SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 27-28

This week my children's book reviews include  a science fiction adventure for middle grade, a summery sticker book perfect for the holidays, an emotional second world war thriller and a teen romance set in the Tuscan hills. 

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE STARLIGHT WATCHMAKER BY LAUREN JAMES

CHILDREN 8+

Watchmaker Hugo is an android working in an elite academy. When a pompous Duke demands he mends his watch they uncover a sinister mystery while forming an unlikely friendship. An enthralling sci-fi adventure that has shades of Star Trek while exploring themes of discrimination and class. Hugo's journey to find his place in the world is uplifting. Perfect for book clubs and reluctant and dyslexic readers. I was whisked away into another universe.

Barrington Stoke PB £7.99

CLAUDE EVER-SO-SUMMERY STICKER BOOK BY ALEX T. SMITH

ACTIVITY BOOK 5+

Join in the seaside shenanigans with Disney Junior star Claude, Sir Bobblysock and their friends in Pawhaven. Packed with fun games, intriguing puzzles and 250 sunny stickers this is guaranteed to keep children busy in the holiday. From drawing sandcastles to creating a picnic, the joyful illustrations will put kids in a summer mood even on a rainy day! A perfect companion to Claude's new picure book, Anyone for Strawberries?

Hachette PB £4.99

ANNA AT WAR BY HELEN PETERS

CHILDREN 9+

Young Jewish girl Anna must leave her family to flee persecution in Germany to the safety of England but the war follows her. Trapped in a web of betrayal can Anna prove whose side she's on without exposing her own secrets? Full of historical facts children will be riveted by Anna's journey to freedom. A nail-biting and affecting adventure which explores themes of the plight of war refugees and prejudice. For fans of Emma Carroll.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

UNDER A DANCING STAR BY LAURA WOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Bea is sent in disgrace to Italy in the 1930s for being too outspoken. She'd rather study insects than look for a husband. Can Bea enjoy a lazy summer romance with handsome artist Ben without falling in love? Will the creeping onset of fascism ruin their plans? Be transported to the Tuscan hills and see this delightfully geeky and adorable heroine transform into an independent young woman. The perfect holiday read.

Scholastic PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 1-2 2019

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure with a  Welsh secret dragon, the story of how the unicorn got his horn, an adventure handbook for the seaside and a fun coming-of-age drama for teens.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE SECRET DRAGON BY ED CLARKE

CHILDREN 8+

Mari is fascinated by the fossils near her coastal home in South Wales so when she finds a tiny dragon alive she wants to study it. But Gweeb, the mischievous little dragon just needs a friend to help him find freedom. An hilarious adventure full of family and friendship with a pertinent message about animal rights at its heart. Children will also love the fossil facts and the cute illustrations on the head of each chapter. Magical.
ISBN 9780241360514 PB Puffin £ 6.99

ONCE UPON A UNICORN HORN BY BEATRICE BLUE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When little girl June enters an enchanted forest she finds little horses learning to fly. But one can't seem to fly however hard he tries. Can June help him find his own special talent with some kindness and a bit of something delicious? Children will be entranced by the adorable illustrations. A gorgeous and unique re-telling of how a unicorn gets his horn. A lovely book to share and read out loud.

ISBN 9781786035882 HB Quarto £12.99

GO WILD AT THE SEASIDE BY GOLDIE HAWK & RACHAEL SAUNDERS

CHILDREN 7+

The ultimate adventure guide to the seaside and how to enjoy it. Packed with activities such as rock pool safaris, quizzes and learning how to spot molluscs, birds and shells, this book can be shared with the whole family. In addition, kids can read about water safety and conservation. In association with the National Trust, this colourful handbook is perfect for the holidays and shows how to have fun on the coast responsibly.

ISBN 9781788003322 HB Nosy Crow £7.99

SUMMER OF NO REGRETS BY KATE MALLINDER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Four sixteen-year-old friends pledge to enjoy the summer without regret. But it can be a challenge. Sasha is meeting her fathers' unfriendly new girlfriend, Hetal is off to science camp, Cam is determined to find her birth father and Nell must learn to deal with her panic attacks. This entertaining holiday read is bursting with friendship, romance and fun. I especially love the 'seize the day' theme and felt inspired to do the same!

ISBN 9781910080948 PB Firefly £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JULY 21-22ND

This week my children's book reviews include a fascinating guide to the seashore, a young boy on a journey of discovery, a book of new slime recipes and an exhilarating boys own adventure.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SEASHORE WATCHER BY MAYA PLASS
CHILDREN 7+
This activity and guidebook is a brilliant introduction to the seashore. It is packed full of inspiring and fun ideas for children to learn about life at the edge of the waves. Activities include how to make sand or shell art, learn how to spot tracks and identify marks and discover secret hideaways. This illustrated guide is thoughtfully packed into a waterproof covering to stop it from becoming wet. Perfect for family and school outings.
ISBN 9781784938703 PB QED Publishing £9.99



JULIAN IS A MERMAID BY JESSICA LOVE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Julian dreams of becoming a mermaid. To look like one, he tries on makeup, styles his hair and even fashions a mermaid tail for himself. However, what will his Nan say? A celebration of self-confidence, diversity from gender stereotypes to family dynamics and different body types. This inspiring book celebrates the variety of life with exuberant carnival inspired illustrations that explode with colour and energy onto the page.
ISBN 9781406380637 HB Walker £11.99

NEXT-LEVEL DIY SLIME WITH KARINA GARCIA
CHILDREN 7+
Celebrate a summer of slime as this craze continues to grow. Follow YouTube sensation, Karina, as she prepares fifteen new recipes with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Children will love getting their hands dirty creating new mesmerising scents, textures and shine. They can pick from Teddy Bear Cloud Slime, Holographic or Super Gloss, amongst others using harmless, household ingredients. Parents will be glad to know there are tips on removing slime from clothing as well!
ISBN 978178743733 PB Studio Press £7.99

WHERE THE WORLD ENDS BY GERALDINE MCCAUGHREAN
CHILDREN 9+
Every summer Quill and his friends are put on a remote sea stack to hunt birds. But when no one arrives to take them home how will they survive? An extraordinary and unpredictable adventure that will pull at your emotions makes you laugh and have you on the edge of your seat all at the same time. This well-deserved winner of the 2018 CILIP Carnegie Medal is a must read for the holidays.
ISBN 9781474943437 PB Usborne £6.99

Childrens books for Easter and the Easter holidays featured in South Wales Evening Post March 19th

This week I picked some great childrens books for Easter and the holidays. An introduction to the true meaning of Easter, some naughty rabbits and two great activity books for rainy days including finger painting and origami. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WARNING! THIS BOOK MAY CONTAIN RABBITS! BY TIM WARNES
CHILDRENS 3+
When Mole and Lumpy Bumpy Thing find a hat that says ' Do Not Touch', the temptation is too great to do just the opposite! Soon, by magic rabbits appear out of the hat and before long there are far too many. Full to the brim of subtle ways to introduce numbers, expand vocabulary and help with reading in a really fun way this story will entertain as well as inform.


ISBN 978184692022 PB Little Tiger Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

THE EASTER STORY RETOLD BY RUSSELL PUNTER
PICTURE BOOK 4+
A lovely and sensitive introduction of the Easter story for young readers which explains why we celebrate at this time. Simply told with clear and colourful illustrations, the picture book really brings this retelling to life. Best read with an adult who can navigate any questions children will begin to understand Jesus' final journey and the true meaning of Easter.
ISBN 9781474918510 PB Usborne Publishing £4.99
5/5 Stars

FINGERPRINT ACTIVITES ANIMALS BY FIONA WATT
CHILDRENS 6+

Perfect for the Easter holidays and an alternative present to chocolate eggs this is a great activity book for those who like to get their hands mucky. Non toxic paints, clear instructions and vibrant fun scenes to create and paint anything from crocodiles to hedgehogs. By just using their fingers instead of a paintbrush children will have enormous fun painting as well as inspiring their imagination. Also will keep them occupied on the inevitable rainy days!

ISBN 9781474914338 HB Usborne Publishing £9.99
5/5 Stars

ZEN DOODLE ORIGAMI BY CAROLYN SCRACE
CHILDRENS 9+


Creative and therapeutic, this is the new mindfulness craze that could take over from colouring! Suitable for all ages explore the secrets of transforming a single piece of paper into an animal or decoration. Easy to follow with 20 sheets of Origami paper to colour and lose yourself into your creativity and create worlds of art following a thousand year old tradition that requires patience and diligence. From birds, boxes to butterflies feel the satisfaction of creating a unique piece of art which you embellish to your own taste. Captivating
ISBN 9781910706411 PB Salariya Book Company £ 9.99

4 /5 Stars