SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 3-4TH

This week my children's book reviews include an hilarious interactive picture book about a donkey who's lost his underpants, a little boy who loves to dance, a young girl who goes on an mythic adventure and a contemporary drama about a very modern family.

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I SAY OOH, YOU SAY AAH BY JOHN KANE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

“There's something very important that I need you to remember. When I say Ooh, you say Aah. Are you ready?” Ooh, the donkey has lost his underpants and readers must help him find them by responding to interactive clues within the bright illustrations or the bold text. This hyperactive story is enormous fun for the whole family to read aloud and it made me guffaw with laughter. It will totally wind you up! Brilliant.

ISBN 9781783708727 PB Templar Publishing £6.99

HARI AND HIS ELECTRIC FEET BY ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH & SAM USHER

CHILDREN 8+

Hari is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary talent. He loves to dance and learns from Bollywood films. Soon he is using his magical moves to bring harmony to the world. Set against a wonderful Indian backdrop this uplifting story is about how the joys of dance can bring people together through the power of communication and love. Energetic illustrations pepper this uplifting story and will put a smile on your face.

ISBN 9781781127551 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

THE EYE OF THE NORTH BY SINEAD O'HART

CHILDREN 9+

Emmeline was sure her parents were trying to kill her before they disappeared and she was catapulted into an epic adventure. Readers will love and relate to this gutsy, caustic heroine who is full of wit and wisdom. Together with an urchin called Thing, ice ponies and an evil Northwitch this gripping page-turner has all the essential ingredients to make an entertaining fantasy adventure for boys and girls.

ISBN 9781847159410 PB Stripes Publishing £6.99

FAR FROM THE TREE BY ROBIN BENWAY

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When sixteen-year-old Grace gives up her baby for adoption, she decides to track down her two adopted siblings. Maria is very privileged while Joaquin has been ricocheted from one foster home to another. Chapters alternate between the three very different but endearing siblings as they strive to make senses of themselves and their world. This holds a mirror on the complexity of modern-day family and what ties us together. I was riveted from the start.

ISBN 9781471164330 PB Simon & Schuster £7.99