SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 1-2 2020

This week my children's book reviews include informative, entertaining and empathetic books for Children's Mental Health Week.

Great to share with the family or in school to start meaningful discussions about mental health. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WORRYSAURUS BY RACHEL BRIGHT & CHRIS CHATTERTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic but before long he starts to worry. What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost? What if it rains? Can Worrysaurus chase away his fears and still enjoy the day? This charming rhyming story is perfect to share with children and discuss their worries in a light-hearted way. The thought-provoking story and emotionally charged illustrations are a delight and will help relieve youngsters every day concerns.

HB Orchard £12.99

LETTING GO! BY DR. SHARIE COOMBES & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

A mindful activity book to help children come to terms with bereavement and family separation. Children can colour and doodle their way to being happy, calm and confident. They can learn to use creativity to combat negative feelings and understand it's ok to give yourself time to heal and deal with issues. The activities will help children gain a different perspective and allow them to share their feelings. A essential series which demonstrates the healing powers of art.

PB Studio Press £9.99

BUTTERFLIES FOR GRANDPA JOE BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Grandpa Joe loves butterflies. But since Ben's granny passed away he has lost interest in everything and just wants to watch TV. Can Ben ignite Joe's interest in butterflies and in life? A heart-warming tale of empathy and dealing with grief. It highlights the importance of family and looking out for one another. It also conveys the importance of nature and mental health. A lovely story to share and ideal for school book clubs. Dyslexia friendly.

Barrington Stoke PB £6.99

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? BY DR LUCY MADDOX

CHILDREN 10+

What are mental health problems? How do we know what's healthy or not? This slim and accessible book will answer a child's questions and more. Written by a clinical psychologist it explores a range of mental health topics and explains how to keep in good mental health. This includes personal stories, the effects of social media and the importance of staying physically fit. An informative book perfect to share for Children's Mental Health Week.

HB Wayland £13.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 27-28

This week my children's book reviews include  a science fiction adventure for middle grade, a summery sticker book perfect for the holidays, an emotional second world war thriller and a teen romance set in the Tuscan hills. 

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE STARLIGHT WATCHMAKER BY LAUREN JAMES

CHILDREN 8+

Watchmaker Hugo is an android working in an elite academy. When a pompous Duke demands he mends his watch they uncover a sinister mystery while forming an unlikely friendship. An enthralling sci-fi adventure that has shades of Star Trek while exploring themes of discrimination and class. Hugo's journey to find his place in the world is uplifting. Perfect for book clubs and reluctant and dyslexic readers. I was whisked away into another universe.

Barrington Stoke PB £7.99

CLAUDE EVER-SO-SUMMERY STICKER BOOK BY ALEX T. SMITH

ACTIVITY BOOK 5+

Join in the seaside shenanigans with Disney Junior star Claude, Sir Bobblysock and their friends in Pawhaven. Packed with fun games, intriguing puzzles and 250 sunny stickers this is guaranteed to keep children busy in the holiday. From drawing sandcastles to creating a picnic, the joyful illustrations will put kids in a summer mood even on a rainy day! A perfect companion to Claude's new picure book, Anyone for Strawberries?

Hachette PB £4.99

ANNA AT WAR BY HELEN PETERS

CHILDREN 9+

Young Jewish girl Anna must leave her family to flee persecution in Germany to the safety of England but the war follows her. Trapped in a web of betrayal can Anna prove whose side she's on without exposing her own secrets? Full of historical facts children will be riveted by Anna's journey to freedom. A nail-biting and affecting adventure which explores themes of the plight of war refugees and prejudice. For fans of Emma Carroll.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

UNDER A DANCING STAR BY LAURA WOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Bea is sent in disgrace to Italy in the 1930s for being too outspoken. She'd rather study insects than look for a husband. Can Bea enjoy a lazy summer romance with handsome artist Ben without falling in love? Will the creeping onset of fascism ruin their plans? Be transported to the Tuscan hills and see this delightfully geeky and adorable heroine transform into an independent young woman. The perfect holiday read.

Scholastic 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 CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 23-24

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade school mystery about why St David's Day celebrations are cancelled, a picture book about the joy of reading, a book guide about how to avoid stress and an exciting adventure about brotherly love that is also good for dyslexic and reluctant readers. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

ST DAVID'S DAY IS CANCELLED! BY WENDY WHITE
CHILDREN 8+
Seren Wen and her school newspaper team are on a mission. They suspect their headmistress has cancelled St David's Day and they must find a way to stop her. This witty adventure with a diverse cast will have wide appeal for children. The chatty prose and short chapters peppered with cartoonish illustrations by Huw Aaron are excellent for young readers. A lovely message about friendship, the power of teamwork and being proactive.

ISBN 9781785622083 PB Gomer £5.99

SHHH! I'M READING! BY JOHN KELLY & ELINA ELLIS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Bella is determined to finish reading her book. But just as she is getting to the exciting bits she is disturbed by adventure seeking pirates, tap-dancing penguins and visiting aliens! The joyous and energetic illustrations practically overflow from each page and perfectly capture the chaos and eclectic cast of characters. An entertaining celebration of the joy of reading, perfect to share on World Book Day.
ISBN 9781788810944 HB Little Tiger £11.99

THE UNWORRY BOOK BY ALICE JAMES

CHILDREN 8+
We all worry and this illustrated activity book is an essential toolkit that will help remove distress. You can pick from colouring, writing or designing exercises plus a guide to relaxation techniques. Advised by a clinical psychiatrist it explains and demystifies anxiety. It also gives the tools to manage and overcome them especially if someone is having difficulty talking about their feelings. At the same time, it would help to start a conversation if needed and is good for the classroom.

ISBN 9781474950770 HB Usborne £8.99

LARK BY ANTHONY MCGOWAN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
An exhilarating adventure about the power of family love. Brothers Nicky and Kenny go on a trek across the moors with their dog to take their mind off a troubled home life. But as the freezing weather closes in danger lurks. A beautifully crafted story about the bond of family and pets that will stay in your memory long after it's finished. It will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. Suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers.
ISBN 9781781128435 PB Barrington Stoke £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 24-25

This week my children's book reviews include a dog who saves Christmas, a Royal Corgi on a Festive adventure, a celebration of Mickey Mouse and a Japanese myth inspired fantasy.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DOG THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Christmas is a nightmare for Jake because he hates the bright lights and noise so he runs away. When Jake finds a lost dog called Susan they immediately bond and being home for the festive holiday doesn't seem so dreadful after all. A heartwarming and thought-provoking Christmas tale which celebrates the special role of therapy pets. The complimentary illustrations capture their close relationship and adventure. Suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers and reading aloud in class.
ISBN 9781781127698 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

A VERY CORGI CHRISTMAS BY SAM HAY & LORETTA SCHAUER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Belle the littlest Royal corgi escapes from Buckingham Palace and meets streetwise pup Pip they embark on a festive adventure. But when Pip disappears will Belle find her friend again? Young ones will love this royal twist on the story of Lady and the Tramp. The cute illustrations are adorable and full of festive cheer and waggy tales. A lovely story about friendship to share and read out loud in the build up to Christmas.
ISBN 9781471177750 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

MICKEY MOUSE MUSEUM: THE STORY OF AN ICON BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 8+
Celebrate 90 years since the birth of Disney's most iconic creation. Both children and adults will marvel at this large format book of archive material from Mickey's inception as Steamboat Willie to the present day. A must-have for Disney fans and a fascinating introduction to an icon. Also available for holiday activities is the must have search-and-find book entitled Where's Mickey? That will occupy little ones for hours looking for Micky and his pals. Christmas presents to treasure.
ISBN 9781787413597 HB Studio Press £20

SHADOW OF THE FOX BY JULIE KAGAWA
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Enter a fantasy world heavily influenced by Japanese mythology and imagination. A beautiful and perilous land of shapeshifters and samurai, kami and legends, humans and demons. Yumeko must protect an ancient scroll from demons by relying on a mysterious samurai who wants the scroll for himself. An action-packed adventure full of vibrant characters, intrigue and twists told from multiple perspectives with friendship at its heart. A tale of pure escapism to curl up with over the holidays.
ISBN 9781848457393 PB Harper Collins £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 13-14

This week my children's book reviews a majestic and inspirational poetry book, a lost horse looking for a friend, the untold story of the first man to the North Pole and a return to Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children on a new adventure. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

I AM THE SEED THAT GREW THE TREE BY FIONA WATERS & FRANN PRESTON-GANNON
CHILDREN 6+
A majestic collection of poems nestling within lustrous seasonal illustrations inspired by nature. Separated into the months of the year this sumptuous hardback is a treasure trove of our greatest poets from familiar favourites to new discoveries. This is perfect for all the family to dip into or share and for children to grow up with while learning to appreciate how beautiful verse can be in all its glory. A wonderful gift to keep.

ISBN 9780857637703 HB Nosy Crow £25

THE LOST HORSE BY MARK NICHOLAS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
One day a famous bronze horse sculpture disappears from a city museum. Far away a lonely girl, Lyra makes friends with a lost horse. Could he also be looking for a friend? The bond of friendship between girl and horse is perfectly caught within the sepia illustrations and splashes of colour to catch the eye. I especially loved the sense of movement and freedom as they both ride through the country. A modern-day fable.

ISBN 9781849765657 HB Tate Publishing £11.99

RACE TO THE FROZEN NORTH BY CATHERINE JOHNSON
CHILDREN'S 8+
A fictionalised account of the inspirational life of Matthew Henson, the first man to reach the North Pole. The story remained a secret because he was black. The adventure also gives a real sense of the world in the 1900's when this extraordinary man had to defy prejudices to achieve his dreams. The short format and clear text make it suitable for reluctant and dyslexic readers and perfect to discuss #blackhistorymonth in the classroom.

ISBN 9781781128404 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

A MAP OF DAYS BY RANSOM RIGGS
YOUNG ADULT 12+
When Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children arrive in modern-day America to visit Jacob a new adventure begins with lots of magic and mayhem. Jacob must uncover the truth about his grandfather while facing a test of love, loyalty and friendship. A brilliantly imaginative quest that interweaves the modern day with fantastical beings and inventions. A whirlwind of excitement intermingled with evocative vintage photography. Edward Scissorhands meets Harry Potter.
ISBN 9780141285907 HB Penguin £14.99