SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW DEC 15-16 2018

This week my Christmas children's book reviews include an enchanting adventure through a snowglobe, a Christmas hedgehog, a treasure hunt in an amazing house and a return to the magical land of Nevermoor.

Perfect presents for Christmas  Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SNOWGLOBE BY AMY WILSON
CHILDREN 9+
A missing mother, a pinch of magic and an invisible house filled with snowglobes are all the ingredients for a thrilling fantasy adventure. Clementine must learn to use her magic to try and free a boy trapped in a snowglobe. Children will love the different worlds and characters in each magical globe and relate to the friendship and family at the heart of the story. An enchanting winter tale of snow and ice.
ISBN 9781509885800 PB Macmillan £6.99

ONE COSY CHRISTMAS BY M CHRISTINA BUTLER & TINA MACNAUGHTON
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Little Hedgehog and his friends are preparing for the perfect Christmas. But who is eating their biscuits and snoring all night? This heartwarming adventure is perfect to share in the build-up to Christmas. It encapsulates all the excitement of family and friends enjoying the festive season and even includes a few familiar disagreements! This adorable touch-and-feel book including Hedgehog's red velvety hat is a delight and full of Christmas cheer.
ISBN 9781848696693 PB Little Tiger £7.99

TREASURE HUNT HOUSE BY KATE DAVIES & BECCA STADTLANDER
CHILDREN 7+
Two children embark on a treasure hunt in their great-aunt's incredible house. Children will love exploring each room and lifting flaps to reveal trivia pertinent to objects in that particular room. Find out about musical instruments, discover a velociraptor skeleton or Shakespeare plays. Also, children are asked to solve a riddle on each page to add to the intrigue. This sumptuous book is ideal for those who love history, trivia and dolls houses. A gem of a gift.
ISBN 9781847809575 HB Lincoln Children's Books £14.99

WUNDERSMITH BY JESSICA TOWNSEND
CHILDREN 9+
The much-anticipated return to Nevermoor will not disappoint in this sequel. Morrigan Crow is a much feared Wundersmith and must try to suppress her mysterious ability. But will Morrigan's magic help her escape her cursed life? A brilliantly imagined world, thrilling adventure and colourful characters make this a must-have series this Christmas. Children will love the friendship at it's centre and relate to Morrigan's struggle to fit in while remaining true to herself. Perfect for Harry Potter fans.
ISBN 9781510103825 HB Orion £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW APRIL 7-8 TH

This week my children's book reviews include a contagiously funny adventure, a birthday cake in trouble, a weird family causing chaos and a young girl trying to save her farm in a wartime drama.

Some great books for the Easter holidays!

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ALICE DENT AND THE INCREDIBLE GERMS BY GWEN LOWE

CHILDREN'S 7+

Alice catches a cold but it's not the usual snotty virus, this has seriously weird side-effects. Alice can't stop giggling and is attracting an array of animals! When Best Minister for Everything Nicely Perfect tries to take her away, she realises her troubles have just begun. Packed with dastardly villains and wickedly sharp humour this is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and David Walliams. Warning! This book is contagious, and the reader won't stop laughing!

ISBN 9781910002919 PB Chicken House £6.99

CAKE BY SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Cake has been invited to a party and needs to look his best. A party always needs a cake after all! An hilarious and colourful story of Cake 's adventures and his mishaps. Children will love Cake's naivety as he unknowingly goes into danger. The bold candy coloured illustrations and simple mischievous text is the perfect compliment to the tension slowly building to a very sweet climax. A delicious treat that would make an ideal birthday gift.

ISBN 9781509827435 PB Macmillan £6.99

JUST PLAIN WEIRD BY KAYE UMANSKY

CHILDREN 7+

The Primms are an ultra-conservative family so when the Weirds move in next door, with their exploding experiments and daring stunts, life is never the same again. Divided into three stories with a wonderful wacky cast of characters this will appeal to early and reluctant readers. Delightfully illustrated by Chris Mould, this is full of zany laughter and fun, and the puzzles in the back are a nice finishing touch.

ISBN 9781781127919 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

THE GOOSE ROAD BY ROWENA HOUSE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

In 1916, France, Angelique must try and save their farm until her brother's return from war. She sets off across the country to sell her treasured flock of Toulouse geese so they can cover their debts. A beautiful historical quest bursting with resilience and hope. This richly evocative tale deftly describes the consequences of the First World War and how it brings out the best and worse of people. For older fans of Emma Carroll and Michael Morpurgo.

ISBN 9781406371673 PB Walker Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS MARCH 3-4 TH

This week my children's book reviews include an young adult epic fantasy, a naughty lion, inspirational sports women and an historical novel inspired by the Mona Lisa.

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

Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

STATE OF SORROW BY MELINDA SALISBURY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Sorrow rules the Court of Tears in the absence of her mourning father. When her brother is seemingly found alive and wishes to rule Sorrow, it exposes her forbidden love for a childhood friend and risks the future of her country. Sorrow must play a deathly game to save all she holds dear. This addictive fantasy world of lies and deceit and its spirited heroine will hold you in its grasp until the shocking end. Irresistible.

ISBN 9781407180274 PB Scholastic £7.99

A LION IS A LION BY POLLY DUNBAR

PICTURE BOOK 3+

This hilarious read-aloud story asks the question of its young readers: Is a lion still a lion if he...Wears a hat? Carries an umbrella? What if he bites? The rhythmic text with repeating phrases will delight its young audience. It shows children how to protest against a wrong and stand up for themselves. The gorgeous, energetic colour illustrations are witty and refreshing. This is 'pawfect' to empower young minds and have fun!

ISBN 9781406371536 HB Walker £11.99

WOMEN IN SPORT BY RACHEL IGNOTOVSKY

CHILDREN 8+

Following the success of the Winter Olympics, children can learn about fifty athletes who played to win from 1800 to today. This highly illustrated book includes trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers including well-known figures like tennis player Serena Williams and boxing champion Nicola Adams to lesser-known pioneers like Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. It also contains exclusive content from welsh athlete Tanni-Grey Thomson amongst others. Inspirational.

ISBN 9781526360922 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

SMILE BY MARY HOFFMAN

YOUNG ADULT 8+

Lisa lives in the time of the Renaissance where for men the world is full of possibility. Resigned to an arranged marriage she crosses paths with the artist Leonardo Da Vinci. While his portrait of Lisa captures the imagination of the world this rich and evocative historical novel vividly imagines the life of the woman behind the smile. A super readable teen novel suitable for dyslexics and reluctant readers as well as for art and history lovers.

ISBN 9781781127179 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN JAN 7-8

A new year welcomes in a plethora of new and exciting childrens books. This week my pick for The South Wales Evening Post include a psychological thriller about an amnesiac, a story to help little ones count, a lost fox and boy who try and help each other and a contemporary tale about the pitfalls of stardom. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ONE MEMORY OF FLORA BANKS BY EMILY BARR
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Flora has had severe amnesia for years until she remembers kissing a boy she shouldn't have. What ensues is a chilling psychological thriller that takes Flora on an adventure to the Arctic to find her first love. Or is it really to find herself? Is she being kept safe or is she trapped? Who can she trust? A coming of age mystery about loss, memory and a haunting obsession that is unforgettable. Perfect for book groups of all ages and fans of Hitchcock and Before I Go To Sleep.
ISBN 9780141368511 PB Penguin Random House £7.99

ONE THING BY LAUREN CHILD
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The irrepressible Charlie and Lola return in an energetic and fun story using numbers as they go to the shops. The combination of the exuberant illustrations actively invites children to really think about and understand numbers and how they work as Lola is told she can only have one thing. Really clever combination of text and illustrations putting numbers out of order, making you think and work the sums out and ultimately understand. The brother and sister dynamic has universal appeal perfectly aimed at little minds.
ISBN 9781408339015 PB Orchard Books £6.99

THE WHITE FOX BY JACKIE MORRIS
CHILDRENS 8+

When Sol finds a lost Arctic fox in the Seattle docks he immediately identifies with his wild, lost spirit. Taking the fox home can he help reunite his own family as well? Inspired by a true story this beautiful hardback gift edition by award winning artist and illustrator Jackie is a book to treasure. Deliberately designed to be dyslexia friendly with a clear layout and typeface this has a wide appeal for animal lovers and children with reading difficulties.

ISBN: 9781781125229 HB Barrington Stoke £10.99

GONE WILD BY ROBERT MUCHAMORE
YOUNG ADULT 12+
For X factor and The Voice fans this is the perfect read. Young teen bands fight it out in a reality show to win a shot at stardom. The third in this sparkling and glossy series follow their personal journeys and highs and lows. Will corruption derail their dreams and is the spotlight too bright for them? All that glitters is not gold. Great behind the scenes insight if your interested in reality shows and show business.
 ISBN: 9781444914610 HB Hachette Childrens £9.99

My Christmas Top Pick of Childrens Books for Early Readers for 2016

My Top Selection of Books perfect for Christmas for early readers

LITTLE GREY RABBIT'S CHRISTMAS BY ALISON UTTLEY
CHILDRENS 6+
First published in 1929 this new edition will continue to capture the hearts of children. The woodland animals are preparing for Christmas but when a special gift is lost in the snow can they find it? Magical illustrations by Margaret Tempest will delight anyone who's a fan of Beatrix Potter bringing to life the charming festive story. A talking snowball, tobogganing by moonlight and a magical Christmas tree makes a perfect bedtime story for the holidays.

ISBN 9781783706723 HB Templar Publishing £5.99

THE CAT WHO ATE CHRISTMAS BY LIL CHASE AND THOMAS DOCHERTY

CHILDREN 5+

This hilarious little tale will resonate with anyone who has had a kitten for Christmas. Inspired by real life experience Jingles the kitten is very naughty. He knocks over the Christmas tree, shreds the presents and then there's a very juicy turkey to tempt him. The family are so cross he runs away. Can they find him? A special section is filled with Christmas facts, jokes and activities perfect for giving as a gift. 
ISBN 9781510200821 PB L B Kids £5.99

DAVE PIGEON BY SWAPNA HADDOW
CHILDRENS 5+
Dave and his sidekick Skipper are two pigeons on a quest to defeat the most evil cat in town. Told in first person and punctured with hilarious cartoon like illustrations from the talented Sheena Dempsey the two squabbling birds tell the story of their adventures making it perfect for early readers. Children will love these two irreverent heroes but who will win Mean Cat or Dave Pigeon? You will have to learn Pigeonese to find out!
ISBN: 9780571323302 PB Faber & Faber £5.99

COLIN THE CART HORSE BY GAVIN PUCKETT
CHILDRENS 5+
An hilarious rhyming tale about a cart horse who's bored with his usual hay so decides to try out the other farm animals food with some rather explosive results! At first the farmer is delighted with Colin's 'super manure' but when it becomes rather toxic the army have to step in. Wonderful for reading out loud with funny illustrations that will have kids and adults roaring with laughter. A sure fire hit from this talented Welsh author.
ISBN 9780571315437 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

SOPHIE'S SQUEAKY SURPRISE BY HOLLY WEBB 
CHILDRENS 6+

This book is a little bundle of cuteness that deals with bigger issues. Sophie has moved to Paris and is being bullied in her new school. Then she meets Josephine, a new friend who happens to be a macaroon loving, tutu wearing guinea pig who lives under the Sacre Coeur!! A delightful adventure with characterful illustrations by Clare Elsom that will warm your heart. Perfect for beginner readers while exploring themes of moving house and making new friends.

ISBN 9781407154329 PB Scholastic £4.99

A PIGLET CALLED TRUFFLE BY HELEN PETERS
CHILDREN 6+
Jasmine secretly saves an unloved piglet from death but their growing bond is put under pressure when Truffle is discovered and her future questioned as a suitable pet. A terrible storm allows Truffle to return the favour and maybe even save her own bacon! Accompanied by the charming illustrations of Swansea born illustrator Ellie Snowdon this warm and authentic story about life on the farm has huge appeal for Dick King-Smith fans and animal lovers alike. 
ISBN 9780857637734 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

CAPTAIN PUG BY LAURA JAMES
CHILDRENS 5+

Adventures of a pug trying to be brave and find his owner, Lady Miranda. Deciding the best way is to become a Captain of a ship he boards many different vessels while trying to overcome his fear of water and indulging in his passion for jam tarts!! A delightful sea faring adventure series for young readers that is charming, funny and a stand-out debut. Perfect for fans of Claude and Squishy McFluff

ISBN: 9781408866368 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £5.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHRISTMAS CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW DEC 3-4TH

My Christmas books and stocking fillers for this week include a little squirrel trying to catch a snowflake, a lonely Christmas tree, a very naughty kitten and a festive romance. All in my weekly column in The South Wales Evening Post every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SNOWFLAKE IN MY POCKET BY RACHEL BRIGHT
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Young Squirrel has never seen snow before and wants to share the experience with his wise old friend, Bear. When Bear becomes sick Squirrel tries to find the perfect snowflake for him. A tale of love, friendship and a reminder that the most precious things in life are transitory moments to be treasured. Gorgeous paper cut art work by Yu Rong captures the dichotomy of the wintry landscape and warm loving home. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781406371819 PB Walker Books £6.99

LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE BY JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE
BOARD BOOK 2+
This beautiful story about a little Christmas tree standing alone in the forest is perfect for this time of year as we all are getting ready to decorate our own. A lift-the-flap exploration of nature, children will delight in discovering all the animals that arrive as the day unfolds. Can you find the fox behind the hedge or the owl above? With sturdy pages and foiled decorations shimmering throughout this will captivate the very young.
ISBN 9781783704583 HB Big Picture Press £10.99

THE CAT WHO ATE CHRISTMAS BY LIL CHASE AND THOMAS DOCHERTY
CHILDREN 5+
This hilarious little tale will resonate with anyone who has had a kitten for Christmas. Inspired by real life experience Jingles the kitten is very naughty. He knocks over the Christmas tree, shreds the presents and then there's a very juicy turkey to tempt him. The family are so cross he runs away. Can they find him? A special section is filled with Christmas facts, jokes and activities perfect for giving as a gift.
ISBN 9781510200821 PB L B Kids £5.99

WHAT LIGHT BY JAY ASHER
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Sierra's family divide their time between Oregon and California with their Christmas Tree business. Every year for the holidays she leaves her friends behind but this time, when she meets Caleb, Sierra doesn't miss them so much. Should Sierra get so attached to him when she is leaving so soon? Is his bad reputation true? Will her family really have to sell up? A great stocking filler for romantics this Christmas that will have hearts racing.
ISBN 9781509840762 PB Macmillan £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 8-9 TH

In my children's book column this week I feature a little pig who saves the day, a beautiful picture book full of dragons,  a touching family drama that has a touch of fantasy and a haunting contemporary romance. 

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PIGLET CALLED TRUFFLE BY HELEN PETERS
CHILDREN 6+
Jasmine secretly saves an unloved piglet from death but their growing bond is put under pressure when Truffle is discovered and her future questioned as a suitable pet. A terrible storm allows Truffle to return the favour and maybe even save her own bacon! Accompanied by the charming illustrations of Swansea born illustrator Ellie Snowdon this warm and authentic story about life on the farm has huge appeal for Dick King-Smith fans and animal lovers alike.
ISBN 9780857637734 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

TELL ME A DRAGON BY JACKIE MORRIS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
There are many types of dragons. From Sea dragons who play with dolphins to Fire dragons or Ice Dragons, large and small. You are invited to discover every species and maybe even find your own. This new special edition is a treasure trove of jewelled illustrations adorning the lyrical text from this renowned Pembrokeshire artist. A modern day classic, great for sharing and igniting the imagination, with extra field notes about these mythical beasts lives and habitats.
ISBN 9781847802422 HB Frances Lincoln £11.99

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

HAUNT ME BY LIZ KESSLER
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Troubled teen Erin is looking for a new beginning in a new town and new school. Finding a boyfriend, Joe, whose is also a ghost might not be the best start. Fighting for her affections is his brother Olly, who's very much alive and hiding a guilty burden. This darkly romantic novel deals with loss, bullying and mental health issues. With raw emotion and hard hitting truths this will pluck your heartstrings whilst appreciating living in the moment.
ISBN 9781444009187 PB Orion Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 24-25TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a snail who's loves receiving postcards, a leaf who becomes a pet, a celebration of Peter Rabbit and a thought provoking fictional tale about a young black boy surviving in 1960's America .  All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy! 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

SNAIL MAIL BY SHARON KING-CHAI
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Sam the Sea Snail's big brother Tiger sends him exciting postcards from around the world. Bright colourful illustrations with gorgeous pull out postcards to pour over you can learn about Tigers' adventures as well as how to say hello in new languages like Japanese. There's even a birthday surprise at the end. Styled to be the new Jolly Postman for this generation you can have fun encouraging children to write and decorate their own postcards!
ISBN 9781444922547 HB Hodder Childrens £12.99
5/5 Stars

LEAFY THE PET LEAF BY PHILIP ARDAGH & ELISSA ELWICK
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Join the Little Adventurers whose mandate includes being brave, being kind to animals and looking after the planet. It's Bring In A Pet Day so Sprat brings Leafy! But can a leaf really be a pet? With its green message, animal facts and activity ideas for playing outside it will inspire the imagination and creativity. This eclectic mix of characters will have wide appeal and after reading kids can have fun making their own pet leaf.
ISBN 9781406364354 PB Walker Books £6.99
5/5 Stars

THE ULTIMATE PETER RABBIT BY CAMILLA HALLINAN
CHILDRENS 7+
This special anniversary edition celebrates the birth of Beatrix Potter 150 years ago. A compendium of her life as one of our most beloved authors this gives a tantalising glimpse behind her best selling books and inspirations. Discover the true story of Peter Rabbit and each of your favourite characters, marvel at her extraordinary sketch books and peek into family albums. A treasure trove that will truly delight Potter fans young and old.
ISBN 9780241289655 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars

THE HYPNOTIST BY LAURENCE ANHOLT
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Pip is a young black boy in 1960's America and tensions are running high. Bought by a white couple, who's own son is just back from the terrors of Vietnam, life is fraught with dangers. A neighbouring Professor tries to help school him but can he save him from the Ku Klux Klan? A nod to The Color Purple and Great Expectations this is a thought provoking read perfect for book groups from teenage to adult.
ISBN 9780552573450 PB Corgi £7.99
5/5 Stars