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