SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MAY 19-20 TH

This week my children's book reviews include a thrilling cycling adventure, a board book about all different types of boats, a kids introduction to vegetarianism and a coming of  age drama dealing with domestic abuse. 

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS BY DAVID BRAYLEY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Professional road cyclist Daniel must remember what inspired his love for racing if he want's to succeed in the toughest race of his career. This adventure is interwoven with family loyalty, betrayal and a mystery surrounding legendary racer Fausto Coppi. Peppered with sporting facts it transports us through the beautiful Gower Peninsula to Italy as we follow Daniel's quest. This is perfect for enthusiasts of all ages as it captures the agony and ecstasy of cycling.

ISBN 9780993510199 PB Scratching Shed £7.99

BOARD BOOK 3+

BOATS ARE BUSY BY SARA GILLINGHAM 

An illuminating board book identifying different types of boats from oil tankers to cruise ships. Young children will love the bright primary colours and strong shapes capturing seafaring life. It is also fascinating to learn how boats communicate with each other. Different nautical flags show a variety of messages such as when fishing nets are in the water or when dangerous cargo is on board. A brilliant, informative book for little sailors and sea lovers alike.

ISBN 9780714876719 HB Phaidon £7.95

CHILDREN 9+

LIVING ON THE VEG BY CLIVE GIFFORD & JACQUELINE MELDRUM

It's National Vegetarian Week and this is a fun accessible guide for children on how to live a vegetarian life. It's full of tips, facts and delicious recipes that clearly outline what it means to live without eating meat and how to do it healthily. It explores different terms such as pescetarian and vegan, while looking at animal welfare, pollution and key information about nutrition. The jazzy layout and bullet point facts make it easily digestible.

ISBN 9781526306098978 HB Wayland Books £12.99

YOUNG ADULT 12+

ME MAM. ME DAD. ME. BY MALCOLM DUFFY

Danny's Mam has a new boyfriend and life seems good until cracks start to show. This tense thriller tackles issues of domestic violence which brings to light a subject that is too often hidden away. At it's heart is a teenager's love for his mother and the lengths he will go to protect her. The story doesn't pull its punches but is liberally laced with hope and humour which makes it a memorable and touching read.

ISBN 9781786697646 HB Zephyr £10.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 17-18

This week my children's book reviews include a floral celebration of the seasons perfect for Easter, a modern introduction to opposites for the very young, a cat detective solving a theatrical mystery and an action packed World War Two spy thriller.  

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A YEAR IN THE WILD BY HELEN AHPORNSIRI

CHILDREN 5+

Take a journey through the seasons using only flowers, leaves and seeds particular to that time of the year. From bounding hares to swooping swallows, this is a visual treat that makes it a book to treasure for all ages. The lyrical informative text is the perfect compliment to the natural collages. It would make a lovely present for Easter, especially if paired with a flower press. A cornucopia of natural wonder that will delight and entrance.

ISBN 9781783707966 PB Big Picture Press £12.99

UP, DOWN & OTHER OPPOSITES WITH ELLSWORTH KELLY

BOARD BOOK 2+

Learn to recognise opposites and appreciate one of the worlds leading abstract artists. This chunky board book encourages early learners to point out and engage with different paintings which show visual opposites such as full/empty, back/front or together/apart. A cultural and entertaining challenge for little ones to appreciate modern art and also learn to look and spot the differences. Iconic images paired with quirky, funny text will capture the minds of adults and budding art enthusiasts alike.

ISBN 9780714876290 HB Phaidon £7.95

MAX THE THEATRE CAT AND THE DISAPPEARING DIVA BY SARAH TODD TAYLOR

CHILDREN 8+

Max, a pampered cat and now chief mouse hunter at the Theatre Royal is up to his whiskers in his first mystery. Why is Madam Emerald, an opera diva behaving strangely? What is her maid so terrified of? Can Max save the day before the curtain rises? Children will love the madcap adventure full of drama and excitement. Atmospheric illustrations of the theatre and nighttime capers throughout just add to the hilarity.

ISBN 9781788000352 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

ORPHAN MONSTER SPY BY MATT KILLEEN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When Sarah, a young Jewish girl is recruited to become a spy in Nazi Germany, she must befriend the daughter of a top nuclear scientist and put a stop to his chilling experiments. Non-stop action imbued with historical facts bring a timely, unflinching reminder of the horrors of war to life. While dark in places this nail-biting story will hold you in it's thrall to the chilling end. Great for book group discussion.

ISBN 9781474942386 PB Usborne £7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST SEPT 30- OCT 1

This week my children's book reviews include a return to a classic, The Little Princess, a hide and seek board book, a  fantasy prison break out adventure and a contemporary coming of age story suitable for dyslexic readers. 

Dyslexia Awareness Week is from Oct 2nd-8th

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE PRINCESS AND THE SUFFRAGETTE BY HOLLY WEBB

CHILDREN 8+

A sequel to one of my personal favourites and a much loved classic, The Little Princess. Lottie is a student at Miss Minchin's but feels abandoned by her father. Inspired by the suffragette movement she forges her own path while looking for her mother. A heart-warming adventure about friendship, girl power and standing up for what you believe in. In time for the 2018 commemoration of women getting the vote. An inspiring story for all little girls, everywhere.

ISBN 9781407170855 HB Scholastic £9.99

VEHICLES HIDE AND SNEAK BY BASTIEN CONTRAIRE

BOARD BOOK 1+

This unusual odd-one-out sturdy board book will engage youngsters as they try and find the object that doesn't fit in with the rest. Spot the ladybird hiding between the cars, an eagle flying amongst planes or an iron gliding between boats. Children will delight in the humorous misplaced objects while shaping their comparison abilities and visual awareness skills. Printed in turquoise and bright pink the illustrated graphic designs are stylish, simple and very entertaining.

ISBN 9780714875163 HB Phaidon £7.95

PRISONER OF ICE AND SNOW BY RUTH LAUREN

CHILDREN 9+

A Machiavellian epic tale of sisterhood, valour and rebellion. Thirteen year old Valor must break her twin sister out of an impenetrable prison as she serves a life sentence for being wrongly accused of stealing a national treasure. But first Valor must break in and to do that she must assassinate the Prince. A Russian-inspired fantasy adventure with shades of The Count of Monte Cristo and Frozen. Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Cathryn Constable.

ISBN 9781408872758 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

ROOK BY ANTHONY MCGOWAN

CHILDREN 12+

While brothers, Nicky and Kenny, try and help an injured rook, Nicky must deal with the school bully and his first love. When trouble escalates can Nicky turn his luck around? An insightful novel touching on peer intimidation, consequences and responsibilities. Dyslexia Awareness Week starts October 2^nd. This brilliant drama, (reading age 8+ suitable for teens) is just one of many books by Barrington Stoke that help emergent and dyslexic readers unlock the love of reading.

ISBN 9781781127230 PB Barrington Stoke £7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST AUG 26-27

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure in the Russian revolution, an introduction to Picasso's drawings, a quirky and creepy middle grade mystery and a contemporary coming of age drama for social media lovers. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE RASPUTIN DAGGER BY THERESA BRESLIN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Russia 1916, a country on the brink of revolution. To escape her past Nina Ivanova must travel to St Petersburg and forge her own future. Stefan, an idealist, dreams of a new Russia. When their paths become entangled with a strange monk called Rasputin, will their love survive? Rich with historical detail this fascinating and epic tale will sweep you away whilst reminding us of the chaos and turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Riveting.

ISBN 9780552565257 PB Penguin £7.99

BIRDS & OTHER ANIMALS WITH PABLO PICASSO

PICTURE BOOK 1+

A stunning board book in which the very young can learn about animals through art while adults can appreciate the artistic genius of Picasso and his beautiful use of line. Rarely seen drawings are cleverly combined with simple, informative text for the very young. Inspired by poetry written by his friend, Guillaume Apollinaire, Picasso's drawings fill the pages with birds, horses, fish and owls. This little book is a wonderful introduction to this famous artist.

ISBN 9780714874128 HB Phaidon £6.95

A PLACE CALLED PERFECT BY HELENA DUGGAN

CHILDREN 9+

Violet has to move to the spooky town of Perfect when her dad is offered a job at the local optician there. When he disappears can Violet save her family with the help of an invisible boy and a lot of imagination? An unforgettably magical and creepy tale with an eye-catching and quirky heroine who refuses to see everything through rose tinted glasses. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton.

ISBN 9781474924160 PB Usborne £6.99

LOLA OFFLINE BY NICOLA DOHERTY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

We've all regretted writing something on social media. But what if it went viral? When Delilah makes a huge mistake on Twitter and becomes the 'story' she changes her name to Lola and moves to Paris. Can she be a normal teenager or will the internet find her? A modern day tale of learning to be yourself and not to be defined by other people or their expectations. For fans of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.

ISBN 9781510100510 PB Orion £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 24TH-25TH

This week my children book reviews include a Dickensian thriller based in Cardiff, a baby book about breast feeding, a magical fantasy and a romantic summer read perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GASLIGHT BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Set in Victorian Cardiff, fourteen year old Nansi is found alone in the docks. Why has her mother disappeared? Working in a theatre, Nansi is forced to join a crooked psychic act. Does the theatre owner know what happened to her mother? A deliciously dark, historical thriller that is evocative and intriguing. Wonderfully atmospheric with a determined feisty heroine and a menacing villain who has a distinctive Dickensian flavour. A great gift and perfect for book group discussion.

ISBN 9781910080542 PB Firefly Press £6.99

WHAT DOES BABY WANT? BY TUPERA TUPERA

PICTURE BOOK 0-2 YRS

This entertaining little board book is a light hearted and extremely funny story about breast feeding. It portrays a scenario every parent will recognise. A hungry baby who will not be soothed by his toy bear, ball or tambourine. Only his mothers milk will do! Baby's face and different moods fill the circular pages including happy, sad, angry and content. Highly appealing and playful, this will certainly add a smile. A great little gift for baby showers!

ISBN 9780714874074 HB Phaidon £8.95

MOONLOCKET BY PETER BUNZL

CHILDRENS 9+

The adventure continues for Lily, Robert and Malkin, their mechanical fox. Unwittingly caught up in a search for missing treasure, the moonlocket, they find themselves in the path of danger. Will they outwit criminal mastermind Jack Door? This brilliant sequel to Cogheart is full of daring, danger and family secrets in a richly imagined world that will sweep you away. A fantasy series that is magical, mysterious and mesmerising.

ISBN 9781474915014 PB Usborne £6.99

A GIRLS GUIDE TO SUMMER BY SARAH MLYNOWSKI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Sydney and her best friend Leela are escaping to Europe for a month. No boys or family drama. What could possibly go wrong? It doesn't start well when Leela's ex boyfriend turns up. Back packing through London, Italy and everywhere in between these friends have a blast and take the reader along for the ride. This is a fun, light hearted read perfect for the Summer holidays. Suitable for fans of E. Lockhart and Holly Smale.

ISBN 9781408343869 PB Orchard Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 17TH-18TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a magical retelling of an ancient folk tale, a hungry worm determined to get his apple, a tutu wearing guinea pig and a magical mash up of literary fairytales full of adventure for older children .  All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy! 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WHITE HARE BY NICOLA DAVIES
CHILDRENS 9+
The first of the Shadow and Light series, this is a retelling of ancient folk tales that will weave a spell over a new generation. In a time when people lived off the land and were closer to nature Ostra must watch helplessly as her would be suitor slays her family to force her hand in marriage. Will Ostra's connection with her animal friends come to her rescue? Accompanied by ethereal watercolours from Anastasia Izlesou. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781910862483 HB Graffeg £8.99
5/5 Stars

TOTO'S APPLE BY MATHIEU LAVOIE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Toto, a tenacious worm is determined to get his apple. Plan after plan fails but he never gives up. The bold and dynamic illustrations will engage little minds in this fast paced story as we follow in his escapades and root for his determined spirit. Really reminded me of Scrat, the acorn obsessed saber-toothed squirrel in the Iceage films. They share a similar obsession to obtain their favourite food by any means necessary. Perfect for Autumn reading
ISBN 9780714872513 HB Phaidon £11.95
5/5 Stars

SOPHIE'S SQUEAKY SURPRISE BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDRENS 6+

This book is a little bundle of cuteness that deals with bigger issues. Sophie has moved to Paris and is being bullied in her new school. Then she meets Josephine, a new friend who happens to be a macaroon loving, tutu wearing guinea pig who lives under the Sacre Coeur!! A delightful adventure with characterful illustrations by Clare Elsom that will warm your heart. Perfect for beginner readers while exploring themes of moving house and making new friends.

ISBN 9781407154329 PB Scholastic £4.99

5/5 Stars

BEYOND THE KINGDOMS BY CHRIS COLFER
CHILDRENS 11+
A tantalising fourth book in this imaginative series that is a mix of Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and Shrek. Alex and Conner enter the Land of Stories where fairy tales are real but not quite as they remember. Can they stop The Masked Man from recruiting an army of literature's greatest villains? Aided by legends like Goldilocks, Jack and Red Riding Hood they battle through Neverland, Wonderland and Oz. Will it be happily ever after? Fantastical
ISBN: 9780349124407 PB Little Brown £7.99
5/5 Stars

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SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JULY 2ND-3RD

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a very hungry pug dog, an unusual friendship made building a giant sandcastle, a treasure seeking pig and an adventure with summer ponies. All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!




BOOK OF THE WEEK

HAROLD'S HUNGRY EYES BY KEVIN WALDRON
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Food obsessed Boston Terrier Harold gets lost in the city and can only find his way home by looking for landmarks he imagines as delicious food in this clever visually striking tale. A clock becomes a large pie and a street lamp an icecream!The black line drawings and block colour compliment the food collage scattered throughout. It's great fun for children helping them to imagine what everyday objects around them could be. Harold will melt your heart.
ISBN 9780714871240 HB Phaidon £10.99
5/5 Stars

KINGS OF THE CASTLE BY VICTORIA TURNBULL
PICTURE BOOK 3+
An ethereal picture book of adventure, imagination and friendship. When George meets the strangest creature he's ever seen the night takes an unusual turn. With a gorgeous pull out of an enormous sandcastle this will enchant little ones and inspire sand castles par excellence. However different we are we can always find common ground and mutual interests as well as learn from one another. Through acceptance and discovery we are open to knew and wonderful experiences.
ISBN 9781783702596 PB Templar Publishing £6.99
5/5 Stars

PIGSTICKS AND HAROLD AND THE PIRATE ADVENTURE BY ALEX MILWAY
CHILDRENS 5+
When Pigsticks' evil nemesis Sir Percival Snout tries to claim his home town for himself he and his sidekick Harold set off to find treasure to buy it back. This entertaining quirky adventure is great for kids making the transition from picture books to reading books. Bold, full colour illustrations, partially in cartoon form and clear text throughout this is also good for reluctant readers who will want to see their heroes save the day.
ISBN 9781406346053 PB Walker Book £6.99
4/5 Stars

KATY'S PONY SUMMER BY VICTORIA EVELEIGH
CHILDRENS 7+
A contemporary authentic pony adventure that sees young rider Katy rescue and look after an injured Exmoor foal. Perfect for summer reading the author clearly knows her stuff and infuses the story with lots of tasty titbits about ponies perfect for all equine lovers. This exciting tale gallops along to a satisfying conclusion with a few traumatic bits thrown in. Don't forget to read the fascinating history of Exmoor ponies at the back.


ISBN 9781444014532 PB Orion Childrens Books £6.99
5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review in The South Wales Evening Post April 16th-17th

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 16^th

Find my Childrens Book Review Column in The South Wales Evening Post this weekend April 16th-17th. This weeks picks include a timeline of British History, exotic food, an adventurous pigeon and personal second world war stories.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WHAT ON EARTH? WALLBOOK TIMELINE OF BRITISH HISTORY BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD
CHILDRENS 7+
From dinosaurs to the present day this is a wonderful illustrated timeline of British History that children can follow over a fold out two meter long map. Also included are stories, letters, a quiz and a magnifier to get a really good look at the details. Giving an overall view of how history developed this will enthral budding historians and will really help explain the evolving social changes alongside significant events. Fascinating.
ISBN: 9780993019920 HB What on Earth Publishing Ltd £12.99
5/5 Stars

CAN I EAT THAT? BY JOSHUA DAVID STEIN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Expand your childrens culinary horizons with this bright and quirky picture book about food we can or cannot eat. What is a sea urchin? Do eggs grow on egglants? Cleverly picking on foods from around the world and playing on words this will stimulate not only thought and discussion but your taste buds as well. Suitable for either good or faddy eaters alike this engaging book also donates a portion of its proceeds to Action Against Hunger.
ISBN: 9780714871400 HB  Phaidon Press Ltd £10.95
4/5 Stars

DAVE PIGEON BY SWAPNA HADDOW
CHILDRENS 5+
Dave and his sidekick Skipper are two pigeons on a quest to defeat the most evil cat in town. Told in first person and punctured with hilarious cartoon like illustrations from the talented Sheena Dempsey the two squabbling birds tell the story of their adventures making it perfect for early readers. Children will love these two irreverent heroes but who will win Mean Cat or Dave Pigeon? You will have to learn Pigeonese to find out!
ISBN: 9780571323302 PB Faber & Faber £5.99
5/5 Stars

VOICES FROM THE SECOND WORLD WAR BY VARIOUS
CHILDRENS 9+

This insightful and sensitive historical book is packed full of personal accounts of World War Two. Stories include resistance fighters, RAF pilots, a man who survived Hiroshima and a prisoner of Auschwitz. Children gain a real insight into the enormous effect that the war had on lives. It is a treasury of valuable lessons learned that can be passed down to future generations. A portion of proceeds donated to Silver Line.
ISBN: 9781406360110 HB  Walker Books Ltd £14.99
5/5 Stars
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