This week my children's book reviews include a brave coming-of-age drama, a picture book about empathy, a return to Impossible Places and a magical middle grade adventure.
Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!
BOOK OF THE WEEK
SCARS LIKE WINGS BY ERIN STEWART
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Sixteen-year-old
Ava must return to school after a house fire left her disfigured.
After meeting Piper Ava feels more able to cope with the daily
tormenting. Can Ava come to terms with her new reality? An inspiring
coming-of-age tale about overcoming life's obstacles and dealing with
scars whether they be inside or out. It's a brave and empathetic
account of a young girl overcoming enormous adversity on her terms. A
compelling story that won't be easily forgotten.
HB Simon &
Schuster £12.99
A HOME FOR LUNA BY STEF GEMMILL &
MEL ARMSTRONG
PICTURE BOOK 4+
When Luna, the cat
washes up on a strange shore, she is scared and lonely. A group of
penguins show her kindness and welcome her to their group. But will
she ever feel at home? The bold and dramatic illustrations bring the
story about the meaning of friendship to life. A joyful and funny
story that is perfect for sharing. It would be ideal for teaching
about empathy and acceptance of people's differences.
HB New Frontier
Publishing £11.99
THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY BY P.G.BELL
CHILDREN 9+
Suzy can't wait to
return to the Union of Impossible Places as a Postal Operative. But
when she overhears a dastardly plan to destroy Trollville she must
race through magical cloud-worlds to catch the unexpected villain.
Children will adore the array of wild and wondrous characters and the
illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino. It's full of treasure, quirky
magic, new characters and not forgetting 'fuzzics', not physics. For
every child who's dreamed of being whisked off on an adventure.
Usborne HB £12.99
THE EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT
ADVENTURES OF BRONTE METTLESTONE BY JACLYN MORIARTY
CHILDREN 9+
When Bronte's
parents are killed by pirates she is instructed in their will to
deliver gifts to her ten extraordinary aunts. They include a rock
star, a dragon specialist and a cruise ship captain! If she doesn't
fulfil the request terrible things will happen. This steely and
courageous heroine will have to battle avalanches, magic and a lot of
surprises. A whimsical and imaginative fantasy quest that will
enthral until the end. A spellbinding gift.
Guppy Books HB
£14.99
