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 NOV 23-24 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a hilarious teen romance, a picture book including dinosaurs and Christmas, and two middle grade adventures perfect for the festive period. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

INDIA SMYTHE STANDS UP BY SARAH GOVETT

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fourteen-year-old India catches the eye of the hottest boy in school her popularity rockets. Can she navigate a budding romance whilst dealing with embarrassingly strict parents and demonic teachers? Why is she finding the orchestra geek so distracting? A hilarious coming-of-age romance that was so funny I couldn't put it down! It perfectly captures the trials of school, its pecking order and the importance of friendship. For fans of Ferris Bueller and Stephanie Perkins.

Marotte Books PB £7.99

DEAR SANTASAUR BY CHAE STRATHIE & NICOLA O'BYRNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Does Santa deliver to dinosaurs? Join the mighty T. Rex on a Roar-some Christmas adventure about a little boy and his favourite dinosaur. Can Max and his dinosaur friends help Santa and go to their Christmas party? Kids will love spotting all the different dinosaurs in this action-packed tale about friendship. It's packed with letters, cards and fun facts to read alongside the hilariously festive illustrations. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud.

Scholastic PB £6.99

THE IMPOSSIBLE BOY BY BEN BROOKS

CHILDREN 8+

Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian, who becomes real! Things become stranger and more dangerous when they are pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality who want to capture and erase Sebastian forever. Can Oleg and Emma protect their new friend in time for Christmas? A magical and festive adventure with an extraordinary cast of characters. It is full of empathy, friendship and fun. A lovely Christmas present.

Quercus HB £9.99

THE PEARL IN THE ICE BY CATHRYN CONSTABLE

CHILDREN 10+

It is 1912. Twelve-year-old Marina stows away on her father's ship despite him ordering her to stay away from water. On the eve of war, Marina sails into a wild and oceanic adventure to uncover a secret. What is the dark shape following them? Inspired by classic folk-tales, shipwrecks and mythical sea creatures, this will take you on an epic voyage with a resourceful and brave heroine. Perfect for curling up on a cold winter night.

Chicken House PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW SEPT 28-29 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a sumptuous book of birds, an insightful picture book about two autistic friends, a beautiful and mystical adventure of a fox cub and an in-depth look at the fabulous women in the Marvel Universe.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ATLAS OF AMAZING BIRDS BY MATT SEWELL

CHILDREN 7+

This vibrant compendium celebrates the most amazing birds from around the world. The dazzling watercolour illustrations are accompanied by witty and informative observations that bring the birds to life. Did you know The Great Grey Owl is the largest in the world? From magnificent eagles to tiny hummingbirds children will discover about migrations, mating rituals, surviving in extreme environments — a stunning gift book for little nature lovers and a lovely book to share with the family.

HB Pavilion £16.99

THROUGH THE EYES OF US BY JON ROBERTS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Friends Kya and Martha are both autistic and both completely different. Kya is quiet, but Martha is talkative and asks a lot of questions. Both love the sensations around them, touching different materials and treat every day as an adventure. The second in the series will continue bringing a greater understanding of children's differences and is especially useful to share in class. The joyful pen and wash illustrations perfectly capture the two energetic and happy girls.

PB Graffeg £7.99

WHITE FOX BY CHEN JIATONG

CHILDREN 9+

Orphaned fox cub Dilah must embark on a quest to become human. A magical moonstone is his only guide. Children will love following Dilah's adventure across strange lands as he meets new friends. But who are the blue foxes chasing him? The story captures the kindness and cruelty of humans, the beauty of nature and how the cub learns to be brave. It is sprinkled with evocative illustrations by Viola Wang. Lion King meets Watership Down.

Chicken House PB £6.99

POWERS OF A GIRL BY LORRAINE CINK & ALICE X.SHANG

CHILDREN 10+

Explore the lives of 65 exceptional and diverse Marvel Women who changed the universe. It is filled with inspiring lessons and observations paired with the origins of each character. The accompanying illustrations are vibrant and emotive with a seventies vibe. Discover all about these fearsome females from the most well known such as Captain Marvel and Gamora to lesser-known such as Squirrel Girl and Silk. A perfect present for Marvel fans.

HB Studio Press £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW AUG 10-11

This week my children's book reviews include a feminist fairy-tale for teens, a picture book about the plight orangutans, a middle grade adventure about a princess who loves BMX and an intriqueing Young adult thriller set on the Welsh coast

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE KINGDOM BY JESS ROTHENBERG

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Android princess Ana lives in The Kingdom which makes visitors' wishes come true. But when she is accused of murder difficult questions must be ascertained. Did Ana override her program? Does she have free will? Told through court testimony and flashbacks this will keep the reader guessing until the end. An intriguing thriller and anti-fairytale with a cinematic feel and themes of sisterhood, objectification and how power can corrupt. Westworld meets One of Us is Lying.

Macmillan PB £7.99

THERE'S A RANG-TAN IN MY BEDROOM BY JAMES SELLICK & FRANN PRESTON-GANNON

CHILDREN 4+

When a little girl discovers a mischievous orangutan in her bedroom it shows her how growing palm oil for her products, such as shampoo are destroying her home. The moving illustrations and story show the plight of orangutans, the dangers of deforestation and what we can do to help. It includes how to write a campaign letter and why palm oil is so harmful to wildlife. This is a special picture book with a vital message to share.

Wren & Rook HB £12.99

PRINCESS BMX BY MARIE BASTING

CHILDREN 7+

Princess Ava travels between her magical kingdom and London to fulfil her passion for riding BMX. But can Ava use her new biking skills to save her home from her evil Aunty? Ava's hilarious adventure races along at breakneck speed while punctured with characterful illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino. Children will love Ava's cheeky humour and her courage to be true to herself. A modern fairy-tale which is full of magic, friendship and bikes! Enchanted meets BMX.

Chicken House PB £7.99

MY SECRET LIES WITH YOU BY FAYE BIRD

YOUNG ADULT 14+

A mysterious girl Alys appeared one summer only to vanish without a trace. This summer Cait arrives for a holiday in Wales mourning the loss of her father while dealing with her mother's new boyfriend. Told from four perspectives this is a classic whodunnit with a twist in the tale. Secrets and lies, friendships and family, love and loss are intertwined in this fast-paced thriller. A perfect summer read for fans of Pretty Little Lies and Riverdale.

Usborne PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 8-9 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting middle grade drama commemorating D-Day full of fascinating historical facts, two picture books perfect for Fathers Day including a farty bear and a time strapped Fox and a football middle grade  drama for girls just in time for the FIFA Womens World Cup. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

D-DAY DOG BY TOM PALMER

CHILDREN 8+

While Jack is visiting the D-Day landing beaches with his school his soldier Dad is called into action. As Jack begins to question the point of war he uncovers a story about a paratrooper and his dog and is determined to discover their fate. An accessible and thought-provoking read commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It's a revelation to read the heroic animal war stories at the end who went beyond the call of duty.

ISBN 9781781128688 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

DADDY FARTYPANTS BY EMER STAMP & MATT HUNT

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Daddy Fartypants is a very windy bear which he never apologises for much to the embarrassment of his son! But when he meets his son's fragrant new teacher can she teach him a lesson about lying and blaming others? The explosive illustrations will make children laugh their pants off! This is the perfect gift for Father's Day, especially if he's a little gassy and likes to blame others!

ISBN 9781408356357 PB Orchard £6.99

FIVE MORE MINUTES BY MARTA ALTES

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young fox gives his time-starved Dad sage advise about what time really means. Many Dad's and children will relate to how the young want everything NOW while Dads just need a few more minutes to rest, sleep and read...An observant and poignant story to share on Father's Day about how children and adults experience time in different ways. Dad's will especially relate to Daddy Fox's resigned expression as opposed to his child's expectant one!

ISBN 9781509866021 HB Macmillan £12.99

LILY AND THE ROCKETS BY REBECCA STEVENS

CHILDREN 9+

It's 1918 and fourteen-year-old munition worker Lily loves to play football with the factory's female team, The Rockets. But what will happen when the men return from war? This emotionally charged coming-of-age drama is inspired by true events with girl power at its heart. The postscript at the end is inspiring, infuriating and ultimately hopeful. Girls will be galvanized to follow their dreams, break boundaries and play football! For fans of FIFA's Women's World Cup and historical drama.

ISBN 9781912626120 PB Chicken House £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade adventure about a young Viking girl seeking revenge, a picture book highlighting conservation, a funny middle grade featuring a young boy fighting zombies and a feminist coming of age young adult book about a teenage girl dealing with everyday sexism and bullying. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SHE WOLF BY DAN SMITH
CHILDREN 9+
Ylva, a young Viking girl is determined to seek revenge for her mother's murder. Accompanied by her faithful dog and helped by the kindness of strangers Ylva must track down her three-fingered killer and survive a dangerous snowbound hinterland. This warrior child's fighting spirit and survival instinct will ignite the imagination of children as they plunder this epic and mythical Viking world. A powerful and atmospheric coming of age quest.

ISBN 9781910655931 PB Chicken House £6.99

SURVIVAL BY LOUISE MCNAUGHT & ANNA CLAYBOURNE
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Twenty creatures who are facing extinction are captured in powerfully vivid animal portraits. Discover the dangers they face, why they are important to the Earth and what is being done to protect them. From the Siberian Tiger who's habitat is being destroyed by logging to the Blue Whale fighting against sea pollution to the Mountain Gorilla threatened by deforestation. It will open children's eyes to the vitally important work of conservation and how they can also help.

ISBN 9781787410459 HB Big Picture Press £12.99

MUTANT ZOMBIES CURSED MY SCHOOL TRIP! BY MATT BROWN
CHILDREN 8+
Ian is on a school trip to a historical (spooky) house with his only (imaginary) friend, Remington Furious III for company. Can he save his new classmates from being turned into groaning, dribbling zombies? Children will adore this anarchic adventure, creatively illustrated by Paco Sordo which is full of laugh out loud gags, not to mention an evil servant made from earwax and some dislodged eyeballs! This witty page-turner is ideal for early and reluctant readers.

ISBN 9781474960236 PB Usborne £6.99

THE BURNING BY LAURA BATES
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Fifteen-year-old Anna moves across the country with her mum to escape bullying after her boyfriend publishes inappropriate pictures of Anna on the internet without her consent. When her new classmates discover Anna's secret she once more feels persecuted and finds small comfort in the parallels of a history project about a young girl accused of witchcraft. This is an insightful and heart-wrenching tale influenced by real-life scenarios exploring sexism and misogyny in today's society.
ISBN 9781471170201 PB Simon & Schuster £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade adventure based in a Victorian London frozen in time, a picture book about the gift of kindness, an illustrated little book of hugs and a young adult book about finding your own path. 

Great books for children and some lovely gifts for Valentine's Day suitable for all the family. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR BY BENJAMIN READ & LAURA TRINDER
CHILDREN 9+
Emily must find her parents who have vanished into the Midnight Hour, a Victorian London frozen in time full of monsters and magic. With only a stowaway hedgehog and her infamously big mouth to aid her, Emily must uncover family secrets and save this enchanted world. This weird and wonderful fantasy adventure with its quirky cast of characters will delight children who will love being scared and thrilled all at the same time. For fans of Nevermoor.
ISBN 9781911490906 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE KISS BY LINDA SUNDERLAND & JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE
PICTURE BOOK4+
When Edwyn gives a kiss to her Grandma, her Grandma keeps it to bring joy to others. When a rich man wants to buy the kiss at any price, what will she do? An endearing story about the power of love and kindness complimented by a strong message that to give is to receive. The warm, seasonal illustrations and its multi-generational characters will appeal to the whole family. A lovely gift for Valentines and Mother's Day.
ISBN 9781788811026 HB Little Tiger £11.99

100 HUGS BY CHRIS RIDDLE
CHILDREN 8+
An endearing little gem of a book full of illustrated hugs from the familiar to the unexpected. It will raise a smile as you linger over a panda with its cub, a dragon and princess or a hare and tortoise, all hugging. These imaginative weird and wonderful pictures are laced with heartwarming quotes from Shakespeare to Tennyson. Suitable for all ages this is a charming token of affection for those who like a cwtch on Valentines Day.
ISBN 9781509814312 PB Macmillan PB £5.99

ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART BY KATHERINE WEBBER
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Reiko escapes from her claustrophobic home life and loss of her sister to spend time in the Californian desert. Seth shares her love of the desert but is it enough? An emotional rollercoaster about family and friendship, love and loss. This coming of age drama is about finding your own path in life regardless of outside pressures. Set against a dramatic backdrop this self-affirming tale is full of hope, no matter what life throws at you.

ISBN 9781406369052 PB Walker £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 10-11

This week my children's book reviews commemorate both the First and Second World Wars. They include a moving middle grade book of love and loss in World War One, a sensitive picture book about a young girls dad returning from war, a middle grade adventure mixing World War Two history with myth and a true story of a young protegee fleeing the Nazi's to London. These books are all not only really enjoyable but inspiring and educational. Perfect for Remembrance Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

EVIE'S WAR BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDREN 9+
It's 1914 and Evie's brother has gone to war however she is comforted by her adored dogs. But when her father insists one be sent to War Dog School how will Evie cope? A moving and enlightening story of life in Britain during the First World War seen through the eyes of a young girl. It also highlights the little-known role of dogs during the war. For fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll.
ISBN 9781407170862 PB Scholastic £6.99

RUBY IN THE RUINS BY SHIRLEY HUGHES
PICTURE BOOK 5+
A classic story of family love, set in post-war London. When Ruby's dad returns from the war she hardly recognises him. How will they reforge their bond? A thought-provoking tale of returning soldiers and their difficulty in settling into everyday life. The illustrations are really evocative of the time and place and are sensitively told through Ruby's eyes. It will give young children an idea of what it was like to live in that time.
ISBN 9781406375893 HB Walker Books £12.99

THE BURIED CROWN BY ALLY SHERRICK
CHILDREN 9+
During World War Two George is evacuated to the countryside to avoid the London bombings. But he finds himself in danger while trying to protect a priceless Anglo-Saxon crown from the Nazi's. A fast-paced historical adventure that is cleverly interwoven with myth. It is in part inspired by the Sutton-Hoo treasure and Hitler's fascination with mystical objects which is explained at the back of the book. An absorbing and exciting story with lots of twists and turns.
ISBN 981910655320 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE BY MONA GOLABEK & LEE COHEN
CHILDREN 10+
When Hitler threatens to invade Vienna Lisa, a musical prodigy is sent to London for safety. But she must leave her parents and sisters behind. Written by Lisa's daughter Mona it is about courage, survival and the power of music to uplift the spirit and bring people together. An inspirational and riveting true-life story. It shows the difficult life choices people were forced to make in times of war but also the power of hope and dreams.
ISBN 9781445161303 PB Franklin Watts £7.99