SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 8-9 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a spookily good middle grade mystery and a selection of books perfect for Valentines for all ages. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

DEMELZA & THE SPECTRE DETECTORS BY HOLLY RIVERS

CHILDREN 8+

Demelza Clock loves science and inventing. But she has a distinctly unscientific skill: Spectre Detecting. When Grandma Maeve is kidnapped can Demelza summon the ghosts to help solve this deadly mystery? A spookily good mix of humour, science, the supernatural and talking skulls! It deals with the subject of death sensitively and has family and friendship at its heart. I especially loved the bond between Demelza and her grandmother. For fans of Skulduggery Pleasant.

Chicken House PB £6.99

I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & JONNY LAMBERT

BOARD BOOK 1+

A bear leads their cub on a beautiful journey through nature. Past the blue mountains, gushing waterfalls and under starlit nights. A stunning little board book to share the love between parent and child. The adorable collaged illustrations capture their bond while exploring the surrounding twilight wilderness and meeting the woodland animals. Children can spot foxes, deer and fish. A gorgeous little gift for the family for Valentines.

Little Tiger HB £4.99

A CUDDLE AND A CWTCH BY SARAH KILBRIDE & JAMES MUNRO

CHILDREN 7+

A dear little book celebrating the Welsh cuddle. On each page, the rhyming text introduces the reader to all the ways a cwych can be understood. The fun and original illustrations are charming and full of a wide variety of relatable characters. It is full of words of comfort, compassion and love. The perfect token of love, friendshp or as a thank you. It is suitable for everyone whatever the age at any time of year.

Graffeg HB £6.99

SHE IS FIERCE EDITED BY ANA SAMPSON

CHILDREN 10+

An outstanding collection of 150 poems written by women across the ages celebrating the centenary of women's suffrage. The subjects include friendship, protest, body image and mental health, joy and loss. Readers will enjoy their favourite poets such as Maya Angelou, Carol Ann Duffy and Christina Rossetti while discovering lesser-known female poets. Fascinating short biographies are included on each one. A celebration of girl power that would make a beautiful and inspirational gift.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 1-2 2020

This week my children's book reviews include informative, entertaining and empathetic books for Children's Mental Health Week.

Great to share with the family or in school to start meaningful discussions about mental health. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WORRYSAURUS BY RACHEL BRIGHT & CHRIS CHATTERTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic but before long he starts to worry. What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost? What if it rains? Can Worrysaurus chase away his fears and still enjoy the day? This charming rhyming story is perfect to share with children and discuss their worries in a light-hearted way. The thought-provoking story and emotionally charged illustrations are a delight and will help relieve youngsters every day concerns.

HB Orchard £12.99

LETTING GO! BY DR. SHARIE COOMBES & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

A mindful activity book to help children come to terms with bereavement and family separation. Children can colour and doodle their way to being happy, calm and confident. They can learn to use creativity to combat negative feelings and understand it's ok to give yourself time to heal and deal with issues. The activities will help children gain a different perspective and allow them to share their feelings. A essential series which demonstrates the healing powers of art.

PB Studio Press £9.99

BUTTERFLIES FOR GRANDPA JOE BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Grandpa Joe loves butterflies. But since Ben's granny passed away he has lost interest in everything and just wants to watch TV. Can Ben ignite Joe's interest in butterflies and in life? A heart-warming tale of empathy and dealing with grief. It highlights the importance of family and looking out for one another. It also conveys the importance of nature and mental health. A lovely story to share and ideal for school book clubs. Dyslexia friendly.

Barrington Stoke PB £6.99

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? BY DR LUCY MADDOX

CHILDREN 10+

What are mental health problems? How do we know what's healthy or not? This slim and accessible book will answer a child's questions and more. Written by a clinical psychologist it explores a range of mental health topics and explains how to keep in good mental health. This includes personal stories, the effects of social media and the importance of staying physically fit. An informative book perfect to share for Children's Mental Health Week.

HB Wayland £13.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 25-26 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade tale, an entertaining  board book about vehicles, a middle grade space adventure and a thrilling fantasy for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

TIGER HEART BY PENNY CHRIMES

CHILDREN 9+

When a young chimney sweep, Fly saves a tiger from an evil collector they form a bond and embark on a quest to find the truth of her royal birth. A magical tale that will whisk you away to exotic lands of cursed rubies. An inspiring tale about family, the importance of friendship and freedom. Beautifully written full of rich detail that draws you in with an entertaining and striking cast. Oliver meets the Jungle Book.

PB Orion £7.99

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO DRIVE... BY ROSAMUND LLOYD & RICHARD MERRITT

BOARD BOOK 3+

Discover an awesome array of exciting vehicles in this early learning board book. It is perfect for curious little fingers. Follow the road sweeper picking up rubbish, the ambulance helping people of the aeroplane taking off to far-flung places. The bold illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of life on the road or in the skies. Behind lots of fun flaps, children can find out fascinating facts about their favourite vehicles and discover new ones.

Little Tiger HB £ 6.99

ORION LOST BY ALASTAIR CHISHOLM

CHILDREN 9+

When catastrophe strikes the colony ship Orion in deep space it's up to thirteen-year-old eth and her friends to bring them home. They must navigate treacherous and uncharted territory with a heavily damage s ship while encountering mysterious alien species and space pirates. Who can they trust? An exciting sci-fi adventure full of twists and turns. Perfect for fans of Star Trek and Lost in Space.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

INFINITY SON BY ADAM SILVERA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Brothers Emil and Brighton are caught up in a war between a group of vigilantes, the Spell Walkers and specters who steal the essence of magical creatures. One brother has the power to end it all. The other will stop at nothing in his pursuit of glory. Brotherhood, love and loyalty will be put to the test. But who will escape the fight unscathed? A heart-thumping epic fantasy for fans of X-Men and Shadowhunters.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 18-19 2020

This week my children's book reviews include two epic fantasies for teens, a beautiful picture book about the price of freedom and a fascinating middle grade book full of strange but true football stories. 

Perfect books for the New Year!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

A THRONE OF SWANS BY KATHARINE & ELIZABETH CORR

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Aderly inherits a kingdom ruled by those who can transform into a bird and fly. Aderly is a swan who since witnessing her mothers murder can no longer take flight. Can she save the kingdom from her cruel uncle? Who can she trust? An intriguing fantasy richly woven with magic and a duplicitous cast, a flawed but courageous heroine and an unexpected twist. For fans of Leigh Bardugo and Melinda Salisbury.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

STARBIRD BY SHARON KING-CHAI

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The Moon King gifts his daughter the legendary Starbird. But one day it stops singing. When his daughter notices how sad the caged bird is she sets it free. The King is furious. Can he understand the price of freedom? A stunning book with foiled pages. Children will be entranced by the twilight images and looking for the Starbird within the silhouettes. A beautiful original folk story about love and freedom that would make a stunning and sensitive gift.

Two Hoots HB £12.99

UNBELIEVABLE FOOTBALL BY MATT OLDFIELD

CHILDREN 8+

A collection of entertaining and fascinating stories about the beautiful game. Have you heard of the psychic octopus who could predict the winner? The Lancashire Lasses who became footballs best-kept secret? The dog detective who saved the world cup trophy? The world-class manager who survived a war? The perfect gift for football-mad kids. The short accessible stories are perfect to dip into and share with friends and family.

Wren & Rook PB £6.99

A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN BY BRIGID KEMMERER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Harper has freed Prince Rhen from a curse but a rival heir lies in wait. Grey the prince's best friend has fled the castle with a terrible secret. Who will betray whom? Told from alternating points of view this fantasy sequel brims with excitement, devious plots and bold new characters that will sink its claws into you. An exciting new spin on a tale as old as time which forges its own path. A must for fantasy lovers.

Bloomsbury 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