SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 11-12 2020

This week my children's book reviews include for Easter a spookily good middle grade adventure about a young witch, a picture book full of rabbits about appreciating family, a charming seaside adventure for young readers and a timeless romantic coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WILDE BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Wilde is forced to live with her aunt in Witch Point and start a new school. She is desperate to fit in but strange things keep happening. Why do birds follow her? How is the legend of the witch called Winter connected to her family? Who is threatening the pupils with curses? Children will love the rebellious Wilde and her quest to find her place in the world. A spookily good adventure that will hold children spellbound. Bewitching.

Firefly PB £6.99

RABBIT! RABBIT! RABBIT! BY LORNA SCOBIE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Rabbit loves being the only child in the family. But Rabbit's parents have a BIG surpise. Home is going to become a lot more crowded! Maybe their neighbourly fox can help? An hilarious tale about learning to appreciate your family even at it's most chaotic. It's bouncing with energetic and colourful illustrations that children will delight in. Perfect for a time when we need to appreciate each other even if living in close quarters! Adorable for Easter.

Scholastic PB £6.99

A SEA OF STORIES BY SYLVIA BISHOP & PADDY DONNELLY

CHILDREN 5+

Roo loves visiting Grandpa in his cottage next to the sea. But the beach has become too difficult for him to visit any more. Instead, he tells Roo stories of finding treasure and exciting sea rescues. Can Roo help her Grandpa visit his favourite cove again? A gloriously illustrated hardback book for early readers and bedtime. It demonstrates the importance of close relationships between family and how storytelling can be an inspiration. A little gem.

Stripes HB £7.99

HELLO NOW By JENNY VALENTINE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Jude moves to the seaside with her mum is dumped by another boyfriend. Novo appears like a comet out of nowhere and changes everything for Jude. Love and destiny bound up in time. But will it pull them apart or keep them together? An epic romance that reads like a modern-day fable. The poetic love story shows the importance of living in the moment. Lose yourself in its embrace. Entrancing.

Harper Collins PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 11-12

This week my children's book reviews include a fantastical maritime adventure, a cute kitty who wants to be a superhero, a young mouse who joins the Resistance in World War Two and a contemporary coming of age drama that is compelling and thought provoking. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MALAMANDER BY THOMAS TAYLOR
CHILDRENS 9+
Herbert Lemon, the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel must help find Violet's parents in the strange town of Eelie-on-Sea. Is the Malamander, a legendary sea-monster the cause of their disappearance twelve years ago? A wondrous and fantastical seaside adventure awash with magically Gothic overtones. I loved the curious bookshop, home to mysterious mermonkey. A captivating cast and imaginative mythical creatures will have young readers hooked from start to finish. Tim Burton meets Treasure Island.
ISBN 9781406386288 PB Walker Books £6.99

SUPERKITTY BY HANNAH WHITTY & PAULA BOWLES

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Kitty works for the Sensational Superhero Agency answering the phone. But all she wants to be is a crime busting superhero like her friends. When a dinosaur bone is stolen from a museum can Kitty save the day? Children will love 'pawing' over the adorable illustrations including double page spreads. They will relate to Kitty trying to be brave and learning to believe in herself. Small can be MIGHTY! A great book to share about Girl Power.
ISBN 9781471175091 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

THE UMBRELLA MOUSE BY ANNA FARGHER

CHILDREN 9+
When Pip loses her family and home in the London bombings of 1944 she must find a new home in Italy. On her quest, Pip joins Noah's Ark, a secret gang of animals fighting the resistance in France. An extraordinary World War Two adventure as seen through the eyes of a tiny mouse that children will be immediately relate to in a big world. Sam Usher's ink drawings beautifully capture the endearing cast of brave animals.
ISBN 9781529003970 PB Macmillan £6.99

WE ARE NOT OKAY BY NATALIA GOMES

YOUNG ADULT 14+
Four teenage girls are trying to survive the pitfalls of school, love and friendship in a ruthless and unforgiving digital age. A raw account which deals with difficult issues including bullying, sexual assault and suicide. The four compelling and interwoven tales lead up to a heartbreaking climax and a reminder of how important it is to be supportive of your friends without judging them. A thought-provoking book that would be good for a book club.
ISBN 97810008291846 PB Harper Collins £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 23-24

This week my children's book reviews include a perfect Picture Book for Mother's Day by best selling author Judith Kerr, a fascinating look at the Bronte Sisters for younger readers, a Mummy Fairy adventure for early readers and a mythical adventure about the last herd of unicorns.

Some Great Books for Mothers Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MUMMY TIME BY JUDITH KERR
PICTURE BOOK 4+
When a Mum is preoccupied on her mobile phone she doesn't notice her toddler getting up to all sorts of wild adventures in the park. A witty and ironic comment on modern-day distractions and a reminder of the importance of living in the moment and paying attention to the world around you. An engaging gift for Mothers Day, this lovingly illustrated funny book is perfect for parents to share with their children.

ISBN 9780008306809 HB Harper Collins £12.99

THE BRONTES BY ANNA DOHERTY
CHILDREN 5+
An inspiring and empowering story about the Bronte Sisters and their extraordinary imagination. Children will have a fascinating insight into the harsh life of women at the time and how Charlotte, Emily and Anne overcame these obstacles with astonishing determination and ambition. A celebration of female independence without which we would not have classics such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. A fantastically feminist and thoughtful gift for Mothers Day.
ISBN 9781526361066 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

MUMMY FAIRY AND ME: UNICORN WISHES BY SOPHIE KINSELLA

CHILDREN 6+
Ella's Mum is a real-life fairy with a 'computawand' that has a screen, fairy apps and email! But she doesn't always get her spells right which means there's a lot that can go wrong! Four spellbinding adventures including magical ballet lessons, flying to school and a pet unicorn. This is ideal for early readers as it's fully illustrated by Marta Kissi and has fun activities at the back. A touch of magic to share on Mothering Sunday.
ISBN 9780241380260 PB Penguin £5.99

GUARDIANS OF THE WILD UNICORNS BY LINDSAY LITTLESON

CHILDREN 9+
Lewis is on a miserable school trip but is astonished when he discovers the last surviving herd of unicorns in the Highlands. Can he and his best friend Rhona rescue these legendary creatures from an evil gamekeeper? A thrilling adventure told from alternative points of view that will appeal to both boys and girls. The story is wonderfully atmospheric and mythical with a conservation undercurrent alongside complex family issues. Children will be enthralled by these magnificently wild unicorns.
ISBN 9781782505556 PB Kelpies £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 24-25

This week my children's book reviews include a dog who saves Christmas, a Royal Corgi on a Festive adventure, a celebration of Mickey Mouse and a Japanese myth inspired fantasy.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DOG THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Christmas is a nightmare for Jake because he hates the bright lights and noise so he runs away. When Jake finds a lost dog called Susan they immediately bond and being home for the festive holiday doesn't seem so dreadful after all. A heartwarming and thought-provoking Christmas tale which celebrates the special role of therapy pets. The complimentary illustrations capture their close relationship and adventure. Suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers and reading aloud in class.
ISBN 9781781127698 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

A VERY CORGI CHRISTMAS BY SAM HAY & LORETTA SCHAUER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Belle the littlest Royal corgi escapes from Buckingham Palace and meets streetwise pup Pip they embark on a festive adventure. But when Pip disappears will Belle find her friend again? Young ones will love this royal twist on the story of Lady and the Tramp. The cute illustrations are adorable and full of festive cheer and waggy tales. A lovely story about friendship to share and read out loud in the build up to Christmas.
ISBN 9781471177750 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

MICKEY MOUSE MUSEUM: THE STORY OF AN ICON BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 8+
Celebrate 90 years since the birth of Disney's most iconic creation. Both children and adults will marvel at this large format book of archive material from Mickey's inception as Steamboat Willie to the present day. A must-have for Disney fans and a fascinating introduction to an icon. Also available for holiday activities is the must have search-and-find book entitled Where's Mickey? That will occupy little ones for hours looking for Micky and his pals. Christmas presents to treasure.
ISBN 9781787413597 HB Studio Press £20

SHADOW OF THE FOX BY JULIE KAGAWA
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Enter a fantasy world heavily influenced by Japanese mythology and imagination. A beautiful and perilous land of shapeshifters and samurai, kami and legends, humans and demons. Yumeko must protect an ancient scroll from demons by relying on a mysterious samurai who wants the scroll for himself. An action-packed adventure full of vibrant characters, intrigue and twists told from multiple perspectives with friendship at its heart. A tale of pure escapism to curl up with over the holidays.
ISBN 9781848457393 PB Harper Collins £7.99

CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

MY TOP TEN CHRISTMAS PICKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

1.A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS

Already a huge fan of her inaugural fantasy series The Throne of Glass which is inspired by Cinderella becoming an assassin imagine my excitement getting my hands on her new series A Court of Thornes and Roses. Based on Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Greek myth thrown in this blend off romance and adventure set in a darker, decadent fairy world will certainly raise the pulse of older teens. For Celeana fans the latest Queen of Shadows is out now. 

ISBN 9781408857861 PB £7.99 Bloomsbury

2.MY SECRET ROCKSTAR BOYFRIEND BY ELEANOR WOOD

A witty coming of age book that’s the perfect escape from impending homework. Geeky blogger meets wild child rockstar are all the ingredients needed for a witty contemporary love story. When Tuesday throws caution to the wind to sneek of to Glastonbury to meet the boy of her dreams things don't quite turn out as she expects it. Ps. Don't forget to read the hilarious inspiration for this story at the end, it seems fact is stranger than fiction.
Click Here For Full Review
ISBN 9781447277873 PB £6.99 Pan Macmillan
Ratings 5 Stars

3.TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN

Lara has sent out love letters to five of her old crushes by mistake. How will they react? Especially when one is her sister's boyfriend. A novel about the pitfalls of first love, sisterly rivalry and coming of age. Combines the family dynamic of Little Women with the romance of films, Pretty in Pink and Ten Things I Hate About You. Engaging and heart warming for lovers of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.
ISBN: 9781407149073 PB Scholastic £6.99

4.A THOUSAND NIGHTS BY E.K.JOHNSTON

A richly embroidered tale of family loyalty, bravery and adventure. Based on Scheherazade, a young woman saves her sister by becoming the new wife of a demon king but how will she survive her imminent death? This is an empowering story showing that the mind can be mightier than the sword. Brimming with magic and myth this will sweep you away into an ancient desert kingdom with a bold and beautiful heroine. Epic.
ISBN: 9781447284116 HB Pan Macmillan £12.99

5.HOPE IN A BALLET SHOE BY MICHAELA DE PRINCE

An extraordinary true story of an orphan from Sierra Leon who on seeing a picture of a ballerina is determined to become one against all the odds. Adopted by an American couple Michaela had to deal with a new culture and racism whilst dancing but despite all the setbacks she broke the mould to fulfil her dream. This book is a triumph over extreme adversity. A must read whether your a ballet fan or not!
ISBN:9780571314478 PB Faber & Faber £7.99
FULL REVIEW HERE

6.THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE BY LEILA SCALES

A lot of teen readers will relate to Elise's feelings of being the outsider when she goes to a new school. How can she become popular whilst staying true to herself? Only when Elise discovers a secret warehouse party where she can DJ does she start to feel accepted as well as finding her own niche. Can she juggle her double life? Some great life lessons wrapped up in a coming of age story.
FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN 9781447252832 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99

7.TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Angelini's first series Starcrossed was great but this really cranks it up a notch. Lily suffers life endangering allergies, has a schizophrenic mother and absent father. Calamitous events send her into an alternative world where Lily grows from a peace loving sensitive girl into a strong powerful witch. So many twists and turns in this book it had me hooked from the beginning. The second, Firewalker, is just out so you can binge read!
ISBN 9781509809875 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

8.FROZEN BY MELISSA DE LA CRUZ AND MICHAEL JOHNSTON

A hybrid book mixing dystopian with fantasy. Think Mad Max meets X Men meets The Wild West! Nat is in Las Vegas hiding her special skills that are hunted and used by the brutal authority. The only way to survive is to find a mythical land called Blue with the help of mercenaries who harbour their own secrets. A unique mix of genres that sets it apart and is suitable for boys and girls.
ISBN 9781408334669 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW

9.THE SELECTION BY KIERA CASS

A dystopian story that will appeal to your inner Cinderella. Prince Maxim picks feisty heroine America but her first love is the unsuitable Astor. America is obnoxious and manipulative but later you warm to her feisty, honourable nature. It is this hot, cold appeal that will keep you reading. If you like reality TV, princes and fairytales with a little nip rather than bite this is the book for you. Hunger Games meets Pageant Queen! 
ISBN: 9780007466696 PB HarperCollins £7.99
4/5 Stars

10.SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE BY MARCUS SEDGEWICK

Marcus Sedgwick has set up a fascinating premise that will have you gripped from the start. Laureth is sixteen and blind so when she sets off to find her missing father with her young brother and his stuffed toy raven Stan you want her to succeed despite the odds. It makes us look at the world from different angles and appreciate the mindset of a girl who no longer wants to be invisible just to fit in. Thought provoking.
FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN: 9781780621340 Hachette Children's Group PB £7.99
4/5 Stars