This week my children's book reviews include a collection of three chilling novellas perfect for teens, a picture book about a competition for a unicorn trophy, a middle grade story about a hawk teaching a boy to love nature and a middle grade story about a little girl must cope with the loss of a friend.
Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!
BOOK OF THE WEEK
THREE STRIKES BY LUCY
CHRISTOPHER, KAT ELLIS & RHIAN IVORY
YOUNG ADULT 15+
A red eye blinks in the
darkness; a hidden door opens to a lost crypt; a life is held within
a flame... welcome to Three Strikes. These unnerving tales include a
mysterious cult, a ghostly tale and a retelling of The Little Match
Girl. They are full of mystery, mayhem and menace and will stay with
you long after you've closed the book. Seductive and unsettling
novellas to curl up with on a winter's night.
ISBN 9781910080863 PB
Firefly Press £7.99
I REALLY WANT THAT
UNICORN BY FABI SANTIAGO
CHILDREN 4+
Chloe Crocodile is
confident she will win the coveted unicorn trophy in the local talent
show until hula hooping Veronica arrives. An hilarious and exuberant
story about the perils of being covetous and warning against rivalry
and competition. This is ideal for reading aloud while showing the
importance of friendship. The candy colours and effervescent
illustrations that dress the wonderful animal characters are a
laugh-out-loud delight that will be enjoyed again and again.
ISBN 9781408336915 PB
Orchard £6.99
FLYING FREE BY NICOLA
DAVIES & CATHY FISHER
CHILDREN 9+
Colin's
big brother gives him an air rifle and he can't wait to start
shooting stuff. But shooting a living animal is different to shooting
a can. When Colin shoots a hawk his life tilts on an angle and takes
him down a new revelatory path. A powerful message about respecting
nature and learning all actions have consequences. A short, easily
digestible book with finely observed pencil illustrations suitable
for reluctant readers as well as nature lovers.
ISBN
9781912654093 PB Graffeg £7.99
THE AFTERWARDS BY A.F.
HARROLD & EMILY GRAVETT
CHILDREN 9+
Ember and Ness are best
friends but when Ness dies Ember is determined to bring her back from
the Afterworld. A deeply moving tale of friendship, family,
acceptance and moving on. The monochrome illustrations with flashes
of colour really give the emotional journey added depth and pathos.
The dark humour laced throughout the story uplifts an otherwise sad
subject. This tale reminds us that everything has an end but also a
new beginning.
ISBN 9781408894316 HB
Bloomsbury £12.99
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