SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 30-31 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a book of Ocean Life using exquisite floral collages, a Mummy Tiger looking for a home for her cubs, a Mummy Fox exploring nature with her little fox and a fascinating look at the life of sharp shooter Annie Oakley.

Some Great Books for Mothers Day and Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

BENEATH THE WAVES BY HELEN AHPORNSIRI

CHILDREN 5+

A stunning exploration of what lies hidden beneath the waves. Each chapter explores a different ocean realm brought to life with exquisite and intricate collages solely created with sea-weeds and coastal plants. Marvel at how Helen transforms silky seaweed, feathery algae and bright coastal blooms into playful penguins, underwater cities and ocean giants. A beautiful gift to treasure for Mother's Day and a delightful alternative to an Easter egg. Perfect for nature and animal lovers.

ISBN 9781787413801 HB Big Picture Press £12.99

LITTLE TIGERS BY JO WEAVER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Mother Tiger and her two cubs journey through the jungle searching for a new home. Will they find refuge behind a waterfall, up in the trees, in a cave or a temple? These striking charcoal and sepia illustrations perfectly capture the tiger family and the parental bond. Also the story could start a discussion about either moving house or conservation of tigers. A moving and thought-provoking story to share on Mother's Day.

ISBN 9781444937534 PB Hodder £6.99

FOLLOW ME, LITTLE FOX BY CAMILA CORREA & SEAN JULIAN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Little Fox finds city life too noisy and busy Mummy Fox takes him on an adventure into the countryside. A beautifully illustrated reminder of the importance of playing and spending time in the outdoors and appreciating all the sights, smells and sounds. It also will create an appreciation of nature. A lovely book to share on Mother's Day and it hopefully will inspire young children to plant seeds and watch them grow.

ISBN 9781788810876 HB Little Tiger £11.99

ONE SHOT BY TANYA LANDMAN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
A coming of age drama inspired by the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. An insightful and gripping novella that depicts a young woman's fight for a better life in the Wild West of 19th Century America. A story about hope, ambition and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A gripping tale that is perfectly pitched for dyslexic and reluctant readers as well as book clubs. A powerful story of a girl in a man's world that really hits the bullseye.
ISBN 9781781128510 PB Barrington Stoke £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 MARCH 16-17

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting fact packed adventure book, a picture book about a rather large cat, a middle grade adventure about a dangerous grandma and a teen fantasy adventure with a Machiavellian twist.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE LOST BOOK OF ADVENTURE EDITED BY TEDDY KEEN
CHILDREN 9+
When explorer Teddy discovers the illustrated diaries and observations of an unknown adventurer he compiles it into a illustrated treasure trove of survival tips and adventure stories. This first-hand glimpse takes you on a voyage of discovery from the Northern Lights to the Sri Lanka jungle to the Sahara desert. A gripping and fact-packed adventure book that is perfect to share with the family. A cool mix of Indiana Jones, Bear Grylls and David Attenborough!

ISBN 9781786032966 HB Frances Lincoln £20

BIG CAT BY EMMA LAZELL
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Isobel finds a very big cat in the garden while searching for her grandma's glasses. Will the other cats be happy to share their home with this enormous feline? Children will love 'pawing' over the vivid illustrations which gleefully capture the ensuing fun and chaos. A roaringly funny tale to share with Grandma on Mothering Sunday about family and making new friends. Purrrfect for fans of The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

ISBN 9781843654018 PB Pavilion £6.99

GRANDMA DANGEROUS AND THE EGG OF GLORY BY KITA MITCHELL
CHILDREN 9+
Ollie's Grandma is a fearless explorer. Wherever she goes chaos and adventure pursue her! In this second adventure Grandma Dangerous is intent of finding a stolen, priceless Faberge egg with Ollie. Nothing will stop her, not poisoned caviar, a prison break or even some contemporary dancing! Children will love this rebellious granny and Nathan Reed's line illustrations only add to the fast-paced fun. Warning: Don't give this to your Grandma. She might get ideas!

ISBN 9781408355503 PB Orchard £6.99

SONG OF SORROW BY MELINDA SALISBURY
YOUNG ADULT 13+
A thrillingly dark conclusion to the Machiavellian fantasy series State of Sorrow. Sorrow Ventaxia must find a way to free herself from the sinister control of Vespus and free her people. Immerse yourself in a richly woven world of intrigue, romance and treachery. At the centre of a web of lies and seduction readers will love Sorrow, who combines strength and vulnerability into a multi-faceted relatable heroine. For fans of Leigh Bardugo.
ISBN 9781407180281 PB Scholastic £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS MARCH 10-11

This week my children's book reviews include an epic fantasy inspired by African myth, a baby whale embarking on a journey across the sea with her mother, an anthology of inspiring women and a romantic mystery inspired by the Sirens.

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

 A great selection of books for Mother's Day

BOOK OF THE WEEK

CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE BY TOMI ADEYEMI

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Zelie must learn to harness her outlawed magic to fight a tyrannical king. When his daughter, Princess Amari, rebels and joins the cause they must outrun the crown prince who is determined to finish what his father started and destroy magic for good. This sweeping fantasy, inspired by African mythology, is a story of revolution, loyalty and emotional heart and will ignite your imagination. Black Panther meets Xena Warrior Princess.

ISBN 9781509871353 PB Macmillan £7.99

LITTLE WHALE BY JO WEAVER

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A heart warming story celebrating the beauty of the ocean and the love between parent and child. Little whale swims through the warm southern oceans, passing coral reefs and shoals of shimmering fish with her mother always guiding and protecting her. The evocative blue tinged charcoal drawings and the lyrical story adds to the wonder and mystery of the ocean. This is perfect for Mother's Day and for those who enjoyed Blue Planet. Mesmerising.

ISBN 981444937497 HB Hodder Children £12.99

ANTHOLOGY OF AMAZING WOMEN BY SANDRA LAWRENCE & NATHAN COLLINS

CHILDREN 8+

This beautifully illustrated anthology tells the awe-inspiring stories of fifty women who have pushed the boundaries in their chosen fields. Find out about Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space to modern icons such as Beyonce or feminist Emmeline Pankhurst who was instrumental in obtaining the vote for women in Britain. A fascinating book that is perfect to celebrate Woman's History Month, International Women's Day and a great gift for Mother's Day.

ISBN 978178342502 HB 20 Watt £12.99

THE WICKED DEEP BY SHEA ERNSHAW

YOUNG ADULT 13+

The town of Sparrow has been cursed by three sisters for centuries luring boys to their death each year. Penny can see what others cannot which means she must choose to either save stranger Bo, who has a secret past or save herself. An atmospheric and haunting mystery romance that is a contemporary take on the Sirens of Greek mythology. You will be washed away into a modern-day fable of revenge, sacrifice and seduction. Bewitching.

ISBN 9781471166136 PB Simon & Schuster £7.99

My Top Ten Perfect Childrens Books for Mothers Day

Some lovely children's books for Mothers Day that can be shared between Mother and Child from a baby up.

1. I LOVE MY MUMMY : A BLOSSOMING BOOK OF GIVING BY JONATHAN LITTON AND FHIONA GALLOWAY

PICTURE BOOK 0+

The perfect little board book to give on Mothers Day to keep busy hands occupied. Bold illustrations, cutouts and finger holes will endure and fascinate the most energetic of children while Mum is enjoying her special day. The colourful cast of cute characters all want to find ways to say thankyou to their special Mum. The rhyming text will make sure this has a captive audience while parents enjoy a rare quiet moment.

• ISBN: 9781848691773 HB Little Tiger Press Group £5.99
• 4/5 Stars

2.GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU BY SAM MCBRATNEY

PICTURE BOOK 2+

This timeless classic recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary and has delighted generation after generation. The large format board book makes its sturdy enough to be passed down from little hands to little hands. Little and Big Nutbrown Hare love each other very much but how do they let each other know? Anita Jeram's enchanting illustrations capture the story's sentiment perfectly and makes it a lovely book to gift on International Book Giving Day on February 14^th

ISBN: 9781406358780 HB Walker Books Ltd £ 6.99

5/5 Stars

3. SPOT LOVES HIS MUM BY ERIC HILL

PICTURE BOOK 2+

The perfect present for your little loved ones. This sturdy heart shaped board book is a playful addition to the popular series about everyone's favourite puppy. Spot loves spending time with his mum, Sally. Each spread shows Sally and Spot having fun together in this brightly coloured board book.

:ISBN: 9780723257479 Penguin Books Ltd £4.99

4/5 Stars

4. I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY LAMBERT
PICTURE BOOK 2+

A gorgeously illustrated celebration of the eternal love and bond between a parent and child. Simple lyrical rhyming text set in a twilight world as a bear takes his cub on a journey of discovery through dense woodland, blue mountains and sparkling rivers. This makes a beautiful gift for the very young or new parent. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You.

ISBN:9781848692114 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

5/5 Stars

5. DO YOU REMEMBER? BY HELEN DOCHERTY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A wonderful book that will spark special memories between parent and child. Enhanced with endearing illustrations by Mark Beech this would make a lovely birthday or Mothers Day gift. With its universal message, there's no such word as can't, it will really help overcome struggles to learn new skills. Whether it's the first time talking, walking or dressing this is a delightful way to start discussion about a young ones achievements and build their confidence.
ISBN: 9780571321148 PB  Faber & Faber £6.99
5/5 STARS

6. LITTLE WHY BY JONNY LAMBERT

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I adore Little Why with his fearless spirit and boundless curiosity as he discovers the world around him. Lambert has imbued this adorable baby elephant with real character. It also carries two great messages throughout. One is to be happy in your own skin as the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Also why its dangerous to wander off on your own especially with crocodiles about!

ISBN: 9781848691834 PB Little Tiger Press Group £6.99

5/5 Stars

7. LITTLE ONE BY JO WEAVER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A touching story of discovery shown through changing seasons. Soft charcoal illustrations perfectly capture a mummy bear as she introduces her cub to life in the wild. The simple text gives room for the reader to elaborate on the story and add their own observations. The panoramic scenes really give a sense of the true vastness of nature and a sense of our smallness which little ones will relate to.

ISBN: 9781444922738 HB  Hodder Childrens £11.99

5/5 Stars

8. A Great Big Cuddle by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Chris Riddell

CHILDRENS 5+

Two giants of children’s literature have joined forces to create a magical anthology of poetry for the very young. In a perfect introduction to poetry Rosen starts with a cornucopia of tongue twisters and nonsense rhymes and ends with soothing verses to send even the most energetic child off to sleep. Paired with Riddell's bold and beautiful illustrations you will have lots of fun reading this out loud. A great present for all occasions.

• ISBN:9781406343199 Walker Books HB £14.99
• 5/5 Stars

9. CHILDRENS COOKIE AND CAKE BAKING KIT BY ABIGAIL WHEATLEY

CHILDRENS 5+

This wonderful cooking kit will encourage absolute beginners to bake yummy cookies and biscuits. Everything you need is here including 25 simple to follow recipes, cookie cutters and a rolling pin. You can keep everything in a pretty gift box and is a lovely introduction to cooking that can be done with mum (or dad!) with something to nibble at the end from gingerbreads to heart biscuits. Delicious 

ISBN: 9781409598763 HB Usborne Publishing Ltd £ 14.99 

5/5 stars

10.LITTLE WOMEN BY L.M. ALCOTT

CHILDRENS 8+ 

This inspirational colour illustrated American classic makes a lovely gift between mothers and daughters. Set against the American Civil War Marmee and her five daughters resiliently struggle with poverty, first love and following their dreams. In an age where women's options were limited this heart warming tale really shows women in all their strengths. Jo, the aspiring writer has always been one of my favourite fictional characters as well as her Professor Bear!

ISBN: 9781409581987 HB Usborne Publishing Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars