SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 21-22 2019

This week my children's book reviews include two books for little eco-warriors. Children can read about climate change and how to help the planet by reducing plastic. Also children can be star in their own picture book and for teens a cotemporary coming-of-age book dealing with different cultures. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ICE BY DK WITH FOREWORD BY GORDON BUCHANAN

CHILDREN 9+

Discover how animals, plants and humans survive in icy realms. This highly illustrated and fact-filled book invites young readers to learn more about the coldest places on earth and what is threatening them. Children will be captivated by the fight for survival of animals like the polar bear, penguins and reindeer. Brimming with fascinating facts and incredible photography it also examines the impact of climate change — a mesmerising and timely gift for nature lovers.

HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99

STAR IN YOUR OWN STORY: DRIVES A DIGGER BY DANIELLE MCLEAN & KATHRYN SELBERT

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When digger hits something hidden in the earth, the builders wonder what it could be? In this personalised book, you can add your child's name using the provided alphabet stickers. Children will love seeing their name appear on each page, becoming the star of the story. The bold and bright animal characters add to the fun. Part of a series which comes in large and small formats these make great presents to share and enjoy.

Little Tiger HB £12.99

PLASTIC SUCKS! BY DOUGIE POYNTER

CHILDREN 8+

An essential handbook for mini eco-warriors on how to join the fight against plastic waste. Packed with tips on reducing plastic plus a history of plastic and its pros and cons. It also introduces key campaigners and eco-entrepreneurs including Will Travers of Born Free and Amanda Keetley, the founder of Less Plastic UK. A great way to arm our future generation with the tools to help the planet and make a difference. Inspiring.

FRANKLY IN LOVE BY DAVID YOON

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Two Korean friends, Frank and Joy Song, try to balance family expectation with navigating high school. Trouble brews when they both fall for people outside of their culture and therefore deemed unacceptable to family. A modern romance that deals with identity, culture and oncoming adulthood. Teens will love the wit and wisdom and the diverse cast of characters. A thought-provoking insight into the difficulties of fitting in. For fans of Rainbow Rowell and Jenny Han.

PB Penguin £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW DEC 1-2

This week my children's book reviews include tales of feisty felines, a celebration of the carol Silent Night, a retelling of Peter Pan and an anthology of intriguing animals. Perfect presents for Christmas 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

REBEL CATS BY KIMBERLIE HAMILTON

CHILDREN 8+
The tales of thirty real-life feisty felines from around the world will put you in cat heaven in a whisker. Full of fascinating stories about furry record breakers, explorers and heroes plus furball-raising facts. Richly illustrated with pussycat pawtraits readers of all ages will love curling up with this book over Christmas. Give this to a cat lover of any age and they will be like a cat who's got the cream. Purrfect.
ISBN 9781407192604 PB Scholastic £8.99

SILENT NIGHT BY LARA HAWTHORNE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Rediscover the story of the nativity and one of the nations favourite Christmas carols all rolled into one. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in all its glory with strikingly detailed illustrations which bring the scenes to life. Children will love spotting the variety of animals alongside quaking shepherds and heaven sent angels. A traditional gift which children can share with all the family and can also be used for carol singing.
ISBN 9781786030665 HB Lincoln Children's Books £10.99

PETER PAN BY J.M. BARRIE & CARYL HART & SARAH WARBURTON
CHILDREN 6+
The perfect introduction to this classic tale re-imagined in glorious rhyme and richly illustrated in twilight tones. Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and the world of Neverland are vividly brought to life for a new generation of readers. This sumptuously produced book is a gift to treasure and share and is sure to capture the hearts of children with its magical tale about the boy who never grew up. A classic Christmas present.

ISBN 9781788000079 HB Nosy Crow £14.99

AN ANTHOLOGY OF INTRIGUING ANIMALS BY BEN HOARE
CHILDREN 7+
A beautiful children's encyclopedia of animals with a twist. Alongside each glorious close-up photograph and illustration are facts, stories and myths. It includes well-known animals such as dolphins, tigers and butterflies to more unusual including my favourites the cute Viscacha and the worlds happiest animal, the Australian Quokka. This gold foiled hardback with gilded edges is the perfect gift for little animal lovers and could even be read at bedtime or in class.
ISBN 9780241334393 HB Dorling Kindersley £20

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

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST OCT 7-8

This week my children's book reviews include a classic middle grade adventure that will sweep you away, a children's encyclopaedia, a ghostly adventure for reluctant readers and a really scary romance for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

NEVERMOOR:THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROW BY JESSICA TOWNSEND

CHILDREN 9+

Just as cursed child, Morrigan Crow is about to die on her eleventh birthday, a stranger called Jupiter North whisks her away to a magical city called Nevermoor. But she must compete in dangerous trials to stay there. An extraordinary world with a colourful cast, this is a future modern classic that is a combination of Harry Potter meets Alice in Wonderland. You will find a friend in Morrigan, the bold; bright and audacious heroine.

ISBN 9781510104112 HB Hachette £12.99

DK CHILDREN'S ENCYCLOPEDIA BY DORLING KINDERSLEY

CHILDREN 7+

Packed with fascinating and essential facts on favourite subjects, including animals, history, science and much more, this is a book of wonder. Beautiful illustrations, maps and photos bring every page to life. Ever wonder what a planet is? The difference between frogs and toads? Why not dive straight into a journey of discovery. This is a book to inspire and inform and will absorb and engage children of all ages. The perfect gift to treasure.

ISBN 9780241283868 HB Dorling Kindersley £25

TOO GHOUL FOR SCHOOL BY BARRY HUTCHISON

CHILDREN 9+

An hilarious story full of ghosts, magic and outrageous battles. When a secret ghost battling organisation, The Spectre Collectors, recruit Denzel and his best friend Smithy, they are thrown into a spooky and exciting adventure. Tested with awesome weapons and ancient magic, can Denzel use his special abilities to fight a fearsome enemy? Engaging characters, cool gadgets and monsters galore, this is a great story for reluctant readers. Ghostbusters meets the Goonies.

ISBN 9780857639608 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE BY STEPHANIE PERKINS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Makani lives in Nebraska and is running from her past. Just as life starts to look up, with new friends and a romance with mysterious outsider Ollie, the pupils at her school start to be brutally murdered. This unsettling horror is a departure from this author's usual romance. In the same genre as Scream and I know What You Did Last Summer, it will chill you to the bone. Perfect for the lead up to Halloween.

ISBN 9781509859801 PB Macmillan £7.99

FATHERS DAY CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 17-18

This week my pick of children's book include two picture books perfect for Fathers Day this Sunday. Also an educational activity book about sea creatures and a young adult historical romance set in World War Two.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ME AND MY DAD BY ROBIN SHAW

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A young girl goes on a walk with her dad. She discovers castles, crocodiles and dinosaurs but the best surprise is at the end. A joyful celebration of the bond between Father and child and the power of the imagination. The illustrations are to be savoured, poured over and shared. The first children's book from the animator of Snowman and Snow Dog, this will transport, inspire and melt hearts. Perfect for Fathers Day.

ISBN 9781444928112 HB Hodder Books £12.99

I LOVE MY GRANDAD BY GILES ANDREAE & EMMA DODD

PICTURE BOOK 2+

Special Grandad's should always be remembered on Fathers Day. Feel the joy and fun of spending the day with Grandad. Whether its playing games, solving problems or going on adventures, they are a treasure trove of information and ideas. Bold cheerful illustrations perfectly capture the loving relationship between the generations. A great gift to share.

ISBN 9781408338179 PB Orchard Books £6.99

SHARKS AND OTHER SEA CREATURES BY DORLING KINDERSLEY

CHILDREN 4+

Want to explore the ocean? Find out about super sharks, pretty parrot fish, and all their friends? This is a blend of educational content and simple creative fun. Why not paint a puffer fish, make your own jellyfish or create an ocean in an egg box! Imaginative and informative this is wonderful to engage young minds with fun projects and facts. Also in the series are farm animals, bugs and forest life. Perfect for the holidays.

ISBN 9780241274385 HB Dorling Kindersley £7.99

A BERLIN LOVE SONG BY SARAH MATTHIAS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Set against the backdrop of World War Two, seventeen year old,German schoolboy, Max falls in love with Lili, a Romani trapeze artist from a travelling circus. Will their forbidden love survive when he is conscripted into the SS? A beautiful, heartbreaking romance that shines a light on the Romani Holocaust. A powerful, bitter sweet, insightful novel that will stay with you long after you finish it. Great for discussion in teenage and adult book clubs.

ISBN 9781909991408 PB Troika Books £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST APRIL 8-9

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a book loving heroine, fun at the farm, a code cracking young genius and a time travelling romance.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BOOKSHOP GIRL BY SYLVIA BISHOP & ILLUSTRATED BY ASHLEY KING

CHILDREN 9+

Property has a big secret. She can't read, even though she loves everything about books. When her adopted family win a wondrous bookshop, is the prize too good to be true? Will Property save her family from disaster and keep her secret? Can the shop's very grumpy cat help her? This magical story is a joy with a feisty heroine that will capture your heart. The line illustrations by Ashley King compliment its quirky charm throughout. Enchanting.

ISBN 9781407159690 PB Scholastic £5.99

REALLY FEELY FARM BY DORLING KINDERSELY

BOARD BOOK 0+

These delightful sturdy touch and feel books are packed with fluffy patches, bumpy patterns and tactile glitter that invite pre schoolers to touch and tickle. The crisp, clear pictures and text show a well thought out introduction to animals and birds on the farm. Toddlers can learn the names of chickens, pigs, sheep and more. Also available in the series are Baby Animals. A perfect and healthy alternative to chocolate for Easter!

ISBN 9780241268056 HB Dorling Kindersley £ 5.99

WILLIAM WENTON AND THE LURIDIUM THIEF BY BOBBIE PEERS

CHILDREN 9+

William has inherited a genius for code breaking from his grandfather, who has mysteriously disappeared. When his extraordinary talent is discovered he is kidnapped and taken to a secretive institute full of some very cool gadgets and robots. What is the strange substance called Luridium? Who is chasing him? This award winning adventure bristles with excitement, humour and some jaw dropping cliff hangers giving it a wide appeal. Da Vinci Code meets Alex Rider.

ISBN 9781406371703 PB Walker Books £6.99

WAKING IN TIME BY ANGIE STANTON

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Abbi arrives in college only to find, on her second day, she wakes up in 1983. It's just the beginning of her time travelling. Can she solve her grandmother's mystery as she tumbles through the decades? Another student, Will has travelled forward in time from 1927. Will their love survive? How will they get back home? A nostalgic, romantic mystery with a timely twist. Back to the Future meets The Time Travellers Wife.

ISBN 9781782025931 PB Curious Fox £7.99