SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 14-15 2020

This week my children's book reviews include the hilarious return of Thimble the monkey for young readers and a picture book celebration of women who are trying to save the planet. Also included is a middle grade adventure about a newly recruited eco detective who must save endangered animals and a searing drama for teens dealing with bullying and suicide. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THIMBLE WONGA BONKERS BY JON BLAKE & MARTIN CHATTERTON

CHILDREN 7+

While Jams Mum visits a spa his Dad and Thimble the monkey are left home alone. When Thimble goes bananas and loses their shopping money they must hatch a plan. Will Dad really sell Thimble to his evil publisher?Can Jams save the day? A hilarious madcap adventure that is bursting with quick-fire humour. Children will love the continuing riotous adventures of Jams and Thimble accompanied by fun black and white illustrations. Perfect so share.

Firefly PB £5.99

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO SAVED THE PLANET BY KATE PANKHURST

CHILDREN 5+

A new addition to this awesome series about inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to conserving and protecting the earth. Isatou Ceesay from Gambia helped women become financially independent while teaching them to recycle. Maria Telkes developed solar energy. Jane Goodall still fights for the rights of chimpanzees today. Families and classrooms will be fascinated by the discoveries, inventions and innovations these extraordinary women have made to make the world a better place.

Bloomsbury PB £6.99

AGENTS OF THE WILD: OPERATON HONEYHUNT BY JENNIFER BELL & ALICE LICKENS

CHILDREN 8+

School girl Agnes is recruited by a determined elephant Shrew called Attie to join SPEARS: The Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species. She is whisked off to the Brazilian rainforest to save an endangered dance-loving bee named Elton. Children will love following Agnes on her hilarious mission while learning facts along the way. Every page is covered in dynamic green and black illustrations perfect for this new wildlife loving series. Ideal for young eco-warriors.

Walker PB £6.99

AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY BY DANIELLE JAWANDO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

When fifteen-year-old Nathan's older brother Al takes his own life his whole world falls apart. Nathan and his friend Megan are determined to find out the truth and keep his memory alive. An evocative and heart-rending drama about loss, understanding and the importance of reaching out when you least want to. A powerful and hard-hitting story that can be used to invite discussion and a positive response to the weaponising of social media by bullies.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

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

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a stunning picture book of a snowy walk through a big city, a rebellious Christmas Tree, a wintery adventure for horse lovers and an icy fantasy for Narnia lovers.

Perfect presents for Christmas

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SMALL IN THE CITY BY SYDNEY SMITH

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young boy walks through a busy city on a snowy day. He is small, and the city is big and noisy. Can the boy find his way home? A stunningly atmospheric book that will give children courage and show them that it's ok to feel small and vulnerable. The inky drawings and flashes of bright colour bring alive the wintry day in the city. The stunning artwork and simple, poignant story is perfect for sharing.

HB Walker £12.99

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! BY SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's Christmas time, and every tree on the street is beautifully decorated except one. This tree is a rebel! He doesn't want to wear glittery decorations. He wants to bake, go on a bike ride and watch telly. Can a gang of decorations, Bauble, Belle and Tinsel make him behave? A festive fun story full of warmth and wit with an adorable cast of characters. Perfect for reading out loud and getting children into the Christmas spirit.

PB Macmillan £6.99

SNOWFLAKES, SILVER AND SECRETS BY TRACEY CORDEROY

CHILDREN 8+

It's the Christmas holidays, and Bryony and her friends are looking forward to riding their ponies in the snow. When they befriend a family of travellers accused of stealing a box of silver Bryony must solve the mystery and remind people what Christmas is all about. The third delightful adventure set in Seaview Stables. This story is a must for horse lovers with a cute quiz and festive horse decoration to make at the back.

PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

THE FROZEN SEA BY PIERS TORDAY

CHILDREN 9+

When bullies chase Jewel into a mysterious old bookshop, she begins a quest into the enchanted world of Folio to rescue her missing aunt. Jewel's only help is her cheeky talking pet hamster Fizz and a malfunctioning robot. This spellbinding fantasy is an ode to the classic Narnia series with a sparkling cast and full of adventure. Ideal for reading on a wintry night and a lovely gift for fans of Nevermoor and Wizards of Once.

Quercus HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include for Rememberance Sunday an inspiring second world war drama and a stirring illustrated middle grade novel about the importance of truth set in the First World War. My column also includes a picture book about learning to cope with bereavement, and lastly for the holidays a return to the Shadowhunters world with a fan favourite. 

The two World War books are perfect to learn about that period and start a conversation in class. They are also inspiring and insightful.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ BY HEATHER MORRIS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

1942 Lale is imprisoned in Auschwitz just because he is Jewish. His job is tattooing numbers of fellow victims. When he meets Gita it's love at first sight. Will they survive the horror of war? Based on real events, this pulsates with courage, friendship and daring. A deeply moving and inspiring story that should be a must for every school. Information and points of discussion are in the back. A story never to be forgotten.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

WAITING FOR WOLF BY SANDRA DIECKMANN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Fox and Wolf spend a perfect day together, talking, laughing, playing and watching stars. One day Wolf is gone. How will Fox cope? A stunningly illustrated and lyrical story about friendship, loss and grief. A perfect story to start a discussion with children about learning to cope with bereavement by remembering treasured memories. The magical illustrations capture the emotion of the scenes from happy to sad and ends with a positive heartwarming message.

HB Hodder £12.99

CAPTAIN ROSALIE BY TIMOTHEE DE FOMBELLE & ISABELLE ARSENAULT

CHILDREN 8+

Rosalie is five, and she is on a secret mission to learn to read. Her father is at war, and her mother reads his letters to her until one day she stops. Can Rosalie find out the truth? A moving story that reveals the tragedy of war through a child's eyes. The story is complemented by the atmospheric ink drawings and flashes of Rosalie's red hair against the darkness. It illustrates the importance of truth and togetherness and a pertinent conversation starter about Remembrance Day.

Walker Books PB £6.99

THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC BY CASSANDRA CLARE & WESLEY CHU

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A welcome return to the Shadowhunters world with fan favourite High Warlock Magnus Bane in the lead role. Magnus is on holiday with his boyfriend, Alex Lightwood. But before long they are chasing the evil leader of a demon-worshipping cult. A fun romp through the most glamorous European cities plus ladles of adventure, magic and romance. This is suitable for fans and newcomers who will love the diverse cast and sense of loyalty and honour at its heart.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 5-6 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade icy adventure, a picture book about a rock, a middle grade non fiction book of unusual jobs and a poetry book for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

FROSTHEART BY JAMIE LITTLER

CHILDREN 9+

Ash lives with The Fira at the edge of the Snow Sea in a strong hold surrounded by terrifying monsters. When a brave rescue reveals his magical powers Ash embarks on a quest to find out what happened to his parents and the truth of his mysterious gift. A rip-roaring adventure with boundless illustrations which bring the characters to life. An exhilarating snow-bound ride that is perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Nevermoor.

Puffin PB £7.99

A STONE SAT STILL BY BRENDAN WENZEL

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When is a stone not just a stone? To the animals who live around the stone, it can be a home or an entire world. The stunning illustrations and soothing rhymes are perfect for reading aloud. It encourages children to use their imagination, looking at the simplest objects in different ways. It inspires fun games thinking about what everyday objects can be used for. A gorgeous exploration of perspective, perception with an underlying environmental message. Beautiful.

HB Chronicle Books £12.99

INCREDIBLE JOBS YOU'VE (PROBABLY) NEVER HEARD OF BY NATALIE LABARRE

CHILDREN 9+

Discover weird and wonderful jobs you may never have heard of in this large-format book. Children will be fascinated by the wide variety of jobs available such as a Sloth nanny or professional sleeper! What about becoming a picture restorer or a submarine chef? The bold and witty illustrations provide hours of exploration. It will ignite children's imagination and encourage them to think outside the box for future endeavours. This unique book opens up whole new worlds.

HB Nosy Crow £14.99

SOMEBODY GIVE THIS HEART A PEN BY SOPHIA THAKUR

YOUNG ADULT 13+

A compelling collection of poems by an acclaimed performance poet. Sophia explores issues of identity, difference, perseverance, relationships, fear, loss and joy. The collection is arranged from youth to school, to home life, falling in love and out. And growing up. It is inspired by the poet's mixed-race background trying to make sense of a lonely, complicated world. A beautiful and contemporary introduction to poetry and another way to explore our own emotions.

Walker PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 29-30

This week my children's book reviews include a young runner with tough choices for middle grade readers, a picture book about a naughty bear's first visit to the cinema, an enchanting circus adventure for middle grade readers and a glittering Bollywood romance for young adults. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GHOST BY JASON REYNOLDS

CHILDREN 10+

When Ghost is recruited onto an elite running team he must decide what path he must travel. Will he be held back by his traumatic past or will he harness his awesome running talent and win the big race? An exciting coming-of-age urban drama about not letting the challenges and circumstances of life dictate your outcome or dreams. Ghost is a flawed but ultimately inspiring hero who the kids will be cheering on.

ISBN 9781999642525 PB Knights Of £6.99

DAISY AND BEAR BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

When Daisy decides to take her friend Bear to the cinema for the first time what could possibly go wrong? Children will love how naughty Bear is. During the film he eats noisily, wriggles around and even answers his phone! The glorious illustrations perfectly capture the twilight of the cinema and the trouble an enormous golden bear can cause. I am sure everyone has experienced their own 'bear' at the cinema or theatre. Hilarious!

ISBN 9781407186696 PB Scholastic £6.99

THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS BY FRANCESCA ARMOUR-CHELU

CHILDREN 9+

Sisters Tansy and Belle are dazzling trapeze artists until Tansy falls and loses her nerve and Belle mysteriously disappears. When Tansy's shadow comes mysteriously to life can she rediscover her courage and save her sister? Children will fly high with this enchanting circus adventure and its wonderful cast of characters. I loved the gorgeous behind the scene details of the travelling circus. This irresistible story is perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

ISBN 9781406384369 PB Walker Books £6.99

MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE BY NISHA SHARMA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Bollywood film fanatic Winnie is predicted to find love before her eighteenth birthday. But when her fated loved does not transpire she feels lost. Fellow film geek Dev encourages her to find her own happily ever after. A funny and touching romance that celebrates life even when it goes off script. It perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs of growing up while accepting the help of friends, family and even a Bollywood superstar!

ISBN 9781788951463 PB Stripes £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 11-12

This week my children's book reviews include a fantastical maritime adventure, a cute kitty who wants to be a superhero, a young mouse who joins the Resistance in World War Two and a contemporary coming of age drama that is compelling and thought provoking. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MALAMANDER BY THOMAS TAYLOR
CHILDRENS 9+
Herbert Lemon, the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel must help find Violet's parents in the strange town of Eelie-on-Sea. Is the Malamander, a legendary sea-monster the cause of their disappearance twelve years ago? A wondrous and fantastical seaside adventure awash with magically Gothic overtones. I loved the curious bookshop, home to mysterious mermonkey. A captivating cast and imaginative mythical creatures will have young readers hooked from start to finish. Tim Burton meets Treasure Island.
ISBN 9781406386288 PB Walker Books £6.99

SUPERKITTY BY HANNAH WHITTY & PAULA BOWLES

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Kitty works for the Sensational Superhero Agency answering the phone. But all she wants to be is a crime busting superhero like her friends. When a dinosaur bone is stolen from a museum can Kitty save the day? Children will love 'pawing' over the adorable illustrations including double page spreads. They will relate to Kitty trying to be brave and learning to believe in herself. Small can be MIGHTY! A great book to share about Girl Power.
ISBN 9781471175091 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

THE UMBRELLA MOUSE BY ANNA FARGHER

CHILDREN 9+
When Pip loses her family and home in the London bombings of 1944 she must find a new home in Italy. On her quest, Pip joins Noah's Ark, a secret gang of animals fighting the resistance in France. An extraordinary World War Two adventure as seen through the eyes of a tiny mouse that children will be immediately relate to in a big world. Sam Usher's ink drawings beautifully capture the endearing cast of brave animals.
ISBN 9781529003970 PB Macmillan £6.99

WE ARE NOT OKAY BY NATALIA GOMES

YOUNG ADULT 14+
Four teenage girls are trying to survive the pitfalls of school, love and friendship in a ruthless and unforgiving digital age. A raw account which deals with difficult issues including bullying, sexual assault and suicide. The four compelling and interwoven tales lead up to a heartbreaking climax and a reminder of how important it is to be supportive of your friends without judging them. A thought-provoking book that would be good for a book club.
ISBN 97810008291846 PB Harper Collins £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade adventure based in a Victorian London frozen in time, a picture book about the gift of kindness, an illustrated little book of hugs and a young adult book about finding your own path. 

Great books for children and some lovely gifts for Valentine's Day suitable for all the family. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR BY BENJAMIN READ & LAURA TRINDER
CHILDREN 9+
Emily must find her parents who have vanished into the Midnight Hour, a Victorian London frozen in time full of monsters and magic. With only a stowaway hedgehog and her infamously big mouth to aid her, Emily must uncover family secrets and save this enchanted world. This weird and wonderful fantasy adventure with its quirky cast of characters will delight children who will love being scared and thrilled all at the same time. For fans of Nevermoor.
ISBN 9781911490906 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE KISS BY LINDA SUNDERLAND & JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE
PICTURE BOOK4+
When Edwyn gives a kiss to her Grandma, her Grandma keeps it to bring joy to others. When a rich man wants to buy the kiss at any price, what will she do? An endearing story about the power of love and kindness complimented by a strong message that to give is to receive. The warm, seasonal illustrations and its multi-generational characters will appeal to the whole family. A lovely gift for Valentines and Mother's Day.
ISBN 9781788811026 HB Little Tiger £11.99

100 HUGS BY CHRIS RIDDLE
CHILDREN 8+
An endearing little gem of a book full of illustrated hugs from the familiar to the unexpected. It will raise a smile as you linger over a panda with its cub, a dragon and princess or a hare and tortoise, all hugging. These imaginative weird and wonderful pictures are laced with heartwarming quotes from Shakespeare to Tennyson. Suitable for all ages this is a charming token of affection for those who like a cwtch on Valentines Day.
ISBN 9781509814312 PB Macmillan PB £5.99

ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART BY KATHERINE WEBBER
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Reiko escapes from her claustrophobic home life and loss of her sister to spend time in the Californian desert. Seth shares her love of the desert but is it enough? An emotional rollercoaster about family and friendship, love and loss. This coming of age drama is about finding your own path in life regardless of outside pressures. Set against a dramatic backdrop this self-affirming tale is full of hope, no matter what life throws at you.

ISBN 9781406369052 PB Walker £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW DEC 8-9 2018

This week my Christmas children's book reviews include an extravagant Christmas full of friendship, naughty Christmas Gremlins, a retelling of ancient fables from across the UK and a gift companion to the world of Mortal Engines.

Perfect presents for Christmas  Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA HOTEL BY TRACEY CORDEROY & TONY NEAL
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Frog arrives at the wrong house for his Christmas Extravaganza Bear tries very hard not to disappoint his brand new friend. A hilarious and heartwarming story full of holiday cheer. It explores what we really should value at this time of the year such as compassion, generosity and kindness rather than extravagance. An entertaining story to read out loud and on repeat. The endearing illustrations of their friendship bring home the true message of Christmas.

ISBN 9781848699373 HB Little Tiger £10.99

CHRISTMAS GREMLINS BY ADAM & CHARLOTTE GUILLAIN & CHRIS CHATTERTON
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A cheeky rhyming Christmas story packed with naughty Gremlins determined to cause a stir throughout the festive season. With over 50 flaps to find and lift this is perfect for excited little children to enjoy again and again in the holidays. The gremlins might be hiding up a chimney or in the Christmas tree! Little ones will love searching for the mischief makers behind the flaps in this hilarious interactive book. A riotous and fun stocking filler.
ISBN 9781405285063 PB Egmont £7.99

BETWEEN WORLDS BY KEVIN CROSSLEY-HOLLAND
CHILDREN 9+
A rich and strange collection of magical folktales from across Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland which have been passed down through the generations. These retold tales will capture the imagination of readers young and old peppered throughout with dramatic illustrations by Frances King. The collection is sectioned into Magic, Love, Fairies, Legends and Ghosts amongst others and are easily digestible. A lovely gift that will open a door into a child's imagination.
ISBN 9781406381252 HB Walker £15

THE ILLUSTRATED WORLD OF MORTAL ENGINES BY PHILIP REEVE & JEREMY LEVETT
CHILDREN 10+
Discover the future history of the world of Mortal Engines. This sumptuous volume details the fearless adventures, epic battles and disastrous cataclysms that shaped the world where mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. It is packed with dozens of beautiful colour illustrations and maps that will satisfy the huge following of this series and newcomers alike. A captivating and all-encompassing definitive companion guide to the epic fantasy series and the quintessential gift for fans.
ISBN 9781407186788 HB Scholastic £20