SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 8-9 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a spookily good middle grade mystery and a selection of books perfect for Valentines for all ages. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

DEMELZA & THE SPECTRE DETECTORS BY HOLLY RIVERS

CHILDREN 8+

Demelza Clock loves science and inventing. But she has a distinctly unscientific skill: Spectre Detecting. When Grandma Maeve is kidnapped can Demelza summon the ghosts to help solve this deadly mystery? A spookily good mix of humour, science, the supernatural and talking skulls! It deals with the subject of death sensitively and has family and friendship at its heart. I especially loved the bond between Demelza and her grandmother. For fans of Skulduggery Pleasant.

Chicken House PB £6.99

I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & JONNY LAMBERT

BOARD BOOK 1+

A bear leads their cub on a beautiful journey through nature. Past the blue mountains, gushing waterfalls and under starlit nights. A stunning little board book to share the love between parent and child. The adorable collaged illustrations capture their bond while exploring the surrounding twilight wilderness and meeting the woodland animals. Children can spot foxes, deer and fish. A gorgeous little gift for the family for Valentines.

Little Tiger HB £4.99

A CUDDLE AND A CWTCH BY SARAH KILBRIDE & JAMES MUNRO

CHILDREN 7+

A dear little book celebrating the Welsh cuddle. On each page, the rhyming text introduces the reader to all the ways a cwych can be understood. The fun and original illustrations are charming and full of a wide variety of relatable characters. It is full of words of comfort, compassion and love. The perfect token of love, friendshp or as a thank you. It is suitable for everyone whatever the age at any time of year.

Graffeg HB £6.99

SHE IS FIERCE EDITED BY ANA SAMPSON

CHILDREN 10+

An outstanding collection of 150 poems written by women across the ages celebrating the centenary of women's suffrage. The subjects include friendship, protest, body image and mental health, joy and loss. Readers will enjoy their favourite poets such as Maya Angelou, Carol Ann Duffy and Christina Rossetti while discovering lesser-known female poets. Fascinating short biographies are included on each one. A celebration of girl power that would make a beautiful and inspirational gift.

Macmillan PB £7.99