

PRESS OUT AND DECORATE UNICORNS BY KATE MCLELLAND

CHILDREN 6+

Create beautiful flying unicorn decorations to hang or give to friends. Press out each piece; colour and slot together to make twenty sparkling decorations. Also available from Nosy Crow is 'The Colouring Book of Cards and Envelopes, Unicorns and Rainbows” by Rebecca Jones allowing kids to personalise their own unique stationery. Two magical gifts for creative children who love mythical horses. Ideal to share and lots of fun!

ISBN 9781788002172 HB Nosy Crow £9.99

A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS

CHILDREN 9+

A Christmas classic of virtue and transformation in Barrington Stoke's signature, dyslexia-friendly format. The book includes a clear typeface and pale yellow pages to lessen visual stress. Follow the miserly Scrooge, as he is visited by three ghosts warning him to change his ways before it's too late! The series includes The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Of Mice and Men especially designed to be accessible to all.

ISBN 9781781127537 PB Barrington Stoke £7.99

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

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 4-5

This week my children's book reviews include a journal trying to combat online bullying, an artist crocodile, a celebration of the animal kingdom and a pictorial history of Tutankhamun and the discovery of his tomb.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BE COOL BE NICE BY GDV

CHILDREN 8+

Be Cool Be Nice aims to combat cyber bullies by encouraging us to be kind and to use social media in a more positive way. It inspires us to double check information and pictures before putting them onto the internet and to treat others as you would like to be treated. This journal style book is full of clever rhymes; cute characters and thought-provoking activities which you can personalise. Kindness never goes out of style.

ISBN 9781787410961 HB Studio Press £14.99

CROCODALI BY LUCY VOLPIN

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A wonderfully witty interactive story about Crocodali, a brilliant but very bossy crocodile artist. He enlists the reader to help with his painting but they had better follow his instruction of there will be trouble! Children and adults will delight in tilting; turning and shaking the book to help this diva artist create his masterpiece. Full of colour and character with fabulous painterly illustrations, this will be sure to inspire budding artists everywhere!

ISBN 9781787410930 PB Templar £6.99

THE VARIETY OF LIFE BY NICOLA DAVIES & LORNA SCOBIE

CHILDREN 6+

A celebration of the extraordinary diversity within the animal kingdom. This large format book is bursting with fascinating facts about mammals; birds, reptiles, fish and insects and will encourage children to treasure our world's biodiversity. Exquisitely illustrated, it shines a spotlight on how many different species exist in the world. Forty thousand types of beetle but only eight species of bear! Hopefully, the book will help raise awareness for new generations before it's too late!

ISBN 9781444931198 HB Hodder £14.99

THE STORY OF TUTANKHAMUN BY PATRICIA CLEVELAND-PECK & ISABEL GREENBERG

CHILDREN 7+

On this day November 4th, 1922 Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. Travel through history and explore the story of the boy king and his magnificent tomb. Divided into three parts; the life and death of Tutankhamun; the discovery of his tomb and lastly what modern technology has since unveiled. Rich in detail and illustrations, this is a treasure trove of wonder and delight, about one of the most significant historical discoveries of our time.

ISBN 9781408876787 HB Bloomsbury £14.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST HALLOWEEN CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW OCT 28-29

This week my children's book reviews include a much anticipated return to Philip Pullman's world of 'His Dark Materials', a picture book celebrating the moon, a hairy scary adventure for early readers and a cheeky heroine who would much prefer to be an actress rather than a witch!  

Perfect for Halloween.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BOOK OF DUST BY PHILIP PULLMAN

YOUNG ADULT 13+

The much anticipated return to the parallel world of, 'His Dark Materials' does not disappoint. When eleven year old Malcolm's meets a baby called Lyra he must make a dangerous journey which seals his fate. A vividly painted world, with huge dollops of Pullman's colourful imagination, carries you away into a spellbinding odyssey full of magic and mystery from the very first pages. A true embroiderer of words that will enthral young and old.

ISBN 9780385604413 HB David Fickling £20

MOON BY BRITTA TECKENTRUP

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A stunningly atmospheric die-cut picture book which takes readers on a journey into a nocturnal world celebrating the moon. As you turn the dusky peek-through pages it reveals the shimmering foiled moon changing shape as it goes through the lunar cycle. The world below is busy with night-time animals;foxes;turtles and birds. This is a luminescent tale of shared hopes and dreams that will captivate little readers at bedtime.

ISBN 9781848696679 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

RISE OF THE HAIRY HORROR BY KES GRAY

CHILDREN 5+

Jack Beechwhistle is no ordinary boy, he's a junior secret agent and he has a new mission. There is a new hairdresser called Valentino in town and he is acting very suspiciously. Is he really an evil villain? Packed with comic book style art work and hilarious survival tips that will thoroughly entertain fans of the bestselling Daisy series. Suitable for new, independent and reluctant readers it's perfect for little mischief makers.

ISBN 9781782953043 PB Red Fox £5.99

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME GO TO WITCH SCHOOL BY EM LYNAS

CHILDREN 7+

Daisy Wart is definitely NOT a witch. She is going to be an actress! Can she escape Toadspit Towers to follow her dreams? A new magical school series full of sprightly illustrations by Jamie Littler. Daisy is a delightfully cheeky and determined heroine who is really endearing and funny. A cauldron of colourful characters who will charm it's young readers. Mallory Towers meets The Worst Witch with a dollop of theatrics thrown in,”Darling!”

ISBN 9781788000130 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW OCT 21-22

This week my children's book reviews include a time traveller, a witch looking for love, a ghostly tale and a gothic fantasy. Perfect for Halloween.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WITCH OF DEMON ROCK BY GABRIELLE KENT

CHILDREN 9+

When Alfie Bloom travels back to the 1400's to begin training with Orin, a great druid, he begins to understand how powerful the magic he protects really is. It seemed like a good idea to take some friends back in time but when they start falling victim to a creature of shadows he must undertake a quest to find help. A thoroughly entertaining fantasy adventure series full of thrills and intrigue, perfect for Harry Potter fans.

ISBN 9781407155814 PB Scholastic £6.99

PRETTY BY CANIZALES

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The witch has been invited on a date but some well meaning animals think she should make herself prettier. Can she cast a spell on herself? A magical and funny story showing why it's always best to be yourself, not what others want you to be. A timely lesson for today's growing 'selfie' generation. It finishes with a surprisingly shocking twist that children will love. Thought provoking and great for reading out in class.

ISBN 9781783707942 PB Templar £6.99

THE GHOST IN ANNIE'S ROOM BY PHILIPPA PEARCE

CHILDREN 5+

Emma has to stay in the attic room of her great aunt's small house. Her brother insists it's haunted by her aunt's missing daughter and no one will tell Emma the truth. Could he be right? Emma must face her fears and uncover the mystery. This is a gently spooky story for Halloween, full of atmospheric colour illustrations by Cate James and clear spaced out text. Perfect for new readers with activities inside the flaps.

ISBN 9781781126851 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

ONE DARK THRONE BY KENDAR BLAKE

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Three sisters are still fighting over one throne, only one can win, the other two must die. Powerful and emotive, you're heart will quicken as tensions rise and surprising twists and turns keep you guessing until it's final epic conclusion. Feast on this darkly Gothic world with it's large cast of dramatic and troubled characters. No one is safe. The gripping and brutal sequel to Three Dark Crowns.

ISBN 9781509807734 PB Macmillan £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 14-15

This week my children's book reviews include an extraordinary futuristic adventure, a picture book about a grumpy bat, an enchanting new series for early readers and an alternative take on classic villains. Perfect for Halloween.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE EXTRAORDINARY COLOURS OF AUDEN DARE BY ZILLAH BETHELL

CHILDREN 9+

Moving to his deceased uncle's house Auden makes an extraordinary discovery. Under the garden shed he finds a human-like robot called Paragon, but what is he for? Will he help Auden see colour again? Paragon leads him on a thrilling journey of discovery set against a totalitarian society which is fighting over water. A captivating, futuristic adventure about friendship, family and hope. A wonderful gift and perfect for book club discussion. Artificial Intelligence meets ET.

ISBN 9781848126084 PB Piccadilly Press £6.99

I AM BAT BY MORAG HOOD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A simple, charming story about a little bat who loves cherries but does not like sharing. When his cherries keep disappearing Bat must find out who is taking them. A pertinent story about the pros and con's of coveting and sharing you possessions. Despite all his failings, children will love this grumpy, little bat. The bold, luminous illustrations add layers and humour to the story about learning to share.

ISBN 9781509834617 HB Two Hoots £11.99

WITCH FOR A WEEK BY KAYE UMANSKY ILLUSTRATED BY ASHLEY KING

CHILDREN 7+

When Elsie offers to house-sit for the local witch, Magenta Sharp, she doesn't expect a talking raven, some very high-maintenance neighbours and a box of magic, with a sell by date. A spellbinding new series for young readers who will be absolutely charmed by the hilarious story of mishaps, mayhem and magic. This cauldron of endearing characters, adventure and laughs reminded me of Shrek but with witches!

ISBN 9781471160905 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO HATE ME EDITED BY AMERIIE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

An alternative anthology of short stories from the point of view of famous villains. Featuring the biggest names in young adult fiction, they have written their own spins on classics, inspired by well known BookTubers. Stories that have inspired them include King Arthur, The little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, amongst others. Thirteen morsels of wickedness to feast on for Halloween, if you dare?

ISBN 9781408882764 PB Bloomsbury £7.99