CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 18-19

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include an adventure with an elephant, a retelling of Beauty and The Beast, a very ladylike murder mystery and an hilarious teen romance.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ELEPHANT THIEF BY JANE KERR

CHILDREN 9+

When pickpocket Danny accidentally bids for Maharajah, the elephant at auction he's caught up in an unforgettable journey. Transformed into a bejewelled Indian prince Danny rides Maharajah from Scotland to his new home in England. Will a rival zoo keeper stop them and will Danny's dangerous past catch up with them both? A gripping historical adventure of an unlikely friendship between boy and elephant, based on true life events. A beautifully written future classic.

ISBN 9781910655757 PB Chicken House £6.99

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BY ANNA MILBOURNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Celebrating the film release, this is a beautiful retelling of the classic fairytale. As well as the colourfully detailed illustrations by Lorena Alvarez it is also packed with enchanting surprises with intricate cut outs to look through and flaps to lift. Little children will love following Belle through the Beast's house until she discovers him hiding in the garden . Also available in the series is Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. A gift to treasure.

ISBN 9781474920544 HB Usborne £9.99

BLACK CATS AND BUTLERS BY JANINE BEACHAM

CHILDREN 9+

Born into the aristocracy Rosie is a young lady with a penchant for finding distinctly unladylike trouble. When her adored butler is murdered Rosie is determined to defy convention and find out who did it. Can she solve this wicked crime while successfully steering her way through the rules of proper etiquette? Grave robbers, magicians and ancient feline guardians will keep young readers gripped. Nancy Drew meets Downton Abbey. A rollicking adventure.

ISBN 9781510201286 PB Little, Brown Books £6.99

BOYWATCHING SEASON THREE BY CHLOE BENNET

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Hilarious conclusion to this contemporary trilogy. Broken hearts, broken promises and broken toes abound! Chloe is left with her boyfriends handsome but awkward cousin Oscar while he leaves her to go on a French exchange. Can she transform him into a smooth operator? Laugh out loud at the teenage angst that everyone can relate to. Pretty in Pink meets Ten Things I Hate About You, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han

ISBN 9781408345122 PB Orchard Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 4-5TH

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post include a beetle mad villain, a shy koala, an exploration of sea life and an Indian Jones style adventure.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BEETLE QUEEN BY M.G LEONARD
CHILDREN 9+
The highly anticipated sequel to the best selling Beetle Boy doesn't disappoint.
Cruel beetle fashionista, Lucretia Cutter, is at large with her yellow ladybird spies. Will Darkus and his friends be able to stop her thirst for power? I love Lucretia, who is a wickedly delicious villain to rival Cruella De Ville. Her evil machinations are aided and abetted by a wonderfully vibrant cast that will enthral fans and find new ones.
ISBN 9781910002773 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE KOALA WHO COULD BY RACHEL BRIGHT AND JIM FIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A charming rhyming tale about a little koala who does not like change. The koala likes to feel safe, so he stays in his tree even though its boring and he can see his friends having fun on the ground. There is nothing so frightening as fear ; face it to deal with it . This inspiring tale is about learning to let go so to discover new things. Good for bedtime, classrooms and cautious children!
ISBN 9781408331644 PB Orchard Books £6.99

SECRETS OF THE SEA BY ELEANOR TAYLOR
CHILDRENS 8+
Take a journey of wonder through the hidden world of the sea. From rock pools and the shallows to coral gardens and the mysteries of the deep. Discover the astonishing diversity of life beneath the waves in this fragile ecosystem. From single cell organisms, Sea Sparkle and tiny crustaceans, Daphnia to Giant Tube Worms and Queen Parrotfish. The glorious illustrations have a luminous, mystical feel that will transport you to the oceans hidden depths.
ISBN 9781783704347 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

JAKE ATLAS AND THE TOMB OF THE EMERALD SNAKE BY ROB LLOYD JONES
CHILDREN 9+
Jake and his twin sister Pan are in big trouble. When their parents disappear in Cairo can they find them before they are turned into mummies by an evil cult? Teaming up with shady high tech treasure hunters first Jake and Pan must find a lost tomb. This is Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible with a touch of The Goonies thrown in for good measure. Action packed great fun.
ISBN 9781406361445 PB Walker Books £6.99

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Review FEB 25-26

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post include a contemporary behind the scenes romance, an introduction to insects and early learning, an inspiring book about women scientists who were trailblazers and an hilarious adventure featuring the Greek Gods.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

UNCONVENTIONAL BY MAGGIE HARCOURT
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Lexi helps her Dad organise events and fan conventions. But when a cute author tumbles into her life he manages to upset her carefully organised plans. There's also the small matter of her Dad's remarriage to contend with. A really funny insight behind the scenes and its eye opening demands. This is an entertaining tale of errors and misunderstandings that borders on a French farce. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.
ISBN 9781409590156 PB Usborne Young Adult £7.99

FOLLOW THE TRAIL: MINI BEASTS
PICTUREBOOK 2+
Preschoolers will delight in following the different insects using their fingers along the textured trails. This multi sensory book allows the children to peek through the holes at butterflies, ladybirds, bees and dragonflies while learning about shapes, matching and sorting. The mix of photography and illustrations keeps the visuals crisp and clear. Other subjects in this sturdy board book series include trucks, animals, the farm and dinosaurs. Great fun for early learners.
ISBN 9780241275948 HB Dorling Kindersley £6.99

WOMEN IN SCIENCE BY RACHEL IGNOTOFSKY
CHILDREN 7+
A wonderful celebration of pioneering female scientists covering fields from science, technology, engineering and maths. Included amongst these trailblazing women are physicist Marie Curie and the lesser known British palaeontologist, Mary Anning. It is truly inspiring to read stories about such a determined group of women from all different nationalities, backgrounds and social classes. Proof no matter what the obstacle, if you are determined enough you can achieve great things.
ISBN 9781526360519 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

WHO LET THE GODS OUT? BY MAZ EVANS
CHILDRENS 9+
Elliot's Mum is ill and they could also lose their home. As if life couldn't get an worse a young Zodiac goddess crashes into Elliot's life and they both accidentally release a wicked daemon. Will the Olympian Gods help them or have they become too comfortable in the modern world? An absolutely hilarious romp infused with mythology and fast paced adventure that will appeal to children and adults. Perfect for Percy Jackson and David Walliams fans.
ISBN 9781910655412 PB Chicken House £6.99

My Pick of Middle Grade Childrens Books from 2016

My Pick of Middle Grade Fiction Books from 2016

A DOG'S LIFE BY ANN M. MARTIN
CHILDRENS 9+

A heart warming tale of the life of a stray dog told from her perspective. We follow Squirrel from abandoned puppy into adulthood, her friends and foes, loves and losses, until she finds a place she can call home. Its an emotional rollercoaster and I defy anyone not to fall in love with this brave and steadfast little mutt. Perfect for dog lovers and highlights why a dog is for life not just for Christmas.

ISBN 9781474906470 PB Usborne £6.99

THE GREAT CHOCOPLOT BY CHRIS CALLAGHAN
CHILDRENS 8+
The chocopocalypse has arrived and soon there will be no chocolate in the world! Following a trail of clues will Jelly and her Gran uncover a fiendish plot that could deprive the nation of their favourite treat and avert disaster? Or will the villain, Garibaldi leave them with a bitter taste in the mouth? This wonderful Roald Dahlian adventure presents an assortment box of hilarious and eccentric characters that will be devoured by little chocolate lovers everywhere. 
ISBN 9781910002513 PB Chicken House £6.99

ROBYNSILVER AND THE MIDNIGHT CHIMES BY PAULA HARRISON
CHILDRENS 8+
When ten year old Robyn starts seeing scary creatures no one else can see she discovers she has special monster hunting powers. But can Robyn save her little sister from their clutches? This feisty heroine combined with her relateable family dynamic and endearing friends, plus the charming illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, really makes for a fun and exciting read. Reminiscent of a young Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new, younger generation. 
ISBN 9781407170589 PB Scholastic £6.99

THE ROAD TO EVER AFTER BY MOIRA YOUNG
CHILDREN 10+
A surprisingly moving and humorous tale of an orphaned, homeless boy called Davy who likes drawing angels. When he meets Miss Flint, an elderly lady going home to die, he finds a true kindred spirit. A mix of 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Benjamin Button', this extraordinary adventure will make you laugh and cry. Visually arresting prose and empathetic observations. Life is about those moments that take your breath away and this certainly took mine. A classic.
ISBN 9781509832583 HB Macmillans Childrens Books £9.99

MURDER IN MIDWINTER BY FLEUR HITCHCOCK
CHILDRENS 9+

When Maya becomes a witness to a violent crime she has to hide in rural Wales until the police have caught the perpetrator. Trapped in the farm in a snow storm is she still safe or has she been discovered? A nail biting crime novel for middle grade readers and an exciting introduction for this genre. This atmospheric thriller will keep you guessing to the end, perfect to curl up with on a winters night.

ISBN 9780857636386 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL BY MEGAN SHEPHERD
CHILDRENS 8+
When Emmaline, alone and traumatised, is evacuated to a countryside hospital during World War II she discovers a secret. There are winged horses living beyond the mirrors and only she can protect them. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Michael Morpurgo books it explores friendship, love and loss. Wonderfully illustrated by Levi Pinfold his atmospheric paintings of horses and war time life will captivate history, art and animal lovers alike and make a wonderful gift. 
ISBN 9781406367584 HB Walker Books £12.99

OVER THE LINE BY TOM PALMER
CHILDRENS 9+
Jack is about to live his dream as a pro footballer but its 1914 and soon is heading to the front line. This movingly true story of the Footballers Battalion paints a vivid picture of life in the trenches including the filth, the rats and loss. It also tells of courage, friendship and honor. A gripping read for those interested in history and football as well as reluctant readers. There are also teacher resources for class discussion to accompany.
ISBN 9781781125861 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99 

THERE MAY BE A CASTLE BY PIERS TORDAY
CHILDRENS 9+

It's Christmas Eve and Mouse, an eleven year old boy, and his family are involved in a car accident in the middle of nowhere. Only Mouse can help but to do so he must enter a magical world and fulfil a quest. A whimsical adventure that straddles fantasy and reality full of knights, monsters and a sheep called Bar. A tale of bravery, loss and life and ultimately hope with a touch of Dahl and Lewis Carroll.
ISBN 9781848668621 HB Quercus £12.99

THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM BY ROSS MACKENZIE
CHILDRENS 9+
A magical adventure that is sure to weave its spell over you. Daniel, an orphan, only wants to hide in the Emporium but it seems the shop needs his help. He becomes an apprentice to a magician, discovers enchanted rooms, makes friends, travels through time and comes face to face with evil personified. The worthy winner of The Blue Peter Book Awards amongst others this will really inspire the imagination of all ages. Perfect for Harry Potter fans.
ISBN: 9781782501251 PB Floris Books £6.99

PERIJEE AND ME BY ROSS MONTGOMERY

CHILDRENS 9+

A sci fi fantasy that is as poignant as it is funny. Caitlin's only friend happens to be an alien. But he's growing too big to hide and is a danger to himself and others. Can she save her friend while her family falls apart? Full of adventure, laughter and sure to make bobble hats the new must have! With a nod to Iron Man by Ted Hughes this is a story about bravery, friendship and family.
ISBN: 9780571317950 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE BY KATE DICAMILLO

CHILDRENS 9+
A moving story about friendship, family and the ties that bind. Three girls meet during a baton twirling contest and form an unlikely bond. Loosely based on the authors life in a small American town this is a heart warming tale of a child’s innocent view of an adult world. In the unlikeliest of circumstances including errant fathers, lost cats and narrow escapes they find hope, courage and humour in the face of tragedy. A delight. 
ISBN: 9781406363135 HB Walker Books Ltd £9.99

THE GIRL OF INK & STARS BY KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

CHILDRENS 11+

Isabella dreams of exploring The Forgotten Territories her father once mapped. Her opportunity comes when she must find her best friend Lupe with only an ancient map and the stars to guide. Monsters, myth and magic draw the reader into this modern day classic of friendship and sacrifice. An enchanting début in a gorgeously presented book peppered with maps and symbols that will enthral. For fans of Philip Pullman and Katherine Rundell. Spellbinding.

ISBN: 9781910002742 PB Chicken House Ltd £6.99

THE APPRENTICE WITCH BY JAMES NICOL
CHILDRENS 8+

An exciting debut novel following the adventures of fifteen year old Arianwyn, an apprentice witch who has failed her witch assessment. Sent to a supposedly quiet town Arianwyn starts to find her true powers and make new friends. From overcoming her arch rival to fighting terrifying monsters and demons this enchanting tale tackles self esteem issues and overcoming adversity. A spell binding start to an magical new series perfect for the holidays.

ISBN 9781910655153 PB Chicken House £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN NOV 5TH-6TH

 My picks for my childrens book review column this week include a snow bound fable of love, a treasury of animals, a compendium of fascinating worldly facts and a deliciously naughty chocolate plot. My review is in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE CLICK THE TITLE TO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK

BOOK OF THE WEEK

RAVEN CHILD AND THE SNOW WITCH BY LINDA SUNDERLAND
PICTURE BOOK 4+
A fairytale of a close knit family who live in the shadow of an icy glacier, home of the Snow Witch. When Anya's mother is stolen by the Witch she must make the treacherous journey to save her with the help from an injured raven and an Arctic fox. Dramatic and striking artwork by talented artist Daniel Egneus captures the poignant and magical story of a determined child who will do anything to keep her family together. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781783704194 PB Templar Publishing £7.99

A FIRST BOOK OF ANIMALS BY NICOLA DAVIES AND PETRA HORACEK
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A celebration of the amazing and enormous variety in the animal kingdom. This sumptuous volume brings to life its true wonders through the lyrical text of Nicola Davies and atmospheric illustrations of Petra Horacek. From the whale shark to the tiny hummingbird, the speeding cheetah to the languorous sloth this is an absolute delight for little animal lovers. A book to treasure and inspire a new generation to hopefully protect and conserve these amazing creatures.
ISBN 9781406359633 HB Walker Books £14.99

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN DEEPEST OCEAN BY PAGE TSOU
CHILDRENS BOOK 6+
A visual feast of a compendium that will open your eyes to the extraordinary world we live in. Do you know which is the longest living animal? The oldest tree? The biggest storm? Discover all the answers in this fascinating large format book of visual comparisons with beautifully detailed illustrations that have a vintage and contemporary flavour. For fans of Animalium, Maps and future David Attenboroughs! Indulge your curiosity.
ISBN 9781783704842 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

THE GREAT CHOCOPLOT BY CHRIS CALLAGHAN
CHILDRENS 8+
The chocopocalypse has arrived and soon there will be no chocolate in the world! Following a trail of clues will Jelly and her Gran uncover a fiendish plot that could deprive the nation of their favourite treat and avert disaster? Or will the villain, Garibaldi leave them with a bitter taste in the mouth? This wonderful Roald Dahlian adventure presents an assortment box of hilarious and eccentric characters that will be devoured by little chocolate lovers everywhere.
ISBN 9781910002513 PB Chicken House £6.99


ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE ALSO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 10TH-11TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a return to the feisty Lois Lane of Superman fame, an encyclopedia must have for young minds, doodles to celebrate Roald Dahl's centenary and an adventurous secret passion for baking,  great for fans of the Great British Bake Off.  All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy! 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DOUBLE DOWN BY GWENDA BOND
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Lois Lane is back on the case. Being a huge fan of Superman I loved this reimagining of her teenage years. An army brat in a new school with a secret pen pal called 'SmallvilleGuy' and a job at the local rag, The Daily Planet, this has all the ingredients to keep fans happy. In her second adventure Lois is catapulted into a dangerous mystery of greed, politics and revenge. Precocious and sassy.
ISBN 9781782023692 PB Curious Fox £6.99
5/5 Stars

MY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VERY IMPORTANT THINGS
CHILDRENS 4+
Inquisitive little learners always need a book of extremely useful facts for all those niggling questions about the world around them. Look no further because this will certainly take them on an educational journey of discovery through different cultures, people and places which will set young minds alight. Brimming with facts and figures alongside an array of photos and colour illustrations this is a brilliant addition to a child’s library. Supports the KS1 National Curriculum.
ISBN 9780241224939 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars

ROALD DAHL SCRIBBLE BOOK BY ROALD DAHL
CHILDREN 7+
Celebrate the centenary of one of our greatest children’s authors with this creative book inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl. 'Squibble' and colour your way through the fun activities featuring his most famous characters including the BFG, Willy Wonka and my favourite, Matilda. Draw your own Chocolate Factory or design a fantastic home for Mr Fox! Illustrations by the irrepressible Quentin Blake means this 'whoopsy whiffling' book will inspire hours of 'phizz-whizzing' fun.
ISBN 9780141368245 PB Penguin £6.99
5/5 Stars

THE SECRET COOKING CLUB BY LAUREL REMINGTON
CHILDRENS 9+
Scarlett is having a tough time at school since her mum became a famous blogger using her for toe curling inspiration. Withdrawing from anything that could potentially attract her mums attention she finds solace in secretly cooking. A sharply observed story about family, friends and the world of social media, this mixes the magic ingredients of baking and blogging to create a perfect literary treat. Worthy winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition.
ISBN 9781910655245 PB Chicken House £6.99
5/5 Stars

YOU CAN BUY ALL THE ABOVE BOOKS AT  HIVE HERE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP AT THE SAME TIME. 

Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW AUG 6TH-7TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include the adventures of a young witch, a bear losing his precious honey, a young boy catapulted into outer space and difficulties of first love and new families.   All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE APPRENTICE WITCH BY JAMES NICOL
CHILDRENS 8+

An exciting debut novel following the adventures of fifteen year old Arianwyn, an apprentice witch who has failed her witch assessment. Sent to a supposedly quiet town Arianwyn starts to find her true powers and make new friends. From overcoming her arch rival to fighting terrifying monsters and demons this enchanting tale tackles self esteem issues and overcoming adversity. A spell binding start to an magical new series perfect for the holidays.

ISBN 9781910655153 PB Chicken House £6.99

5/5 Stars

HUGLESS DOUGLAS AND THE GREAT CAKE BAKE BY DAVID MELLING
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Family favourite Douglas is back but he's lost his honey! Finding his sheep friends using it to bake cake he decides to help them out. Will they leave any for him? Adorable illustration and hilarious characterful sheep with wickedly naughty expressions. Clever and entertaining with a little nod to healthy eating. Its always good to taste new food, who knew carrots can be tasty! However nothing beats honey for a bear! Now out in paperback.

ISBN: 9781444919899 Hodder Children's PB £6.99

THE INVINCIBLE TONY SPEARS BY NEAL LAYTON

CHILDRENS 7+

When Tony moves house he finds his kitchen is actually a spaceship! With the difficulties of fitting into a new school mid term travelling through outer space is much more appealing! But when his two worlds collide can his alien friends help him? This richly illustrated and entertaining story will appeal to early readers, adventure lovers and those inspired by the astronaut Tim Peake as Tony tries to save the universe and survive school.

ISBN 9781444919523 PB Hodder Childrens £ 7.99

LOVE & OTHER MAN-MADE DISASTERS BY NICOLA DOHERTY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A fun contemporary romance about falling in love and facing your fears. Juno is forced to go on a skiing holiday with her mother and new family. Its pretty much a nightmare until she meets Boy. He's everything she hates, thrill seeking and a little rude. Or is he? A coming of age tale about the difficulties with step families, feeling like an outsider, this is a great holiday read with lots of laugh out loud moments.

ISBN 978151010037 PB Orion Childrens Books £6.99

YOU CAN BUY ALL THE ABOVE BOOKS AT  HIVE HERE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP AT THE SAME TIME. 

Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent