SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 22-23 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade historical adventure, an exquisitely illustrated picture book, a dark and dangerous middle grade fantasy adventure and a thrilling and topical teen drama set in the world of olympic gymnastics. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED CLOCKS BY A.M. HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

Helena and her parrot Orbit are swept off to Cambridge where her father is appointed clock-winder to the wealthiest man in England in 1905. But the house of one hundred clocks is haunted by many mysteries. Can Helena work out its secrets before time runs out? An atmospheric and intriguing tale laced with science and social change against an Edwardian backdrop. A modern fairytale with family love, loss and the healing power of friendship at its heart.

Usborne PB £6.99

THE ANTLERED SHIP BY DASHKA SLATER & THE FAN BROTHERS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

An inquisitive fox, Marco sets off on a seafaring voyage with a crew of hungry deer and courageous pigeons in this enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. Can Marco find the answers to his questions? How deep does the sun go when it sinks into the sea? Why don't trees talk? Children will adore diving into the exquisite and fanciful illustrations of Marco's odyssey. The detailed artwork is sublime. A stunning gift to be treasured.

PB Lincoln Children's Books £7.99

ORPHANS OF THE TIDE BY STRUAN MURRAY

CHILDREN 9+

When a mysterious boy washes in with the tide the citizens believe he's the Enemy. A God who creates chaos. Only Ellie, a fearless young inventor believes he's innocent. Can Ellie prove who he really is while keeping her own dangerous secret? Readers will submerge themselves into a mythic and dark world atmospherically illustrated by Manuel Sumberac. The gothic overtones and themes of friendship and loyalty will suit fans of Philip Pullman and Frostheart.

Puffin PB £7.99

BREAK THE FALL BY JENNIFER IACOPELLI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Audrey dreams of swinging her way to Olympic glory. A gold medal will be worth all her aches and pains. But when her trainer is accused by a fellow gymnast of the unthinkable her team starts to fall apart. With pressure mounting can Audrey hold her nerve until her final dismount? A powerfully told novel about one girl's determination to push herself to the limits. A topical and insightful drama for fans of gymnastics and athletics.

PB Hodder £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 18-19 2020

This week my children's book reviews include two epic fantasies for teens, a beautiful picture book about the price of freedom and a fascinating middle grade book full of strange but true football stories. 

Perfect books for the New Year!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

A THRONE OF SWANS BY KATHARINE & ELIZABETH CORR

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Aderly inherits a kingdom ruled by those who can transform into a bird and fly. Aderly is a swan who since witnessing her mothers murder can no longer take flight. Can she save the kingdom from her cruel uncle? Who can she trust? An intriguing fantasy richly woven with magic and a duplicitous cast, a flawed but courageous heroine and an unexpected twist. For fans of Leigh Bardugo and Melinda Salisbury.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

STARBIRD BY SHARON KING-CHAI

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The Moon King gifts his daughter the legendary Starbird. But one day it stops singing. When his daughter notices how sad the caged bird is she sets it free. The King is furious. Can he understand the price of freedom? A stunning book with foiled pages. Children will be entranced by the twilight images and looking for the Starbird within the silhouettes. A beautiful original folk story about love and freedom that would make a stunning and sensitive gift.

Two Hoots HB £12.99

UNBELIEVABLE FOOTBALL BY MATT OLDFIELD

CHILDREN 8+

A collection of entertaining and fascinating stories about the beautiful game. Have you heard of the psychic octopus who could predict the winner? The Lancashire Lasses who became footballs best-kept secret? The dog detective who saved the world cup trophy? The world-class manager who survived a war? The perfect gift for football-mad kids. The short accessible stories are perfect to dip into and share with friends and family.

Wren & Rook PB £6.99

A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN BY BRIGID KEMMERER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Harper has freed Prince Rhen from a curse but a rival heir lies in wait. Grey the prince's best friend has fled the castle with a terrible secret. Who will betray whom? Told from alternating points of view this fantasy sequel brims with excitement, devious plots and bold new characters that will sink its claws into you. An exciting new spin on a tale as old as time which forges its own path. A must for fantasy lovers.

Bloomsbury PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 1-2 2019

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure with a  Welsh secret dragon, the story of how the unicorn got his horn, an adventure handbook for the seaside and a fun coming-of-age drama for teens.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE SECRET DRAGON BY ED CLARKE

CHILDREN 8+

Mari is fascinated by the fossils near her coastal home in South Wales so when she finds a tiny dragon alive she wants to study it. But Gweeb, the mischievous little dragon just needs a friend to help him find freedom. An hilarious adventure full of family and friendship with a pertinent message about animal rights at its heart. Children will also love the fossil facts and the cute illustrations on the head of each chapter. Magical.
ISBN 9780241360514 PB Puffin £ 6.99

ONCE UPON A UNICORN HORN BY BEATRICE BLUE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When little girl June enters an enchanted forest she finds little horses learning to fly. But one can't seem to fly however hard he tries. Can June help him find his own special talent with some kindness and a bit of something delicious? Children will be entranced by the adorable illustrations. A gorgeous and unique re-telling of how a unicorn gets his horn. A lovely book to share and read out loud.

ISBN 9781786035882 HB Quarto £12.99

GO WILD AT THE SEASIDE BY GOLDIE HAWK & RACHAEL SAUNDERS

CHILDREN 7+

The ultimate adventure guide to the seaside and how to enjoy it. Packed with activities such as rock pool safaris, quizzes and learning how to spot molluscs, birds and shells, this book can be shared with the whole family. In addition, kids can read about water safety and conservation. In association with the National Trust, this colourful handbook is perfect for the holidays and shows how to have fun on the coast responsibly.

ISBN 9781788003322 HB Nosy Crow £7.99

SUMMER OF NO REGRETS BY KATE MALLINDER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Four sixteen-year-old friends pledge to enjoy the summer without regret. But it can be a challenge. Sasha is meeting her fathers' unfriendly new girlfriend, Hetal is off to science camp, Cam is determined to find her birth father and Nell must learn to deal with her panic attacks. This entertaining holiday read is bursting with friendship, romance and fun. I especially love the 'seize the day' theme and felt inspired to do the same!

ISBN 9781910080948 PB Firefly £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 13-14 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a classic retelling of the story of Easter, a charming board book for children to follow an  Easter Egg Hunt, an enchanting underwater adventure for early readers and a fascinating introduction to Queen Victoria. 

Some Great Books for Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE EASTER STORY BY BRIAN WILDSMITH
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The story of Easter is told through the eyes of a donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem. He watches the Last Supper, the crucifixion and the resurrection. This new small hardback is a gentle and accessible introduction to the story of Easter. The sumptuous illustrations in jewelled colours and glimmers of gold add to the epic story and symbolism. A thoughtful Easter gift and great to share in the classroom.
ISBN 9780192768735 HB Oxford University Press £7.99

POPPY AND SAM'S EASTER EGG HUNT BY SAM TAPLIN & SIMON TAYLOR-KIELTY
BOARD BOOK 2+
Children will be filled with delight as they search each page for hidden Easter eggs and a tiny duck on the farm. They can follow Poppy and Sam while looking through the cut out holes and running their fingers along the flight of a butterfly or jump along with a lamb. The charming illustrations on each page encapsulate Spring and Easter Time and are perfectly proportioned for small hands. A delightful little Easter gift.
ISBN 971474952767 HB Usborne £5.99

THE SEA HOUSE BY LUCY OWEN & REBECCA HARRY
CHILDREN 6+
One night grieving nine-year-old Coral cries so much she fills her house with tears and wakes in a magical underwater world. She makes new friends as well as dangerous enemies. I especially loved her adorable new fishy friend called Fabulous! A powerful story of courage and friendship as well as a strong conservation message that is lovingly illustrated throughout. A lovely book for early readers and to read together for story time. Finding Nemo meets The Water Babies.

ISBN 9781910080825 PB Firefly £6.99

V&A INTRODUCES: QUEEN VICTORIA BY NINA COSFORD
CHILDREN 7+
A fascinating and intriguing introduction to the reign of Queen Victoria. This small and accessible hardback tells of her upbringing, marriage to Prince Albert and their love for the arts. It is complimented with delightful illustrations, photographs and quotes as well as an insight into British life at the time. It explains the legacy Victoria had on the world. Part of a lovely series celebrating icons of art and design including William Morris and Frida Kahlo.
ISBN 9781241372951 HB Puffin £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 23-24

This week my children's book reviews include a perfect Picture Book for Mother's Day by best selling author Judith Kerr, a fascinating look at the Bronte Sisters for younger readers, a Mummy Fairy adventure for early readers and a mythical adventure about the last herd of unicorns.

Some Great Books for Mothers Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MUMMY TIME BY JUDITH KERR
PICTURE BOOK 4+
When a Mum is preoccupied on her mobile phone she doesn't notice her toddler getting up to all sorts of wild adventures in the park. A witty and ironic comment on modern-day distractions and a reminder of the importance of living in the moment and paying attention to the world around you. An engaging gift for Mothers Day, this lovingly illustrated funny book is perfect for parents to share with their children.

ISBN 9780008306809 HB Harper Collins £12.99

THE BRONTES BY ANNA DOHERTY
CHILDREN 5+
An inspiring and empowering story about the Bronte Sisters and their extraordinary imagination. Children will have a fascinating insight into the harsh life of women at the time and how Charlotte, Emily and Anne overcame these obstacles with astonishing determination and ambition. A celebration of female independence without which we would not have classics such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. A fantastically feminist and thoughtful gift for Mothers Day.
ISBN 9781526361066 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

MUMMY FAIRY AND ME: UNICORN WISHES BY SOPHIE KINSELLA

CHILDREN 6+
Ella's Mum is a real-life fairy with a 'computawand' that has a screen, fairy apps and email! But she doesn't always get her spells right which means there's a lot that can go wrong! Four spellbinding adventures including magical ballet lessons, flying to school and a pet unicorn. This is ideal for early readers as it's fully illustrated by Marta Kissi and has fun activities at the back. A touch of magic to share on Mothering Sunday.
ISBN 9780241380260 PB Penguin £5.99

GUARDIANS OF THE WILD UNICORNS BY LINDSAY LITTLESON

CHILDREN 9+
Lewis is on a miserable school trip but is astonished when he discovers the last surviving herd of unicorns in the Highlands. Can he and his best friend Rhona rescue these legendary creatures from an evil gamekeeper? A thrilling adventure told from alternative points of view that will appeal to both boys and girls. The story is wonderfully atmospheric and mythical with a conservation undercurrent alongside complex family issues. Children will be enthralled by these magnificently wild unicorns.
ISBN 9781782505556 PB Kelpies £6.99