SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 29-MARCH 1 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliant ecological adventure series, a magnificent picture book about nature, a fascinating look at the Viking era and an epic fantasy for teens.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ECO RANGERS: WILDFIRE RESCUE BY CANDICE LEMON-SCOTT

CHILDREN 7+

Ebony and Jay are best friends and Eco Rangers who rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in need. After a devastating wildfire in the bushland, they rescue a cute possum with burnt paws. Children will be fascinated by all the nature and animal facts interspersed throughout the adventure. An exciting topical new series that sensitively explains the dangers of fire on the environment. Perfect for early readers and animal lovers and also to share in the classroom.

PB New Frontier Publishing £5.99

MY FRIEND EARTH BY PATRICIA MACLACHLAN & FRANCESCA SANNA

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A visually stunning and joyous celebration of our wondrous planet and all the marvels it contains. The poetic text lovingly shows just how good a friend Earth is to all of us. The spectacular illustrations are bursting with bold colours and die-cut pages inviting the young readers to explore the magical world within. Explore the different seasons, climates and the animals that live there. An enchanting delight from start to finish.

Chronicle Books HB £12.99

VIKING VOYAGERS BY JACK TITE

CHILDREN 8+

The Vikings have a fearsome reputation as bloodthirsty warriors but they also made many remarkable accomplishments highlighted in this magnificent book. Step back in time to find out what Viking life was like, how they travelled and traded and their rich mythology. The bold graphic illustrations showcase the Vikings in all their glory with engaging and informative text and large fold-out pages. A wonderful gift for history lovers and little warriors alike.

Big Picture Press HB £16.99

HAVENFALL BY SARA HOLLAND

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A sprawling epic fantasy about a safe haven between worlds and a girl sworn to protect it. Maddie must keep the peace between the realms when her friend is accused of murder. Before war breaks out can she discover the truth and the secret of her own identity? When everyone has a hidden agenda who can she trust? Breathless in scale and ambition this is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Holly Black.

Bloomsbury PB £7.99

5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 19-20 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting middle grade Russian inspired quest, a picture book about a magical Halloween pumpkin, an exploration of the human body for little scientists and a dystopian adventure with a ecological message for middle grade.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE TZAR'S CURIOUS RUNAWAYS BY ROBIN SCOTT-ELLIOT

CHILDREN 9+

In Eighteenth-century Russia, Katinka a dazzling ballerina with a hunched back is part of Peter the Great's Circus of Curiosities. But when the Tzar dies, she and her extraordinary friends must flee for their lives from the Winter Palace to find a new home. A vivid and daring quest that is full of myth and mystery. Children will love Katinka, an inspiring heroine full of courage and loyalty. For fans of Katherine Rundell and Sophie Anderson.

Everything With Words PB £8.99

CHRISTOPHER PUMPKIN BY SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET & NICK FROST

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When a witch magicks her Halloween pumpkins into life for the scariest Halloween party ever, she does not expect any of them to be nice!But Christopher Pumpkin wants to make fairy cakes and hang bunting not cobwebs and cook curried slugs! Can he find a way to scare everyone and stay true to himself? Bold, funny illustrations will delight children and encourage them to blaze their own trail. Perfect for reading out loud at Halloween.

Hodder PB £6.99

ANATOMICUM BY DR JENNIFER Z PAXTON & KATY WIEDEMANN

CHILDREN 9+

Have you ever wondered what the inside of your body looks like? Children will be transported right around the human body through amazing illustrations that show every vivid detail as never before. This large-format book demonstrates the workings of the body from the muscles to the delicate complexities of the brain. A fascinating and intriguing look at the human body, it's structure and how it all fits together. The perfect present for budding doctors, scientists, biologists and artists.

Big Picture Press HB £25

MOTHER TONGUE BY PATRICIA FORDE

CHILDREN 10+

After global warming, the new order wants to silence speech forever. Letta is a wordsmith and rebel, teaching children language, music and art. But when babies start to go missing, she must find a way to save them. This taut dystopian thriller has a strong environmental message at its heart. It also questions the balance between political power and corruption. This vivid world and courageous heroine will enthral readers and is ideal for book clubs.

PB Little Island £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 7-8

This week my children's book reviews include a giant book of Greek myths, a princess who parps, a world of maths explained to young children and an exciting middle grade adventure based on Russian folklore.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MYTHOLOGICA BY DR. STEVE KERSHAW & VICTORIA TOPPING

CHILDREN 10+

Uncover the lives of 50 powerful gods and goddesses, legendary mortals and terrifying monsters from ancient Greece. Children will learn about Zeus, the King of Gods and his wife Hera amongst others living on Mount Olympus. They will be amazed by heroic tales such as The Trojan War and The Odyssey. The magnificent and vibrant illustrations burst from every page and bring the mythology to life. A present of epic proportions.

Wide Eyed Editions PB £20

PRINCESSES DON'T PARP BY PETER BENTLY & ERIC HEYMAN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A princess is living in a palace full of parpers. The butler squeaks, her troops' trumpet but you will never catch the princess doing bum blasts! However when the princess becomes nervous about her party, she starts to feel a bit gassy. Kids will have a blast reading this hilariously witty and somewhat windy tale. The lively illustrations are full of irreverent and wry visual gags (and gasses!)

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

THE LANGUAGE OF THE UNIVERSE BY COLIN STUART & XIMO ABADIA

CHILDREN 8+

A visual exploration of mathematics, divided into four clear sections. Understand how maths is used in the natural world, physics and engineering, space as well as technology. From atoms to beehives to the movement of planets, everything revolves around maths. But how? Children will be taken on a visual journey with easy to read text and stunning surrealist art. A real eye-opener and a fantastic way to interest children in the world of maths.

Big Picture Press HB £16.99

THE GIRL WHO SPEAKS BEAR BY SOPHIE ANDERSON

CHILDREN 9+

Yanka grows up knowing she is different. Why do the trees whisper to her? Abandoned as a baby in a bear cave, she must find her true origins and embark on an epic quest. An enchanting adventure laced with Russian folklore and an extraordinary cast of characters. The atmospheric illustrations peppered throughout capture her snowy world perfectly. I loved Yanka's fearless spirit, her bond with nature and her determination to write her own story. Inspiring and heartening.

Usborne PB £6.99

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

This week my children's book reviews include a range of out of this world books celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and also a feminist fantasy adventure perfect for teens for the holidays. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

BALLOON TO THE MOON BY GILL ARBUTHNOTT & CHRIS NIELSEN

CHILDREN 8+

In 1969 humans walked on the moon for the first time, but how did we get there? This superb book will supply you with all the answers. Each chapter describes a key stage of flight from the first aircraft to rocket science. Learn about the space race and what space technology is used today. The vintage-style illustrations reflect the 1960's and give atmosphere to the stories. A gift that is out of this world.

Big Picture Press HB £16.99

ODD SCIENCE: SPECTACULAR SPACE BY JAMES OLSTEIN

CHILDREN 5+

An entertaining and fact-filled hardback book filled with eye-catching retro illustrations. It is brimming with weird and wacky facts that will intrigue and engage children. Did you know Earth is not a perfect sphere? Or that Uranus is the coldest planet? It is also impossible to cry in space! A great book to celebrate the moon landing and share with family or in the classroom. Part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2019.

Pavilion HB £9.99

TRAILBLAZERS: NEIL ARMSTRONG BY ALEX WOOLF

CHILDREN 8+

Marking the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing discover the story of the man who took 'one giant leap for mankind.” Find out why Armstrong wanted to become an astronaut. How did he train? Discover the dangers of space travel. The illustrations on every page really bring his fascinating story to life. A must for young budding astronauts and reluctant readers. Look out for more inspiring biographies in the series including Einstein and Beyonce!

Stripes PB £6.99

QUEEN OF RUIN BY TRACY BANGHART

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Sisters Nomi and Serina must find freedom from their oppressors and join forces with a betrayed Prince to fight for a better world. Sisterhood and family underpin the explosive finale to Grace and Fury. I was intrigued to see the emotional journey of the divided sisters and the trials they are forced to endure. A strong feminist streak runs through this epic adventure as it's the girls which call the shots. For fans of Hunger Games and Melinda Salisbury.

Hodder PB £ 7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 27-28 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a beautiful picture book with an eco message, a fascinating non-fiction book about the ocean, a book to help budding authors and a fantasy romantic adventure for teens. 

Some Great Books for the Easter Holidays. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ALBA THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD FISH BY LARA HAWTHORNE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

This story is inspired by a 205-year-old rougheye rockfish! Alba the fish lives in a beautiful city of colourful coral but it is losing its colour because of pollution. When a little girl rescues Alba found trapped in a bottle she realises what damage people are doing to the ocean. Stunning illustrations and a pertinent eco-message with a list of sea life for children to spot and conservation advice at the back. Inspiring!

ISBN 9781787412927 HB Big Picture Press £11.99

OCEAN: SECRETS OF THE DEEP BY SABRINA WEISS & GUILIA DE AMICIS
CHILDREN 9+
This fun reference book is overflowing with fascinating facts about the ocean. Where does the salt from seawater come from? How does sealife communicate? What can we do to protect the ocean? It takes you on a miraculous exploration of the underwater world. Children will discover a surprising array of sea life and the different and often unexplored levels of the ocean such as the midnight zone. A great gift especially if living on the coast!

ISBN 9781999968052 HB What On Earth Books £14.99

DEAR ALLY, HOW DO I WRITE A BOOK? BY ALLY CARTER
CHILDREN 11+
Best selling teen author Ally takes you from start to finish in how to write a book. Ally gives insightful advice on building worlds, developing the plot and characters as well tips for editing your book and getting published. Most fascinating are the snippets from Ally and her author friends, including Holly Black and Cassandra Clare, about their experiences and insights into the life of an author. This will inspire budding writers of all ages.

ISBN 978140835487 PB Orchard £6.99

THE BRINK OF DARKNESS BY JEFF GILES
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Seventeen-year-old Zoe will have to risk her life to be reunited with X, a bounty hunter from the underworld. X must first discover his true past and break the Lords hold on him for good. This epic finale will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fast and furious fun, our heroes are propelled from one world to the next without pausing for breath. A seductively romantic fantasy adventure that is perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare.
ISBN 9781408886342 PB Bloomsbury £7.99