Saturday 21 May 2016

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN MAY 21ST-22ND

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN MAY 21ST-22ND


This week is Mental Health Week and I picked some books reflecting issues that could arise and exacerbate mental health illness including death and loss and sexual abuse. I also picked a picture book about friendship and sharing which will add a little light relief and a middle grade gothic style book, also featuring loss, that has a Tim Burton style theme to it.

 Although some of these books deal with difficult issues they are extremely accessible to young children and can be a tool to raising discussion on problems a child is having. All the Rage which deals with a rape victim can hopefully raise talking points on how we treat boys and girls differently in society depending on background and gender amongst other things,

BOOK OF THE WEEK


THE GRAND WOLF BY AVRIL MCDONALD
PICTURE BOOK 4+
In Mental Health Awareness Week The Feel Brave series include five helpful books aimed at children with everyday worries and issues presented in a non threatening way. This one deals with how to cope with loss and grief. Wolfgang loves to visit Grand Wolf but one day finds him gone and it makes him very sad. Spider shows him by seeing the situation in a different way he can feel happy again, knowing true love never dies.
ISBN: 9781785830198 PB Crown House Publishing £7.99
5/5 Stars






SQUISH, SQUASH, SQUEEZE! BY TRACEY CORDEROY
PICTURE BOOK 3+
While Mouse is settling into his new house he discovers some unexpectedly large residents. Who is growling by the piano? Who's sliding down the banister? Richly illustrated by Jane Chapman this delightful story is full of colourful characters and surprises. Laugh out loud as mouse tries to live with tiger, crocodile and bear in the small space. This is a story all about unexpected friendships, team effort and being considerate and thoughtful. A great pop out ending.
ISBN: 9781848691896 HB Publisher: Little Tiger Press Group £10.99
5/5 Stars





MAGRIT BY LEE BATTERSBY
CHILDRENS 9+
A little girl, Magrit, lives in an abandoned cemetery. One day she finds a baby but her only friend, Master Puppet, tells her to get rid of it. For Magrit her world changes forever as she tries to look after Bugrat because as he grows she must face reality. Like a Tim Burton fantasy this lyrical and other worldly fable is beautifully presented with striking illustrations decorating the pages by Amy Daoud.
ISBN 9781925081343 HB Walker Books £8.99
5/5 Stars




ALL THE RAGE BY COURTNEY SUMMERS
YOUNG ADULT
Romy Grey was raped by the sheriffs son. No one wants to believe her but when another girl goes missing at a party she needs to make herself heard. A traumatic gritty fictional account of dealing with sexual abuse and the different reactions it can ignite. Hard hitting, this will give much food for thought with a list of helpful organisations at the back for those who have had similar experiences. Suitable for mature readers.
ISBN: 9781509817597 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99
4/5 Stars

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