SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW FEB 2-3 2019

This week my children's book reviews include an exciting middle grade adventure about three cursed sisters, a picture book teaching how to tell the time, a beautiful retelling of the Disney's Little Mermaid and an hilarious middle grade story about a young boy who keeps turning into animals at times of stress!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PINCH OF MAGIC BY MICHELLE HARRISON

CHILDREN 9+

Three cursed sisters. Three magical objects including a bag, a mirror and a set of dolls, which potentially have the power to change their fate. One mysterious prisoner who can help but at what price? Readers will be swept up in this gripping adventure as Beth, Fliss and Charlie embark on a quest to put a wrong to right. Brimming with excitement, fast paced action and strong heroines this is perfect for fantasy lovers.
ISBN 9781471124303 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

NO TIME FOR CLOCKS BY MAX LOW

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Ceri the cat and Deri the dog are two best friends who want to learn how to tell the time so they will not be late for lunch. Their friend Gwen explains what a clock is and how it can help them. This educational story with it's big bold pictures is perfect for teaching children to tell the time. The series includes Good To Be Sweet about learning division and both would be useful for the classroom.
ISBN 9781912213740 PB Graffeg £7.99


THE LITTLE MERMAID BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 6+
Celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Disney's Little Mermaid with this charming retelling in a gorgeous cloth bound, gold foiled hardback. I loved seeing some of the initial sketches, paintings and concept art for the film plus the biographies of the unsung artists who worked on the animation in the back of the book. This would make a lovely gift for Disney fans, young children as well as for Valentines with it's Happily Ever After message. A real treat.
ISBN 9781787414686 HB Studio Press £12.99


CHARLIE CHANGES INTO A CHICKEN BY SAM COPELAND
CHILDREN 8+
Not only is Charlie's brother in hospital but he's being bullied at school. Unfortunately stress makes Charlie change into an animal such as a spider, a pigeon or even a rhino! Can Charlie learn to control his new powers with the help of his friends? This slapstick comedy which is complimented by the cartoonish illustrations of Sarah Horne, is quick-witted and fast paced. It will have children chuckling from start to finish.
ISBN 9780241346211 PB Puffin £6.99

Film Review, Maleficent

Synopsis
A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.

My Musings

Maleficent is one of those rare films that starts off badly and then just gets better and better. What I would call a slow burner. This is the tale of Maleficent , the evil fairy godmother in Disney's classic version of Sleeping Beauty but seen from another angle. Why is Maleficent so evil? What made her so bitter?

An interesting premise and the writers certainly delivered. 
The whole changer in Maleficent's character is that it hinges on her befriending and falling in love with a young boy who when grows up cuts off her wings to gain power for himself and to become King. This happens at the beginning of the movie which is why I don't think it will ruin it if you read it here. The anguish and pain Angelina shows is heartbreaking and sets up the rest of the plot well.

The weaknesses for me was right at the beginning of the film showing Maleficent as a young girl. Its just badly directed and not very believable. The three fairies , one of whom is Imelda Staunton, are also let down by the directing and script. They should have been much funnier and their comic timing seemed off. 

It revves up a gear when Angelina becomes Maleficent. I loved the recreated scene when she curses Aurora. It is exactly like the cartoon. Angelina's smile is so wide as she evilly laughs I wondered if they had digitally enhanced her mouth!!

Aurora played by Elle Fanning is a delight and she is perfect for the role with an easy smile and light nature that is a perfect foil for Maleficent. Their growing relationship and bond is lovely and they have a real chemistry. Also loved The Crow as Maleficents side kick. Its not easy to share the screen with Jolie but he does it with aplomb. 

The film builds up well and I did not see any of the twists and turns till the end. Will Maleficent retract her curse? What has happened to her wings? Will Aurora find her true prince?

The end action scene is gripping and you real root for Maleficent and girl power!! 

I started the film thinking, Am I going to make it through? and ended it feel totally hyped and giving it a big thumbs up. So my advice is wait for Angelina before you give up on it, its worth the wait.