SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include for Rememberance Sunday an inspiring second world war drama and a stirring illustrated middle grade novel about the importance of truth set in the First World War. My column also includes a picture book about learning to cope with bereavement, and lastly for the holidays a return to the Shadowhunters world with a fan favourite. 

The two World War books are perfect to learn about that period and start a conversation in class. They are also inspiring and insightful.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ BY HEATHER MORRIS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

1942 Lale is imprisoned in Auschwitz just because he is Jewish. His job is tattooing numbers of fellow victims. When he meets Gita it's love at first sight. Will they survive the horror of war? Based on real events, this pulsates with courage, friendship and daring. A deeply moving and inspiring story that should be a must for every school. Information and points of discussion are in the back. A story never to be forgotten.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

WAITING FOR WOLF BY SANDRA DIECKMANN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Fox and Wolf spend a perfect day together, talking, laughing, playing and watching stars. One day Wolf is gone. How will Fox cope? A stunningly illustrated and lyrical story about friendship, loss and grief. A perfect story to start a discussion with children about learning to cope with bereavement by remembering treasured memories. The magical illustrations capture the emotion of the scenes from happy to sad and ends with a positive heartwarming message.

HB Hodder £12.99

CAPTAIN ROSALIE BY TIMOTHEE DE FOMBELLE & ISABELLE ARSENAULT

CHILDREN 8+

Rosalie is five, and she is on a secret mission to learn to read. Her father is at war, and her mother reads his letters to her until one day she stops. Can Rosalie find out the truth? A moving story that reveals the tragedy of war through a child's eyes. The story is complemented by the atmospheric ink drawings and flashes of Rosalie's red hair against the darkness. It illustrates the importance of truth and togetherness and a pertinent conversation starter about Remembrance Day.

Walker Books PB £6.99

THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC BY CASSANDRA CLARE & WESLEY CHU

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A welcome return to the Shadowhunters world with fan favourite High Warlock Magnus Bane in the lead role. Magnus is on holiday with his boyfriend, Alex Lightwood. But before long they are chasing the evil leader of a demon-worshipping cult. A fun romp through the most glamorous European cities plus ladles of adventure, magic and romance. This is suitable for fans and newcomers who will love the diverse cast and sense of loyalty and honour at its heart.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 10-11

This week my children's book reviews commemorate both the First and Second World Wars. They include a moving middle grade book of love and loss in World War One, a sensitive picture book about a young girls dad returning from war, a middle grade adventure mixing World War Two history with myth and a true story of a young protegee fleeing the Nazi's to London. These books are all not only really enjoyable but inspiring and educational. Perfect for Remembrance Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

EVIE'S WAR BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDREN 9+
It's 1914 and Evie's brother has gone to war however she is comforted by her adored dogs. But when her father insists one be sent to War Dog School how will Evie cope? A moving and enlightening story of life in Britain during the First World War seen through the eyes of a young girl. It also highlights the little-known role of dogs during the war. For fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll.
ISBN 9781407170862 PB Scholastic £6.99

RUBY IN THE RUINS BY SHIRLEY HUGHES
PICTURE BOOK 5+
A classic story of family love, set in post-war London. When Ruby's dad returns from the war she hardly recognises him. How will they reforge their bond? A thought-provoking tale of returning soldiers and their difficulty in settling into everyday life. The illustrations are really evocative of the time and place and are sensitively told through Ruby's eyes. It will give young children an idea of what it was like to live in that time.
ISBN 9781406375893 HB Walker Books £12.99

THE BURIED CROWN BY ALLY SHERRICK
CHILDREN 9+
During World War Two George is evacuated to the countryside to avoid the London bombings. But he finds himself in danger while trying to protect a priceless Anglo-Saxon crown from the Nazi's. A fast-paced historical adventure that is cleverly interwoven with myth. It is in part inspired by the Sutton-Hoo treasure and Hitler's fascination with mystical objects which is explained at the back of the book. An absorbing and exciting story with lots of twists and turns.
ISBN 981910655320 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE BY MONA GOLABEK & LEE COHEN
CHILDREN 10+
When Hitler threatens to invade Vienna Lisa, a musical prodigy is sent to London for safety. But she must leave her parents and sisters behind. Written by Lisa's daughter Mona it is about courage, survival and the power of music to uplift the spirit and bring people together. An inspirational and riveting true-life story. It shows the difficult life choices people were forced to make in times of war but also the power of hope and dreams.
ISBN 9781445161303 PB Franklin Watts £7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR REMEMBRANCE IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST

A selection of childrens books for Remembrance reviewed for The South Wales Evening Post. Including the World War I bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh, a Narnian adventure set against World War II, the true story of the First World War's Footballs Battalion and a picture book explaining the concept of war and peace to the very young,

This review can be found in the weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post Nov 12-13th

BOOK OF THE WEEK

FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The real life story and inspiration of Winnie the Pooh. When soldier and vet Harry finds a real bear cub at a station in 1914 he decides to keep her and takes her to war where she becomes a much loved mascot. This delightful story, charmingly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, describes their wonderful relationship and later how Christopher Robin met Winnie in London Zoo. It is made especially poignant with photos of the 'real Winnie' at the end.
ISBN 9781408340240 PB Orchard Books £5.99

GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES BY STEVE ANTONY
PICTURE BOOK 4+
An accessible way to explain to children about war and peace. Green lizards disagree with the red rectangles which escalates, through lack of communication, into a terrible and long fight. The strong colourful visuals cleverly symbolise the power struggles between both sides until they call a truce when someone questions their actions. It shows the futility of war and how it is better to talk however different the opposite sides are. An excellent book for class discussion.
ISBN 9781444920116 PB Hodder Childrens £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



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