CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JULY 22-23

This week my children's book reviews include a spellbinding young adult fantasy, a ladybird in search of spots, a nostalgic look at A Midsummer Night's Dream and a contemporary romance for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HAWKWEED LEGACY BY IRENA BRIGNULL

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A bewitching tale of two girls, one boy and an ancient prophecy. Poppy and Ember are bound together by a ravens spell and a battle to become the Queen of the Witches. In the sequel to the Hawkweed Prophecy, will Poppy fulfil her destiny to succeed the throne? Or will her enemies come back from the dead? This beguiling magical tale and its strong female leads, full of betrayal, sorcery and friendship, is spellbinding.

ISBN 9781408341896 PB Orchard Books £7.99

LUCY LADYBIRD BY SHARON KING-CHAI

PICTURE 3+

Lucy ladybird has no spots! To try and fit in she collects different coloured spots from other animals. Her new spots are so pretty and unusual the other ladybirds want to be just like her. Bold and beautiful illustrations take us through the seasons, with a rainbow of colour and has a BIG fold out surprise at the end to captivate children. Shows that enhancing your individuality is a good thing. A joyful read.

ISBN 9781783703920 PB Templar £6.99

TITANIA AND OBERON BY JO MANTON & ILLUSTRATED BY PHYLLIS BRAY

CHILDREN 6+

A glorious hardback reissue of a classic tale, originally published in 1945. Written by Jo Manton, in a mix of prose interspersed with Shakespeare's original verse, this is the perfect introduction to A Midsummer Night's Dream. The ethereal, full colour illustrations, perfectly capture the magic and mystery of the story, with an abundance of fairies, flora and fauna on every page. A stunning gift for all ages.

ISBN 9781843653295 HB Pavilion £12.99

THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED BY BECKY ALBERTALLI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Molly knows all about unrequited love, despite her twin, Cassie, encouraging her to be more confident. Cassie, even tries to set her up with her girlfriend's cute best friend,Will. He'd be a perfect first boyfriend, wouldn't he? So why can't Molly stop thinking about her co worker, Reid, an awkward Tolkien super fan? A coming of age romance about first love, dealing with changing friendships and growing up. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and John Green.

ISBN 97801413561122 PB Penguin £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS JULY 15-16

This week my childrens book reviews include  a perfect holiday book of things to do outdoors, a magical celebration of the series, 'That's Not My..., an exploration of famous cities and a heart-warming tale of brotherly love. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ANTI-BOREDOM BOOK OF BRILLIANT OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO BY ANDY SEED

CHILDRENS 7+

This brilliant book is packed full of fantastic activities, fun games, hilarious facts, laugh out loud jokes and much more. It doesn't matter if it's sunny, raining, or you're in the garden or on the beach, you will find something thing to do. Find out how to set bug traps, create a rainbow or make sand and stone art. Perfect to encourage kids to go outside for the Summer holidays.

ISBN 9781408870099 PB Bloomsbury PB £5.99

THAT'S NOT MY UNICORN BY FIONA WATT & RACHEL WELLS

PICTURE BOOK 2+

The 50^th title in the international best selling series, 'That's Not My..' This silver edged board book, perfect for little hands, will delight babies and toddlers. The bright rainbow coloured pages feature a beautiful unicorn and his friend, a little mouse. Stroke the unicorn's soft mane and ears or touch his sparkly wings and unicorn horn. This tactile book helps sensory and language awareness with its repetitive words and different textures. Also adorably cute!

ISBN 97811474935975 HB Usborne £6.99

IN FOCUS: CITIES BY LIBBY WALDEN

CHILDREN 7+

Ten illustrator's explore ten unique cities. It delves into the cultural, social and historical identities of these world famous metropolis. In this supersized book you can lift the giant flaps to discover trivia and amazing facts. London is the most haunted city in the world. Moscow is home to the world's largest bell and Sydney, the most toxic spider. Paris has more dogs than people. From London to Tokyo, find your favourite city and explore!

ISBN 9781848575912 HB 360 Degrees £15.99

THE NEAREST FAR AWAY PLACE BY HAYLEY LONG

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Two orphaned brothers must leave America to live with their aunt and uncle in Wales. A thought provoking, sensitive tale of the different stages of grief and healing. You're really rooting for the endearing siblings as they try and help each other. I also loved the cultural contrast between living in America and Wales. Flavoured with Dylan Thomas references and quotes, this is a poignant, heart-warming tale of brotherly love.

ISBN 9781471406263 PB Hot Key £6.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JULY 8-9

This week my children book reviews include  a giraffe who wants to read, an imaginative spin on Little Red Riding Hood, a naughty but very funny monkey and a magical romance for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

PAWS OFF MY BOOK BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Olaf the giraffe is really excited when he finds a book. But his pleasure turns to frustration when his friends keep advising him how to read it! Stand on one leg like a flamingo? Hang upside down like a monkey? A charming story of finding your own way. The joyfully, florescent illustrations from the talented illustrator of the magnificent Tiger in a Tutu, really add to the fun. Booklicious!

ISBN 9781407171487 PB Scholastic £6.99

LITTLE RED BY DAVID ROBERTS & LYNN ROBERTS-MALONEY

PICTURE BOOK 4+

An imaginative spin on a classic fairy tale. The story of a boy, a grandmother, a Big Bad Wolf and a keg of ginger beer! Thomas is known as Little Red. When he visits his Grandma she doesn't seem quite herself. Can he save her and himself? The watercolour illustrations are set in the eighteenth century with big wigs and satin dresses. It also has a Tim Burtonesque feel that will delight children and grown ups.

ISBN 9781843653288 PB Pavilion £6.99

THIMBLE MONKEY SUPERSTAR BY JON BLAKE

CHILDREN 7+

When Jams and his family are tricked into looking after a monkey called Thimble, all hell breaks loose. But when Jams is in mortal danger, there is only one monkey who can save the day! An absolutely hilarious story, which has deservedly been shortlisted for the Lollies, Laugh Out Loud Book Awards. This is an imaginative tale,with sharp one liners and a truly batty adventure which is still making me giggle! #votethimble

ISBN 9781910080344 PB Firefly Press £5.99

MISS MATCH BY CRYSTAL CESTARI

CHILDREN 12+

Amber has a gift. She can see someone's soul mate after five seconds of eye contact. This is rather awkward when she falls for the cutest boy in the school but her gift doesn't agree. Will she go against fate and let herself fall for someone who she shouldn't be with? Get swept away by an enchanting clean teen romance this summer. Fans of Geek girl and Girl Online will love this magically messed up romance.

ISBN 9781784299163 PB Quercus £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JULY 1-2

This week my children book reviews include the long awaited return of Dragon Rider, a picture book about a naughty bug, books perfect for little explorers and a mystery to be solved by an intrepid lady's maid .

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GRIFFIN'S FEATHER BY CORNELIA FUNKE

CHILDREN 8+

A roaring return to the best selling world of Dragon Rider. The last of the winged horses face extinction. Only a griffin's feather will save them. Ben and his dragon, Firedrake volunteer to make the perilous journey to find a feather but Griffin's are a dragon's fiercest enemy. Can they save them? In a vividly portrayed world, richly illustrated throughout, their quest will thrill all middle grade readers. For fans of C.S. Lewis and Harry Potter.

ISBN 9781911077886 PB Chicken House £6.99

BUG BEAR BY PATRICIA HEGARTY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A small stripy bug wants a warm place to stay. Look out bear, he might ruin your day! Hilarious tale about an uninvited guest who takes a shine to bear's warm, thick fur. The little bug's constant buzzing is distrupting bears day, he can't sleep or relax. Can he find the annoying bug a new home? Funny, rhyming text with bold, expressive illustrations. Great fun for reading out loud.

ISBN 9781848694514 HB Little Tiger £10.99

COMPLETE NIGHT EXPLORER'S KIT BY ROBYN SWIFT

CHILDRENS 6+

Become a night time nature explorer with this fantastic backpack, containing a book; a torch, constellation guide and glow in the dark stickers. Identify nocturnal insects, animals, birds and stars. A great excuse for parents to detach themselves from their phones and get the kids out, connecting with nature. Also available in the series is, Go Wild in the Woods. In association with The National Trust, packed full of activities and facts, it's perfect for little adventurers.

ISBN 9781788000215 PB Nosy Crow £12.99

THE LAST DUCHESS BY LAURA POWELL

CHILDRENS 8+

When thirteen year old Pattern, a lady's maid, is sent to work for royalty, mystery and welsh dragons await. Is the Duchess imagining plots against her or is there something more sinister afoot? A vivid, action packed mystery brimming with nail biting twists. Full of friendship and loyalty with an intrepid heroine at it's heart. Laced with silhouetted illustrations by Sarah Gibb, this is perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine.

ISBN 9781509808908 PB Macmillan £6.99

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

FATHERS DAY CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 17-18

This week my pick of children's book include two picture books perfect for Fathers Day this Sunday. Also an educational activity book about sea creatures and a young adult historical romance set in World War Two.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ME AND MY DAD BY ROBIN SHAW

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A young girl goes on a walk with her dad. She discovers castles, crocodiles and dinosaurs but the best surprise is at the end. A joyful celebration of the bond between Father and child and the power of the imagination. The illustrations are to be savoured, poured over and shared. The first children's book from the animator of Snowman and Snow Dog, this will transport, inspire and melt hearts. Perfect for Fathers Day.

ISBN 9781444928112 HB Hodder Books £12.99

I LOVE MY GRANDAD BY GILES ANDREAE & EMMA DODD

PICTURE BOOK 2+

Special Grandad's should always be remembered on Fathers Day. Feel the joy and fun of spending the day with Grandad. Whether its playing games, solving problems or going on adventures, they are a treasure trove of information and ideas. Bold cheerful illustrations perfectly capture the loving relationship between the generations. A great gift to share.

ISBN 9781408338179 PB Orchard Books £6.99

SHARKS AND OTHER SEA CREATURES BY DORLING KINDERSLEY

CHILDREN 4+

Want to explore the ocean? Find out about super sharks, pretty parrot fish, and all their friends? This is a blend of educational content and simple creative fun. Why not paint a puffer fish, make your own jellyfish or create an ocean in an egg box! Imaginative and informative this is wonderful to engage young minds with fun projects and facts. Also in the series are farm animals, bugs and forest life. Perfect for the holidays.

ISBN 9780241274385 HB Dorling Kindersley £7.99

A BERLIN LOVE SONG BY SARAH MATTHIAS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Set against the backdrop of World War Two, seventeen year old,German schoolboy, Max falls in love with Lili, a Romani trapeze artist from a travelling circus. Will their forbidden love survive when he is conscripted into the SS? A beautiful, heartbreaking romance that shines a light on the Romani Holocaust. A powerful, bitter sweet, insightful novel that will stay with you long after you finish it. Great for discussion in teenage and adult book clubs.

ISBN 9781909991408 PB Troika Books £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 10-11

This week my pick of children's book include two picture books perfect for Fathers Day next Sunday. Also two middle grade fiction books, one magical adventure set in Edwardian Hove and a heart warming quest about diversity and acceptance . All in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

YOUR BABY'S FIRST WORD WILL BE DADA BY JIMMY FALLON

PICTURE BOOK 2+

Your baby's first word will be DADA! Right? Everyone knows that fathers wage a secret campaign to ensure that their babies first word is DADA but does it work? A witty picture book from one of America's top entertainers shows Dads how to do it. Fiendishly simple and cheeky Dad's will love reading it with their children on Fathers Day next Sunday. The naughty illustrations by Miguel Ordonez just add to the fun.

ISBN 9781444931440 PB Hodder Books £6.99

JUST LIKE DADDY BY LUCY FREEGARD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Daddy deals with scary monsters, plays silly games and puts on funny voices for bedtime stories. An endearing playful tale for children who want to be just like their dads. Adorable watercolour and ink illustrations really capture their close relationship. It shows a child's love and close bond that makes it the perfect gift for Fathers Day, next weekend. Also, a lovely reminder to cherish those precious moments together.

ISBN 97811843653370 PB Pavilion Books £6.99

THE AMBER PENDANT BY IMOGEN WHITE

CHILDREN 9+

Rose Muddle, a workhouse girl in Edwardian Hove, becomes a maid for a strange new mistress. When Rose becomes the guardian of a magical amber pendant she faces new dangers. With her new friend Rui and his mischievous pet monkey Bahula, can they defeat the shady Brotherhood of the Black Sun? Will Rose find her true destiny? A courageous heroine, rip roaring adventure and enchanted jewels, this is perfect for Harry Potter fans.

ISBN 9781474927291 PB Usborne £6.99

BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA BY LAUREN WOLK

CHILDRENS 9+

Crow lives on a tiny island with Osh, who rescued her from the sea. All she had to identify her was a feather shaped birthmark, a ruby ring and a partial letter. A mysterious fire across the waters sets of a chain of events that will help Crow find her true home. As her past and present collide she must decide who she is in this evocative and heart warming quest about diversity and acceptance.

ISBN 9780552574303 PB Penguin £6.99