SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 1-2 2020

This week my children's book reviews include informative, entertaining and empathetic books for Children's Mental Health Week.

Great to share with the family or in school to start meaningful discussions about mental health. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WORRYSAURUS BY RACHEL BRIGHT & CHRIS CHATTERTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic but before long he starts to worry. What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost? What if it rains? Can Worrysaurus chase away his fears and still enjoy the day? This charming rhyming story is perfect to share with children and discuss their worries in a light-hearted way. The thought-provoking story and emotionally charged illustrations are a delight and will help relieve youngsters every day concerns.

HB Orchard £12.99

LETTING GO! BY DR. SHARIE COOMBES & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

A mindful activity book to help children come to terms with bereavement and family separation. Children can colour and doodle their way to being happy, calm and confident. They can learn to use creativity to combat negative feelings and understand it's ok to give yourself time to heal and deal with issues. The activities will help children gain a different perspective and allow them to share their feelings. A essential series which demonstrates the healing powers of art.

PB Studio Press £9.99

BUTTERFLIES FOR GRANDPA JOE BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Grandpa Joe loves butterflies. But since Ben's granny passed away he has lost interest in everything and just wants to watch TV. Can Ben ignite Joe's interest in butterflies and in life? A heart-warming tale of empathy and dealing with grief. It highlights the importance of family and looking out for one another. It also conveys the importance of nature and mental health. A lovely story to share and ideal for school book clubs. Dyslexia friendly.

Barrington Stoke PB £6.99

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? BY DR LUCY MADDOX

CHILDREN 10+

What are mental health problems? How do we know what's healthy or not? This slim and accessible book will answer a child's questions and more. Written by a clinical psychologist it explores a range of mental health topics and explains how to keep in good mental health. This includes personal stories, the effects of social media and the importance of staying physically fit. An informative book perfect to share for Children's Mental Health Week.

HB Wayland £13.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 25-26 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade tale, an entertaining  board book about vehicles, a middle grade space adventure and a thrilling fantasy for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

TIGER HEART BY PENNY CHRIMES

CHILDREN 9+

When a young chimney sweep, Fly saves a tiger from an evil collector they form a bond and embark on a quest to find the truth of her royal birth. A magical tale that will whisk you away to exotic lands of cursed rubies. An inspiring tale about family, the importance of friendship and freedom. Beautifully written full of rich detail that draws you in with an entertaining and striking cast. Oliver meets the Jungle Book.

PB Orion £7.99

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO DRIVE... BY ROSAMUND LLOYD & RICHARD MERRITT

BOARD BOOK 3+

Discover an awesome array of exciting vehicles in this early learning board book. It is perfect for curious little fingers. Follow the road sweeper picking up rubbish, the ambulance helping people of the aeroplane taking off to far-flung places. The bold illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of life on the road or in the skies. Behind lots of fun flaps, children can find out fascinating facts about their favourite vehicles and discover new ones.

Little Tiger HB £ 6.99

ORION LOST BY ALASTAIR CHISHOLM

CHILDREN 9+

When catastrophe strikes the colony ship Orion in deep space it's up to thirteen-year-old eth and her friends to bring them home. They must navigate treacherous and uncharted territory with a heavily damage s ship while encountering mysterious alien species and space pirates. Who can they trust? An exciting sci-fi adventure full of twists and turns. Perfect for fans of Star Trek and Lost in Space.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

INFINITY SON BY ADAM SILVERA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Brothers Emil and Brighton are caught up in a war between a group of vigilantes, the Spell Walkers and specters who steal the essence of magical creatures. One brother has the power to end it all. The other will stop at nothing in his pursuit of glory. Brotherhood, love and loyalty will be put to the test. But who will escape the fight unscathed? A heart-thumping epic fantasy for fans of X-Men and Shadowhunters.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 18-19 2020

This week my children's book reviews include two epic fantasies for teens, a beautiful picture book about the price of freedom and a fascinating middle grade book full of strange but true football stories. 

Perfect books for the New Year!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

A THRONE OF SWANS BY KATHARINE & ELIZABETH CORR

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Aderly inherits a kingdom ruled by those who can transform into a bird and fly. Aderly is a swan who since witnessing her mothers murder can no longer take flight. Can she save the kingdom from her cruel uncle? Who can she trust? An intriguing fantasy richly woven with magic and a duplicitous cast, a flawed but courageous heroine and an unexpected twist. For fans of Leigh Bardugo and Melinda Salisbury.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

STARBIRD BY SHARON KING-CHAI

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The Moon King gifts his daughter the legendary Starbird. But one day it stops singing. When his daughter notices how sad the caged bird is she sets it free. The King is furious. Can he understand the price of freedom? A stunning book with foiled pages. Children will be entranced by the twilight images and looking for the Starbird within the silhouettes. A beautiful original folk story about love and freedom that would make a stunning and sensitive gift.

Two Hoots HB £12.99

UNBELIEVABLE FOOTBALL BY MATT OLDFIELD

CHILDREN 8+

A collection of entertaining and fascinating stories about the beautiful game. Have you heard of the psychic octopus who could predict the winner? The Lancashire Lasses who became footballs best-kept secret? The dog detective who saved the world cup trophy? The world-class manager who survived a war? The perfect gift for football-mad kids. The short accessible stories are perfect to dip into and share with friends and family.

Wren & Rook PB £6.99

A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN BY BRIGID KEMMERER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Harper has freed Prince Rhen from a curse but a rival heir lies in wait. Grey the prince's best friend has fled the castle with a terrible secret. Who will betray whom? Told from alternating points of view this fantasy sequel brims with excitement, devious plots and bold new characters that will sink its claws into you. An exciting new spin on a tale as old as time which forges its own path. A must for fantasy lovers.

Bloomsbury PB £7.99