SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 28 -29 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magnificent middle grade mystery, an entertaining board book about farm life, a horrible history of seafaring Britain and Ireland and a feminist coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOUR BY ALLY CARTER

CHILDREN 9+

When 11-year-old orphan April joins Winterborne Home she discovers its missing heir Gabriel Winterborne living in the secret basement. Can April and her fellow orphans save Gabriel from his murderous family? Can they uncover the mystery of the ghostly Sentinel? A rip-roaring adventure bursting with excitement and escapades. The diverse cast and twists and turns will grip children until it's ending. Lemony Snicket meets The Goonies.

Orchard PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? BY JASON KORSNER & HANNAH ROUNDING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A collection of gently rhyming verses which encourage the young to look at the world around them. Children and adults will have great fun spotting themes and will be inspired to play spot the object. What's on your plate, in the bathroom, lounge or garden? A fun way to play a game, explore your home and take a break from the digital world if necessary. Gorgeous pen and wash illustrations make this a treat.

Graffeg PB £7.99

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: ALL AT SEA BY TERRY DEARY & MARTIN BROWN

CHILDREN 8+

A rollicking and stormy journey around Britain and Irelands seafaring history. Children will be fascinated by the Viking attack on St Davids, how Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas saved Britain from a French invasion and the dastardly wreckers of South Wales. There are also fishy tales of traditions and superstitions.Written in digestible segments with witty line illustrations and cartoons reluctant readers and future sailors will be hooked. Ship Ahoy!

PB Scholastic £6.99

RULES FOR BEING A GIRL BY CANDACE BUSHNELL & KATIE COTUGNO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Marin is bright and heading to the Ivy League. When Marin's favourite English teacher, Mr Beckett kisses her no one believes her. To make herself heard and show solidarity for all girls she writes an article on misogyny and sexism. But the backlash is unexpected. Can Marin retain her self-respect and her friends? A witty and inspiring coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect. Moxie meets Legally Blonde.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 6-7 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade First World War mystery in a country estate, a picture book sensitively explaining memory loss, a picture book adventure with best friends Mouse and Mole a contemporary teen romantic drama. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS BY A.M HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

When Clara is sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle on a country estate during World War One she becomes entangled in its secrets and intrigue. What is in the locked room? Who is the strange boy who appears at night? This is a gripping and evocative mystery with family at its heart. For fans of The Secret Garden and Emma Carroll and ideal for book clubs with questions at the back and web links to follow.

ISBN 97814749 59551 PB Usborne £6.99

THE TIDE BY CLARE HELEN WELSH & ASHLING LINDSAY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A family are going for a day out at the beach but Grandad is becoming very forgetful. Can his granddaughter help? A sensitive way to explain the difficult subject of dementia to young ones without upsetting them. An empathetic story full of sunny playful pictures that use the tide as an analogy to understand memory loss. It is full of charm, comfort and heart that is ideal to share with family or in the classroom.

ISBN 9781788810852 HB Little Tiger £11.99

MOUSE & MOLE BY JOYCE DUNBAR AND JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 5+

Join Mouse and Mole, the best of furry friends on their adventures. Whether it's planning for a picnic or toasting muffins or tidying their chaotic house, children will be charmed by the series of gentle and witty stories. Children will recognise the familiar ups and downs of friendship and immediately relate to their breakups and makeups. The richly illustrated book is perfect for fans of Wind in the Willows and Brambly Hedge.

ISBN 9781912050406 HB Graffeg £12.99

TULIP TAYLOR BY ANNA MAINWARING

YOUNG ADULT 11+

Fifteen-year-old Tulip is a make-up vlogger who finds herself on a 'survival' reality TV show. Can she prove to an annoyingly cute fellow contestant, her momager and herself that she is not just a pretty face? A hilarious contemporary tale of the pitfalls of living in the digital age where so much of life is on social media. The family dynamic is pitched perfectly to those with annoying siblings! An entertaining modern-day romance.

ISBN 9781910080979 PB Firefly Press £7.99

My Pick of Middle Grade Childrens Books from 2016

My Pick of Middle Grade Fiction Books from 2016

A DOG'S LIFE BY ANN M. MARTIN
CHILDRENS 9+

A heart warming tale of the life of a stray dog told from her perspective. We follow Squirrel from abandoned puppy into adulthood, her friends and foes, loves and losses, until she finds a place she can call home. Its an emotional rollercoaster and I defy anyone not to fall in love with this brave and steadfast little mutt. Perfect for dog lovers and highlights why a dog is for life not just for Christmas.

ISBN 9781474906470 PB Usborne £6.99

THE GREAT CHOCOPLOT BY CHRIS CALLAGHAN
CHILDRENS 8+
The chocopocalypse has arrived and soon there will be no chocolate in the world! Following a trail of clues will Jelly and her Gran uncover a fiendish plot that could deprive the nation of their favourite treat and avert disaster? Or will the villain, Garibaldi leave them with a bitter taste in the mouth? This wonderful Roald Dahlian adventure presents an assortment box of hilarious and eccentric characters that will be devoured by little chocolate lovers everywhere. 
ISBN 9781910002513 PB Chicken House £6.99

ROBYNSILVER AND THE MIDNIGHT CHIMES BY PAULA HARRISON
CHILDRENS 8+
When ten year old Robyn starts seeing scary creatures no one else can see she discovers she has special monster hunting powers. But can Robyn save her little sister from their clutches? This feisty heroine combined with her relateable family dynamic and endearing friends, plus the charming illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, really makes for a fun and exciting read. Reminiscent of a young Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new, younger generation. 
ISBN 9781407170589 PB Scholastic £6.99

THE ROAD TO EVER AFTER BY MOIRA YOUNG
CHILDREN 10+
A surprisingly moving and humorous tale of an orphaned, homeless boy called Davy who likes drawing angels. When he meets Miss Flint, an elderly lady going home to die, he finds a true kindred spirit. A mix of 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Benjamin Button', this extraordinary adventure will make you laugh and cry. Visually arresting prose and empathetic observations. Life is about those moments that take your breath away and this certainly took mine. A classic.
ISBN 9781509832583 HB Macmillans Childrens Books £9.99

MURDER IN MIDWINTER BY FLEUR HITCHCOCK
CHILDRENS 9+

When Maya becomes a witness to a violent crime she has to hide in rural Wales until the police have caught the perpetrator. Trapped in the farm in a snow storm is she still safe or has she been discovered? A nail biting crime novel for middle grade readers and an exciting introduction for this genre. This atmospheric thriller will keep you guessing to the end, perfect to curl up with on a winters night.

ISBN 9780857636386 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL BY MEGAN SHEPHERD
CHILDRENS 8+
When Emmaline, alone and traumatised, is evacuated to a countryside hospital during World War II she discovers a secret. There are winged horses living beyond the mirrors and only she can protect them. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Michael Morpurgo books it explores friendship, love and loss. Wonderfully illustrated by Levi Pinfold his atmospheric paintings of horses and war time life will captivate history, art and animal lovers alike and make a wonderful gift. 
ISBN 9781406367584 HB Walker Books £12.99

OVER THE LINE BY TOM PALMER
CHILDRENS 9+
Jack is about to live his dream as a pro footballer but its 1914 and soon is heading to the front line. This movingly true story of the Footballers Battalion paints a vivid picture of life in the trenches including the filth, the rats and loss. It also tells of courage, friendship and honor. A gripping read for those interested in history and football as well as reluctant readers. There are also teacher resources for class discussion to accompany.
ISBN 9781781125861 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99 

THERE MAY BE A CASTLE BY PIERS TORDAY
CHILDRENS 9+

It's Christmas Eve and Mouse, an eleven year old boy, and his family are involved in a car accident in the middle of nowhere. Only Mouse can help but to do so he must enter a magical world and fulfil a quest. A whimsical adventure that straddles fantasy and reality full of knights, monsters and a sheep called Bar. A tale of bravery, loss and life and ultimately hope with a touch of Dahl and Lewis Carroll.
ISBN 9781848668621 HB Quercus £12.99

THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM BY ROSS MACKENZIE
CHILDRENS 9+
A magical adventure that is sure to weave its spell over you. Daniel, an orphan, only wants to hide in the Emporium but it seems the shop needs his help. He becomes an apprentice to a magician, discovers enchanted rooms, makes friends, travels through time and comes face to face with evil personified. The worthy winner of The Blue Peter Book Awards amongst others this will really inspire the imagination of all ages. Perfect for Harry Potter fans.
ISBN: 9781782501251 PB Floris Books £6.99

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

RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE BY KATE DICAMILLO

CHILDRENS 9+
A moving story about friendship, family and the ties that bind. Three girls meet during a baton twirling contest and form an unlikely bond. Loosely based on the authors life in a small American town this is a heart warming tale of a child’s innocent view of an adult world. In the unlikeliest of circumstances including errant fathers, lost cats and narrow escapes they find hope, courage and humour in the face of tragedy. A delight. 
ISBN: 9781406363135 HB Walker Books Ltd £9.99

THE GIRL OF INK & STARS BY KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

CHILDRENS 11+

Isabella dreams of exploring The Forgotten Territories her father once mapped. Her opportunity comes when she must find her best friend Lupe with only an ancient map and the stars to guide. Monsters, myth and magic draw the reader into this modern day classic of friendship and sacrifice. An enchanting début in a gorgeously presented book peppered with maps and symbols that will enthral. For fans of Philip Pullman and Katherine Rundell. Spellbinding.

ISBN: 9781910002742 PB Chicken House Ltd £6.99

THE APPRENTICE WITCH BY JAMES NICOL
CHILDRENS 8+

An exciting debut novel following the adventures of fifteen year old Arianwyn, an apprentice witch who has failed her witch assessment. Sent to a supposedly quiet town Arianwyn starts to find her true powers and make new friends. From overcoming her arch rival to fighting terrifying monsters and demons this enchanting tale tackles self esteem issues and overcoming adversity. A spell binding start to an magical new series perfect for the holidays.

ISBN 9781910655153 PB Chicken House £6.99

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

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