SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 15-16 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a swashbuckling adventure for independent readers, an introduction to legends of rock for the very young, a picture book posing a very important question and a modern day coming-of-age drama for teen. Some great books to share on Father's Day

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE JOLLEY-ROGERS AND THE PIRATE PIPER BY JONNY DUDDLE

CHILDREN 6+

The pirate series returns with an adventure full of swashbuckling and dastardly deeds. When Dull-On-Sea is infested with rats the town employs a strange piper to dispense with them. But when the greedy Mayor refuses to pay the piper he takes his revenge. Can pirate children Matilda, Jim Lad and their dog Nugget save the day? This richly illustrated chapter book, based on the Pied Piper is a rip-roaring adventure which will capture the imagination of independent readers.

ISBN 9781787415133 PB Templar £6.99

THE STORY OF ROCK BY NICOLA EDWARDS & LINDSEY SAGAR

BOARD BOOK 1+

Rock-loving Dads will love sharing this introduction to the legends of rock with their little one. From Elvis to Beatlemania, Bowie to Nirvana, children can shake, rattle and roll with this sturdy rhyming board book. The entertaining illustrations are hilarious and I especially loved Slash's top hat! If the family's tastes lie more with Jay-Z The Story of Rap is also available. It's never too early to inspire a new generation of music lovers!

ISBN 9781848578296 HB Caterpillar Books £5.99

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BOOKS ABOUT BEARS? BY KRISTINA STEPHENSON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The animal professors of science and literature in Mollusc College, Oxford are debating an Impossible Question. Why are so many books about bears? Adorable illustrations accompany the cheerful text and clever twists on names such as William Snakespeare and Albert Swinestein. Children will love guessing who's their mystery guest banging on the door. Maybe the answer is under their noses in the double spread fold-out at the end? A charming book to read out loud.

ISBN 9781444946017 HB Hachette £12.99

THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME BY WILLIAM SUTCLIFFE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fifteen-year-old Sam's family become rich and they move to London he is forced to attend an Academy for the Gifted and Talented. But Sam just wants a normal life. A witty satirical take on an aspiring modern family and the pitfalls of trying to fit in. As Sam and his family crash from one well-meaning misadventure to another, you will cry with laughter. Adrian Mole meets Absolutely Fabulous. I'm still giggling...

ISBN 9781408890219 PB Bloomsbury £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 16-17

This week my children's book reviews include a boy who grows dragons, two picture books featuring a dinosaur daddy and a Tiger daddy that are both perfect for Father's day and a scarily funny adventure in which a young boy must ask for some ghostly help.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS BY ANDY SHEPHERD
CHILDREN 7+
Tomas is shocked to discover a strange tree at the bottom of his grandparents garden which hatches dragons! Flicker, the first dragon is an excellent pet but like all baby's very unpredictable. He eats everything, and even his poo is highly flammable! An hilarious rip-roaring adventure complemented by Sara Ogilvie's lively illustrations which will fire the imagination for independent readers. An alternative way to encourage children into the garden. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Cressida Cowell.
ISBN 9781848126497 PB Piccadilly £5.99

I LOVE YOU DINO-DADDY BY MARK SPERRING
PICTURE BOOK 3+
It's not easy being dino-daddy but it's a lot of fun. Whether it's a trip to the park or playing games at home he always has time for his two roaring little dinos... This funny and endearing story show the lengths dads will go to entertain their little ones. This delightful padded board book is a celebration of a father's relationship with his children and is the perfect gift for Father's Day.
ISBN 9781408893449 Bloomsbury HB  £7.99

RAJ AND THE BEST DAY EVER! BY SEB BRAUN
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Raj and Dad are going on an adventure, and they have big plans. But then Dad leaves his wallet at home and Raj thinks their day will be ruined. But all they need is their imagination and each other's company. This is the perfect celebration of a father and son relationship and how being together is more important. The energetic and colourful illustrations really bring their escapades to life. A great gift to share on Father's Day.

ISBN 9781787412347 PB Templar £6.99

EMBASSY OF THE DEAD BY WILL MABBITT
CHILDREN 9+
When Jake opens a box containing a severed finger he accidentally summons a reaper who is determined to drag him into the Eternal Void. To escape his grim fate, Jake must ask for protection from the Embassy of the Dead, but it comes at a price. This illustrated adventure is full of excitement, friendship and ghosts! A great combination of funny and scary perfect for fans of Skulduggery Pleasant and Who Let the Gods Out?
ISBN 9781510104556 PB Orion £ 6.99

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 PICTURE BOOKS FOR FATHERS DAY

A selection of perfect childrens picture books for Fathers Day. 

Books about their special bond, sharing adventures and their love. 

WHEN DAD SHOWED ME THE UNIVERSE BY ULF STARK
CHILDRENS 5+
A father takes his son out on a night time adventure to show him the universe hoping to inspire him and share his own interests. However when the child sees the world from a different viewpoint both their eyes are opened in new ways. A poignant funny tale with sensitive illustrations that really capture their emotional journey. Even though they have a wonderful time for different reasons the memory of their trip will always be remembered together. Philosophical
ISBN: 9781927271827 PB Gecko Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

A BRAVE BEAR BY SEAN TAYLOR
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A young bear goes on a fun adventure with his dad. This story explores their father son relationship as they run and jump in the forest but what happens when little bear falls down? His dad helps him of course! Emanating a wonderful sense of security, comfort and the closeness of family this is a charming story for Fathers Day. The illustrations really capture their bond as well as the hot sunny day.
ISBN: 9781406351323 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Stars

AMAZING DADDY BY RACHEL BRIGHT

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A glorious rhyming thankyou to all amazing fathers. Join Daddy Panda and Little Panda as they share their special moments and really bond over different activities such as story time, cooking and bath time. Many will recognise traits of their own Dads and the joyful bright illustrations really bring this joyful picture book to life. Full of warmth, love and laughter this is like giving a big bear hug wrapped up as a book.

• Hachette Children's Group PB iSBN: 9781408331682 £6.99

 I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY LAMBERT
PICTURE BOOK 2+

A gorgeously illustrated celebration of the eternal love and bond between a parent and child. Simple lyrical rhyming text set in a twilight world as a bear takes his cub on a journey of discovery through dense woodland, blue mountains and sparkling rivers. This makes a beautiful gift for the very young or new parent. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You.

ISBN:9781848692114 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

5/5 Stars

Daddy Pig's Words of Wisdom 

Daddy Pig is an expert on many things - looking after Peppa and George, DIY, cooking and much more.

Find out his top tips and celebrate all the things that are wonderful about daddies with this perfect gift for children to share with their fathers. Based on the hit preschool animation Peppa Pig, shown daily on Five's Milkshake and Nick Jnr.

• Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 9780241249888 £5.99 HB

I Love My Daddy by Giles Andreae

From the author of Giraffes Can't Dance and the award-winning team behind I Love My Mummy, comes a celebration of the special relationship between father and child.

The joy of spending a fun-filled day with Daddy is explored with true-to-life humour and lovely pictures.

The perfect present for every family, this book will delight time and time again.

From bestselling author Giles Andreae, whose rhyming text perfectly captures the joys of everyday family life; and award-winning illustrator, Emma Dodd, whose exuberant but tender illustrations delight children and their parents everywhere.

• Hachette Children's Group ISBN: 9781408313015 £6.99 PB

Spot Loves His Dad by Eric Hill.

In 'Spot Loves His Dad', Spot enjoys spending time with his Dad.

They do lots of fun things together - from playing football to flying a kite to feeding ducks.

Spot loves Dad, and Dad loves Spot. This book is delightful for father and son to share together. And will make an especially lovely gift - for Father's Day, a birthday - or any other celebration day!

Spot story books have been delighting children and parents for years with their gentle storylines and bright, colourful scenes.

Spot is always the star of these books and his experiences with his family, friends and the wider world are those experienced by very young children.

Eric Hill's wonderfully bold and simple illustrations have ensured Spot has become a modern classic and everyone's favourite puppy. 

Penguin Books Ltd hb  ISBN: 9780723254829 £4.99

JUST LIKE MY DAD BY DAVID MELLING

One little lion cub can't wait to grow up and do everything just like his dad. From the bestselling creator of Hugless Douglas, this humorous, touching tale is for anyone who loves their dad - even if they are moody, lazy and good at pretending to be busy! David Melling is one of the UK's best-loved author-illustrators and his stories combine brilliantly imaginative illustrations with an endearing sense of what it is like to be a small child learning about the world.

•  Hachette Children's Group PB ISBN: 9780340944035 £6.99