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Friday, 13 December 2019

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 14-15 2019

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a stunning picture book of a snowy walk through a big city, a rebellious Christmas Tree, a wintery adventure for horse lovers and an icy fantasy for Narnia lovers.


Perfect presents for Christmas



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



BOOK OF THE WEEK

SMALL IN THE CITY BY SYDNEY SMITH
PICTURE BOOK 4+
A young boy walks through a busy city on a snowy day. He is small, and the city is big and noisy. Can the boy find his way home? A stunningly atmospheric book that will give children courage and show them that it's ok to feel small and vulnerable. The inky drawings and flashes of bright colour bring alive the wintry day in the city. The stunning artwork and simple, poignant story is perfect for sharing.
HB Walker £12.99



OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! BY SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET
PICTURE BOOK 3+
It's Christmas time, and every tree on the street is beautifully decorated except one. This tree is a rebel! He doesn't want to wear glittery decorations. He wants to bake, go on a bike ride and watch telly. Can a gang of decorations, Bauble, Belle and Tinsel make him behave? A festive fun story full of warmth and wit with an adorable cast of characters. Perfect for reading out loud and getting children into the Christmas spirit.
PB Macmillan £6.99



SNOWFLAKES, SILVER AND SECRETS BY TRACEY CORDEROY
CHILDREN 8+
It's the Christmas holidays, and Bryony and her friends are looking forward to riding their ponies in the snow. When they befriend a family of travellers accused of stealing a box of silver Bryony must solve the mystery and remind people what Christmas is all about. The third delightful adventure set in Seaview Stables. This story is a must for horse lovers with a cute quiz and festive horse decoration to make at the back.
PB Simon & Schuster £6.99



THE FROZEN SEA BY PIERS TORDAY
CHILDREN 9+
When bullies chase Jewel into a mysterious old bookshop, she begins a quest into the enchanted world of Folio to rescue her missing aunt. Jewel's only help is her cheeky talking pet hamster Fizz and a malfunctioning robot. This spellbinding fantasy is an ode to the classic Narnia series with a sparkling cast and full of adventure. Ideal for reading on a wintry night and a lovely gift for fans of Nevermoor and Wizards of Once.
Quercus HB £12.99

Friday, 6 December 2019

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 7-8 2019

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a beautiful  retelling of Russian Folk tales, a pop up picture book following the Christmas Star, a very festive but greedy unicorn and a selection of winter animal tales for young readers.


Perfect presents for Christmas


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


BOOK OF THE WEEK 


KOSHKA'S TALES BY JAMES MAYHEW
CHILDREN 9+
Meet Koshka, the extraordinary storytelling cat. She spins dazzling tales of enchanting snow maidens, sea princesses, firebirds and the witch Baba-Yaga who lives in a house on chicken legs. This stunning collection of stories is an imaginative retelling of famous Russian folk-tales. The exquisite illustrations decorate and frame each page in bejewelled colours like a stained-glass window. The lyrical and creative storytelling matches it. A book to treasure and a beautiful gift.
Graffeg HB £12.99



FOLLOW THE STAR BY ANDY MANSFIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Follow the story of the Christmas Star as it travels from Bethlehem to the top of the iconic Christmas tree. Children will marvel at the beautifully engineered pop up spreads on each page. The block colours add to the lavish and intricate scenes which feature a foil star with simple rhyming text. A delight to share some peace and love while exploring each page. A lovely festive gift for young children.
Templar HB £14.99



OSCAR EATS CHRISTMAS BY LOU CARTER & NIKKI DYSON
PICTURE BOOK 4+
It's Christmas Eve and Oscar the Unicorn is hungry. He's already eaten the Christmas tree and the stockings! But what will happen when he eats all the magic reindeer food enabling them to fly? It's up to Oscar to make amends and help Father Christmas. The second hilarious story about this greedy unicorn is full of festive cheer and silliness. I love Oscar's bored expression and his grumpy feline sidekick. Children will gobble this up and keep wanting more.
Orchard PB £6.99



WINTER TALES BY VARIOUS
CHILDREN 5+
A magical collection of snowy tales for young readers by much-loved authors including Holly Webb with adorable illustrations by Alison Edgson. Children will fall in love with the polar bear who wants to be a penguin, explore with snow leopards and a reindeer girl or enjoy a magic show. A charming stocking filler to curl up with at bedtime over the holidays. Perfect for early and reluctant readers as well as animal lovers.
Stripes PB £5.99