SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 28 -29 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magnificent middle grade mystery, an entertaining board book about farm life, a horrible history of seafaring Britain and Ireland and a feminist coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOUR BY ALLY CARTER

CHILDREN 9+

When 11-year-old orphan April joins Winterborne Home she discovers its missing heir Gabriel Winterborne living in the secret basement. Can April and her fellow orphans save Gabriel from his murderous family? Can they uncover the mystery of the ghostly Sentinel? A rip-roaring adventure bursting with excitement and escapades. The diverse cast and twists and turns will grip children until it's ending. Lemony Snicket meets The Goonies.

Orchard PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? BY JASON KORSNER & HANNAH ROUNDING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A collection of gently rhyming verses which encourage the young to look at the world around them. Children and adults will have great fun spotting themes and will be inspired to play spot the object. What's on your plate, in the bathroom, lounge or garden? A fun way to play a game, explore your home and take a break from the digital world if necessary. Gorgeous pen and wash illustrations make this a treat.

Graffeg PB £7.99

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: ALL AT SEA BY TERRY DEARY & MARTIN BROWN

CHILDREN 8+

A rollicking and stormy journey around Britain and Irelands seafaring history. Children will be fascinated by the Viking attack on St Davids, how Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas saved Britain from a French invasion and the dastardly wreckers of South Wales. There are also fishy tales of traditions and superstitions.Written in digestible segments with witty line illustrations and cartoons reluctant readers and future sailors will be hooked. Ship Ahoy!

PB Scholastic £6.99

RULES FOR BEING A GIRL BY CANDACE BUSHNELL & KATIE COTUGNO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Marin is bright and heading to the Ivy League. When Marin's favourite English teacher, Mr Beckett kisses her no one believes her. To make herself heard and show solidarity for all girls she writes an article on misogyny and sexism. But the backlash is unexpected. Can Marin retain her self-respect and her friends? A witty and inspiring coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect. Moxie meets Legally Blonde.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 21-22 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting sci-fi middle grade adventure, a charming board book exploring farm life plus two more middle grade reads including a collection of classic stories featuring brave girls and an insightful road trip across the south in America 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BIGWOOF CONSPIRACY BY DASHE ROBERTS

CHILDREN 9+

Twelve-year-old UFO-obsessed Lucy Sladan is investigating unexplained disappearances in her home town Sticky Pines. She teams up with a strange thirteen-year-old boy called Milo to uncover the mystery. But what happens when they discover a huge hairy creature! A quirky cast of characters and bizarre occurrences will keep the kids hooked. A hilarious and exciting new sci-fi series that has a wide appeal. Stranger Things meets The Goonies.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? ON THE FARM BY MARIA PERERA & KATE WARE

BOARD BOOK 3+

Explore a farmyard with charming peep-through pages and layered landscapes. Children will love spotting and counting the different animals, vehicles and food on each page. It is also peppered with facts. Find out what a baby pig and cow is called. Count how many chicks are on the page. The bold colours and sturdy pages are perfect for curious fingers. A great way to occupy an hour or two.

HB Little Tiger £7.99

FAVOURITE STORIES OF COURAGEOUS GIRLS BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 8+

A wonderful collection of inspirational stories about brave girls who face up to fear and fight against unfairness. Children will be introduced to some of the best-loved heroines in children's' books. From Jo March cutting her hair to raise money to Anne of Green Gables saving her friends life. Each chapter has an introduction before the satisfying extract. This is a lovely gift to share on Mothers Day and will encourage children to explore the classics.

Hodder PB £6.99

CLEAN GETAWAY BY NIC STONE

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven-year-old Scoob and his Grandma are going on a spontaneous road trip in her new camper van across America. Armed with the Green Book showing the 'safe' places for African Americans Scoob soon learns nothing is what it seems. When the past meets the present, family secrets are exposed Scoob is getting more of an education that he realised. This entertaining road trip is a heartwarming and thought-provoking family drama that highlights prejudice in American history.

Knights Of PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 14-15 2020

This week my children's book reviews include the hilarious return of Thimble the monkey for young readers and a picture book celebration of women who are trying to save the planet. Also included is a middle grade adventure about a newly recruited eco detective who must save endangered animals and a searing drama for teens dealing with bullying and suicide. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THIMBLE WONGA BONKERS BY JON BLAKE & MARTIN CHATTERTON

CHILDREN 7+

While Jams Mum visits a spa his Dad and Thimble the monkey are left home alone. When Thimble goes bananas and loses their shopping money they must hatch a plan. Will Dad really sell Thimble to his evil publisher?Can Jams save the day? A hilarious madcap adventure that is bursting with quick-fire humour. Children will love the continuing riotous adventures of Jams and Thimble accompanied by fun black and white illustrations. Perfect so share.

Firefly PB £5.99

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO SAVED THE PLANET BY KATE PANKHURST

CHILDREN 5+

A new addition to this awesome series about inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to conserving and protecting the earth. Isatou Ceesay from Gambia helped women become financially independent while teaching them to recycle. Maria Telkes developed solar energy. Jane Goodall still fights for the rights of chimpanzees today. Families and classrooms will be fascinated by the discoveries, inventions and innovations these extraordinary women have made to make the world a better place.

Bloomsbury PB £6.99

AGENTS OF THE WILD: OPERATON HONEYHUNT BY JENNIFER BELL & ALICE LICKENS

CHILDREN 8+

School girl Agnes is recruited by a determined elephant Shrew called Attie to join SPEARS: The Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species. She is whisked off to the Brazilian rainforest to save an endangered dance-loving bee named Elton. Children will love following Agnes on her hilarious mission while learning facts along the way. Every page is covered in dynamic green and black illustrations perfect for this new wildlife loving series. Ideal for young eco-warriors.

Walker PB £6.99

AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY BY DANIELLE JAWANDO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

When fifteen-year-old Nathan's older brother Al takes his own life his whole world falls apart. Nathan and his friend Megan are determined to find out the truth and keep his memory alive. An evocative and heart-rending drama about loss, understanding and the importance of reaching out when you least want to. A powerful and hard-hitting story that can be used to invite discussion and a positive response to the weaponising of social media by bullies.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 7-8 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous Parisien middle grade mystery, a classic feminist picture book, a guide to making the world better and a riveting dystopian adventure for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE PEAR AFFAIR BY JUDITH EAGLE

CHILDREN 9+

Nell is determined to find her adored missing au pair Perrine. Nell will even travel with her ghastly nouveau riche parents to Paris to find her. When she arrives Nell finds herself embroiled in another mystery surrounding the suspicious closures of famous bread shops. Children will love exploring Paris with Nell and her new friends who live under the city streets while seeking out clues. A gripping and entrancing quest for true friendship. C'est délicieux!

Faber PB £7.99

THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS BY ROBERT MUNSCH & MICHAEL MARTCHENKO

PICTURE BOOK 4+

This special 40th Anniversary hardback celebrates the classic feminist fairytale with a foreword by Chelsea Clinton. Princess Elizabeth is about to marry her prince when a dragon kidnaps him and burns down her castle. With only a paper bag to wear she sets off to rescue him only to be told she looks a mess! Where will her heart truly lead her? Children will delight in the surprise ending and the delightful characterful illustrations. A classic.

Annick Press HB £12.99

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER WORLD BY KEILLY SWIFT

CHILDREN 7+

You have the power to change the world. But how and in what way? A fun and inspiring practical guide to how young people can help the planet and people around them. Find out how to volunteer, help the environment, start a campaign or help with the plastic problem. Children and families can discover tips, projects and role models through the easy to digest text and colourful illustrations. Inspirational for both home and school.

DK HB £10.99

THE LOOP BY BEN OLIVER

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Sixteen-year-old Luka will be executed in the Loop, a prison controlled by artificial intelligence unless he submits to medical experiments. A detonator is sewn into his heart. Will he ever be free? Is there more danger outside than in? Can he stop all humankind being deleted? A fascinating concept and world that doesn't seem that far away. It raises questions about the power we give technology. A gripping dystopian thriller for fans of Maze Runner and Divergent.

Chicken House PB £7.99