South Wales Evening Post Children's Book Column Jan 30th

South Wales Evening Post Children's Book Column Jan 30^th

My childrens books for this week include an Arabian, Wild West fantasy, a naughty purple bear, an even naughtier menace and a chilling psychological thriller


BOOK OF THE WEEK

REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON
YOUNG ADULT FICTION

This is a unique Wild West meets Arabian Nights mash-up. Amani is desperate to escape Deadpool and a chance meeting with an exotic stranger gives her that opportunity. But thrown into the middle of a rebellion with an evil sultan Amani has tough choices to make . Untold magic, striking imagery and a crackling romance this epic delight will sweep you away into a desert storm and lose you in the sands of time. HOT

ISBN: 9780571325252 PB Faber & Faber £7.99

5/5 Stars

I AM BEAR BY BEN BAILEY SMITH AND SAV AKYUZ
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This wildly funny Bear will have you in stitches with his purple fur suit and talent for finding trouble wherever he is. Bear is seriously naughty, from stealing honey and doughnuts to playing fiendish tricks just for kicks. Great for reading aloud with punchy bold illustrations that really add to the jokes. This will be a sure fire hit with little rebels and wannabe rappers alike.
ISBN: 9781406359251 HB Walker Books £11.99
5/5 Stars

THE DIARY OF DENNIS THE MENACE: THE GREAT ESCAPE BY STEVEN BUTLER
CHILDRENS 6+
Dennis is back but unfortunately for him he has been sent off to boarding school! Surrounded by class swots and tasteless, inedible healthy food he really needs to escape. Help arrives in the form of some fart pellets and his Gran on a motorbike.! In sharp diary format punctured with hilarious cartoons this is great for those with a short attention span and lovers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Horrid Henry.
ISBN: 9780141355863 PB Penguin Books £5.99
4/5 Stars

THINGS WE HAVE IN COMMON BY TASHA KAVANAGH

YOUNG ADULT FICTION
A chilling psychological thriller that sees unfolding events through the eyes of a lonely and troubled teenager obsessed with one of her class mates. Claustrophobic and unsettling, Kavanagh slowly feeds the reader morsels of information racking up the tension to the shocking finale. A gripping read not only suitable for teens but also adults who loved Gone Girl and Notes of a Scandal. You will want to devour this in one sitting.
ISBN: 9781782115977 PB Canongate Books Ltd £8.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

My pick of children's books this week include a young child fighting for survival in WW2, a bear cub discovering the seasons, an adventure series for Sherlock fans and an epic fantasy classic.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN BY GAVRIEL SAVIT

CHILDRENS 12+

In Nazi occupied Poland a linguistics professor leaves his young daughter for work and never comes back. With an age old instinct to survive Anna attaches herself to a tall mysterious stranger she calls Swallow Man. Savit spins a dark and heartbreaking tale of history and fable seen through the eyes of a child. A thought provoking read, great for book clubs, suitable for children and adults. For lovers of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and The Book Thief.

ISBN:9781782300526 HB Penguin Random House £9.99

5/5 Stars

LITTLE ONE BY JO WEAVER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A touching story of discovery shown through changing seasons. Soft charcoal illustrations perfectly capture a mummy bear as she introduces her cub to life in the wild. The simple text gives room for the reader to elaborate on the story and add their own observations. The panoramic scenes really give a sense of the true vastness of nature and a sense of our smallness which little ones will relate to.

ISBN: 9781444922738 HB  Hodder Childrens £11.99

5/5 Stars

3 OF A KIND BY ROHAN GAVIN
CHILDRENS 9+

For Darkus Knightley sleuthing is in his blood and when their family's loyal housekeeper goes missing he finds himself in Las Vegas facing a deadly crime syndicate. Darkus has to use all his extraordinary powers of deduction in this exciting crime caper which will delight all Sherlock and adventure fans alike. Thrills galore laced with wicked humour and a great ensemble cast of characters,. The third in this great series won't disappoint. Check out www.knightleyandson.com for tips on investigating.

ISBN: 9781408860083 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £ 6.99

4/5 Stars

CITY OF BONES BY CASSANDRA CLARE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

As the TV Show starts I couldn't resist rereading one of my favourite fantasy series. The epic series begins with Clary finding out she's a demon hunter and joining a secret society to save the world from an evil warrior. Heart breaking romance and adventure will sweep you away into the world of the Shadowhunters. The tight band of friends fight for survival but who will betray who? Monumental series worth reading before watching. 
ISBN: 9781406362169 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99
5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review Column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16th 2016

Childrens book column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16^th 2016

This week I picked books featuring lost treasure, dastardly pirates, friends who don't listen, a gothic mystery and a machiavellian dystopia where you can trust no one. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW TO FIND GOLD BY VIVIANE SCHWARZ

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I love the beginning of this story when Crocodile tells his friend that finding gold will be dangerous to which Anna replies "Good! Let's go!" Setting the tone we follow the two fearless friends in a rollicking adventure as they search the seas for lost treasure. The rich illustrations and clever use of colour really enhance this rip roaring tale of bravery, determination and believing in yourself. Great for intrepid little treasure hunters everywhere!

ISBN: 9781406362138 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Stars

SHHH WE HAVE A PLAN BY CHRIS HAUGHTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

With a hint of Inspector Clouseau and the Marx Brothers this will appeal to both adults and pre schoolers and have you snickering throughout. Four friends see a beautiful bird and make a plan to catch it but they are repeatedly foiled by their own stupidity hence a lot of slapstick comedy. The limited colours, strange little characters and simple short text adds to its appeal. Communication can be invaluable sometimes!

ISBN: 9781406360035 PB Walker Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF MABEL JONES BY WILL MABBITT

Mabel Jones is press-ganged into serving on the pirate ship the Feroshus Maggot before she is allowed to return to the ‘hooman’ world! A comedic Pirates of the Caribbean with a witty play on words, reminiscent of Lewis Carroll, that will have you laughing out loud. A thrilling adventure full of wild and wacky characters such as Captain Idryss Ebeneezer, (A wolf with a false leg). For more anarchic fun and activities visit www.mabeljonesbooks.co.uk

ISBN: 9780141355146 PB Penguin Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE RED QUEEN BY VICTORIA AVEYARD

An enthralling mix of X-Men meets Hunger Games. In a Machiavellian world where superhuman Silver's brutally rule over Reds there seems no hope of change. However when Mare, a Red, is discovered to have unexplainable electrifying power she becomes a powerful pawn in a brutal game where there can be no winners. Action packed with only a touch a romance this is suitable for boys and girls. Trust no one.

ISBN: 9781409150725 PB Orion Publishing Co £7.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Column for The South Wales Evening Post Jan 9th 2016 from picture books to young adult fiction

Childrens book column South Wales Evening Post Jan 9^th 2016

This week my books include an inspiring and courageous dragon, a hungry bear, a feisty victorian maid and a mythological dystopia. An eclectic mix!!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THATS WHAT WINGS ARE FOR BY PATRICK GUEST

PICTURE BOOK 5+

A beautiful heart warming story of Bluey the dragon who, unlike the other dragons, has floppy wings, weak lungs and soft fur rather than scales. Rejected by his peers Bluey sets off to find a dragon just like him. Inspirational to those not only with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which this book supports but all children who struggle to find a place in the world. It encourages them to find their own unique talents. Good for discussion about disabilities.

SBN: 9781742978291 HB Hardie Grant Egmont £6.99

5/5 stars

FABULOUS PIE BY GARETH EDWARDS

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Bear wants to make a big pie but what to put in it? He meets a succession of forest animals who make helpful suggestions of nuts, berries and fruits. Bear has other ideas however and would prefer to put the animals themselves in his pie! Full of suspense and mischief with snappy rhyming text and rich illustrations this will have a wide appeal and deserves multiple readings and laughs.
 ISBN: 9781407131467 PB Scholastic £6.99
5/5 stars

ANYONE BUT IVY POCKET BY CALEB KRISP

CHILDRENS 9+

Ivy Pocket,a twelve-year-old maid, has agreed to courier The Clock Diamond from Paris to England after being sacked for dunking her mistress's head in a bowl of punch! Dangers and supernatural mysteries greet her around every corner but Ivy is 'maid' for this job. A feisty eccentric heroine in a Gothic tale of murder and treachery that will chill you to the bone. A thrilling introduction to a great series complimented by witty illustrations.

ISBN: 9781408858646 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £6.99

5/5 stars

UNWRAPPED SKY BY RJURIK DAVIDSON

YOUNG ADULT 13+

This really captured my imagination as soon as I started reading it. I love Greek mythology and was entranced by the description of the minotaurs and the ruthless city  Caeli-Amur. The world Rjurik builds up is complex and battles with the storytelling a little but I loved the characters and their bid for survival. A very talented writer with a distinctive style. Definitely not run of the mill. For Tolkein and Pullman lovers.

PS. Adore The Cover!!

ISBN: 9781447252382 PB Pan Macmillan £8..99

4/5 stars

MY CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JAN 2ND.

MY CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW COLUMN IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JAN 2ND. 

This week I feature a magical polar bear in a magical ice land, a mountain bear showing his cub his twilight world, a visual diary for artists and and gripping thriller that will set your heart racing. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

NORTH CHILD BY EDITH PATTOU

CHILDRENS 10+

An irresistible winters tale based on Scandinavian fairy tales and Beauty and The Beast. An epic adventure that takes Rose to an enchanted snow bound castle on the back of a white bear. Who is the stranger that appears to her nightly? The cast of magical characters and the stunning world building is spellbinding. A romantic adventure of true friendship that will sweep you off your feet.

ISBN: 9780746068373 PB Usborne Publishing £9.99

5/5 Stars

I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY LAMBERT
PICTURE BOOK 2+

A gorgeously illustrated celebration of the eternal love and bond between a parent and child. Simple lyrical rhyming text set in a twilight world as a bear takes his cub on a journey of discovery through dense woodland, blue mountains and sparkling rivers. This makes a beautiful gift for the very young or new parent. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You.

ISBN:9781848692114 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

5/5 Stars

DOODLE A DAY BY CHRIS RIDDELL
CHILDRENS 8+

Children's Laureate Chris Riddell is determined to encourage our creativity. This wonderful little book, in diary format, gives you the opportunity to doodle and colour every day for a year. A vast array of Riddell's drawings will help your imagination and be sure to delight and challenge. This inspiring book for aspiring artists and illustrators is a great present for all ages. 20p from each book sale goes to BookTrust.

ISBN: 9781509816439 PB Pan Macmillan £9.99

5/5 Stars

SURVIVOR BY TOM HOYLE

CHILDRENS 12+

Fast paced action packed thriller with a film like feel that will appeal to lovers of Cherub and Gone. It reminded me of the Lord of The Flies with its claustrophobic plot and the ruthless stripping away of the characters civilised persona’s. It will keep you guessing who is good or bad in this once in a lifetime trip in the Australian outback that turns into a nightmare. Nobody is safe and who can you trust?

ISBN 9781447286752 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99 4/5 Stars

Happy New Year for 2016

Wishing All My Blog Followers a Very Happy and Healthy 2016

Love Zoe xx

CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

MY TOP TEN CHRISTMAS PICKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

1.A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS

Already a huge fan of her inaugural fantasy series The Throne of Glass which is inspired by Cinderella becoming an assassin imagine my excitement getting my hands on her new series A Court of Thornes and Roses. Based on Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Greek myth thrown in this blend off romance and adventure set in a darker, decadent fairy world will certainly raise the pulse of older teens. For Celeana fans the latest Queen of Shadows is out now. 

ISBN 9781408857861 PB £7.99 Bloomsbury

2.MY SECRET ROCKSTAR BOYFRIEND BY ELEANOR WOOD

A witty coming of age book that’s the perfect escape from impending homework. Geeky blogger meets wild child rockstar are all the ingredients needed for a witty contemporary love story. When Tuesday throws caution to the wind to sneek of to Glastonbury to meet the boy of her dreams things don't quite turn out as she expects it. Ps. Don't forget to read the hilarious inspiration for this story at the end, it seems fact is stranger than fiction.
Click Here For Full Review
ISBN 9781447277873 PB £6.99 Pan Macmillan
Ratings 5 Stars

3.TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN

Lara has sent out love letters to five of her old crushes by mistake. How will they react? Especially when one is her sister's boyfriend. A novel about the pitfalls of first love, sisterly rivalry and coming of age. Combines the family dynamic of Little Women with the romance of films, Pretty in Pink and Ten Things I Hate About You. Engaging and heart warming for lovers of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.
ISBN: 9781407149073 PB Scholastic £6.99

4.A THOUSAND NIGHTS BY E.K.JOHNSTON

A richly embroidered tale of family loyalty, bravery and adventure. Based on Scheherazade, a young woman saves her sister by becoming the new wife of a demon king but how will she survive her imminent death? This is an empowering story showing that the mind can be mightier than the sword. Brimming with magic and myth this will sweep you away into an ancient desert kingdom with a bold and beautiful heroine. Epic.
ISBN: 9781447284116 HB Pan Macmillan £12.99

5.HOPE IN A BALLET SHOE BY MICHAELA DE PRINCE

An extraordinary true story of an orphan from Sierra Leon who on seeing a picture of a ballerina is determined to become one against all the odds. Adopted by an American couple Michaela had to deal with a new culture and racism whilst dancing but despite all the setbacks she broke the mould to fulfil her dream. This book is a triumph over extreme adversity. A must read whether your a ballet fan or not!
ISBN:9780571314478 PB Faber & Faber £7.99
FULL REVIEW HERE

6.THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE BY LEILA SCALES

A lot of teen readers will relate to Elise's feelings of being the outsider when she goes to a new school. How can she become popular whilst staying true to herself? Only when Elise discovers a secret warehouse party where she can DJ does she start to feel accepted as well as finding her own niche. Can she juggle her double life? Some great life lessons wrapped up in a coming of age story.
FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN 9781447252832 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99

7.TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Angelini's first series Starcrossed was great but this really cranks it up a notch. Lily suffers life endangering allergies, has a schizophrenic mother and absent father. Calamitous events send her into an alternative world where Lily grows from a peace loving sensitive girl into a strong powerful witch. So many twists and turns in this book it had me hooked from the beginning. The second, Firewalker, is just out so you can binge read!
ISBN 9781509809875 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

8.FROZEN BY MELISSA DE LA CRUZ AND MICHAEL JOHNSTON

A hybrid book mixing dystopian with fantasy. Think Mad Max meets X Men meets The Wild West! Nat is in Las Vegas hiding her special skills that are hunted and used by the brutal authority. The only way to survive is to find a mythical land called Blue with the help of mercenaries who harbour their own secrets. A unique mix of genres that sets it apart and is suitable for boys and girls.
ISBN 9781408334669 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW

9.THE SELECTION BY KIERA CASS

A dystopian story that will appeal to your inner Cinderella. Prince Maxim picks feisty heroine America but her first love is the unsuitable Astor. America is obnoxious and manipulative but later you warm to her feisty, honourable nature. It is this hot, cold appeal that will keep you reading. If you like reality TV, princes and fairytales with a little nip rather than bite this is the book for you. Hunger Games meets Pageant Queen! 
ISBN: 9780007466696 PB HarperCollins £7.99
4/5 Stars

10.SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE BY MARCUS SEDGEWICK

Marcus Sedgwick has set up a fascinating premise that will have you gripped from the start. Laureth is sixteen and blind so when she sets off to find her missing father with her young brother and his stuffed toy raven Stan you want her to succeed despite the odds. It makes us look at the world from different angles and appreciate the mindset of a girl who no longer wants to be invisible just to fit in. Thought provoking.
FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN: 9781780621340 Hachette Children's Group PB £7.99
4/5 Stars