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

This week my children's book reviews in the South Wales Evening Post include an epic young adult historical fantasy set in the French Revolution, a picture book adventure about a little dog set in Rome, a hilarious coming-of-age welsh adventure as well as an enchanting Victorian quest for middle grade readers. Enjoy.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DANGEROUS REMEDY BY KAT DUNN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Camille a daughter of the French Revolution leads a band of outcasts to rescue a girl with strange powers. The friends uncover devious plots and treachery in the action-packed historical adventure. Will they pick love, loyalty or their country? Sizzling with tension this dazzling story with fantastical twists blends science with magic and power with romance to reach an explosive finale. Frankenstein meets The Musketeers. C'est Magnifique!

Head of Zeus HB £12.99

PAOLO EMPEROR OF ROME BY MAC BARNETT & CLAIRE KEANE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Paolo the dachshund is trapped in a hair salon. One day he escapes and drinks in the wonderful sights of Rome. He visits the theatre, the coliseum, fights fearsome cats and rescues a nun. Even when Paolo is rewarded with a plush apartment all he desires is freedom. This inspiring tale of a big-hearted dog captures the importance of freedoms we usually take for granted. The beautiful and bold illustrations encapsulate La Dolce Vita in Rome.

HB Abrams Books for Young Readers, £12.99

THE SUPER MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF FREDDIE YATES BY JENNY PEARSON & ROB BUDDULPH

CHILDREN 8+

Freddie loves facts. They don't let you down. Freddie is on a quest to find his father in Wales with two friends but he sets off a chain of events which forces them on the run. They enter an onion eating competition and meet a sheep called Sheila. A heart-warming and hilarious adventure of three boys, one summer holiday and a few miracles thrown in. For fans of David Walliams and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

PB Usborne £6.99

THE VANISHING TRICK BY JENNI SPANGLER

CHILDREN 9+

Leander is an orphan so when the mysterious Madame Pinchbeck promises him a job and home in return for his mother's locket he agrees. But it's a trap. Leander is imprisoned in an enchanted prison with two other stolen children, Charlotte and Felix. It's a race against time to escape. A magical Victorian adventure full of peril, friendship and hope. Children will be hooked by their daring quest against a spectacularly menacing villain.

PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 5-6 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade icy adventure, a picture book about a rock, a middle grade non fiction book of unusual jobs and a poetry book for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

FROSTHEART BY JAMIE LITTLER

CHILDREN 9+

Ash lives with The Fira at the edge of the Snow Sea in a strong hold surrounded by terrifying monsters. When a brave rescue reveals his magical powers Ash embarks on a quest to find out what happened to his parents and the truth of his mysterious gift. A rip-roaring adventure with boundless illustrations which bring the characters to life. An exhilarating snow-bound ride that is perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Nevermoor.

Puffin PB £7.99

A STONE SAT STILL BY BRENDAN WENZEL

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When is a stone not just a stone? To the animals who live around the stone, it can be a home or an entire world. The stunning illustrations and soothing rhymes are perfect for reading aloud. It encourages children to use their imagination, looking at the simplest objects in different ways. It inspires fun games thinking about what everyday objects can be used for. A gorgeous exploration of perspective, perception with an underlying environmental message. Beautiful.

HB Chronicle Books £12.99

INCREDIBLE JOBS YOU'VE (PROBABLY) NEVER HEARD OF BY NATALIE LABARRE

CHILDREN 9+

Discover weird and wonderful jobs you may never have heard of in this large-format book. Children will be fascinated by the wide variety of jobs available such as a Sloth nanny or professional sleeper! What about becoming a picture restorer or a submarine chef? The bold and witty illustrations provide hours of exploration. It will ignite children's imagination and encourage them to think outside the box for future endeavours. This unique book opens up whole new worlds.

HB Nosy Crow £14.99

SOMEBODY GIVE THIS HEART A PEN BY SOPHIA THAKUR

YOUNG ADULT 13+

A compelling collection of poems by an acclaimed performance poet. Sophia explores issues of identity, difference, perseverance, relationships, fear, loss and joy. The collection is arranged from youth to school, to home life, falling in love and out. And growing up. It is inspired by the poet's mixed-race background trying to make sense of a lonely, complicated world. A beautiful and contemporary introduction to poetry and another way to explore our own emotions.

Walker PB £7.99