SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 28 -29 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magnificent middle grade mystery, an entertaining board book about farm life, a horrible history of seafaring Britain and Ireland and a feminist coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOUR BY ALLY CARTER

CHILDREN 9+

When 11-year-old orphan April joins Winterborne Home she discovers its missing heir Gabriel Winterborne living in the secret basement. Can April and her fellow orphans save Gabriel from his murderous family? Can they uncover the mystery of the ghostly Sentinel? A rip-roaring adventure bursting with excitement and escapades. The diverse cast and twists and turns will grip children until it's ending. Lemony Snicket meets The Goonies.

Orchard PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? BY JASON KORSNER & HANNAH ROUNDING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A collection of gently rhyming verses which encourage the young to look at the world around them. Children and adults will have great fun spotting themes and will be inspired to play spot the object. What's on your plate, in the bathroom, lounge or garden? A fun way to play a game, explore your home and take a break from the digital world if necessary. Gorgeous pen and wash illustrations make this a treat.

Graffeg PB £7.99

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: ALL AT SEA BY TERRY DEARY & MARTIN BROWN

CHILDREN 8+

A rollicking and stormy journey around Britain and Irelands seafaring history. Children will be fascinated by the Viking attack on St Davids, how Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas saved Britain from a French invasion and the dastardly wreckers of South Wales. There are also fishy tales of traditions and superstitions.Written in digestible segments with witty line illustrations and cartoons reluctant readers and future sailors will be hooked. Ship Ahoy!

PB Scholastic £6.99

RULES FOR BEING A GIRL BY CANDACE BUSHNELL & KATIE COTUGNO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Marin is bright and heading to the Ivy League. When Marin's favourite English teacher, Mr Beckett kisses her no one believes her. To make herself heard and show solidarity for all girls she writes an article on misogyny and sexism. But the backlash is unexpected. Can Marin retain her self-respect and her friends? A witty and inspiring coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect. Moxie meets Legally Blonde.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 8-9 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a spookily good middle grade mystery and a selection of books perfect for Valentines for all ages. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

DEMELZA & THE SPECTRE DETECTORS BY HOLLY RIVERS

CHILDREN 8+

Demelza Clock loves science and inventing. But she has a distinctly unscientific skill: Spectre Detecting. When Grandma Maeve is kidnapped can Demelza summon the ghosts to help solve this deadly mystery? A spookily good mix of humour, science, the supernatural and talking skulls! It deals with the subject of death sensitively and has family and friendship at its heart. I especially loved the bond between Demelza and her grandmother. For fans of Skulduggery Pleasant.

Chicken House PB £6.99

I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & JONNY LAMBERT

BOARD BOOK 1+

A bear leads their cub on a beautiful journey through nature. Past the blue mountains, gushing waterfalls and under starlit nights. A stunning little board book to share the love between parent and child. The adorable collaged illustrations capture their bond while exploring the surrounding twilight wilderness and meeting the woodland animals. Children can spot foxes, deer and fish. A gorgeous little gift for the family for Valentines.

Little Tiger HB £4.99

A CUDDLE AND A CWTCH BY SARAH KILBRIDE & JAMES MUNRO

CHILDREN 7+

A dear little book celebrating the Welsh cuddle. On each page, the rhyming text introduces the reader to all the ways a cwych can be understood. The fun and original illustrations are charming and full of a wide variety of relatable characters. It is full of words of comfort, compassion and love. The perfect token of love, friendshp or as a thank you. It is suitable for everyone whatever the age at any time of year.

Graffeg HB £6.99

SHE IS FIERCE EDITED BY ANA SAMPSON

CHILDREN 10+

An outstanding collection of 150 poems written by women across the ages celebrating the centenary of women's suffrage. The subjects include friendship, protest, body image and mental health, joy and loss. Readers will enjoy their favourite poets such as Maya Angelou, Carol Ann Duffy and Christina Rossetti while discovering lesser-known female poets. Fascinating short biographies are included on each one. A celebration of girl power that would make a beautiful and inspirational gift.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 7-8 2019

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a beautiful  retelling of Russian Folk tales, a pop up picture book following the Christmas Star, a very festive but greedy unicorn and a selection of winter animal tales for young readers.

Perfect presents for Christmas

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

KOSHKA'S TALES BY JAMES MAYHEW

CHILDREN 9+

Meet Koshka, the extraordinary storytelling cat. She spins dazzling tales of enchanting snow maidens, sea princesses, firebirds and the witch Baba-Yaga who lives in a house on chicken legs. This stunning collection of stories is an imaginative retelling of famous Russian folk-tales. The exquisite illustrations decorate and frame each page in bejewelled colours like a stained-glass window. The lyrical and creative storytelling matches it. A book to treasure and a beautiful gift.

Graffeg HB £12.99

FOLLOW THE STAR BY ANDY MANSFIELD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Follow the story of the Christmas Star as it travels from Bethlehem to the top of the iconic Christmas tree. Children will marvel at the beautifully engineered pop up spreads on each page. The block colours add to the lavish and intricate scenes which feature a foil star with simple rhyming text. A delight to share some peace and love while exploring each page. A lovely festive gift for young children.

Templar HB £14.99

OSCAR EATS CHRISTMAS BY LOU CARTER & NIKKI DYSON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

It's Christmas Eve and Oscar the Unicorn is hungry. He's already eaten the Christmas tree and the stockings! But what will happen when he eats all the magic reindeer food enabling them to fly? It's up to Oscar to make amends and help Father Christmas. The second hilarious story about this greedy unicorn is full of festive cheer and silliness. I love Oscar's bored expression and his grumpy feline sidekick. Children will gobble this up and keep wanting more.

Orchard PB £6.99

WINTER TALES BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 5+

A magical collection of snowy tales for young readers by much-loved authors including Holly Webb with adorable illustrations by Alison Edgson. Children will fall in love with the polar bear who wants to be a penguin, explore with snow leopards and a reindeer girl or enjoy a magic show. A charming stocking filler to curl up with at bedtime over the holidays. Perfect for early and reluctant readers as well as animal lovers.

Stripes PB £5.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW SEPT 28-29 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a sumptuous book of birds, an insightful picture book about two autistic friends, a beautiful and mystical adventure of a fox cub and an in-depth look at the fabulous women in the Marvel Universe.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ATLAS OF AMAZING BIRDS BY MATT SEWELL

CHILDREN 7+

This vibrant compendium celebrates the most amazing birds from around the world. The dazzling watercolour illustrations are accompanied by witty and informative observations that bring the birds to life. Did you know The Great Grey Owl is the largest in the world? From magnificent eagles to tiny hummingbirds children will discover about migrations, mating rituals, surviving in extreme environments — a stunning gift book for little nature lovers and a lovely book to share with the family.

HB Pavilion £16.99

THROUGH THE EYES OF US BY JON ROBERTS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Friends Kya and Martha are both autistic and both completely different. Kya is quiet, but Martha is talkative and asks a lot of questions. Both love the sensations around them, touching different materials and treat every day as an adventure. The second in the series will continue bringing a greater understanding of children's differences and is especially useful to share in class. The joyful pen and wash illustrations perfectly capture the two energetic and happy girls.

PB Graffeg £7.99

WHITE FOX BY CHEN JIATONG

CHILDREN 9+

Orphaned fox cub Dilah must embark on a quest to become human. A magical moonstone is his only guide. Children will love following Dilah's adventure across strange lands as he meets new friends. But who are the blue foxes chasing him? The story captures the kindness and cruelty of humans, the beauty of nature and how the cub learns to be brave. It is sprinkled with evocative illustrations by Viola Wang. Lion King meets Watership Down.

Chicken House PB £6.99

POWERS OF A GIRL BY LORRAINE CINK & ALICE X.SHANG

CHILDREN 10+

Explore the lives of 65 exceptional and diverse Marvel Women who changed the universe. It is filled with inspiring lessons and observations paired with the origins of each character. The accompanying illustrations are vibrant and emotive with a seventies vibe. Discover all about these fearsome females from the most well known such as Captain Marvel and Gamora to lesser-known such as Squirrel Girl and Silk. A perfect present for Marvel fans.

HB Studio Press £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 6-7 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade First World War mystery in a country estate, a picture book sensitively explaining memory loss, a picture book adventure with best friends Mouse and Mole a contemporary teen romantic drama. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS BY A.M HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

When Clara is sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle on a country estate during World War One she becomes entangled in its secrets and intrigue. What is in the locked room? Who is the strange boy who appears at night? This is a gripping and evocative mystery with family at its heart. For fans of The Secret Garden and Emma Carroll and ideal for book clubs with questions at the back and web links to follow.

ISBN 97814749 59551 PB Usborne £6.99

THE TIDE BY CLARE HELEN WELSH & ASHLING LINDSAY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A family are going for a day out at the beach but Grandad is becoming very forgetful. Can his granddaughter help? A sensitive way to explain the difficult subject of dementia to young ones without upsetting them. An empathetic story full of sunny playful pictures that use the tide as an analogy to understand memory loss. It is full of charm, comfort and heart that is ideal to share with family or in the classroom.

ISBN 9781788810852 HB Little Tiger £11.99

MOUSE & MOLE BY JOYCE DUNBAR AND JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 5+

Join Mouse and Mole, the best of furry friends on their adventures. Whether it's planning for a picnic or toasting muffins or tidying their chaotic house, children will be charmed by the series of gentle and witty stories. Children will recognise the familiar ups and downs of friendship and immediately relate to their breakups and makeups. The richly illustrated book is perfect for fans of Wind in the Willows and Brambly Hedge.

ISBN 9781912050406 HB Graffeg £12.99

TULIP TAYLOR BY ANNA MAINWARING

YOUNG ADULT 11+

Fifteen-year-old Tulip is a make-up vlogger who finds herself on a 'survival' reality TV show. Can she prove to an annoyingly cute fellow contestant, her momager and herself that she is not just a pretty face? A hilarious contemporary tale of the pitfalls of living in the digital age where so much of life is on social media. The family dynamic is pitched perfectly to those with annoying siblings! An entertaining modern-day romance.

ISBN 9781910080979 PB Firefly Press £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 25-26 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a contemporary and engaging drama promoting understanding of autism, a factual and fun board book about animals of the Savannah, an rip-roaring adventure book explaining Baroque Opera and an inspiring middle grade contemporary quest about a ballet loving asylum seeker.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

CAN YOU SEE ME? BY LIBBY SCOTT & REBECCA WESTCOTT
CHILDREN 9+
Tally is autistic but she tries to hide it because when people don't understand something they can be cruel. But sometimes when somebody views the world differently they can help to make it a better place. Interspersed with diary entries by eleven-year-old Libby based on her own experience of autism, this coming of age drama will strike a chord with children who feel differently or misunderstood. A gripping drama which promotes understanding and empathy about autism.
ISBN 9781407195674 PB Scholastic £6.99

HELLO, MRS ELEPHANT! BY SAM BOUGHTON

BOARD BOOK 2+
A fun and fact-filled board book with lift-the-flaps that explores the animals of the Savannah. Say hello to elephants, zebras and lions amongst other African animals. Did you know a baby hippo is called a calf and that zebra can sleep standing up? Young children will love the colourful jaunty illustrations and tongue in cheek humour. Equally entertaining in the series and perfect for little paws is Hello Mr Dinosaur.
ISBN 9781787414143 HB Templar £8.99

THE ACADEMY OF BARMY COMPOSERS: BAROQUE BY MARK LLEWELYN EVANS & KARL DAVIES

CHILDREN 8+
When Jack and Megan find an old magic trunk it takes them back to 1597 to meet the inventor of opera, Professor Peri and a host of famous composers such as Perfect Purcell. But can they save opera from Cruel Cromwell? Children will be introduced to musical terms, voice types and instruments in this richly informative and hilarious romp through 500 years of Baroque. It will help cultivate an appreciation for this uplifting and emotionally rich art form.
ISBN 9781912213863 HB Graffeg £12.99

NO BALLET SHOES IN SYRIA BY CATHERINE BRUTON

CHILDREN 9+
Dance lover Aya is an eleven-year-old Syrian refugee seeking asylum in Britain with her family. Will Aya be allowed to stay in Britain and apply for a prestigious ballet scholarship? This ballet filled drama is combined with a sensitive and insightful portrayal of the plight of refugees. Dance lovers will adore the ballet details woven in and relate to Aya's ambition and sense of freedom and expression when she dances. For fans of Eva Ibbotson and Noel Streatfeild.
ISBN 9781788004503 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW FEB 2-3 2019

This week my children's book reviews include an exciting middle grade adventure about three cursed sisters, a picture book teaching how to tell the time, a beautiful retelling of the Disney's Little Mermaid and an hilarious middle grade story about a young boy who keeps turning into animals at times of stress!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PINCH OF MAGIC BY MICHELLE HARRISON

CHILDREN 9+

Three cursed sisters. Three magical objects including a bag, a mirror and a set of dolls, which potentially have the power to change their fate. One mysterious prisoner who can help but at what price? Readers will be swept up in this gripping adventure as Beth, Fliss and Charlie embark on a quest to put a wrong to right. Brimming with excitement, fast paced action and strong heroines this is perfect for fantasy lovers.
ISBN 9781471124303 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

NO TIME FOR CLOCKS BY MAX LOW

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Ceri the cat and Deri the dog are two best friends who want to learn how to tell the time so they will not be late for lunch. Their friend Gwen explains what a clock is and how it can help them. This educational story with it's big bold pictures is perfect for teaching children to tell the time. The series includes Good To Be Sweet about learning division and both would be useful for the classroom.
ISBN 9781912213740 PB Graffeg £7.99


THE LITTLE MERMAID BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 6+
Celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Disney's Little Mermaid with this charming retelling in a gorgeous cloth bound, gold foiled hardback. I loved seeing some of the initial sketches, paintings and concept art for the film plus the biographies of the unsung artists who worked on the animation in the back of the book. This would make a lovely gift for Disney fans, young children as well as for Valentines with it's Happily Ever After message. A real treat.
ISBN 9781787414686 HB Studio Press £12.99


CHARLIE CHANGES INTO A CHICKEN BY SAM COPELAND
CHILDREN 8+
Not only is Charlie's brother in hospital but he's being bullied at school. Unfortunately stress makes Charlie change into an animal such as a spider, a pigeon or even a rhino! Can Charlie learn to control his new powers with the help of his friends? This slapstick comedy which is complimented by the cartoonish illustrations of Sarah Horne, is quick-witted and fast paced. It will have children chuckling from start to finish.
ISBN 9780241346211 PB Puffin £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 3-4TH

This week my children's book reviews include a collection of three chilling novellas perfect for teens, a picture book about a competition for a unicorn trophy, a middle grade story about a hawk teaching a boy to love nature and a middle grade story about a little girl must cope with the loss of a friend. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THREE STRIKES BY LUCY CHRISTOPHER, KAT ELLIS & RHIAN IVORY

YOUNG ADULT 15+

A red eye blinks in the darkness; a hidden door opens to a lost crypt; a life is held within a flame... welcome to Three Strikes. These unnerving tales include a mysterious cult, a ghostly tale and a retelling of The Little Match Girl. They are full of mystery, mayhem and menace and will stay with you long after you've closed the book. Seductive and unsettling novellas to curl up with on a winter's night.

ISBN 9781910080863 PB Firefly Press £7.99

I REALLY WANT THAT UNICORN BY FABI SANTIAGO

CHILDREN 4+

Chloe Crocodile is confident she will win the coveted unicorn trophy in the local talent show until hula hooping Veronica arrives. An hilarious and exuberant story about the perils of being covetous and warning against rivalry and competition. This is ideal for reading aloud while showing the importance of friendship. The candy colours and effervescent illustrations that dress the wonderful animal characters are a laugh-out-loud delight that will be enjoyed again and again.

ISBN 9781408336915 PB Orchard £6.99

FLYING FREE BY NICOLA DAVIES & CATHY FISHER

CHILDREN 9+

Colin's big brother gives him an air rifle and he can't wait to start shooting stuff. But shooting a living animal is different to shooting a can. When Colin shoots a hawk his life tilts on an angle and takes him down a new revelatory path. A powerful message about respecting nature and learning all actions have consequences. A short, easily digestible book with finely observed pencil illustrations suitable for reluctant readers as well as nature lovers.

ISBN 9781912654093 PB Graffeg £7.99

THE AFTERWARDS BY A.F. HARROLD & EMILY GRAVETT

CHILDREN 9+

Ember and Ness are best friends but when Ness dies Ember is determined to bring her back from the Afterworld. A deeply moving tale of friendship, family, acceptance and moving on. The monochrome illustrations with flashes of colour really give the emotional journey added depth and pathos. The dark humour laced throughout the story uplifts an otherwise sad subject. This tale reminds us that everything has an end but also a new beginning.

ISBN 9781408894316 HB Bloomsbury £12.99