SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW APRIL 14-15TH

This week my children's book reviews include a fascinating look into the world of bugs, the adventures of a stray cat, a young detective and a secret society of butlers and a gripping sequel to young adult fantasy, Ink.

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BUG HOTEL BY LIBBY WALDEN & CLOVER ROBIN

BOARD BOOK 3+

This fascinating lift the flap book of discovery shows youngsters what it's like inside the perfect habitat for insects to live. The glorious illustrations combined with bite-sized facts bring the bug world to life. Did you know beetles are one of the earth's oldest creatures? Build your own bug hotel or check out the one in Singleton Park amongst others. Also in the series is the Bird House and both make excellent entertaining and educational gifts for nature lovers.

ISBN 9781848576575 Little Tiger HB £8.99

THE STORY OF TANTRUM O'FURRILY BY CRESSIDA COWELL & MARK NICHOLAS

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A stray cat called Tantrum tells her hungry three kittens a story about a pampered cat. The lessons the kittens and little readers will learn is don't be fooled by appearances and to show kindness and courage when needed. The simple tale is beautifully illustrated mainly in textured monotone with splashes of colour. Children will be whisked along through the stormy night to a satisfying ending perfect for bedtime.

ISBN 9781444933802 HB Hodder £12.99

HOUNDS AND HAUNTINGS BY JANINE BEACHAM

CHILDREN 9+

Rose Raventhorpe and the city's secret society of butlers are on the case again. An historical fantasy adventure will have young reader's pulses racing. Can young detective Rose find a murderer and the mystery behind the ancient ghost-hound? The evocative Victorian setting, quirky cast and spunky heroine will enthral and intrigue as young readers pick up clues along the way. For fans of Sherlock, Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine.

ISBN 978510201323 PB Little Brown Books £6.99

SPARK BY ALICE BROADWAY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

In a world where the events in your life are tattooed onto your skin, Leora is questioning the purpose of the society she lives in. When she is forced to spy on the Blanks, outsiders with no marks she finds answers to her past and future. This complex tribal fantasy cleverly will draw you into its web of truths and half-truths. Who is friend or foe? Where does Leora truly belong? A gripping sequel to the bestseller Ink.

ISBN 9781407172859 PB Scholastic £7.99