SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 29-MARCH 1 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliant ecological adventure series, a magnificent picture book about nature, a fascinating look at the Viking era and an epic fantasy for teens.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ECO RANGERS: WILDFIRE RESCUE BY CANDICE LEMON-SCOTT

CHILDREN 7+

Ebony and Jay are best friends and Eco Rangers who rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in need. After a devastating wildfire in the bushland, they rescue a cute possum with burnt paws. Children will be fascinated by all the nature and animal facts interspersed throughout the adventure. An exciting topical new series that sensitively explains the dangers of fire on the environment. Perfect for early readers and animal lovers and also to share in the classroom.

PB New Frontier Publishing £5.99

MY FRIEND EARTH BY PATRICIA MACLACHLAN & FRANCESCA SANNA

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A visually stunning and joyous celebration of our wondrous planet and all the marvels it contains. The poetic text lovingly shows just how good a friend Earth is to all of us. The spectacular illustrations are bursting with bold colours and die-cut pages inviting the young readers to explore the magical world within. Explore the different seasons, climates and the animals that live there. An enchanting delight from start to finish.

Chronicle Books HB £12.99

VIKING VOYAGERS BY JACK TITE

CHILDREN 8+

The Vikings have a fearsome reputation as bloodthirsty warriors but they also made many remarkable accomplishments highlighted in this magnificent book. Step back in time to find out what Viking life was like, how they travelled and traded and their rich mythology. The bold graphic illustrations showcase the Vikings in all their glory with engaging and informative text and large fold-out pages. A wonderful gift for history lovers and little warriors alike.

Big Picture Press HB £16.99

HAVENFALL BY SARA HOLLAND

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A sprawling epic fantasy about a safe haven between worlds and a girl sworn to protect it. Maddie must keep the peace between the realms when her friend is accused of murder. Before war breaks out can she discover the truth and the secret of her own identity? When everyone has a hidden agenda who can she trust? Breathless in scale and ambition this is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Holly Black.

Bloomsbury PB £7.99

5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 22-23 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade historical adventure, an exquisitely illustrated picture book, a dark and dangerous middle grade fantasy adventure and a thrilling and topical teen drama set in the world of olympic gymnastics. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED CLOCKS BY A.M. HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

Helena and her parrot Orbit are swept off to Cambridge where her father is appointed clock-winder to the wealthiest man in England in 1905. But the house of one hundred clocks is haunted by many mysteries. Can Helena work out its secrets before time runs out? An atmospheric and intriguing tale laced with science and social change against an Edwardian backdrop. A modern fairytale with family love, loss and the healing power of friendship at its heart.

Usborne PB £6.99

THE ANTLERED SHIP BY DASHKA SLATER & THE FAN BROTHERS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

An inquisitive fox, Marco sets off on a seafaring voyage with a crew of hungry deer and courageous pigeons in this enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. Can Marco find the answers to his questions? How deep does the sun go when it sinks into the sea? Why don't trees talk? Children will adore diving into the exquisite and fanciful illustrations of Marco's odyssey. The detailed artwork is sublime. A stunning gift to be treasured.

PB Lincoln Children's Books £7.99

ORPHANS OF THE TIDE BY STRUAN MURRAY

CHILDREN 9+

When a mysterious boy washes in with the tide the citizens believe he's the Enemy. A God who creates chaos. Only Ellie, a fearless young inventor believes he's innocent. Can Ellie prove who he really is while keeping her own dangerous secret? Readers will submerge themselves into a mythic and dark world atmospherically illustrated by Manuel Sumberac. The gothic overtones and themes of friendship and loyalty will suit fans of Philip Pullman and Frostheart.

Puffin PB £7.99

BREAK THE FALL BY JENNIFER IACOPELLI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Audrey dreams of swinging her way to Olympic glory. A gold medal will be worth all her aches and pains. But when her trainer is accused by a fellow gymnast of the unthinkable her team starts to fall apart. With pressure mounting can Audrey hold her nerve until her final dismount? A powerfully told novel about one girl's determination to push herself to the limits. A topical and insightful drama for fans of gymnastics and athletics.

PB Hodder £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 15-16 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade mystery for train lovers, a picture book about a fiendish fox, a out of the world story about a boy who doesn't like potatoes and and a insightful and gripping young adult novel highlighting homelessness.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HIGHLAND FALCON THIEF BY M.G. LEONARD & SAM SEDGMAN

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven year-old Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his Uncle Nat on the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. When a priceless diamond brooch goes missing can he solve the mystery before the end of the line? A stowaway, a lonely dog and some rather eccentric guests lead Harrison and the readers on the ride of a lifetime. Can you pick up the clues? A first-class mystery for train lovers and adventurers.

PB Macmillan £6.99

THE TERRIBLY FRIENDLY FOX BY SUSANNAH LLOYD & ELLIE SNOWDON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Gerald is a newly reformed vegetarian fox and guest of honour at the Woodland Creatures Ball! He charms all the guests with songs and games but has he really changed his ways? A classical dark and funny tail. Children will be intrigued by the characterful pen and wash illustrations. But will they notice who is missing page by page? The text and illustrations tell different stories. A darkly hilarious tale with Roald Dahl humour.

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

THE NIGHT OF THE SPACE SPUD BY KAYLEY WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 5+

A young boy hates potatoes so much he sneaks out to bury them in the garden at night. But when an alien called a space spud whisks him off to Potato Planet can he see potatoes in a more positive light! Can the boy be persuaded to love potatoes as well? A quirky funny story that will help fussy eaters and inspire children's imagination. Great to share with the family or in the classroom.

Olympia PB £6.99

SOFA SURFER BY MALCOLM DUFFY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Fifteen-year old Tyler rebels against his family's move from London to Yorkshire. When he befriends a girl called Spider it exposes her life living on the streets. Can Tyler help Spider escape or be drawn into a dark and dangerous world? This powerful and insightful story highlights the rise of homelessness while never losing humour or heart. It's about family, belongs and the importance of kindness and understanding. Great for book clubs and topical discussion in class.

HB Zephyr £12.99