SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 25-26 2020

This is my last column for the South Wales Evening Post but don't worry I will continue to post my childrens book reviews every week and highlight books on this book blog and across social media.

 Lots of exciting changes coming up so keep posted as I am re organising this blog so more easily navigated!

This week my children's book reviews in the South Wales Evening Post include a treasure hunt in the wilds of Wales for middle grade readers, a picture book about a free spirited dog in Rome, an activity book for autistic children and an epic Faerie fantasy for teens. Enjoy!

This is my last column

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WHERE THE WILDERNESS LIVES BY JESS BUTTERWORTH

CHILDREN 8+

Cara and her siblings must flee to the wilds of Wales when they discover a locked safe. Is a treasure inside? Who is chasing them? An inspiring quest interspersed with an enchanting fable, survival and nature facts plus one large dog. Children will relish their battle for survival as they try to reach their fathers home. An exhilarating and inspiring adventure full of empathy. Short chapters plus diary extracts make it perfect for reluctant readers and storytime. Thrilling.

Orion Books PB £6.99

I CAN DO IT! BY PATRICIA HEGARTY & HILLI KUSHNIR

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Young children will have great fun tying shoelaces, fastening buttons and more by using the step by step instructions and interactive elements. On each page children can learn and practice with different types of fastenings shown with sweet diverse characters. Perfect for little hands to practice dexterity. It makes teaching how to use fastenings less frustrating and more playful and thereby hopefully easier to learn and remember. Ingenious.

Little Tiger HB £9.99

AUTISM AND ME BY HAIA IRONSIDE & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

Written for children with autism this book will help them express their emotions through creative activities. It is packed with colouring, games to play and lots of ideas to think and talk about. It is written, designed and illustrated to be accessible by presenting uncluttered, clean and friendly layouts full of charming illustrations. It will keep the young entertained and focused. There is a list of helpful resources at the back. Inspirational.

Studio Press PB £9.99

THE QUEEN OF NOTHING BY HOLLY BLACK

YOUNG ADULT 12+

The compelling and seductive finale to the Folk of the Air series. Jude is the exiled Queen of Faerie in love with the wicked Prince Cardan. When her twin sister asks for help Jude agrees despite having to see Cardan again. Can she break a curse and save Faerie from ruin? An epic escapist fantasy which will thrill from start to finish. An enticing plot with beguiling characters you will remember. PB out July.

Hot Key HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include for Rememberance Sunday an inspiring second world war drama and a stirring illustrated middle grade novel about the importance of truth set in the First World War. My column also includes a picture book about learning to cope with bereavement, and lastly for the holidays a return to the Shadowhunters world with a fan favourite. 

The two World War books are perfect to learn about that period and start a conversation in class. They are also inspiring and insightful.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ BY HEATHER MORRIS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

1942 Lale is imprisoned in Auschwitz just because he is Jewish. His job is tattooing numbers of fellow victims. When he meets Gita it's love at first sight. Will they survive the horror of war? Based on real events, this pulsates with courage, friendship and daring. A deeply moving and inspiring story that should be a must for every school. Information and points of discussion are in the back. A story never to be forgotten.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

WAITING FOR WOLF BY SANDRA DIECKMANN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Fox and Wolf spend a perfect day together, talking, laughing, playing and watching stars. One day Wolf is gone. How will Fox cope? A stunningly illustrated and lyrical story about friendship, loss and grief. A perfect story to start a discussion with children about learning to cope with bereavement by remembering treasured memories. The magical illustrations capture the emotion of the scenes from happy to sad and ends with a positive heartwarming message.

HB Hodder £12.99

CAPTAIN ROSALIE BY TIMOTHEE DE FOMBELLE & ISABELLE ARSENAULT

CHILDREN 8+

Rosalie is five, and she is on a secret mission to learn to read. Her father is at war, and her mother reads his letters to her until one day she stops. Can Rosalie find out the truth? A moving story that reveals the tragedy of war through a child's eyes. The story is complemented by the atmospheric ink drawings and flashes of Rosalie's red hair against the darkness. It illustrates the importance of truth and togetherness and a pertinent conversation starter about Remembrance Day.

Walker Books PB £6.99

THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC BY CASSANDRA CLARE & WESLEY CHU

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A welcome return to the Shadowhunters world with fan favourite High Warlock Magnus Bane in the lead role. Magnus is on holiday with his boyfriend, Alex Lightwood. But before long they are chasing the evil leader of a demon-worshipping cult. A fun romp through the most glamorous European cities plus ladles of adventure, magic and romance. This is suitable for fans and newcomers who will love the diverse cast and sense of loyalty and honour at its heart.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 14-15 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliantly clever middle grade detective story, a picture book about acceptance, a middle grade drama about family and an exciting SAS adventure for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LORI AND MAX BY CATHERINE O'FLYNN

CHILDREN 9+

When money goes missing from the classroom new girl Max becomes the suspect. But her friend and wannabe detective Lori is determined to prove Max's innocence. When Max disappears, can Lori solve the mystery? A contemporary whodunnit with two endearing and quirky heroines. The twists and turns are dealt with a sleight of hand that will have you guessing until the end. Full of laughter, excitement and empathy this is the perfect pick for budding sleuths.

Firefly Press PB £6.99

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS BY JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue) never mix because of their differences. But what will they do if a Smed and Smoo fall in love? A beautiful story of inclusivity and learning to appreciate each other's differences rather than be mistrustful of them. The joyful and colourful illustrations capture the wild and wonderful array of aliens, and you can even spot a Gruffalo alien. A story for our times.

Alison Green Books HB £12.99

THE SPACE WE'RE IN BY KATYA BALEN

CHILDREN 10+

Frank's little brother Max is autistic. The whole family loves him, but sometimes Frank resents all the attention Max receives. When tragedy strikes their world spirals out of control. Can the family piece their lives back together? This deals with big issues like sibling love and rivalry, grief, anxiety, as well as love and hope. Sensitively illustrated by Lauren Carlin this will make you laugh and cry. For fans of David Almond and R.J. Palacio.

Bloomsbury HB £10.99

JUSTICE BY CHRIS RYAN

YOUNG ADULT 13+

To catch a warlord of an international trafficking ring, The Special Forces Cadets must use themselves as bait. But the bad guys always seem one step ahead. Can the teens survive the Congo rainforest? Who can they trust? An exciting fast-paced adventure with authentic detail by the former SAS author that adds to the tension. The third in the series with its ensemble cast has enormous appeal for fans of Alex Rider and CHERUB.

Hot Key PB 6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 18-19 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a little robot on a quest of a lifetime, a fun and fact filled adventure about bumble bees, a duck with super powers and a powerful retelling of Cinderella's ugly sisters. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

BOOT BY SHANE HEGARTY

CHILDREN 7+

Toy robot, Boot has been accidentally thrown away and must find his owner, Beth in a city full of danger. Can Boot find his way home armed with only two and half memories and a band of rusty robot has-beens? Children will love the gadgets galore, excitement and friendships as well as Ben Mantle's evocative illustrations throughout. A heart-warming quest bursting with adventure, empathy and humour. WALL-E meets Toy Story.
ISBN 9781444949360 PB Hachette £6.99

LOOK OUT FOR MY BLOG TOUR POST THIS MONDAY FOR BOOT. A FASCINATING INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR AND WHAT INSPIRED HIM!

WHEN THE BEES BUZZED OFF! BY LULA BELL & STEPHEN BENNETT

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Three brave bugs and one grumpy snail must find out where all the bees have gone. Children will love helping look for the missing bees by lifting flaps and following their trail. Fascinating bee facts are sweetened with hilarious asides in this adventure story which will encourage little ones to explore and appreciate the natural world. An important message that is also thoroughly entertaining and that can be shared with family or in the classroom.
ISBN 9781848694408 PB Little Tiger £7.99

ADVENTURE DUCK VS POWER PUG BY STEVE COLE

CHILDREN 6+
Adventure Duck only wants to nest on his duck pond eating soggy bread. But when a meteor gives him superpowers he must use them to battle super villain Power Pug before he takes over the world with his hypnotic stare! The hilarious illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff add to the witty adventure and are perfect for newly independent readers. A brilliant bonkers new series that will Quack you up! Perfect for fans of the Astrosaurs series and Dave Pigeon.
ISBN 9781408356838 PB Orchard £5.99

STEPSISTER BY JENNIFER DONNELLY

YOUNG ADULT 12+
When Cinderella is whisked away by her prince what happens to her stepsisters? The youngest, Isabelle is not pretty but she is brave and strong-willed. Can she find redemption and cheat fate in a man's world where being pretty is the only currency they understand? A feminist retelling of the classic fairytale from a fascinating perspective of the ugly sister. Can people truly change for the better? An empowering and riveting tale for independent girls everywhere!

ISBN 9781471407970 PB Hot Key £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 20-21 EASTER

This week my children's book reviews include a book filled with kindness, a simply told story of Easter, an art class with a master Impressionist and a dystopian adventure for teens. 

Some Great Books for the Easter Holidays. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

KIND BY ALISON GREEN & VARIOUS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A gorgeous picture book celebrating kindness with pictures by 38 international illustrators including Quentin Blake; Axel Scheffler, Lydia Monks and Britta Teckentrup. Each picture shows children a different way that they can show kindness to make a better world. It highlights that everyone is valuable and we all have gifts to share. £1 per copy is donated to Three Peas, a charity helping refugees. A beautiful and thoughtful gift that will be treasured for generations.

ISBN 9781407194561 HB Alison Green Books £12.99

 

THE EASTER STORY BY HEATHER AMERY & NORMAN YOUNG
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A charming retelling of the Easter story told in very simple language that is accessible for story time and early readers. The colourful illustrations add to the narrative so that children can easily follow the story along with teachers and family members. The expressive and clearly defined characters will help children understand the emotions of the story. There is also a sticker book available in this series as a companion.

ISBN 9780746071533 PB Usborne £3.99

ART MASTERCLASS WITH CLAUDE MONET BY KATIE COTTON & HANNA KONOLA
CHILDREN 7+
Learn how to paint like the Impressionist master Monet with this fact-filled activity book. Children can follow each of the twelve lessons including drawing, colouring and sticking activities while learning to use all their senses to appreciate art. Learn how to draw water lilies or paint different light depending on the time of day. Brilliant projects for home or in school full of Monet's wonderful art and lots of space for kids to experiment with.

ISBN 9781786037961 PB Wide Eyed Editions £9.99

THE SECRET RUNNERS OF NEW YORK BY MATTHEW REILLY
YOUNG ADULT 14+
When Skye and her twin brother Red move to Manhattan they join a secret elite school gang who have discovered a portal to the future. But they discover a horrifying reality and must figure out how to survive impending annihilation. A fast-paced explosive dystopian adventure that will have teens hooked from the beginning. It's edgy, disturbing and darkly imaginative plot brims with characters to love and hate. Stranger Things meets Gossip Girl.
ISBN 9781471407956 PB Hot Key £7.99