SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW APRIL 14-15TH

This week my children's book reviews include a fascinating look into the world of bugs, the adventures of a stray cat, a young detective and a secret society of butlers and a gripping sequel to young adult fantasy, Ink.

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BUG HOTEL BY LIBBY WALDEN & CLOVER ROBIN

BOARD BOOK 3+

This fascinating lift the flap book of discovery shows youngsters what it's like inside the perfect habitat for insects to live. The glorious illustrations combined with bite-sized facts bring the bug world to life. Did you know beetles are one of the earth's oldest creatures? Build your own bug hotel or check out the one in Singleton Park amongst others. Also in the series is the Bird House and both make excellent entertaining and educational gifts for nature lovers.

ISBN 9781848576575 Little Tiger HB £8.99

THE STORY OF TANTRUM O'FURRILY BY CRESSIDA COWELL & MARK NICHOLAS

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A stray cat called Tantrum tells her hungry three kittens a story about a pampered cat. The lessons the kittens and little readers will learn is don't be fooled by appearances and to show kindness and courage when needed. The simple tale is beautifully illustrated mainly in textured monotone with splashes of colour. Children will be whisked along through the stormy night to a satisfying ending perfect for bedtime.

ISBN 9781444933802 HB Hodder £12.99

HOUNDS AND HAUNTINGS BY JANINE BEACHAM

CHILDREN 9+

Rose Raventhorpe and the city's secret society of butlers are on the case again. An historical fantasy adventure will have young reader's pulses racing. Can young detective Rose find a murderer and the mystery behind the ancient ghost-hound? The evocative Victorian setting, quirky cast and spunky heroine will enthral and intrigue as young readers pick up clues along the way. For fans of Sherlock, Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine.

ISBN 978510201323 PB Little Brown Books £6.99

SPARK BY ALICE BROADWAY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

In a world where the events in your life are tattooed onto your skin, Leora is questioning the purpose of the society she lives in. When she is forced to spy on the Blanks, outsiders with no marks she finds answers to her past and future. This complex tribal fantasy cleverly will draw you into its web of truths and half-truths. Who is friend or foe? Where does Leora truly belong? A gripping sequel to the bestseller Ink.

ISBN 9781407172859 PB Scholastic £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS FEB 10-11TH

This week my children's book reviews include a celebration of girl power, a picture book about finding love, a wild robot adventure and a romantic comedy for the modern teenager.

Perfect reads for Valentine's Day and something for everyone!

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

Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MAKE MORE NOISE! BY NOSY CROW

CHILDREN 8+

An empowering anthology from best-selling children's authors including Emma Carroll and M.G. Leonard which celebrate strong girls and women. There are stories for everyone from historical to adventure. One hundred years ago, this week, women won the right to vote. These stories, some based on real people and some imagined, will hopefully help inspire a new generation of girl power and equality. A must for every school library. Each book donates £1 to Camfed.

ISBN 9781788002394 PB Nosy Crow £7.99

THE POESY RING BY BOB GRAHAM

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Love is always there, it just needs to be found. A whimsical and romantic journey of a poesy ring that was thrown away. The reader travels with it far and wide, through the seasons, over land and sea until it finds a loving home again. The visual narrative through the beautiful pen and wash illustrations add depth and empathy to an endearing story making it a perfect gift for Valentines Day.

ISBN 9781406378276 HB Walker Books £11.99

THE WILD ROBOT BY PETER BROWN

CHILDRENS 9+

Roz the robot is stranded on a wild island and to survive she must befriend the animals who live there. When her owners come to take her home, she must fight to protect all she holds dear. Children will love Roz the robot, her adopted duck, Brightbill and the menagerie of talking animals. Striking illustrations and short, snappy chapters give this action-packed adventure a broad appeal. The Iron Giant meets Jungle Book.

ISBN 9781848127272 PB Piccadilly £6.99

MOVIE NIGHT BY LUCY COURTENAY

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When Hanna sees her boyfriend kissing another girl she turns to her best friend Sol for support. They watch a film together once a month to work out life's hardest questions. Told from Hanna's and Sol's alternating points of view it gives insight into their characters and their struggle with unrequited love. This heart-warming comedy of errors and misunderstandings makes it a perfect read for romantics and movie lovers. Pretty in Pink for the modern teenager.

ISBN 9781444930733 PB Hodder £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JAN 13-14

This week my children's book reviews include a heart stopping fantasy, a courageous stoat, a history of when women won the right to vote and an empathetic romance that deals with diversity and prejudice.

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

EVERLESS BY SARA HOLLAND

YOUNG ADULT 12+

In a mythical kingdom time is currency and only the rich live for centuries. When Jules is forced to work for the ruling family to buy time for her dying father, she is torn between two brothers who may know the truth about her mysterious past. A seductive world that reveals it's secrets with every Machiavellian twist and turn. You will want to stop time to finish reading this book in one sitting.

ISBN 9781408353394 HB Orchard £12.99

THE TRAVELS OF ERMINE BY JENNIFER GRAY & ELISA PAGANELLI

CHILDREN 6+

Ermine is a little stoat determined to see the world. First on her list is New York and she can't wait to see Central Park Zoo; The Rockefeller Building and ride in a yellow taxi. But when her suitcase is switched Ermine finds herself chased by robbers. This tiny heroine will charm young readers with her bravery; humour and independence. Brimming with black and white illustrations that pepper every page, this is a lovely gift.

ISBN 9781474927253 PB Usborne £5.99

REBEL VOICES BY EVE LLOYD KNIGHT & LOUISE KAY STEWART

CHILDREN 8+

This stunning book celebrates the brave campaigners who fought for women's right to vote. Tracing its history from the pioneering women of New Zealand in 1893 to online activism in Kuwait in 2005, this will educate; surprise, outrage and ultimately empower. Partnered with striking illustrations, this is about strong and courageous women who refused to bow to convention and were brave enough to fight to have their voice heard. Inspiring.

ISBN 9781526300232 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

LOVE, HATE & OTHER FILTERS BY SAMIRA AHMED

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Maya dreams of being a filmmaker in New York but her family have other ideas. She is also torn between the boy she should like and the one she does like. Then a suicide bomber changes their destiny forever. This romantic and relevant debut about Islamophobia shows how it affects the typical life of a teenage girl. The book has a compelling empathetic voice which will touch your heart as it copes with themes of diversity; prejudice and multiculturalism.

ISBN 9781471407147 PB Hot Key £ 7.99

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

This week my children's book reviews include a magical ice-bound adventure, an alternative Cinderella fairy tale, a magical treehouse and a thriller set in space.

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SKY SONG BY ABI ELPHINSTONE

CHILDREN 9+

Eska breaks free from a cursed music box to join Flint, a young inventor, to fight the evil Ice Queen in the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald. Can they free their home from her glacial control? Children will be enthralled by the eagle huntress, the organ made of ice and the close friendships at its centre. Full of myth and magic this sparkling adventure within an enchanted world will melt your heart. Narnia meets Frozen.

ISBN 978147114677 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

ASH BOY BY LUCY COATS & MARK BEECH

CHILDREN 6+

When Cinder's widowed father remarries a total horror who has two bullying sons, Rock and Boulder, he doesn't think life could get much worse. Cinder just wants to have some peace in his beloved library. However, his fairy godmother magically enters him into a jousting contest. What could go wrong? An hilarious alternative to Cinderella that is guaranteed to have you in stitches. It is super readable and suitable for reluctant and dyslexic readers.

ISBN 9781781127186 PB Barrington Stoke £5.99

THE 91- STOREY TREEHOUSE BY ANDY GRIFFITHS AND TERRY DENTON

CHILDREN 8+

Meet Andy and his best friend Terry, who live in the most magnificent tree house ever! The seventh in this crazily imaginative series their treehouse just keeps getting bigger. They've added a whirlpool, a mashed-potato-and-gravy train and a human pinball machine. But can Terry resist pressing the Big Red Button? This is packed with fun, adventure and cartoons and will ignite children's imagination and have them roaring with laughter. It is perfect for reluctant readers.

ISBN 9781509839162 PB Macmillan £5.99

SATELLITE BY NICK LAKE

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Leo has never set foot on Earth. Born and raised with twins, Orion and Libra, on a space station they must prepare to go home, back to Earth. But none of them can imagine the irreversible consequences their return will set into motion. A smart, highly original thriller based around real science that has longing and belonging at its centre. This atmospheric philosophical story will pull you into the beauty and magnitude of outer space.

ISBN 9781444936773 PB Hodder £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 30-31

This week my children's book reviews include a Jurassic World style adventure, an enormous book of art, a map of monsters and a time travelling football adventure!

Also in the Weekend section of

The South Wales Evening Post.

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE EXTINCTION TRIALS BY S.M.WILSON

YOUNG ADULT 12+

In a land full of monsters the only way to survive is to risk everything. Stormchaser wants to escape her starved, grey life while Lincoln wants to save his dying sister. To do so they must enter a dangerous competition on an island of dinosaurs. Atmospheric world building and a strong cast, this is a nerve-jangling, gut-wrenching, vivid story of survival, friendship and betrayal. Jurassic Park meets Hunger Games.

ISBN 9781474927345 PB Usborne £7.99

A IS FOR ART BY PAUL THURLBY

CHILDREN 5+

Discover famous painters and timeless works of art on an alphabetical tour of the National Gallery in London. From Da Vinci to Monet, from medieval masters to the French impressionists this will demystify some of the nations greatest art treasures for little ones. The large format book is bursting with fascinating facts and sumptuous high quality reproductions that makes it perfect for art lovers of all ages to share.

ISBN 9781444933673 HB Hodder £14.99

THE ATLAS OF MONSTERS BY STUART HILL & SANDRA LAWRENCE

CHILDREN 7+

A mysterious collection of maps has been discovered showing where in the world mythological monsters can be found. Has intrepid explorer, Cornelius Walters, really recorded the truth or is it a hoax? Inside you will find trolls and dragons, minotaurs and krackens, plus there is also a puzzle for young adventurers to solve along the way. The spectacular illustrations evoke the beauty of a medieval map in this large format book but with a contemporary twist.

ISBN 9781783706969 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

DEFENDERS: DARK ARENA BY TOM PALMER

CHILDREN 9+

The second in a spooky new series that combines the thrills of football, history and supernatural sleuthing. Seth and Nadiya must investigate when ghostly activities threaten a premier League club as they build a new stadium on Roman ruins. Can the friends face their fears against an army of zombie-slaves and a ruthless and corrupt tycoon? An accessible and exciting read that will enthrall the most reluctant of readers.

ISBN 9781781127308 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

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

This week my children's book reviews include books about a magical ballerina, a rabbit discovering the moon, a blind cat with ninja powers and a science fiction romance.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE MAGIC TOYSHOP BY JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Discover a world of fairytale toymakers and dancing dolls in the beautiful introduction to the classic ballet, La Boutique Fantastique. Ella Bella steps into an enchanted toy shop to discover a new magical ballet adventure. Can she stop two dolls, who are in love, from being separated? Exquisitely and richly detailed illustrations throughout, this is perfect for little ballerinas. The latest in a wonderful series introducing famous ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

ISBN 9781408336854 HB Orchard Books £12.99

GOODNIGHT BABY MOON BY JAMES MITCHEM AND CLAIRE PATANE

BOARD BOOK 2+

Follow a family of curious rabbits and the phases of the moon in this enchanting bedtime story. Easy to follow text, rhythmic phrases and magical twilight illustrations; little ones will want to return to this special board book again and again. I especially loved the LED moon on the front cover which lights up with the press of a button. A beautiful gift for all occasions.

ISBN 9780241276396 HB Dorling Kindersley £11.99

TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE BY DERMOT O'LEARY

CHILDRENS 7+

Toto is no ordinary furry feline. She may be almost blind, but she also has incredible ninja skills. Follow Toto and her cheeky brother Silver, on their first rip-roaring adventure. A deadly Cobra has escaped from the zoo. Can they find the giant snake before it's too late? The characterful illustrations by Nick East compliment the irreverent humour and daring deeds throughout the tale. Purrrfect for early readers and to read aloud.

ISBN 9781444939453 PB Hodder £6.99

MY SIDE OF THE DIAMOND BY SALLY GARDNER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When Jazmin's best friend, Becky vanishes, she is shunned by everyone. Did Jazmin have something to do with her disappearance? Or was it more to do with Icarus, with whom Becky had become besotted? When Becky jumped off a building why did no one see her reach the ground? With detailed and intriguing illustrations throughout, this mysterious and spooky tale will fascinate and beguile. A quirky and unusual science fiction romance for fans of Stranger Things.

ISBN 9781471406430 PB Hot Key Books £9.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 4-5

This week my children's book reviews include a journal trying to combat online bullying, an artist crocodile, a celebration of the animal kingdom and a pictorial history of Tutankhamun and the discovery of his tomb.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BE COOL BE NICE BY GDV

CHILDREN 8+

Be Cool Be Nice aims to combat cyber bullies by encouraging us to be kind and to use social media in a more positive way. It inspires us to double check information and pictures before putting them onto the internet and to treat others as you would like to be treated. This journal style book is full of clever rhymes; cute characters and thought-provoking activities which you can personalise. Kindness never goes out of style.

ISBN 9781787410961 HB Studio Press £14.99

CROCODALI BY LUCY VOLPIN

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A wonderfully witty interactive story about Crocodali, a brilliant but very bossy crocodile artist. He enlists the reader to help with his painting but they had better follow his instruction of there will be trouble! Children and adults will delight in tilting; turning and shaking the book to help this diva artist create his masterpiece. Full of colour and character with fabulous painterly illustrations, this will be sure to inspire budding artists everywhere!

ISBN 9781787410930 PB Templar £6.99

THE VARIETY OF LIFE BY NICOLA DAVIES & LORNA SCOBIE

CHILDREN 6+

A celebration of the extraordinary diversity within the animal kingdom. This large format book is bursting with fascinating facts about mammals; birds, reptiles, fish and insects and will encourage children to treasure our world's biodiversity. Exquisitely illustrated, it shines a spotlight on how many different species exist in the world. Forty thousand types of beetle but only eight species of bear! Hopefully, the book will help raise awareness for new generations before it's too late!

ISBN 9781444931198 HB Hodder £14.99

THE STORY OF TUTANKHAMUN BY PATRICIA CLEVELAND-PECK & ISABEL GREENBERG

CHILDREN 7+

On this day November 4th, 1922 Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. Travel through history and explore the story of the boy king and his magnificent tomb. Divided into three parts; the life and death of Tutankhamun; the discovery of his tomb and lastly what modern technology has since unveiled. Rich in detail and illustrations, this is a treasure trove of wonder and delight, about one of the most significant historical discoveries of our time.

ISBN 9781408876787 HB Bloomsbury £14.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST SEPT 23-24

This week my children's book reviews include a penguin treasure hunter, a new British Museum activity book, an out of this world adventure and a contemporary nail biting thriller. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE BY ALEX T. SMITH

CHILDRENS 6+

Adventurer Mr Penguin and his sidekick Colin (a bowler hat wearing, martial arts spider!) are employed to find missing treasure in the Museum of Extraordinary Objects. The quest involves secret codes, fighting ferocious beasts and eating fish finger sandwiches. A brilliant new series full of slapstick humour, adventure and action. Packed to the gills with quirky and irreverent illustrations in black, white and orange. Inspector Clouseau meets Indiana Jones. You definitely need to p-p-pick up this Penguin!

ISBN 9781444932065 HB Hodder £9.99

MIXED-UP MASTERPIECES: FUNNY FACES

CHILDREN 3+

A flip flap book using artefacts from the British Museum. Little ones can have hours of fun by trying to match up the correct faces on the split pages as well as make up their own faces. With two thousand combinations from an ancient Egyptian Mummy to a modern Mexican mask this will engage and educate while exploring different cultures from around the world. Includes a QR code for parents to learn more about the ancient artefacts featured.

ISBN 9781788000796 HB Nosy Crow £9.99

PLANET ADVENTURES : THE LOST MOON BY PAT ROPER & HUW AARON

CHILDRENS 6+

When a lost moon crashes into him, Earth must decide if he will travel across the Solar System to help his new friend get back home, or will he stay in his comfy orbit out of danger? An adventure of galactic proportions with spaced-out illustrations from Huw Aaron. Young readers will love the hilarious space jokes at the beginning of each chapter and the starring cast of characters. A truly out of this world adventure.

ISBN 9780993511837 PB Burst Publishing £5.99

GENUINE FRAUD BY E. LOCKHART

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A runaway heiress and a social chameleon form an intense friendship that leads to murder and betrayal. A noir thriller full of glamour and suspense that will keep twisting you up in knots as it skitters backwards and forwards in time. From the author of bestseller We Were Liars the two strong female characters will keep you guessing until the end. A story that explores how we identify ourselves and others. The Talented Mr Ripley meets Great Expectations.

ISBN 9781471406621 HB Hot Key £12.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST SEPT 16-17

This week my children's book reviews include a magical world of wizards and warriors, a picture book about tantrums, a book to help children who feel sad and a darkly enchanting fantasy. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WIZARDS OF ONCE BY CRESSIDA COWELL

CHILDREN 9+

In a time of magic a boy wizard, Xar and a girl warrior,Wish have been taught to hate each other but when their two worlds collide they change their fate forever. A wildly entertaining and funny adventure packed with Cowell's celebrated scratchy and emotive illustrations of giants, snow cats and sprites. It is a visual treat to snuggle up with or read together with an adult. For fans of How To Train Your Dragon.

ISBN 9781444936704 HB Hodder Childrens £12.99

TINY TANTRUM BY CAROLINE CROWE

PICTURE BOOK 2+

When Tiny has a tantrum it can be heard for miles around! Windows rattle, jelly quakes and birds fall out of trees. Can anyone persuade Tiny to eat her vegetables, share her toys and brush her teeth? Maybe a few hairy monsters can? Perfect for toddlers learning to deal with temper tantrums or struggling to share and make friends. Colourful illustrations by Ella Okstad just add to the fun and make it a great story to share.

ISBN 9781848694415 HB Little Tiger £10.99

NO WORRIES! BY LILY MURRAY

CHILDREN 7+

New experiences, such as starting school or changes at home, can be a scary and difficult time for some children and these brilliant books could ease some of those anxiety's. This series is full of accessible and simple mindful techniques to deal with daily stresses and worries. Select from colouring, puzzles or games to combat negative feeling. Full of quirky illustrations which gives the book a playful quality that is not intimidating.

ISBN 9781787410879 PB Studio Press £8.99

THE BEAST IS AN ANIMAL BY PETERNELLE VAN ARSDALE

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Alys was the only child to see the twin soul eaters before they decimated her village, leaving all the children orphaned. When Alys starts a new life why is she drawn to the forest? Is there truth in the stories of the mythical Beast? A truly scary debut that will chill you to the bone. Imagine Brothers Grimm visiting Salem to create an an isolated magical world in which you must face you're deepest fears.

ISBN 9781471160455 PB Simon & Schuster £ 7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST SEPT 8-9

This week my children's book reviews include a heart-warming football adventure, a bird spotting activity book, a tale of a mean cat for young readers and a terrifying alien adventure for young adults. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

KICK BY MITCH JOHNSON

CHILDRENS 9+

Bud has the same hopes and dreams as any twelve year old but he lives in the slums of Jakarta working in a sweat shop. When Bud is forced to steal, he faces losing everything. A story of the love of football and how it can highlight the stark differences between rich and poor. An exciting debut full of action and excitement whilst raising social awareness about global issues, such as consumerism. A must for football fans.

ISBN 9781474928151 PB Usborne £6.99

DREAD CAT BY MICHAEL ROSEN

CHILDREN 5+

Dread cat is fed up trying to catch mice so decides to giving up the chase and feed them cheese instead! Or is it a cunning plan? Bounding with sharply observed wit and wisdom the tension racks up slowly through the story until the climactic funny ending. Full of Disney style illustrations by Nicola O'Bryne, this is purrfect for early readers and has added extras including jokes and a game hiding in the jacket flaps.

ISBN 9781781125885 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

THE BIG BIRD SPOT BY MATT SEWELL

CHILDREN 6+

This seek-and-find guide is cleverly designed to inspire children to birdwatch in the real world as well as on the page. Richly illustrated double-page spreads cover a range of habitats with a native bird hidden in every scene. Travel the world from jungle to desert, woodland to ocean, to see if you can spot the birds hiding there. It's harder than you think! Children will spend hours pouring over the intricate details and vibrant colours.

ISBN 9781843653264 HB Pavilion £9.99

I AM TRAITOR BY SIF SIGMARSDOTTIR

YOUNG ADULT 12+

One teenager's fight against extra terrestrial invasion. How much will Amy sacrifice to save the teenage population from a grim dystopian future? Her freedom? Her chance at love? Can Amy really trust the Resistance and allow herself to be 'taken' on a spaceship in order to save the planet? A tense and exciting adventure that is a romantic twist on War of the Worlds. Imaginative and chilling. For fans of Michael Grant, Suzanne Collins and Michael Muchamore.

ISBN 9781444934472 PB Hodder Childrens £7.99