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 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 MARCH 21-22 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting sci-fi middle grade adventure, a charming board book exploring farm life plus two more middle grade reads including a collection of classic stories featuring brave girls and an insightful road trip across the south in America 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BIGWOOF CONSPIRACY BY DASHE ROBERTS

CHILDREN 9+

Twelve-year-old UFO-obsessed Lucy Sladan is investigating unexplained disappearances in her home town Sticky Pines. She teams up with a strange thirteen-year-old boy called Milo to uncover the mystery. But what happens when they discover a huge hairy creature! A quirky cast of characters and bizarre occurrences will keep the kids hooked. A hilarious and exciting new sci-fi series that has a wide appeal. Stranger Things meets The Goonies.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? ON THE FARM BY MARIA PERERA & KATE WARE

BOARD BOOK 3+

Explore a farmyard with charming peep-through pages and layered landscapes. Children will love spotting and counting the different animals, vehicles and food on each page. It is also peppered with facts. Find out what a baby pig and cow is called. Count how many chicks are on the page. The bold colours and sturdy pages are perfect for curious fingers. A great way to occupy an hour or two.

HB Little Tiger £7.99

FAVOURITE STORIES OF COURAGEOUS GIRLS BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 8+

A wonderful collection of inspirational stories about brave girls who face up to fear and fight against unfairness. Children will be introduced to some of the best-loved heroines in children's' books. From Jo March cutting her hair to raise money to Anne of Green Gables saving her friends life. Each chapter has an introduction before the satisfying extract. This is a lovely gift to share on Mothers Day and will encourage children to explore the classics.

Hodder PB £6.99

CLEAN GETAWAY BY NIC STONE

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven-year-old Scoob and his Grandma are going on a spontaneous road trip in her new camper van across America. Armed with the Green Book showing the 'safe' places for African Americans Scoob soon learns nothing is what it seems. When the past meets the present, family secrets are exposed Scoob is getting more of an education that he realised. This entertaining road trip is a heartwarming and thought-provoking family drama that highlights prejudice in American history.

Knights Of PB £6.99

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 JAN 25-26 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade tale, an entertaining  board book about vehicles, a middle grade space adventure and a thrilling fantasy for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

TIGER HEART BY PENNY CHRIMES

CHILDREN 9+

When a young chimney sweep, Fly saves a tiger from an evil collector they form a bond and embark on a quest to find the truth of her royal birth. A magical tale that will whisk you away to exotic lands of cursed rubies. An inspiring tale about family, the importance of friendship and freedom. Beautifully written full of rich detail that draws you in with an entertaining and striking cast. Oliver meets the Jungle Book.

PB Orion £7.99

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO DRIVE... BY ROSAMUND LLOYD & RICHARD MERRITT

BOARD BOOK 3+

Discover an awesome array of exciting vehicles in this early learning board book. It is perfect for curious little fingers. Follow the road sweeper picking up rubbish, the ambulance helping people of the aeroplane taking off to far-flung places. The bold illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of life on the road or in the skies. Behind lots of fun flaps, children can find out fascinating facts about their favourite vehicles and discover new ones.

Little Tiger HB £ 6.99

ORION LOST BY ALASTAIR CHISHOLM

CHILDREN 9+

When catastrophe strikes the colony ship Orion in deep space it's up to thirteen-year-old eth and her friends to bring them home. They must navigate treacherous and uncharted territory with a heavily damage s ship while encountering mysterious alien species and space pirates. Who can they trust? An exciting sci-fi adventure full of twists and turns. Perfect for fans of Star Trek and Lost in Space.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

INFINITY SON BY ADAM SILVERA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Brothers Emil and Brighton are caught up in a war between a group of vigilantes, the Spell Walkers and specters who steal the essence of magical creatures. One brother has the power to end it all. The other will stop at nothing in his pursuit of glory. Brotherhood, love and loyalty will be put to the test. But who will escape the fight unscathed? A heart-thumping epic fantasy for fans of X-Men and Shadowhunters.

Simon & Schuster 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 CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 16-17 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a mysterious middle grade adventure, an introduction to woodland life for the very young, an inspiring compilation of heroes or villains for middle grade readers and a dark fairy tale fantasy for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

INVISIBLE IN A BRIGHT LIGHT BY SALLY GARDNER

CHILDREN 9+

In 1870 Celeste wakes up in the Royal Opera House to find everyone thinks she's someone else. To discover the truth and save those she loves, Celeste must play a dangerous game called the Reckoning. A dark and surreal fairy tale which reveals it's secrets one by one. Gorgeous and atmospheric descriptions of backstage bring the mystery and colourful cast to life. For fans of Amy Wilson and Abi Elphinstone.

Zephyr Books HB £10.99

GOODNIGHT FOREST BY CARMEN SALDANA & BECKY DAVIES

BOARD BOOK 1+

Peep through the forest in the soft dawn of light. Young children will be fascinated by how all the different animals and birds sleep and live. A fox hole is called a den. Owls hunt at night. Deers take short naps! Tiptoe through the undergrowth and explore the treetops in this beautifully illustrated board book with peep-through pages. Fun facts and rhyming text will delight little ones just before bedtime. Also available is Goodnight Ocean.

Little Tiger HB £7.99

EPIC TALES OF TRIUMPH AND ADVENTURE BY SIMON CHESHIRE & FATTI BURKE

CHILDREN 9+

Meet 66 exceptionally brave and inspiring men and women. Children will be fascinated by epic tales and triumphs and discoveries of heroes and villains. Dive into unexplored oceans with Jacques Piccard or sail them with pirate Anne Bonny. Climb Mount Everest with Junko Tabei or become a spy with Marthe Cnockaert. The double spreads with bold illustrations on each historical figure are perfect for dipping into. A vast collection to explore for little adventurers.

Bloomsbury HB £12.99

PET BY AKWAEKE EMEZI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When Jam discovers a horned creature called Pet emerging from her mother's painting, she must help it chase away a monster in her best friend's house. A dark and lyrical modern-day fairytale about friendship and bravery. I loved the diverse cast of characters and the imaginative world where all is not what it appears. It also deals with sensitive and hard-hitting subjects about facing fears and the abuse of power. Thought-provoking and profound.

Faber PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 21-22 2019

This week my children's book reviews include two books for little eco-warriors. Children can read about climate change and how to help the planet by reducing plastic. Also children can be star in their own picture book and for teens a cotemporary coming-of-age book dealing with different cultures. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ICE BY DK WITH FOREWORD BY GORDON BUCHANAN

CHILDREN 9+

Discover how animals, plants and humans survive in icy realms. This highly illustrated and fact-filled book invites young readers to learn more about the coldest places on earth and what is threatening them. Children will be captivated by the fight for survival of animals like the polar bear, penguins and reindeer. Brimming with fascinating facts and incredible photography it also examines the impact of climate change — a mesmerising and timely gift for nature lovers.

HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99

STAR IN YOUR OWN STORY: DRIVES A DIGGER BY DANIELLE MCLEAN & KATHRYN SELBERT

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When digger hits something hidden in the earth, the builders wonder what it could be? In this personalised book, you can add your child's name using the provided alphabet stickers. Children will love seeing their name appear on each page, becoming the star of the story. The bold and bright animal characters add to the fun. Part of a series which comes in large and small formats these make great presents to share and enjoy.

Little Tiger HB £12.99

PLASTIC SUCKS! BY DOUGIE POYNTER

CHILDREN 8+

An essential handbook for mini eco-warriors on how to join the fight against plastic waste. Packed with tips on reducing plastic plus a history of plastic and its pros and cons. It also introduces key campaigners and eco-entrepreneurs including Will Travers of Born Free and Amanda Keetley, the founder of Less Plastic UK. A great way to arm our future generation with the tools to help the planet and make a difference. Inspiring.

FRANKLY IN LOVE BY DAVID YOON

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Two Korean friends, Frank and Joy Song, try to balance family expectation with navigating high school. Trouble brews when they both fall for people outside of their culture and therefore deemed unacceptable to family. A modern romance that deals with identity, culture and oncoming adulthood. Teens will love the wit and wisdom and the diverse cast of characters. A thought-provoking insight into the difficulties of fitting in. For fans of Rainbow Rowell and Jenny Han.

PB Penguin £7.99