SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JANUARY 20-21

This week my children's book reviews include the memoir of an inspirational young dancer, a counting, rhyming pirate picture book, the adventures of a cheeky pigeon and a deliciously dark fairy fantasy.

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GIRL ON POINTE BY CHLOE LUKASIAK

CHILDREN 10+

An insightful, charming and inspiring read from this young dancer and social media star. An eclectic mix of her likes (ballet, books and cookie dough!) and dislikes, how she dealt with bullies, her Dance Moms fame and the challenges of growing up. A relatable memoir full of photos, fun and useful facts and Chloe's poetry. A behind the scenes glimpse into what it is like to grow up in the spotlight.

ISBN 9781408896952 HB Bloomsbury £12.99

KNOCK KNOCK PIRATE BY CARYL HART & NICK EAST

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A jolly rhyming picture book about a little girl who is swept up in a swashbuckling adventure with some rather naughty pirates. This fun counting book is exciting and pacy and will keep the little ones heartily entertained. They will love sailing the high seas on a ship where even the granny, granddad and baby are pirates. Bold and energetic illustrations with lots to discover that will keep children and adults amused.

ISBN 9781444928501 HB Hodder £12.99

DAVE PIGEON (RACER!) BY SWAPNA HADDOW & SHEENA DEMPSEY

CHILDREN 7+

Dave Pigeon is flying high in his third book of the series. Dave is finally getting his wing fixed. Everything is going 'feathertastically' well until a dastardly parrot dares him to race. This plucky pigeon with his diabolically dry wit will entertain both children and adults and have them 'twit-wooing' with laughter. The hilarious illustrations are the perfect compliment to the adventure and add to the fun. A brilliant series for early readers.

ISBN 9780571336906 PB Faber & Faber £5.99

THE CRUEL PRINCE BY HOLLY BLACK

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Abducted by faeries Jude and her sisters must become ruthless and cunning to survive in the royal court. Betrayal is around every corner, especially in the disguise of a certain faery prince. A dark and beguiling fantasy that sees how human strengths and weaknesses can be used for good and bad. This addictive tale and it's vibrant cast of characters has hints of King Arthur's court and a knights quest with a magical twist.

ISBN 9781471406454 HB Hot Key £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 11-12

This week my children's book reviews include books about a magical ballerina, a rabbit discovering the moon, a blind cat with ninja powers and a science fiction romance.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE MAGIC TOYSHOP BY JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Discover a world of fairytale toymakers and dancing dolls in the beautiful introduction to the classic ballet, La Boutique Fantastique. Ella Bella steps into an enchanted toy shop to discover a new magical ballet adventure. Can she stop two dolls, who are in love, from being separated? Exquisitely and richly detailed illustrations throughout, this is perfect for little ballerinas. The latest in a wonderful series introducing famous ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

ISBN 9781408336854 HB Orchard Books £12.99

GOODNIGHT BABY MOON BY JAMES MITCHEM AND CLAIRE PATANE

BOARD BOOK 2+

Follow a family of curious rabbits and the phases of the moon in this enchanting bedtime story. Easy to follow text, rhythmic phrases and magical twilight illustrations; little ones will want to return to this special board book again and again. I especially loved the LED moon on the front cover which lights up with the press of a button. A beautiful gift for all occasions.

ISBN 9780241276396 HB Dorling Kindersley £11.99

TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE BY DERMOT O'LEARY

CHILDRENS 7+

Toto is no ordinary furry feline. She may be almost blind, but she also has incredible ninja skills. Follow Toto and her cheeky brother Silver, on their first rip-roaring adventure. A deadly Cobra has escaped from the zoo. Can they find the giant snake before it's too late? The characterful illustrations by Nick East compliment the irreverent humour and daring deeds throughout the tale. Purrrfect for early readers and to read aloud.

ISBN 9781444939453 PB Hodder £6.99

MY SIDE OF THE DIAMOND BY SALLY GARDNER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When Jazmin's best friend, Becky vanishes, she is shunned by everyone. Did Jazmin have something to do with her disappearance? Or was it more to do with Icarus, with whom Becky had become besotted? When Becky jumped off a building why did no one see her reach the ground? With detailed and intriguing illustrations throughout, this mysterious and spooky tale will fascinate and beguile. A quirky and unusual science fiction romance for fans of Stranger Things.

ISBN 9781471406430 PB Hot Key Books £9.99

My List of Picture Books featuring Ballet and Dance for Young Children. Happy International Dance Day!

Ballet and Dance in Picture Books

My choice of picture books for young children featuring ballet and dance. Including storybooks and activity books. Happy International Dance Day!!

TIGER IN A TUTU BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A striking picture book about a tiger who aspires to be a ballet dancer in Paris. Against all the odds he follows his dream and with a little help from his new friend finally performs in a proper theatre. The bold limited palette really captures the French capital and the twilight world of theatre life. Enchanting and inspiring with the lovely sentiment that nothing is impossible this is the perfect present for little dancers everywhere.
ISBN: 9781408336885 HB Orchard Books £11.99

5/5 Stars

Ella Bella Series by James Mayhew

Stories of a little student ballerina being whisked away into the words of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and the Nutcracker (isbn below). Beautiful illustrations and a real delight.

Orchard ISBN-: 978-1408314081

Ps. James has a great blog to check out
James Mayhew Blog

Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp

Funny and heart warming story of a Dog who Dreams of Being a Ballerina

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1847384744

Tutu Tilly Series by Adele Geras

Tilly's adventures as a ballerina including My Ballet Dream and Little Ballet Star and The Ballet Class(isbn below)

Orchard ISBN: 978-1843624134

Angelina Ballerina Series by Katherine Holabird

A Series of adventures of a little mouse who is a ballerina. Picture Books

Puffin ISBN- 978-0723271666

Fairy Pop-Up Ballet Tree

A beautiful 3D pop-up tree with movable pieces, press-out fairies and decorations, fun fairy facts and a novelty pocket

Macmillan ISBN 978-0230760301

How to Draw Princesses and Ballerinas by Fiona Watt 5+

Aspiring artists can choose from gorgeous projects including a Sugar Plum Fairy, a Fairytale castle and a Princess Sleepover. With simple step-by-step instructions, children will be able to produce satisfying results time and time again.

Usborne ISBN 978-1409566366

Ballerinas, Usborne Sticker Fashion by Leonie Pratt 5+

Dress the ballerinas up in different costumes with 400 stickers provided

Usborne ISBN 978-0746076583

Ballet and Dance in Children's Fiction 7+

Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

A historical romance in which one Harriet Morton comes to life only when she attends her weekly ballet class in 1912. She finds her fortune as a dancer, but all the time she is followed by her father and by the man intent on becoming her husband. A great read for Ibbotson fans and a modern day classic!
Picador ISBN- 978-0230014848
Children 9+

Ballet Shoes Noel Streatfield

The story of three sisters going to stage school, the youngest being an inspiring dancer. A Classic.

Puffin ISBN- 978-0141334424
Children 9+

Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfield

When their mother dies, leaving them orphaned, Rachel and Hilary are sent to live with their aunt, who runs a troupe of dancing girls -'Mrs Wintle's Little Wonders'. Hilary, a talented dancer, settles there immediately and loves the chance to dance every day. Rachel finds it more difficult to fit in. She's also got another worry on her mind. Her mother's dying wish was for Hilary to attend the Royal Ballet School. But Hilary seems to have other ideas! Another classic

Hodder ISBN- 978-0340626634
Children 9+

Magic Ballerina Series by Darcey Bussell

A delightful series of stories about different little ballerina's on various adventures. The first one is called Delphie and the Magic Ballet Slippers.

Harper Collins ISBN- 978-0007286072
Children 7+