Book Review Hour of The Bees by Lindsay Eager

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eager

Synopsis

This powerful debut novel delicately blurs the line between truth and fiction as Carol unravels the fantastical stories of her mentally ill grandfather.

When she and her family move to his deserted ranch in order to transfer him to a care home, Carol struggles to cope with the suffocating heat and the effects of her grandfather's dementia.

Bees seem to be following her around, but the drought means this is impossible.

She must be imagining things. Yet when her grandfather chooses her as the subject for his stories - tales of a magical healing tree, a lake, and the grandmother she never knew - Carol sees glimmers of something special in what her parents dismiss as Serge's madness.

As she rethinks her roots and what she thought she knew about her family, Carol comes to the realization that Serge's past is quickly catching up with her present.

A stunning coming-of-age story.

My Musings

This book draws you in like honey to a bee. Part coming of age story, part modern day fable, its two worlds  colliding. The young and the old. life and death,  modern day and myth.

 Twelve year old Caroline has to go with her family to take her estranged Grandad to pack up his belongings and take him to a home as he has dementia. None of the family want to be there and her grandfather is bitterly resentful. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife, not to mention feel the heat beat down on you in the drought ridden desert where he lives. .

Her grandfather starts to question their identity and ask awkward questions of them all. Why are they are all so determined to ignore their Mexican roots? The book raises the issues of why most of us want to be part of a crowd and would rather fit in rather than stand out.

As Caroline gets to know her Grandad he spins her far fetched  magical tales of an oasis with a green glass lake and a tree that gave immortality. Using characters including his dead wife Rosa he talks of adventure,  wanderlust,  bravery and greed. All the while Caroline sees bees that should be long gone in this brutal environment. Why are the bees following her? What happened to the magic tree? Why did her dad fall out with Serge her Grandad

A beautiful moral tale with a message that pierces your soul like an arrow. 

Don't be afraid to live you life because nothing is impossible you don't think about it.

ISBN: 9781406368154 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99

5/5 stars

BUY HOUR OF THE BEES

Childrens Book Review in The South Wales Evening Post April 9-10th

Find my Childrens Book Review Column in The South Wales Evening Post this weekend April 9-10th. This picks include an island castaway, a brave mouse, an adventurous tapir and a spy on a mission. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

KENSUKE'S KINGDOM BY MICHAEL MORPURGO
CHILDRENS 9+

A retelling of Robinson Crusoe, this is one of my favourite Morpurgo stories. While sailing around the world with his parents Michael is washed over board with his dog and they find themselves on a deserted island. Or is it? Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier has chosen to live an isolated life after the horrors of the war but despite resistance they forge an unlikely bond that will change them both. A modern day classic adventure story.

ISBN: 9781405281799 PB Egmont UK £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE LION INSIDE BY RACHEL BRIGHT & JIM FIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Mouse is fed up being ignored. Just because he is small and meek doesn't mean he is invisible. Is he brave enough to ask for help from the king of the jungle? It seems however that even the strongest of us have some weaknesses as well. A thoroughly entertaining story with a positive message about overcoming your fears. Also makes a great bedtime story for fans of the Gruffalo.

ISBN: 9781408331606 PB Orchard Books £6.99
5/5 Stars

MANGO & BAMBANG: TAPIR ALL AT SEA BY CLARA VULLIAMY
CHILDRENS 6+
Four classic tales featuring the adventures of a little girl Mango and her unusual friendship with a Malaysian Tapir called Bambang. Striking illustrations in black, grey and red just add to the sheer delight as Bambang tries dancing flamenco, escapes dangerous villains and finds out who really loves him the most. A great little gift with its striped hardback cover and red edged pages. For fans of Paddington and Milly-Molly-Mandy.
ISBN: 9781406361476 HB Walker Books Ltd £8.99
4/5 Stars

ENDGAME BY CHRIS RYAN
CHILDRENS 13+
A high octane thriller that will have your heart pumping. Teenage spy Zack Darke is in big trouble. His handler has been kidnapped and the only way to save the day is for him to knowingly walk into danger. Chris Ryan uses all his real life experience in the SAS to inject fast paced excitement and adventure. It feels like your in the middle of an action movie and is a great series for James Bond fans.
ISBN 9781849410120 PB Penguin Books £6.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review in The South Wales Evening Post April 2- 3rd

Find my Childrens Book Review Column in The South Wales Evening Post this weekend April 2-3rd. My picks including a very naughty book eating monster, a ballet dancing tiger, a gladiatorial zebra and a coming of age drama in 1970's Alaska. Never say I don't give variety!!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

NIBBLES BOOK MONSTER BY EMMA YARLETT
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A superbly crafted and ingenious picture book. Nibbles loves books but unfortunately as more of a snack!! Chase him through three of your favourite fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and The Beanstalk and Goldilocks and The Three Bears causing chaos, with lift the flaps and holes he has naughtily made. So much to see and do this will be returned to again and again. A book that keeps on giving.
ISBN: 9781848691933 HB Little Tiger Press Group £11.99
5/5 Stars

TIGER IN A TUTU BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A striking picture book about a tiger who aspires to be a ballet dancer in Paris. Against all the odds he follows his dream and with a little help from his new friend finally performs in a proper theatre. The bold limited palette really captures the French capital and the twilight world of theatre life. Enchanting and inspiring with the lovely sentiment that nothing is impossible this is the perfect present for little dancers everywhere.
ISBN: 9781408336885 HB Orchard Books £11.99

5/5 Stars

JULIUS ZEBRA: BUNDLE WITH THE BRITONS BY GARY NORTHFIELD

CHILDRENS 7+

The unlikely madcap story of a gladiator and peoples champion who just happens to be a zebra! This is an irreverent, fast paced and zany introduction to Roman Britain. Emperor Hadrian asks one last favour of Julius and his bumbling friends before they are set free. Will they survive to tell the tale? Heavily illustrated with cartoon style drawings and brimming with jokes and historical facts this is great for early readers. Educational and hilarious! 
ISBN: 9781406354935 HB Walker Books Ltd

4/5 Stars

THE SMELL OF OTHER PEOPLES HOUSES BY BONNIE SUE HITCOCK

TEEN FICTION 12+

A coming of age story about four very different teenagers who's lives collide in 1970's Alaska. Beautifully written it touches on first love, self preservation against the odds and friendship. A bit of luck is thrown in but will the four overcome adversity and will their scars heal? An unusual and deceptively sensitive book with a real sense of place, this has wide appeal from teen to adult and would be great for a book group. Riveting!

ISBN: 9780571314959 PB Faber & Faber £7.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review in The South Wales Evening Post March 26th -27th for The Easter Weekend

Find my Childrens Book Review Column in The South Wales Evening Post this Easter weekend March 26th-27th. My picks including a breathtaking finale to a riveting fantasy series, a picture book explaining Aspergers, Enid Blyton for young readers and a mad ostrich that will have you in stitches. Perfect reading for the holidays!!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HALF LOST BY SALLY GREEN
TEEN FICTION 13+

A thrilling conclusion to this epic trilogy won't disappoint its legion of fans. Nathan a witch with enormous powers is on the run. Traumatised by the horrendous acts he has been forced to commit and faced with a battle to save his kind will it make or break him? Friendship, treachery, magic and adventure against the backdrop of a brutal war, this has it all. The heart stopping climax will stun you. Spellbinding.

ISBN: 9780141350905 PB Penguin Books £7.99

5/5 Stars

ISAAC AND HIS AMAZING ASPERGER SUPERPOWERS! BY MELANIE WALSH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A great introduction to explaining Aspergers to very young children. Isaac feels he has superhero strengths and he shows us how he's sees the world in a different way. The story makes the subject more accessible and encourages readers to have a greater understanding. The superhero guise makes the uninformed appreciate the strengths and the struggles of those who have this condition. Great for teachers as well.

ISBN: 9781406344455 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Star

ADVENTURES ON THE WAY HOME BY ENID BLYTON

CHILDRENS 5+

One of a series of short tales from one of my childhood favourite authors. Suitable for early readers made especially attractive with colourful illustrations by the talented Tony Ross and easily digestible short chapters. The classic tale of a group of friends and their dog finding adventure has universal appeal to boys and girls. A fight has broken out but how can they stop it? All is not what it seems!

ISBN 9781444927641Hodder Childrens £5.99

4/5 Stars

THE OSTRICH OF PUDDING LANE BY JEREMY STRONG
CHILDRENS 7+
An hilarious collection of three stories about the misadventures of Mad Iris, the school mascot, who happens to be a very naughty ostrich. Can he save the school from the nasty inspector and sort out over zealous parents? Punctured with zany illustrations to add to the slapstick comedy this is a great holiday read accessible to all reading levels. If that wasn't enough you can find jokes and other fun activities at the back.
ISBN 9781781125526 Barrington Stoke £5.99
5/5 Stars

Childrens books for Easter and the Easter holidays featured in South Wales Evening Post March 19th

This week I picked some great childrens books for Easter and the holidays. An introduction to the true meaning of Easter, some naughty rabbits and two great activity books for rainy days including finger painting and origami. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WARNING! THIS BOOK MAY CONTAIN RABBITS! BY TIM WARNES
CHILDRENS 3+
When Mole and Lumpy Bumpy Thing find a hat that says ' Do Not Touch', the temptation is too great to do just the opposite! Soon, by magic rabbits appear out of the hat and before long there are far too many. Full to the brim of subtle ways to introduce numbers, expand vocabulary and help with reading in a really fun way this story will entertain as well as inform.


ISBN 978184692022 PB Little Tiger Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

THE EASTER STORY RETOLD BY RUSSELL PUNTER
PICTURE BOOK 4+
A lovely and sensitive introduction of the Easter story for young readers which explains why we celebrate at this time. Simply told with clear and colourful illustrations, the picture book really brings this retelling to life. Best read with an adult who can navigate any questions children will begin to understand Jesus' final journey and the true meaning of Easter.
ISBN 9781474918510 PB Usborne Publishing £4.99
5/5 Stars

FINGERPRINT ACTIVITES ANIMALS BY FIONA WATT
CHILDRENS 6+

Perfect for the Easter holidays and an alternative present to chocolate eggs this is a great activity book for those who like to get their hands mucky. Non toxic paints, clear instructions and vibrant fun scenes to create and paint anything from crocodiles to hedgehogs. By just using their fingers instead of a paintbrush children will have enormous fun painting as well as inspiring their imagination. Also will keep them occupied on the inevitable rainy days!

ISBN 9781474914338 HB Usborne Publishing £9.99
5/5 Stars

ZEN DOODLE ORIGAMI BY CAROLYN SCRACE
CHILDRENS 9+


Creative and therapeutic, this is the new mindfulness craze that could take over from colouring! Suitable for all ages explore the secrets of transforming a single piece of paper into an animal or decoration. Easy to follow with 20 sheets of Origami paper to colour and lose yourself into your creativity and create worlds of art following a thousand year old tradition that requires patience and diligence. From birds, boxes to butterflies feel the satisfaction of creating a unique piece of art which you embellish to your own taste. Captivating
ISBN 9781910706411 PB Salariya Book Company £ 9.99

4 /5 Stars

MY CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 12TH

My books in the South Wales Evening Post for March 12th feature lovely childrens books for animal lovers including  cats and  puffins, family drama and different perspectives. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HOME-MADE CAT CAFE BY KATRINA CHARMAN
CHILDRENS 7+

The “purfffect” start to a new series for animal lovers. Isla desperately wants a cat but her Mum, a vet, is reticent. Poppy, an adorable homeless cat, changes her mind and the family's lives. Their home becomes a cat sanctuary and cafe, giving them all a purpose and helping forge stronger family ties. Will the new business be a catastrophe or can they all work together? Charmingly illustrated throughout this is great for young confident readers.

ISBN 9781847156723 PB Stripes Publishing £5.99

5/5 Stars

NEAR, FAR BY SILVIA BORANDO

PICTURE BOOK 2+

Bold and bright, this is a terrific book for activities either at home or in the classroom. Things can look different extremely close up or very far away. The children will have a huge amount of fun guessing what the animals are as they can only see a small section as if under the microscope. There isn't any text so it will certainly inspire the imagination and give room for a lot of hilarity and thought.

• ISBN: 9781406363180 HB Walker Books Ltd £8.99

5/5 STARS

THE STORMY DAY BY JENNY COLGAN, ILLUSTRATED BY THOMAS DOCHERTY

CHILDRENS 6+

Polly's Dad is a fisherman caught in a storm. Can Polly keep herself busy while waiting for him with her Mum. Will her friend,Neil the Puffin, be able to help? A heart warming insightful tale followed by fun facts about lighthouses, puzzles and recipes at the back of the book. The striking two colour illustrations by local award winning illustrator Thomas Docherty just add to the pleasure for Colgan fans young and old.

• ISBN: 9780349131924 PB  Little Brown Books £5.99

5/5 Stars

WHITE LIES, BLACK DARE BY JOANNA NADIN

CHILDRENS 11+

Asha's life has been turned upside down. Her lawyer Mum has cancer and she has to leave her private school for a tough local. To what lengths will Asha go to fit in? As she finds out, “telling lies can ruin lives. But telling the truth’s no easy ride.” Dealing with peer pressure, family crisis and standing up for yourself this book will resonate with many readers as it builds up to its tense climax.

ISBN: 978034912453 PB Little, Brown Books £6.99

4/5 stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 5TH

Celebrating World Book Day my childrens book column features a friendly alien, a sleepy bear, a magic umbrella and a warrior princess

BOOK OF THE WEEK

PERIJEE AND ME BY ROSS MONTGOMERY

CHILDRENS 9+

A sci fi fantasy that is as poignant as it is funny. Caitlin's only friend happens to be an alien. But he's growing too big to hide and is a danger to himself and others. Can she save her friend while her family falls apart? Full of adventure, laughter and sure to make bobble hats the new must have! With a nod to Iron Man by Ted Hughes this is a story about bravery, friendship and family.

ISBN: 9780571317950 PB Faber & Faber £6.99
5/5 stars

DOZY BEAR AND THE SECRET OF SLEEP BY KATIE BLACKBURN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This has the potential to be a real life saver for fraught parents who can’t get their children to sleep. Using known relaxation techniques combined with rhythmic text and twilight themed illustrations its the perfect bedtime story. Dozy Bear can't sleep but with the help of his parents and grand parents he slowly starts to drift off. Be warned this may have such a soporific effect it could also work on the reader as well!

• ISBN: 9780571330195 PB Faber & Faber £6.99
  4/5 stars

HARPER AND THE SCARLET UMBRELLA BY CERRIE BURNELL
CHILDRENS 7+

An entrancing tale of a little girl called Harper who, “heard songs on the wind, rhythms on the rain and hope in the beat of a butterfly’s wing.” While looking for her cat with the aid of her magic umbrella she finds adventure and a mysterious orchestra. A gift of a book about cats, friendship and music. Don't forget to grab Harper and the Sea of Secrets for £1 on March 3^rd, World Book Day

ISBN: 9781407162171 PB Scholastic £6.99

5/5 stars

QUEEN OF THE SILVER ARROW BY CAROLINE LAWRENCE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION 12+

A retelling of a young girl Camilla who became a warrior princess while fighting the Trojans. The author of the hugely successful Roman Mysteries takes her inspiration this time from Virgil's Aeneid. Friendship, loyalty and girl power are all tested in a brutal war that really packs an emotional punch. The eloquent writing makes it great for struggling and dyslexic readers but also the story will appeal to fans of Katniss, Celaena and mythology loverogs.

ISBN: 9781781125267 PB Barrington Stoke Ltd £6.99

• 5/5 stars