SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN JAN 28-29

This week in my children's book column for The South Wales Evening Post I feature an adventurous pidgeon, a fun memory game, a colouring book for Asterix fans and a magical wintery adventure. My column can be found in the weekend section. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DAVE PIGEON (NUGGETS!) BY SWAPNA HADDOW

CHILDRENS 6+

This plucky pigeon makes a whirlwind return in an hilarious sequel with his best friend Skipper. When they run out of food they must find an new owner but is Reginald Grimster all he seems? Why is he feeding them and what is with all the cookery books? The new adventure is peppered with wonderful cartoon style illustrations by Sheena Dempsey as the pair directly address the reader in between chapters. This is a flurry of feathery fun!

ISBN 9780571324439 PB Faber & Faber £5.99

PAIRS! UNDERWATER BY SMRITI PRASADAM-HALLS

PICTUREBOOK 2+

This lovely new series combines informative rhyming text and a fun memory game all in one. Explore the underwater world of crabs, starfish and seahorses. Lift the flaps to find matching pairs and discover the odd one out. The stylish and bright illustrations by Lorna Scobie are really attractive adding to the enjoyment. Also in the series is ‘In The Garden’ in which you can look for caterpillars, butterflies and beetles. Perfect for inquisitive pre-schoolers.

ISBN 97891847808820 HB Frances Lincoln £6.99

ASTERIX: A WHOLE WORLD TO COLOUR IN

CHILDRENS 6+

A big, bold colouring book bursting with beloved scenes and characters from the iconic Asterix series. With over eighty drawings from the famous strip cartoons you can choose to colour battles, banquets and favourite characters. You can even find the odd Roman…Being able to personalise the illustrations will delight children and the titbits of backround information will also satisfy adults. This is a treasure trove for Asterix fans young and old.

ISBN 9781510102385 Orion Childrens Books PB £16.99

A GIRL CALLED OWL BY AMY WILSON

CHILDRENS 9+

A magical debut about a girl called Owl who discovers she is the daughter of Jack Frost. Entering a magical winter world can she control her own icy powers and will her father help or reject her? Can Mother Nature nurture their bond or will the others powerful elements thwart their relationship? A chillingly good adventure about family, friendship and the delicate balance of nature. An engaging read for fans of Narnia.

ISBN 9781509834068 PB Macmillan Childrens £6.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JANUARY 21-22

This week for my children's book review column in The South Wales Evening Post I have picked an endearing tale of friendship for fans of Winnie the Pooh, a fascinating book on football and all that surrounds it, a picture book for young creative minds and a fictional account of the refugee crisis inspired by real life. My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!



BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE PEST IN THE NEST BY JULIAN GOUGH & JIM FIELD
CHILDRENS 5+
Rabbit just wants some peace and quiet but everyone is SOOO NOISY! Especially his new neighbour Woodpecker. The second in the series, the witty banter and thoughtful storyline is perfect for reading out loud along side the endearing and magical illustrations. This little book has hidden depths that will really strike a chord. Adults will be begging to read it at bedtime. The same camaraderie and worldly wisdom as Winnie the Pooh. A modern classic.
ISBN 9781444934267 HB Hodder Childrens £9.99

DUCK GETS A JOB BY SONNY ROSS
PICTURE BOOK 4+

Duck wants a job so he gets one in the city the same as his friends. But trying to look the same and act the same as everyone else makes Duck very bored. What else could he do? This will really appeal to all creatives and those who feel different and don't want to follow the crowd. With charming illustrations that follows Duck's progress this endearing story will encourage young minds to follow their dreams.

ISBN 9781783705771 PB Templar £6.99

FOOTBALL SCHOOL BY ALEX BELLOS AND BEN LYTTLETON
CHILDREN 8+

This fascinating book even got me interested in football. It's packed full of an eclectic mix of interesting facts covering subjects such as biology, geography, nature and science. What makes the perfect pitch or player? Why are there mascots? Illustrated with hilarious cartoons this is the ideal gift for footy fans. Its amazing how much the beautiful game can inspire and teach by investigating the history, origins and customs. I’ll watch with new knowledge and enthusiasm!!

ISBN 9781406367249 HB Walker Books £8.99

WELCOME TO NOWHERE BY ELIZABETH LAIRD
CHILDREN 9+

Where do you go when its too dangerous to return home? This fictional account of the Syrian Refugee Crisis told through the eyes of twelve year old Omar is sensitively portrayed. This accessible and thought provoking read is inspired by the authors own experiences volunteering at refugee camps. Hopefully it will encourage empathy and understanding into the crisis. It certainly opened my eyes. 50p from each hardback will be donated to a refugee charity.

ISBN 9781509840496 HB Macmillan Children’s Books £9.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JANUARY 14-15

 This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post include two inspiring coming of age tales, a fascinating book about space and a fun story for girl gamers.   Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

WING JONES BY KATHERINE WEBBER
YOUNG ADULT 12+
Wing is struggling with her Chinese and Ghanaian heritage, feeling caught between two worlds. However when Wing's talented brother is involved in a tragic accident its time for her to shine and bring new hope to her family. Finding freedom in her running can she also find her true self? The story deals with a wonderfully dysfunctional family, a clash of cultures and generational gaps. An emotional roller coaster of family loyalty, overcoming tragedy and self belief. Inspiring.
ISBN 9781406374995 PB Walker Books £7.99

DESTINATION: SPACE BY DR CHRISTOPH ENGLERT
CHILDRENS 7+
Are you fascinated with outer space? Do you wonder how planet earth came into being? This educational book answers all your questions and more. From black holes to life on other planets the facts are cleverly and vibrantly illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole. There is also a huge pull-out poster at the back so hop on board the space shuttle to explore. Short listed for the Blue Peter Book Awards this will satisfy every little budding astronaut.
ISBN 9781847808240 HB Wide Eyed Editions £12.99

AMY LEE AND THE DARKNESS HEX BY AMY LEE
CHILDRENS 7+
YouTube superstar Amy Lee brings to life her hugely popular Minecraft world. It will appeal to girl gamers and encourage them to read as well. A strange purple cloud is threatening Amy's kingdom. Can she save her land from this poisonous dark magic? An exciting, dramatic adventure with familiar characters richly illustrated in black and white. Also an interesting interview about the author and her creation at the back.
ISBN 9781407172231 PB Scholastic £6.99

A QUIET KIND OF THUNDER BY SARA BARNARD
YOUNG ADULT 12+
Steffi doesn't talk and Rhys can't hear. Struggling to fit in they understand each other perfectly. A valuable tale about how important it is to communicate. Sometimes the quietest voice is the most powerful. A coming of age story full of vivid characters that are empathetic, heartfelt and sensitive. Will inspire lots of discussion in book groups and class. There is no such thing as perfect but you can be fabulously and brilliantly unique.
ISBN 9781509810987 PB Macmillan Childrens Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN JAN 7-8

A new year welcomes in a plethora of new and exciting childrens books. This week my pick for The South Wales Evening Post include a psychological thriller about an amnesiac, a story to help little ones count, a lost fox and boy who try and help each other and a contemporary tale about the pitfalls of stardom. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ONE MEMORY OF FLORA BANKS BY EMILY BARR
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Flora has had severe amnesia for years until she remembers kissing a boy she shouldn't have. What ensues is a chilling psychological thriller that takes Flora on an adventure to the Arctic to find her first love. Or is it really to find herself? Is she being kept safe or is she trapped? Who can she trust? A coming of age mystery about loss, memory and a haunting obsession that is unforgettable. Perfect for book groups of all ages and fans of Hitchcock and Before I Go To Sleep.
ISBN 9780141368511 PB Penguin Random House £7.99

ONE THING BY LAUREN CHILD
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The irrepressible Charlie and Lola return in an energetic and fun story using numbers as they go to the shops. The combination of the exuberant illustrations actively invites children to really think about and understand numbers and how they work as Lola is told she can only have one thing. Really clever combination of text and illustrations putting numbers out of order, making you think and work the sums out and ultimately understand. The brother and sister dynamic has universal appeal perfectly aimed at little minds.
ISBN 9781408339015 PB Orchard Books £6.99

THE WHITE FOX BY JACKIE MORRIS
CHILDRENS 8+

When Sol finds a lost Arctic fox in the Seattle docks he immediately identifies with his wild, lost spirit. Taking the fox home can he help reunite his own family as well? Inspired by a true story this beautiful hardback gift edition by award winning artist and illustrator Jackie is a book to treasure. Deliberately designed to be dyslexia friendly with a clear layout and typeface this has a wide appeal for animal lovers and children with reading difficulties.

ISBN: 9781781125229 HB Barrington Stoke £10.99

GONE WILD BY ROBERT MUCHAMORE
YOUNG ADULT 12+
For X factor and The Voice fans this is the perfect read. Young teen bands fight it out in a reality show to win a shot at stardom. The third in this sparkling and glossy series follow their personal journeys and highs and lows. Will corruption derail their dreams and is the spotlight too bright for them? All that glitters is not gold. Great behind the scenes insight if your interested in reality shows and show business.
 ISBN: 9781444914610 HB Hachette Childrens £9.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS DEC 31-JAN 1

My pick of childrens books this week for the South Wales Evening Post include a quirky who done it, a picture book looking at friendship, a sewing kit for kids and a story about hope. My childrens book review column can be found in the magazine section of the paper every weekend. 

 Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GOLDFISH BOY BY LISA THOMPSON

CHILDRENS 10+

Matthew suffers from crippling OCD which makes him a virtual recluse. He chooses to see life pass by from his bedroom window. When a toddler goes missing can he help solve his disappearance and face his fears at the same time? A psychological thriller that has an endearing protagonist amongst a bevy of colourful characters. An intriguing modern day Poirot with heart. Perfectly pitched for middle grader readers who love a good mystery.

ISBN 9781407170992 PB Scholastic £6.99

OWL BAT BAT OWL BY MARIE-LOUISE FITZPATRICK
PICTURE BOOK 2+
Told through illustrations only we watch as mummy owl and three baby owls settle down for the night. Annoyingly they are disturbed by a family of bats hanging upside down on the same branch. When a terrible storm arrives the babies fall off one by one. Who will save them? A sweet story about helping your neighbour despite their differences, working together and finding true friendship. A strong message simply and powerfully told.
ISBN 9781406364392 HB Walker Books £11.99

SEWING KIT BY ABIGAIL WHEATLEY
CHILDRENS 7+
This perfect little sewing kit has everything you need to make seven felt animals. Children who love crafts and making things will delighted in the simple step by step guide book. Also included is everything you need such as stuffing, needles, buttons, pins and thread. Most helpful are the links to video clips for demonstrations, tips and techniques. With clear layout this is brilliant for absolute beginners, even telling you how to thread a needle.

ISBN: 9781409599227 PB Usborne £12.99

MIRACULOUS MIRANDA BY SIOBHAN PARKINSON
CHILDRENS 9+

A poignant and touching tale of hope and miracles, imagination and the belief that anything is possible. When Miranda's sister is taken to hospital she escapes into an imaginary world Magnanimous. Thought provoking and profound this endearing tale gives an insight into family and friendship and how people deal with stressful situations. Sometimes a child’s innocence can have a powerful impact and is more able to see through dark times. Full of empathy.

ISBN 9781444929072 HB Hodder Childrens £10.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN DEC 25-25

My childrens book pick for the Christmas Weekend in The South Wales Evening Post includes a little grey rabbit, a monster sprout, a naughty princess and a chilling adventure. Hope you all enjoy the festive season. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LITTLE GREY RABBIT'S CHRISTMAS BY ALISON UTTLEY
CHILDRENS 5+
First published in 1929 this new edition will continue to capture the hearts of children. The woodland animals are preparing for Christmas but when a special gift is lost in the snow can they find it? Magical illustrations by Margaret Tempest will enchant anyone who's a fan of Beatrix Potter bringing to life this charming festive story. A talking snowball, tobogganing by moonlight and a magical Christmas tree makes a perfect bedtime story for the holidays.


ISBN 9781783706723 HB Templar Publishing £5.99

SPROUTZILLA VS CHRISTMAS BY TOM JAMIESON
PICTURE BOOK 3+


A bit of fiendish fun for the festive season. Jack loves everything about Christmas except one thing, sprouts! When his parents bring home a gigantic sprout that turns into a monster, determined to destroy Christmas Jack is the only one who can stop him. The wickedly hilarious vivid illustrations by Mike Byrne will entertain even the fussiest of eaters this holiday. They may even be tempted to eat one or two! Sproutlicious!
ISBN 9781509822782 PB Macmillan £6.99

CHRISTMAS WITH PRINCESS MIRA-BELLE BY JULIA DONALDSON
CHILDRENS 6+
This special hardback edition, illustrated by Lydia Monks, features two new adventures and festive things to do. Ellen's life is turned into chaos when naughty Princess Mirror-Belle sweeps her into her Christmas escapades. From dancing in Swan Lake, attending a fancy dress party and trying to catch Father Christmas Ellen barely has time to catch her breath. Also included are activities such as making tree decorations to festive biscuits. A great stocking filler for early readers.
ISBN 9781509814268 HB Macmillan £8.99
4/5 Stars

MYSTERY AT THE ICE HOTEL BY SARA GRANT
CHILDRENS 11+
Action packed thriller in the Arctic Circle. Teens Mackenzie and Chase are having fun in an exclusive resort when the guests start to go missing. Can this detective duo solve the mystery or will they come to chilly end? Full of fun, family and friendship this really captures the icy setting in this exhilarating and exciting series. An action packed mix of Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones but in the snow!!


ISBN 9781407163307 PB Scholastic £5.99
5/5 stars

A List of Wonderfully Educational and Activity Childrens Books from 2016 to inspire

There have been some fascinating and wonderful educational and activity books this year for all ages. Here are just a few starting with books for the youngest then up to young adult. From animal to insects, learning about different types of people and the world in general this will open up the eyes of children to the amazing diversity we experience around us. 

BEE BY PATRICIA HEGARTY & BRITTA TECKENTRUP
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A thought provoking book celebrating the importance of the bumble bee. This stunning book raises awareness of their plight inspiring our future generations to learn about their journey, gathering nectar and spreading life. The pages of this vibrant peep through book opens up into a bouquet of brilliance that will entrance as you follow them from flower to flower. It s a love poem to this BEEautiful and much needed little striped powerhouse.

ISBN 9781848692886 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

A FIRST BOOK OF ANIMALS BY NICOLA DAVIES AND PETRA HORACEK
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A celebration of the amazing and enormous variety in the animal kingdom. This sumptuous volume brings to life its true wonders through the lyrical text of Nicola Davies and atmospheric illustrations of Petra Horacek. From the whale shark to the tiny hummingbird, the speeding cheetah to the languorous sloth this is an absolute delight for little animal lovers. A book to treasure and inspire a new generation to hopefully protect and conserve these amazing creatures. 
ISBN 9781406359633 HB Walker Books £14.99

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

PERFECT BY NICOLA DAVIES
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The story of a young boy learning to accept his baby sister as being perfect in every way in spite of her disability. Perfect is an ideal way to open up the subject of disability with children, as well being a great story in its own 
right. Beautifully illustrated by Cathy Fisher using birds as a tool to symbolise his feelings this is a story of anticipation, disappointment, acceptance and, ultimately, love. Thoughtful and insightful.

ISBN: 9781910862469 PB Graffeg £8.99

MY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VERY IMPORTANT THINGS
CHILDRENS 4+
Inquisitive little learners always need a book of extremely useful facts for all those niggling questions about the world around them. Look no further because this will certainly take them on an educational journey of discovery through different cultures, people and places which will set young minds alight. Brimming with facts and figures alongside an array of photos and colour illustrations this is a brilliant addition to a child’s library. Supports the KS1 National Curriculum. 
ISBN 9780241224939 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99

SLOT TOGETHER THEATRE BY ANNA MILBOURNE
CHILDREN 6+ 
A chance for children and adults to be inspired by two classic Christmas shows. Including scenes, characters and a book of clear instructions you can put together a theatre and tell the story of the Nutcracker Ballet and Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream with music. Simply slot the sturdy pieces together and the step by step guide with script and cast will be perfect for budding thespians and dancers to put on some great entertainment for the family.
ISBN 9781474916172 HB Usborne £25

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN DEEPEST OCEAN BY PAGE TSOU
CHILDRENS BOOK 6+
A visual feast of a compendium that will open your eyes to the extraordinary world we live in. Do you know which is the longest living animal? The oldest tree? The biggest storm? Discover all the answers in this fascinating large format book of visual comparisons with beautifully detailed illustrations that have a vintage and contemporary flavour. For fans of Animalium, Maps and future David Attenboroughs! Indulge your curiosity. 
ISBN 9781783704842 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

THE CURIOUS GUIDE TO THINGS THAT AREN'T BY JOHN D. FIXX & JAMES F. FIXX
CHILDRENS 7+

Thought provoking riddles about a range of things you can't see, touch or hear and yet they still exist. Can you guess what they are? There is one riddle for every letter of the alphabet so you will have enormous fun trying gthe class room as well as a great stocking filler.

ISBN 9781633221765 HB Walter Foster JR £8.99

ATLAS OF ODDITIES BY CLIVE GIFFORD
CHILDREN 7+
A beautiful gift atlas full of brilliantly bizarre facts and figures of the natural and not so natural world we live in. Did you know in Ninotaria, Japan you can bath in a giant pool of red wine, green tea, coffee or noodle soup! Wales is also included with mentions of Port Talbot’s Baked Beans Museum and Llanwrtyd Well’s World Bog Snorkelling Championship! Accompanied by Tracy Worrall's bold punchy illustrations this will entertain and inform the whole family. 
ISBN 9781405281362 HB Egmont UK £16.99

ROALD DAHL SCRIBBLE BOOK BY ROALD DAHL 
CHILDREN 7+
Celebrate the centenary of one of our greatest children’s authors with this creative book inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl. 'Squibble' and colour your way through the fun activities featuring his most famous characters including the BFG, Willy Wonka and my favourite, Matilda. Draw your own Chocolate Factory or design a fantastic home for Mr Fox! Illustrations by the irrepressible Quentin Blake means this 'whoopsy whiffling' book will inspire hours of 'phizz-whizzing' fun.
ISBN 9780141368245 PB Penguin £6.99

THE USBORNE OUTDOOR BOOK BY ALICE JAMES AND EMILY BONE, ILLUSTRATED BY BRIONY MAY SMITH
CHILDRENS 6+

This brilliant book is a perfect way to encourage children to play outdoors whether it be in the park, garden, seashore or woods. A shocking poll revealed 37% of kids have not played outside by themselves in the last 6 months. This sumptuously illustrated book is a great way to change that and provides loads of inspiration from beach games, bird watching to building a shelter. Its packed full of exciting activities you hadn't even thought of!

ISBN 9781409599104 HB Usborne Publishing £9.99

UNDER EARTH, UNDER WATER BY ALEKSANDRA & DANIEL MIZIELINSKI 
CHILDRENS 7+
A two in one epic book that takes us exploring under the earth and water. Under the earth you'll meet cavers, miners, discover fossils as well as burrows and dens. Under water you'll meet record breaking divers, giants of the sea as well as submarines and shipwrecks. Hugely detailed and overflowing with illustrations this is a fantastic present for any little explorer and scientist. A treasure that parents will also enjoy.
 ISBN 9781783703647 HB Templar Books £20

HERE I STAND BY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK 
YOUNG ADULT 12+
In partnership with Amnesty International twenty five leading authors and illustrators including Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell unite to explore human rights in today’s society. A collection of powerful hard hitting stories that look at issues such as gender equality, race hatred, immigration and freedom of speech amongst other issues. This is a great book for igniting debate, encouraging empathy and raising questions especially in the classroom. A must for every school library. 
ISBN 9781406358384 HB Walker Books £10.99