SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 13TH VALENTINES DAY

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 13TH

Its Valentines Day tomorrow so I am continuing with my love theme.
This week my childrens books feature a lovable baby elephant, a rabbit who wants to say I Love You, a dog who needs love and a heartbroken young girl looking for love. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LITTLE WHY BY JONNY LAMBERT

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I adore Little Why with his fearless spirit and boundless curiosity as he discovers the world around him. Lambert has imbued this adorable baby elephant with real character. It also carries two great messages throughout. One is to be happy in your own skin as the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Also why its dangerous to wander off on your own especially with crocodiles about!

ISBN: 9781848691834 PB Little Tiger Press Group £6.99

5/5 Stars

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU BY SAM MCBRATNEY

PICTURE BOOK 2+

This timeless classic recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary and has delighted generation after generation. The large format board book makes its sturdy enough to be passed down from little hands to little hands. Little and Big Nutbrown Hare love each other very much but how do they let each other know? Anita Jeram's enchanting illustrations capture the story's sentiment perfectly and makes it a lovely book to gift on International Book Giving Day on February 14^th

ISBN: 9781406358780 HB Walker Books Ltd £ 6.99

5/5 Stars

ONE DOG AND HIS BOY BY EVA IBBOTSON

CHILDRENS 9+

When Hal's ghastly spoilt parents threaten to take his beloved dog, Fleck, away for being too much like hard work he runs away to his animal loving grandparents in Scotland. Along with a rag tag band of other unwanted pooches they begin an adventure that will test their courage to the limit. Written by one of my favourite all time authors this is without doubt a modern day classic. Wooftastic.

ISBN: 9781407124247 PB Scholastic £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE SLEEPING PRINCE BY MELINDA SALISBURY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

The Sin Eaters Daughter ended on a cliff hanger that left me breathless ,so I was impatient for the sequel of this darkly twisted series. Cherry picking from old myths and the darker side of history this epic will not disappoint. Errin, our heroine, finds herself in poverty, her royal life left behind in the first book. As a vengeful Prince brings war closer can Errin still bring peace? Will it be a fairytale ending or more Brothers Grimm?

ISBN: 9781407147642 PB Scholastic £7.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS COLUMN FEB 6TH FOR VALENTINES DAY

South Wales Evening Post Children's Column FEB 6^th SAT.

The Reading Chair is in the Weekend Section of the paper p 12

It's nearly Valentines Day so my pick of books this week has a definite love theme. First love, puppy love and unwanted love. Take your pick!!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW HARD CAN LOVE BE BY HOLLY BOURNE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

A heartwarming tale about girl power and friends who stick together through thick or thin.

Amber is spending the summer with her mum whom she hasn’t seen in two years. Battling with her abandonment issues romance blossoms with the school heartthrob, Kyle. Emotive and thought provoking this searingly honest book deals with heartbreak, step families and the biggest life lesson of all, nobody's perfect. A great addition to this strong, feminist series that will have you laughing and crying.

ISBN: 9781409591221 Usborne Publishing Ltd £7.99

5/5 Stars

 

I LOVE YOU, SPOT BY ERIC HILL

PICTURE BOOK 2+

The perfect present for your little loved ones. This sturdy heart shaped board book is a playful addition to the popular series about everyone's favourite puppy. Spot want to find the best way to say 'I Love You' in his own unique way. The bold colours will delight while inspiring children to make their own Valentines cards for friends and family using lots of paint and even a bit of sparkle.

:ISBN: 9780141363783 Penguin Books Ltd £5.99

4/5 Stars

DIRTY BERTIE: KISS! BY ALAN MACDONALD

CHILDRENS 6+

If you think Valentines is smutty, gooey and generally silly this is a story for you. Dirty Bertie, the boy with nose-pickingly disgusting habits, is being terrorised by the far too affectionate Angela Nicely. As if escaping from her clutches wasn't enough he has to look after a hamster and play a trumpet solo when he's never played before! What more could go wrong? Fiendishly funny this will have you rolling around in fits of laughter.

5/5 Stars

ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER BY STEPHANIE PERKINS

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Isla is in school in Paris and has a huge crush on artist Josh. Will they find true love? Perkins really knows how to capture that moment of the first kiss and spark of passion. Whether Isla is finding a hidden balcony looking over Paris or discovering Josh secretly drawing her, heart break is never far away. This is a very romantic, clever and potent read dripping in glamour with a dollop of angst to keep things spicy. 

ISBN: 9781409581130 PB Usborne Publishing Ltd £6.99
5/5 Stars

FOR LONGER REVIEW CLICK HERE

South Wales Evening Post Children's Book Column Jan 30th

South Wales Evening Post Children's Book Column Jan 30^th

My childrens books for this week include an Arabian, Wild West fantasy, a naughty purple bear, an even naughtier menace and a chilling psychological thriller


BOOK OF THE WEEK

REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON
YOUNG ADULT FICTION

This is a unique Wild West meets Arabian Nights mash-up. Amani is desperate to escape Deadpool and a chance meeting with an exotic stranger gives her that opportunity. But thrown into the middle of a rebellion with an evil sultan Amani has tough choices to make . Untold magic, striking imagery and a crackling romance this epic delight will sweep you away into a desert storm and lose you in the sands of time. HOT

ISBN: 9780571325252 PB Faber & Faber £7.99

5/5 Stars

I AM BEAR BY BEN BAILEY SMITH AND SAV AKYUZ
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This wildly funny Bear will have you in stitches with his purple fur suit and talent for finding trouble wherever he is. Bear is seriously naughty, from stealing honey and doughnuts to playing fiendish tricks just for kicks. Great for reading aloud with punchy bold illustrations that really add to the jokes. This will be a sure fire hit with little rebels and wannabe rappers alike.
ISBN: 9781406359251 HB Walker Books £11.99
5/5 Stars

THE DIARY OF DENNIS THE MENACE: THE GREAT ESCAPE BY STEVEN BUTLER
CHILDRENS 6+
Dennis is back but unfortunately for him he has been sent off to boarding school! Surrounded by class swots and tasteless, inedible healthy food he really needs to escape. Help arrives in the form of some fart pellets and his Gran on a motorbike.! In sharp diary format punctured with hilarious cartoons this is great for those with a short attention span and lovers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Horrid Henry.
ISBN: 9780141355863 PB Penguin Books £5.99
4/5 Stars

THINGS WE HAVE IN COMMON BY TASHA KAVANAGH

YOUNG ADULT FICTION
A chilling psychological thriller that sees unfolding events through the eyes of a lonely and troubled teenager obsessed with one of her class mates. Claustrophobic and unsettling, Kavanagh slowly feeds the reader morsels of information racking up the tension to the shocking finale. A gripping read not only suitable for teens but also adults who loved Gone Girl and Notes of a Scandal. You will want to devour this in one sitting.
ISBN: 9781782115977 PB Canongate Books Ltd £8.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

My pick of children's books this week include a young child fighting for survival in WW2, a bear cub discovering the seasons, an adventure series for Sherlock fans and an epic fantasy classic.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN BY GAVRIEL SAVIT

CHILDRENS 12+

In Nazi occupied Poland a linguistics professor leaves his young daughter for work and never comes back. With an age old instinct to survive Anna attaches herself to a tall mysterious stranger she calls Swallow Man. Savit spins a dark and heartbreaking tale of history and fable seen through the eyes of a child. A thought provoking read, great for book clubs, suitable for children and adults. For lovers of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and The Book Thief.

ISBN:9781782300526 HB Penguin Random House £9.99

5/5 Stars

LITTLE ONE BY JO WEAVER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A touching story of discovery shown through changing seasons. Soft charcoal illustrations perfectly capture a mummy bear as she introduces her cub to life in the wild. The simple text gives room for the reader to elaborate on the story and add their own observations. The panoramic scenes really give a sense of the true vastness of nature and a sense of our smallness which little ones will relate to.

ISBN: 9781444922738 HB  Hodder Childrens £11.99

5/5 Stars

3 OF A KIND BY ROHAN GAVIN
CHILDRENS 9+

For Darkus Knightley sleuthing is in his blood and when their family's loyal housekeeper goes missing he finds himself in Las Vegas facing a deadly crime syndicate. Darkus has to use all his extraordinary powers of deduction in this exciting crime caper which will delight all Sherlock and adventure fans alike. Thrills galore laced with wicked humour and a great ensemble cast of characters,. The third in this great series won't disappoint. Check out www.knightleyandson.com for tips on investigating.

ISBN: 9781408860083 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £ 6.99

4/5 Stars

CITY OF BONES BY CASSANDRA CLARE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

As the TV Show starts I couldn't resist rereading one of my favourite fantasy series. The epic series begins with Clary finding out she's a demon hunter and joining a secret society to save the world from an evil warrior. Heart breaking romance and adventure will sweep you away into the world of the Shadowhunters. The tight band of friends fight for survival but who will betray who? Monumental series worth reading before watching. 
ISBN: 9781406362169 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99
5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review Column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16th 2016

Childrens book column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16^th 2016

This week I picked books featuring lost treasure, dastardly pirates, friends who don't listen, a gothic mystery and a machiavellian dystopia where you can trust no one. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW TO FIND GOLD BY VIVIANE SCHWARZ

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I love the beginning of this story when Crocodile tells his friend that finding gold will be dangerous to which Anna replies "Good! Let's go!" Setting the tone we follow the two fearless friends in a rollicking adventure as they search the seas for lost treasure. The rich illustrations and clever use of colour really enhance this rip roaring tale of bravery, determination and believing in yourself. Great for intrepid little treasure hunters everywhere!

ISBN: 9781406362138 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Stars

SHHH WE HAVE A PLAN BY CHRIS HAUGHTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

With a hint of Inspector Clouseau and the Marx Brothers this will appeal to both adults and pre schoolers and have you snickering throughout. Four friends see a beautiful bird and make a plan to catch it but they are repeatedly foiled by their own stupidity hence a lot of slapstick comedy. The limited colours, strange little characters and simple short text adds to its appeal. Communication can be invaluable sometimes!

ISBN: 9781406360035 PB Walker Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF MABEL JONES BY WILL MABBITT

Mabel Jones is press-ganged into serving on the pirate ship the Feroshus Maggot before she is allowed to return to the ‘hooman’ world! A comedic Pirates of the Caribbean with a witty play on words, reminiscent of Lewis Carroll, that will have you laughing out loud. A thrilling adventure full of wild and wacky characters such as Captain Idryss Ebeneezer, (A wolf with a false leg). For more anarchic fun and activities visit www.mabeljonesbooks.co.uk

ISBN: 9780141355146 PB Penguin Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE RED QUEEN BY VICTORIA AVEYARD

An enthralling mix of X-Men meets Hunger Games. In a Machiavellian world where superhuman Silver's brutally rule over Reds there seems no hope of change. However when Mare, a Red, is discovered to have unexplainable electrifying power she becomes a powerful pawn in a brutal game where there can be no winners. Action packed with only a touch a romance this is suitable for boys and girls. Trust no one.

ISBN: 9781409150725 PB Orion Publishing Co £7.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review column in The South Wales Evening Post Dec 5th featuring lovely christmas presents for children

A selection of books for The South Wales Evening Post for Dec 5th. My book of the week is one of the fantastic Ella Bella ballet picture books, not surprisingly, focusing on The Nutcracker!! Also this week I picked a wonderful drawing and colouring book for all budding artists of all ages,   a story about Santa as a young boy and a great romance for the young adult market. All lovely presents for Christmas.


BOOK OF THE WEEK

ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE NUTCRACKER BY JAMES MAYHEW
CHILDRENS 4+

The perfect introduction to a festive favourite and a treasure for little prima ballerinas everywhere. This is one of a delightful series, written and illustrated enchantingly by Mayhew, that explains famous ballets through a a young dancer, Ella Bella. This time she twirls into a magical world of dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Some great ballet facts are at the end, especially useful if any kids are going to see the ballet on stage.

ISBN: 9781408314081 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99

5/5 stars

CHILDRENS ACTIVITY 5+

DRAW IT! COLOUR IT! CREATURES BY VARIOUS ARTISTS

A unique opportunity for budding artists of all ages to draw and colour with a collection of top children’s illustrators. The theme is creatures, featuring every animal imagined which you can complete or colour in. A brilliant idea and an ideal present for those with a creative gift as it will be sure to keep them very busy through the holidays. This will appeal to all levels and ages with wonderful and varied art work.

ISBN: 9781447290704 PB Pan Macmillan £10

5/5 Stars

CHILDRENS BOOK 8+

A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS BY MATT HAIG

Have you ever wondered what Father Christmas was like as a young boy? Your wait is over! A modern day classic with adventure, snow, elves and an eleven year old boy called Nikolas who believes in magic. For fans of Dahl and Walliams this will add festive cheer to the whole family. The message it delivers is that being good is better than being rich. Special mention for the imaginative illustrations by Chris Mould

ISBN: 9781782117896 HB Canongate Books Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars

YOUNG ADULT FICTION 13+

TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN

Lara has sent out love letters to five of her old crushes by mistake. How will they react? Especially when one is her sister's boyfriend. A novel about the pitfalls of first love, sisterly rivalry and coming of age. Combines the family dynamic of Little Women with the romance of films, Pretty in Pink and Ten Things I Hate About You. Engaging and heart warming for lovers of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.

ISBN: 9781407149073 PB Scholastic £6.99

5/5 stars

Halloween Childrens Books for All Ages for The South Wales Evening Post Oct 24th

My Childrens Book Selection for the South Wales Evening Post Oct 24^th featuring Halloween Books for all ages. 

SCARIEST BOOK OF THE WEEK

ONCE UPON A ZOMBIE BY BILLY PHILLIPS

CHILDRENS BOOK 10+

What would happen if all your favourite childhood characters became zombies and ghouls? The world of fairy tales is fast decaying and only 14 year old Caitlin can save the likes of Rapunzel and Snow White. A unique zombie fairytale mashup that will hold you in it's grasp until the cliffhanger ending. Really enjoyed seeing the classic princesses of old as more feisty heroines. A spine tingling good start to a new series.
ISBN:9781935668343 HB Toon Studio of Beverly Hills £10.99
4/5 stars

PICTURE BOOK 3+

TEN SPOOKY SKELETONS BY PATRICIA HEGARTY

A spooky counting adventure that will amuse your young ones for Halloween. A single skeleton starts looking for friends, finding one, then two, then a whole gang! Ten skeletons finish with a big glow in the dark party that will be sure to delight. Alongside the witty rhyming text are bold illustrations that offer lots to look at. It's a great lesson in numbers that is perfect for bedtime reading without giving nightmares!!
ISBN: 9781848574519 HB Little Tiger Press Group £10.99

5/5 stars

CHILDRENS 9+

SLAPPY AND OTHER HORROR STORIES BY R.L.STINE

A collection of some of the best Goosebumps stories by master of childrens horror, R.L. Stine are adapted into comic format as part of the Graphix series. Evil ventriloquist dummy Slappy is also back in a new terrifying story alongside werewolves, evil ghosts and a mysterious theme park. The creepy stories come to life with new graphic illustrations that are sure to scare all the little monsters out there. Read it under the covers if you dare!

ISBN: 9781407163437 PB Scholastic £ 6.99

4/5 Stars

YOUNG ADULT FICTION 13+

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA BY APRIL GENEVIEVE TUCHOLKE

A darkly romantic Gothic tale set on the coast that is reminiscent of a Daphne Du Maurier novel. Handsome stranger River rents a summer house on Violet's crumbling estate. Is she falling for his seductive nature or is there something more ominous behind her feelings. Be careful as this story has a nasty twist in the tale. These are flawed and disturbed characters that may not be to everyone's taste in this evocative horror story.
FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE

ISBN:9780571307906 PB Faber & Faber £7.99

4/5 stars

The Reading Chair Children's Book Column for South Wales Evening Post Sept 26th

The Reading Chair Children's Book Column for 

South Wales Evening Post Sept 26th

BOOK OF THE WEEK




GOTH GIRL AND THE WUTHERING FRIGHT BY CHRIS RIDDEL

This sumptuous and richly decorated treasure of a book is every little girls dream gift. The metallic embossed cover and intricate illustrations on virtually every page are a delight. The third in the series we follow the continuing adventures of Ada and her friends as they struggle to solve a mysterious plot in Lord Goth's Dog Show. There are plenty of clever literary references such as Sir Walter Splott and Plain Austen that will appeal to adults and laugh out loud humour for the children. A real gem.

ISBN 9781447277897 PB Pan Macmillan £10.99
5/5 Stars


Picture Book 4+

GRANDAD'S ISLAND BY BENJI DAVIES
A sensitively handled story dealing with the death of a grandparent for the very young who are struggling to understand their loss. Syd is very close to his grandad and together they go on an adventure to a tropical island. However, only Syd can go home. This could help parents explain a difficult subject to their child. I also recommend by the same author The Storm Whale, a beautiful story about family and friendship.

ISBN 9781471115684 PB Simon & Schuster Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens 9+

THE ACCIDENTAL PRIME MINISTER BY TOM MCLAUGHLIN

By complete fluke Joe finds himself as prime minister in the UK. A great introduction to politics, the power of the media and international relations. An hilarious take on how kids would rule the world! It will certainly encourage them to vote especially as it shows how one person can make a difference in the world. An ambitious yarn which introduces serious points in a very entertaining way.

ISBN 9780192737748 PB Oxford University Press £6.99

4/5 Stars


Young Adult Fiction

TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Angelini's first series Starcrossed was great but this really cranks it up a notch. Lily suffers life endangering allergies, has a schizophrenic mother and absent father. Calamitous events send her into an alternative world where Lily grows from a peace loving sensitive girl into a strong powerful witch. So many twists and turns in this book it had me hooked from the beginning. The second, Firewalker, is just out so you can binge read!
ISBN 9781509809875 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

4/5 Stars

The Reading Chair Childrens Book Column for South Wales Evening Post Sept 19th #DickKingSmith

The Reading Chair Childrens Book Column for South Wales Evening Post Sept 19^th

My pick of four great childrens books across a wide age range for all to enjoy!!

Childrens 4+

The Dinosaur That Pooped the Bed! By Tom Fletcher

What is it about poop that makes us giggle! The latest in the series written by two McBusted band members is a real guilty pleasure. Danny is ordered by his Mum to tidy his room but he just feeds his mess to his Dinosaur instead and you can guess the rest! Little boys will love the irresistible combination of poop and dinosaurs, it just may be a little too close to home for some parents!

ISBN: 9781782951797 PB Random House £6.99

4/5 Stars


Childrens 7+

The Hodgeheg by Dick King-Smith

I would recommend any book by this beloved children’s author. Best known for Babe, The Sheep Pig, King-Smith's endearing yet realistic style of writing will appeal to young children curious about the world. Hodgeheg tells the story of Max a hedgehog who lives on the wrong side of the road. An exciting story relaying the importance of road safety and of never giving up on a dream. www.dickkingsmith.com has great info for children and teachers.
ISBN: 9780141332383 Penguin PB £5.99
5/5 Stars



Young Adult Fiction 13+

Hope in a Ballet Shoe by Michaela DePrince

An extraordinary true story of an orphan from Sierra Leon who on seeing a picture of a ballerina is determined to become one against all the odds. Adopted by an American couple Michaela had to deal with a new culture and racism whilst dancing but despite all the setbacks she broke the mould to fulfil her dream. This book is a triumph over extreme adversity. A must read whether your a ballet fan or not!
ISBN:9780571314478 PB Faber & Faber £7.99
FULL REVIEW HERE
5/5 Stars

Book of Week

Childrens 9+

Grandpa's Great Escape By David Walliams

David Walliams, the young pretender to Roald Dahl returns with his irreverent humour to tease and torture his army of young fans. David's hotly anticipated new novel tells the story of the special bond between a small boy and his beloved grandfather who happens to be able to fly a spitfire plane. They both take to the skies to save the day immersing the reader in a rip roaring adventure over London. David's naughty sense of humour is perfectly captured by the drawings of award-winning illustrator Tony Ross. Out Sept 24th

ISBN: 9780007494019 HB HarperCollins £12.99

5/5 Stars