SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS MARCH 3-4 TH

This week my children's book reviews include an young adult epic fantasy, a naughty lion, inspirational sports women and an historical novel inspired by the Mona Lisa.

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

Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

STATE OF SORROW BY MELINDA SALISBURY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Sorrow rules the Court of Tears in the absence of her mourning father. When her brother is seemingly found alive and wishes to rule Sorrow, it exposes her forbidden love for a childhood friend and risks the future of her country. Sorrow must play a deathly game to save all she holds dear. This addictive fantasy world of lies and deceit and its spirited heroine will hold you in its grasp until the shocking end. Irresistible.

ISBN 9781407180274 PB Scholastic £7.99

A LION IS A LION BY POLLY DUNBAR

PICTURE BOOK 3+

This hilarious read-aloud story asks the question of its young readers: Is a lion still a lion if he...Wears a hat? Carries an umbrella? What if he bites? The rhythmic text with repeating phrases will delight its young audience. It shows children how to protest against a wrong and stand up for themselves. The gorgeous, energetic colour illustrations are witty and refreshing. This is 'pawfect' to empower young minds and have fun!

ISBN 9781406371536 HB Walker £11.99

WOMEN IN SPORT BY RACHEL IGNOTOVSKY

CHILDREN 8+

Following the success of the Winter Olympics, children can learn about fifty athletes who played to win from 1800 to today. This highly illustrated book includes trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers including well-known figures like tennis player Serena Williams and boxing champion Nicola Adams to lesser-known pioneers like Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. It also contains exclusive content from welsh athlete Tanni-Grey Thomson amongst others. Inspirational.

ISBN 9781526360922 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

SMILE BY MARY HOFFMAN

YOUNG ADULT 8+

Lisa lives in the time of the Renaissance where for men the world is full of possibility. Resigned to an arranged marriage she crosses paths with the artist Leonardo Da Vinci. While his portrait of Lisa captures the imagination of the world this rich and evocative historical novel vividly imagines the life of the woman behind the smile. A super readable teen novel suitable for dyslexics and reluctant readers as well as for art and history lovers.

ISBN 9781781127179 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99