SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 11-12 2020

This week my children's book reviews include for Easter a spookily good middle grade adventure about a young witch, a picture book full of rabbits about appreciating family, a charming seaside adventure for young readers and a timeless romantic coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WILDE BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Wilde is forced to live with her aunt in Witch Point and start a new school. She is desperate to fit in but strange things keep happening. Why do birds follow her? How is the legend of the witch called Winter connected to her family? Who is threatening the pupils with curses? Children will love the rebellious Wilde and her quest to find her place in the world. A spookily good adventure that will hold children spellbound. Bewitching.

Firefly PB £6.99

RABBIT! RABBIT! RABBIT! BY LORNA SCOBIE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Rabbit loves being the only child in the family. But Rabbit's parents have a BIG surpise. Home is going to become a lot more crowded! Maybe their neighbourly fox can help? An hilarious tale about learning to appreciate your family even at it's most chaotic. It's bouncing with energetic and colourful illustrations that children will delight in. Perfect for a time when we need to appreciate each other even if living in close quarters! Adorable for Easter.

Scholastic PB £6.99

A SEA OF STORIES BY SYLVIA BISHOP & PADDY DONNELLY

CHILDREN 5+

Roo loves visiting Grandpa in his cottage next to the sea. But the beach has become too difficult for him to visit any more. Instead, he tells Roo stories of finding treasure and exciting sea rescues. Can Roo help her Grandpa visit his favourite cove again? A gloriously illustrated hardback book for early readers and bedtime. It demonstrates the importance of close relationships between family and how storytelling can be an inspiration. A little gem.

Stripes HB £7.99

HELLO NOW By JENNY VALENTINE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Jude moves to the seaside with her mum is dumped by another boyfriend. Novo appears like a comet out of nowhere and changes everything for Jude. Love and destiny bound up in time. But will it pull them apart or keep them together? An epic romance that reads like a modern-day fable. The poetic love story shows the importance of living in the moment. Lose yourself in its embrace. Entrancing.

Harper Collins PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 26-27 2019

This week my spooky children's book reviews include an imaginary friend who becomes real, a scarily good Halloween party, a young witch off to witch school and an autumnal graphic novel set in a pumpkin patch. 

Fangtastic books to enjoy over Halloween for all ages. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SKELETON KEYS: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND BY GUY BASS & PETE WILLIAMSON

CHILDREN 9+

Ben can't believe his imaginary friend the Gorblimey has become unimaginable. The narrator of this scary tale, Skeleton Keys is convinced Gorblimey is not kind and loyal but dangerous and needs banishing into the void of Oblivian. Can Ben save his friend? Prepare for monsters, pirates and weird occurrences in an even stranger tale. It is crawling with inky illustrations that will feed children's imagination to create their own imaginary friend. Creepily good for Halloween.

Stripes PB £6.99

THERE'S A TROLL ON MY TOILET BY CATHERINE JACOB & MIKE BYRNE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

In a spooky house, a Halloween party is in full swing, and all the freaky guests are having a frightfully good time! Children will love exploring each room, and it's dastardly occupants, but not all is what it seems. Spooktacularly good to read out loud for Halloween with rhyming and repeating text. The bold and fun illustrations are hilarious. Watch out for the witch, the mummy, the ghosts and especially the smelly troll on the toilet!

PB Scholastic £6.99

GRACE ELLA: WITCH CAMP BY SHARON MARIE JONES

CHILDREN 7+

Nine-year-old new witch Grace-Ella is nervous and excited to go to Witch Camp with her cat Mr Whiskins. When her new friend Dilys's broomstick flying goes wrong can Grace-Ella find a way to help her? What's in the deep, dark wood? This enchanting sequel full of friendship and magic is perfect for young readers and sprinkled with charming illustrations. Children will love the camaraderie and high jinks. For fans of The Worst Witch.

Firefly PB £5.99

PUMPKIN HEADS BY RAINBOW ROWELL & FAITH ERIN HICKS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A new graphic novel bursting with autumnal colours. Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends. Every Autumn they work together at the best pumpkin patch in Nebraska.But this Halloween it is their last season together before leaving school. Deja is determined she and Josiah are going to go out with a bang! A heartwarming, funny story about missed connections with two endearing leads. Curl up with a pumpkin spice latte to enjoy this sweet romance over Halloween. 

PB Macmillan £9.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 14-15 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliantly clever middle grade detective story, a picture book about acceptance, a middle grade drama about family and an exciting SAS adventure for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LORI AND MAX BY CATHERINE O'FLYNN

CHILDREN 9+

When money goes missing from the classroom new girl Max becomes the suspect. But her friend and wannabe detective Lori is determined to prove Max's innocence. When Max disappears, can Lori solve the mystery? A contemporary whodunnit with two endearing and quirky heroines. The twists and turns are dealt with a sleight of hand that will have you guessing until the end. Full of laughter, excitement and empathy this is the perfect pick for budding sleuths.

Firefly Press PB £6.99

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS BY JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue) never mix because of their differences. But what will they do if a Smed and Smoo fall in love? A beautiful story of inclusivity and learning to appreciate each other's differences rather than be mistrustful of them. The joyful and colourful illustrations capture the wild and wonderful array of aliens, and you can even spot a Gruffalo alien. A story for our times.

Alison Green Books HB £12.99

THE SPACE WE'RE IN BY KATYA BALEN

CHILDREN 10+

Frank's little brother Max is autistic. The whole family loves him, but sometimes Frank resents all the attention Max receives. When tragedy strikes their world spirals out of control. Can the family piece their lives back together? This deals with big issues like sibling love and rivalry, grief, anxiety, as well as love and hope. Sensitively illustrated by Lauren Carlin this will make you laugh and cry. For fans of David Almond and R.J. Palacio.

Bloomsbury HB £10.99

JUSTICE BY CHRIS RYAN

YOUNG ADULT 13+

To catch a warlord of an international trafficking ring, The Special Forces Cadets must use themselves as bait. But the bad guys always seem one step ahead. Can the teens survive the Congo rainforest? Who can they trust? An exciting fast-paced adventure with authentic detail by the former SAS author that adds to the tension. The third in the series with its ensemble cast has enormous appeal for fans of Alex Rider and CHERUB.

Hot Key PB 6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 6-7 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade First World War mystery in a country estate, a picture book sensitively explaining memory loss, a picture book adventure with best friends Mouse and Mole a contemporary teen romantic drama. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS BY A.M HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

When Clara is sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle on a country estate during World War One she becomes entangled in its secrets and intrigue. What is in the locked room? Who is the strange boy who appears at night? This is a gripping and evocative mystery with family at its heart. For fans of The Secret Garden and Emma Carroll and ideal for book clubs with questions at the back and web links to follow.

ISBN 97814749 59551 PB Usborne £6.99

THE TIDE BY CLARE HELEN WELSH & ASHLING LINDSAY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A family are going for a day out at the beach but Grandad is becoming very forgetful. Can his granddaughter help? A sensitive way to explain the difficult subject of dementia to young ones without upsetting them. An empathetic story full of sunny playful pictures that use the tide as an analogy to understand memory loss. It is full of charm, comfort and heart that is ideal to share with family or in the classroom.

ISBN 9781788810852 HB Little Tiger £11.99

MOUSE & MOLE BY JOYCE DUNBAR AND JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 5+

Join Mouse and Mole, the best of furry friends on their adventures. Whether it's planning for a picnic or toasting muffins or tidying their chaotic house, children will be charmed by the series of gentle and witty stories. Children will recognise the familiar ups and downs of friendship and immediately relate to their breakups and makeups. The richly illustrated book is perfect for fans of Wind in the Willows and Brambly Hedge.

ISBN 9781912050406 HB Graffeg £12.99

TULIP TAYLOR BY ANNA MAINWARING

YOUNG ADULT 11+

Fifteen-year-old Tulip is a make-up vlogger who finds herself on a 'survival' reality TV show. Can she prove to an annoyingly cute fellow contestant, her momager and herself that she is not just a pretty face? A hilarious contemporary tale of the pitfalls of living in the digital age where so much of life is on social media. The family dynamic is pitched perfectly to those with annoying siblings! An entertaining modern-day romance.

ISBN 9781910080979 PB Firefly Press £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 APRIL 13-14 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a classic retelling of the story of Easter, a charming board book for children to follow an  Easter Egg Hunt, an enchanting underwater adventure for early readers and a fascinating introduction to Queen Victoria. 

Some Great Books for Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE EASTER STORY BY BRIAN WILDSMITH
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The story of Easter is told through the eyes of a donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem. He watches the Last Supper, the crucifixion and the resurrection. This new small hardback is a gentle and accessible introduction to the story of Easter. The sumptuous illustrations in jewelled colours and glimmers of gold add to the epic story and symbolism. A thoughtful Easter gift and great to share in the classroom.
ISBN 9780192768735 HB Oxford University Press £7.99

POPPY AND SAM'S EASTER EGG HUNT BY SAM TAPLIN & SIMON TAYLOR-KIELTY
BOARD BOOK 2+
Children will be filled with delight as they search each page for hidden Easter eggs and a tiny duck on the farm. They can follow Poppy and Sam while looking through the cut out holes and running their fingers along the flight of a butterfly or jump along with a lamb. The charming illustrations on each page encapsulate Spring and Easter Time and are perfectly proportioned for small hands. A delightful little Easter gift.
ISBN 971474952767 HB Usborne £5.99

THE SEA HOUSE BY LUCY OWEN & REBECCA HARRY
CHILDREN 6+
One night grieving nine-year-old Coral cries so much she fills her house with tears and wakes in a magical underwater world. She makes new friends as well as dangerous enemies. I especially loved her adorable new fishy friend called Fabulous! A powerful story of courage and friendship as well as a strong conservation message that is lovingly illustrated throughout. A lovely book for early readers and to read together for story time. Finding Nemo meets The Water Babies.

ISBN 9781910080825 PB Firefly £6.99

V&A INTRODUCES: QUEEN VICTORIA BY NINA COSFORD
CHILDREN 7+
A fascinating and intriguing introduction to the reign of Queen Victoria. This small and accessible hardback tells of her upbringing, marriage to Prince Albert and their love for the arts. It is complimented with delightful illustrations, photographs and quotes as well as an insight into British life at the time. It explains the legacy Victoria had on the world. Part of a lovely series celebrating icons of art and design including William Morris and Frida Kahlo.
ISBN 9781241372951 HB Puffin £6.99