SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 23-24 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a hilarious teen romance, a picture book including dinosaurs and Christmas, and two middle grade adventures perfect for the festive period. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

INDIA SMYTHE STANDS UP BY SARAH GOVETT

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fourteen-year-old India catches the eye of the hottest boy in school her popularity rockets. Can she navigate a budding romance whilst dealing with embarrassingly strict parents and demonic teachers? Why is she finding the orchestra geek so distracting? A hilarious coming-of-age romance that was so funny I couldn't put it down! It perfectly captures the trials of school, its pecking order and the importance of friendship. For fans of Ferris Bueller and Stephanie Perkins.

Marotte Books PB £7.99

DEAR SANTASAUR BY CHAE STRATHIE & NICOLA O'BYRNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Does Santa deliver to dinosaurs? Join the mighty T. Rex on a Roar-some Christmas adventure about a little boy and his favourite dinosaur. Can Max and his dinosaur friends help Santa and go to their Christmas party? Kids will love spotting all the different dinosaurs in this action-packed tale about friendship. It's packed with letters, cards and fun facts to read alongside the hilariously festive illustrations. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud.

Scholastic PB £6.99

THE IMPOSSIBLE BOY BY BEN BROOKS

CHILDREN 8+

Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian, who becomes real! Things become stranger and more dangerous when they are pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality who want to capture and erase Sebastian forever. Can Oleg and Emma protect their new friend in time for Christmas? A magical and festive adventure with an extraordinary cast of characters. It is full of empathy, friendship and fun. A lovely Christmas present.

Quercus HB £9.99

THE PEARL IN THE ICE BY CATHRYN CONSTABLE

CHILDREN 10+

It is 1912. Twelve-year-old Marina stows away on her father's ship despite him ordering her to stay away from water. On the eve of war, Marina sails into a wild and oceanic adventure to uncover a secret. What is the dark shape following them? Inspired by classic folk-tales, shipwrecks and mythical sea creatures, this will take you on an epic voyage with a resourceful and brave heroine. Perfect for curling up on a cold winter night.

Chicken House PB £6.99