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 DEC 2-3

This week my children's book reviews include a Christmas activity book perfect for the festive season, the story of the nativity for the very young, a musical retelling of the Nutcracker and a new doggy super hero from the author of Captain Underpants.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE USBORNE LITTLE CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY BOOK

CHILDREN 5+

The ideal stocking filler for the holidays. An activity book packed with things to do so grab a pen and have fun! Children can colour in decorations and spot a missing elf or penguin. They can also use the stickers included to decorate cookies, a Christmas tree or dress Santa and Mrs Claus. It is packed full of puzzles and games galore that kids can play on their own or share with a friend.

ISBN 9781474923897 PB Usborne £6.99

BUSY NATIVITY BY EMILY BOLAM

BOARD BOOK 2+

The perfect introduction for little ones to the story of the first Christmas. Children can push, pull and turn the tabs while joining Mary and Joseph on their long journey to Bethlehem. They can spot angels, kings and animals or rock baby Jesus in his crib. A bright and colourful sturdy board book with rhyming text as well as a question on each spread to encourage gentle discussion.

ISBN 9781509828951 HB Campbell Books £4.99

THE STORY ORCHESTRA: THE NUTCRACKER BY JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE

CHILDREN 5+

A magical retelling of the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. Each spread features a musical note to touch so you can hear ten seconds of Tchaikovsky's original score to bring the story to life. Follow Clara as she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, watch the battle of the Mouse King and journey to the Land of Sweets. An excellent introduction to a family favourite and classical music and ballet.

ISBN 9781786030009 HB Frances Lincoln £14.99

DOG MAN: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES BY DAV PILKEY

CHILDREN 7+

The newest superhero from the creator of Captain Underpants hasn't always been a paw-sitive addition to the police force. He need to impress his Chief by catching two cat burglars. Will Dog Man catch these devious furballs and prove he's top dog or will they get away with the purrfect crime? A full-colour comic book series encouraging reluctant readers and also perfect for graphic novel fans. It's bursting with jokes, cartoons and tail wagging antics.

ISBN 9780545935210 HB Scholastic £10.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST AUG 12-13

This week my children's book reviews include an amazon adventure, a jungle sticker book, the return of Fighting Fantasy and an historical tale of freedom.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE EXPLORER BY KATHERINE RUNDELL

CHILDREN 9+

After their plane crashes deep in the Amazon, four children must try and survive. Can they find their way out? Has someone been there before them? A wonderfully exotic adventure that makes you feel you're also in the rainforest with them, discovering little jewels of fascinating facts, along the way. A tale of friendship, bravery and survival, edged with lush illustrations. A story encouraging you to expand your horizons. Favourite quote, “You are right to be afraid. Be brave anyway.”

ISBN 9781408854877 HB Bloomsbury £12.99

STICKER ART JUNGLE BY CRAIG AND KARL

CHILDREN 5+

Create one of eight colourful and stylish sticker-by-number animal portraits with this new series. Guaranteed to keep children entertained during the rainy holidays! Fill the numbered spaces with vivid coloured stickers and watch the animal art materialise. Each animal, such as a tiger, toucan or viper, comes with a fascinating list of facts. In association with the Natural History Museum. Also, available in the series is Ocean, Savannah and Woodland.

ISBN 9781847809452 PB Frances Lincoln £5.99

THE PORT OF PERIL BY IAN LIVINGSTONE

CHILDRENS 8+

Fighting Fantasy celebrates it's 35^th anniversary, with the release of a brand new game book. I loved these books as a child and was thrilled to see their return. The reader plays the hero, picking their own route, not knowing where the adventure leads or into what danger. Use your imagination to battle monsters, solve clues and compete with perilous guests. Part story, part game, this is perfect for fantasy lovers.

ISBN 9781407181295 PB Scholastic £6.99

PASSING FOR WHITE BY TANYA LANDMAN

YOUNG ADULT (READING AGE OF 8+)

It's 1848 in America's Deep South. Slave girl Rosa, is pale-skinned enough to 'pass for white'. For a chance of freedom, she poses as a white gentleman and her husband's master and both attempt a daring escape. This courageous tale is inspired by the real life odyssey of Ellen and William Craft. Also suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers, with short chapters, distinctive font and clear language. A thought provoking and empathetic read great for historical discussion.

ISBN 9781781126813 Barrington Stoke PB £6.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW SOUTH WALES EVENING POST APRIL 1-2

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a friendly but shy giant, the return of the Care Bears, a young boy saving the world from alien invasion and two teenagers determined to find their own way in the world.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GRANDAD'S SECRET GIANT BY DAVID LITCHFIELD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Billy doesn't' believe his Grandad's stories about a benevolent secret giant who lives in his town. When Billy meets him one night he is afraid, but should he be? The evocative illustrations are rich with detail that children can pour over and explore. In this contemporary fable Billy finds out different can also be good and empowering. This enchanting tale of friendship, belonging and acceptance would make a wonderful gift to treasure.

ISBN 978847808479 HB Frances Lincoln £11.99

HEARTS 'N' HUGS STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK BY CARE BEARS

ACTIVITY BOOK 3+

I was so excited to see the return of the Care Bears! Join Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear and the rest of the Care Bear Friends for hours of games, puzzles, colouring and over one hundred stickers. Celebrating their thirty fifth anniversary spreading the message for caring and sharing. Also accompanying this great activity book is a series of storybooks including Cheer Bear and The Treasure Hunt. Still adorably cute!

ISBN 9781444931471 PB Hodder Childrens £4.99

HAMISH AND THE GRAVITY BURP BY DANNY WALLACE, ILLUSTRATED BY JAMIE LITTLER

CHILDRENS 8+

When Hamish finds his Mum and brother floating on the ceiling he knows something is seriously wrong. Also what is that strange burping noise? Why are weird seeds falling from the sky? The cast of family and friends are relatable and endearing for both adults and children. Channelling Walliams and Dahl, the story moves at a bristling pace and is full of irreverent humour. This will be gobbled up by Hamish's growing army of fans.

ISBN 9781471147128 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

AND THEN WE RAN BY KATY CANNON

YOUNG ADULT 13 +

Told from a dual perspective Megan and Elliot take us on a coming of age road trip from a Welsh seaside town to Gretna Green. Do they really want to get married or just escape? Both learn life itself is a journey that can throw up unexpected surprises. A contemporary romance about learning to make the right choices and following your dreams. Perfect holiday reading for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han

ISBN 9781847157997 PB Stripes £7.99

See also my interview with author Katy Cannon

MOTHERS DAY CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 25-26

This week my pick of children's books for Mothers Day in The South Wales Evening Post include a picture book about the perfect day, how to entertain your Granny, an out of this world road trip and a paranormal adventure series in which the mummy may not be so friendly!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PERFECT DAY BY LANE SMITH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The animals are having a perfect day in the garden. Basking in the sun, paddling in the pool, eating their favourite food. What could possible go wrong? Naughty Bear has his own idea of a perfect day, unfortunately it's not the same as everyone else's! The playful and witty illustrations, full of light and texture, really bring to life the warm summer day. This endearing tale was inspired by the authors real life encounter with a marauding bear!

ISBN 9781509840557 HB Two Hoots Books £11.99

15 THINGS NOT TO DO WITH A GRANNY BY MARGARET MCALLISTER AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY HOLLY STERLING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

It may be Mothers Day but don't forget your Granny! Follow these simple rules and you will both be happy. Don't hide an elephant in her bed, wear her pants on your head or send her up to space in a rocket! Definitely don't bang a drum when she is sleeping. This wonderfully diverse book has a wide appeal for the whole family encouraging caring, sharing and best of all, hugs.

ISBN 9781847809131 PB Frances Lincoln £6.99

SEE YOU IN THE COSMOS BY JACK CHENG

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven year old Alex wants to launch his ipod into space to show aliens what life is really like on Earth. Full of questions about the world the reader is immediately drawn to Alex. You are made to feel as if you are travelling with him as he tries to deal with his dysfunctional family, including a troubled mother and absent brother. This innocent and personal adventure is ultimately uplifting and heart warming.

ISBN 9780141365602 PB Puffin £6.99

THE MUMMY'S REVENGE BY ANDREW BEASLEY

CHILDREN 10+

An ancient Egyptian Mummy controlled by the evil Sandman is reeking havoc across Edinburgh, looking for rubies and revenge. Billy and Charley are top investigators at S.C.R.E.A.M.( Supernatural Crimes, Rescues, Emergencies and Mysteries). They are the only ones who can stop him. Victorian X-Files meets Scooby Doo, this is a funny, action packed paranormal crime series and an alternative Mother Day book!

ISBN 9781474906920 PB Usborne £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 11-12TH

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post have a Valentine theme. They include a young dragon who loves chocolate,  a night gardener who finds his artistic passion, a Venetian tale inspired by the composer Vivaldi and the story of the young Queen of Hearts from Alice of Wonderland.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART BY STEPHANIE BURGIS

CHILDRENS 9+

Aventurine, a young dragon, defies her family to find a human feast but instead she finds something more delicious, chocolate! The problem is it's enchanted and has turned her into a human. Will her new found love for chocolate come to her rescue? This rip roaring fantasy adventure and feisty dragon will melt your heart. Perfect for girls who dream of finding their passion and inner dragon. For fans of Eva Ibbotson and chocoholics.

ISBN 9781408880319 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

THE NIGHT GARDENER BY THE FAN BROTHERS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young orphan's creativity is ignited when he meets The Night Gardener. Together they create extraordinary topiary that delights and unites the villagers of Grimloch Lane. Stunning and delicate illustrations that enrich this evocative story will enthral children as they pour over the pictures. The twilight colours perfectly capture their midnight adventures. Sleeping cats and serpentine dragons fill you with wonder. The perfect book for inquisitive minds. A story to treasure.

ISBN 9781 HB Frances Lincoln £ 12.99

HEARTSONG BY KEVIN CROSSLEY-HOLLAND

CHILDREN 9+

Set against 18^th century Venice a young mute orphan Laura finds her own special way to communicate with the world. Discovering a talent for music will she find what she is looking for? This inspirational tale is inspired by the real life composer Vivaldi who helped those in need through music. It is accompanied by the jewelled watercolours of award winning artist Jane Ray. A lovely gift for music, art and history lovers.

ISBN 9781408336076 PB Orchard Books £7.99

HEARTLESS BY MARISSA MEYER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Why was the Queen of Hearts so mad, bad and dangerous to know? Revisit Wonderland before Alice and discover the young ambitious girl who had a passion for baking and a soft spot for the mysterious Court Jester. There's also a little matter of the fearsome Jabberwocky on the prowl. Will Cath lose her heart or listen to her head? A twisted fairytale with a touch of Brothers Grimm full of magic, madness and monsters.

ISBN 9781509814138 PB Macmillan Childrens Books £7.99