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 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 OCT 5-6 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade icy adventure, a picture book about a rock, a middle grade non fiction book of unusual jobs and a poetry book for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

FROSTHEART BY JAMIE LITTLER

CHILDREN 9+

Ash lives with The Fira at the edge of the Snow Sea in a strong hold surrounded by terrifying monsters. When a brave rescue reveals his magical powers Ash embarks on a quest to find out what happened to his parents and the truth of his mysterious gift. A rip-roaring adventure with boundless illustrations which bring the characters to life. An exhilarating snow-bound ride that is perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Nevermoor.

Puffin PB £7.99

A STONE SAT STILL BY BRENDAN WENZEL

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When is a stone not just a stone? To the animals who live around the stone, it can be a home or an entire world. The stunning illustrations and soothing rhymes are perfect for reading aloud. It encourages children to use their imagination, looking at the simplest objects in different ways. It inspires fun games thinking about what everyday objects can be used for. A gorgeous exploration of perspective, perception with an underlying environmental message. Beautiful.

HB Chronicle Books £12.99

INCREDIBLE JOBS YOU'VE (PROBABLY) NEVER HEARD OF BY NATALIE LABARRE

CHILDREN 9+

Discover weird and wonderful jobs you may never have heard of in this large-format book. Children will be fascinated by the wide variety of jobs available such as a Sloth nanny or professional sleeper! What about becoming a picture restorer or a submarine chef? The bold and witty illustrations provide hours of exploration. It will ignite children's imagination and encourage them to think outside the box for future endeavours. This unique book opens up whole new worlds.

HB Nosy Crow £14.99

SOMEBODY GIVE THIS HEART A PEN BY SOPHIA THAKUR

YOUNG ADULT 13+

A compelling collection of poems by an acclaimed performance poet. Sophia explores issues of identity, difference, perseverance, relationships, fear, loss and joy. The collection is arranged from youth to school, to home life, falling in love and out. And growing up. It is inspired by the poet's mixed-race background trying to make sense of a lonely, complicated world. A beautiful and contemporary introduction to poetry and another way to explore our own emotions.

Walker PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 27-28

This week my children's book reviews include  a science fiction adventure for middle grade, a summery sticker book perfect for the holidays, an emotional second world war thriller and a teen romance set in the Tuscan hills. 

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE STARLIGHT WATCHMAKER BY LAUREN JAMES

CHILDREN 8+

Watchmaker Hugo is an android working in an elite academy. When a pompous Duke demands he mends his watch they uncover a sinister mystery while forming an unlikely friendship. An enthralling sci-fi adventure that has shades of Star Trek while exploring themes of discrimination and class. Hugo's journey to find his place in the world is uplifting. Perfect for book clubs and reluctant and dyslexic readers. I was whisked away into another universe.

Barrington Stoke PB £7.99

CLAUDE EVER-SO-SUMMERY STICKER BOOK BY ALEX T. SMITH

ACTIVITY BOOK 5+

Join in the seaside shenanigans with Disney Junior star Claude, Sir Bobblysock and their friends in Pawhaven. Packed with fun games, intriguing puzzles and 250 sunny stickers this is guaranteed to keep children busy in the holiday. From drawing sandcastles to creating a picnic, the joyful illustrations will put kids in a summer mood even on a rainy day! A perfect companion to Claude's new picure book, Anyone for Strawberries?

Hachette PB £4.99

ANNA AT WAR BY HELEN PETERS

CHILDREN 9+

Young Jewish girl Anna must leave her family to flee persecution in Germany to the safety of England but the war follows her. Trapped in a web of betrayal can Anna prove whose side she's on without exposing her own secrets? Full of historical facts children will be riveted by Anna's journey to freedom. A nail-biting and affecting adventure which explores themes of the plight of war refugees and prejudice. For fans of Emma Carroll.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

UNDER A DANCING STAR BY LAURA WOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Bea is sent in disgrace to Italy in the 1930s for being too outspoken. She'd rather study insects than look for a husband. Can Bea enjoy a lazy summer romance with handsome artist Ben without falling in love? Will the creeping onset of fascism ruin their plans? Be transported to the Tuscan hills and see this delightfully geeky and adorable heroine transform into an independent young woman. The perfect holiday read.

Scholastic PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 1-2 2019

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure with a  Welsh secret dragon, the story of how the unicorn got his horn, an adventure handbook for the seaside and a fun coming-of-age drama for teens.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE SECRET DRAGON BY ED CLARKE

CHILDREN 8+

Mari is fascinated by the fossils near her coastal home in South Wales so when she finds a tiny dragon alive she wants to study it. But Gweeb, the mischievous little dragon just needs a friend to help him find freedom. An hilarious adventure full of family and friendship with a pertinent message about animal rights at its heart. Children will also love the fossil facts and the cute illustrations on the head of each chapter. Magical.
ISBN 9780241360514 PB Puffin £ 6.99

ONCE UPON A UNICORN HORN BY BEATRICE BLUE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

When little girl June enters an enchanted forest she finds little horses learning to fly. But one can't seem to fly however hard he tries. Can June help him find his own special talent with some kindness and a bit of something delicious? Children will be entranced by the adorable illustrations. A gorgeous and unique re-telling of how a unicorn gets his horn. A lovely book to share and read out loud.

ISBN 9781786035882 HB Quarto £12.99

GO WILD AT THE SEASIDE BY GOLDIE HAWK & RACHAEL SAUNDERS

CHILDREN 7+

The ultimate adventure guide to the seaside and how to enjoy it. Packed with activities such as rock pool safaris, quizzes and learning how to spot molluscs, birds and shells, this book can be shared with the whole family. In addition, kids can read about water safety and conservation. In association with the National Trust, this colourful handbook is perfect for the holidays and shows how to have fun on the coast responsibly.

ISBN 9781788003322 HB Nosy Crow £7.99

SUMMER OF NO REGRETS BY KATE MALLINDER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Four sixteen-year-old friends pledge to enjoy the summer without regret. But it can be a challenge. Sasha is meeting her fathers' unfriendly new girlfriend, Hetal is off to science camp, Cam is determined to find her birth father and Nell must learn to deal with her panic attacks. This entertaining holiday read is bursting with friendship, romance and fun. I especially love the 'seize the day' theme and felt inspired to do the same!

ISBN 9781910080948 PB Firefly £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 APRIL 6-7th

This week my children's book reviews include a gripping middle grade adventure about finding courage, a sticker book for the Easter holidays, a celebratory return of Horrid Henry and a modern day feminist tale based in New York for teens. 

Some Great Books for Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE MIDDLER BY KIRSTY APPLEBAUM
CHILDREN 9+
Eleven-year-old Maggie lives in an enclosed village safe from the Quiet War and the dangerous wanderers lurking outside. Just as her older brother, Jed is being sent to war a shocking truth is revealed from an unexpected friend. Can Maggie make herself heard before it's too late? A story about not being afraid of those who are different or of being true to yourself. A gripping adventure bursting with friendship, family and the importance of individuality.
ISBN 9781788003452 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

STICKER SHAPES: EASTER BY USBORNE
CHILDREN 5+
This little sticker book is the perfect activity for the holidays and small enough to go in your pocket. Bursting with Springtime scenes children can use the stickers to make daffodils, rabbits, lambs plus much more. It is ideal to take on travels as well as at home so boredom doesn't set in. Also in the Easter activity mini series you can pick from finger painting, puzzles and colouring books. Brilliant family fun.

ISBN 9781474947787 PB Usborne £2.99

HORRID HENRY: UP, UP AND AWAY BY FRANCESCA SIMON
CHILDREN 5+
This collection of four new fiendishly funny stories marks the 25^th anniversary of Horrid Henry. Henry wreaks first-class havoc on a plane, sabotages a school play, writes a history essay under duress and sneaks onto a forbidden roller-coaster. A fantastic introduction to reading for pleasure featuring deliciously naughty illustrations by Tony Ross. Be warned, some children might get some rather horrid ideas from this irrepressible rebel!

ISBN 9781510105928 PB Orion £5.99

WATCH US RISE BY RENEE WATSON & ELLEN HAGAN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. When they start a Women's Rights Club to fight against stereotypes and prejudices in their school they have no idea it will go viral. Can they capture the momentum and really make a change? But at what cost? An ensemble cast that really captures the trials and tribulations of growing up. An inspiring story about the need to be peacefully proactive and engage with the world around you.
ISBN 9781526600875 PB Bloomsbury £7.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 12-13 2019

This week my first children's book review of the year include a gripping fantasy adventure for middle graders, a picture book full of Vikings who are looking for warm knickers, a wonderful children's almanac and a chilling Nordic thriller for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

LIGHTNING CHASE ME HOME BY AMBER LEE DODD
CHILDREN 9+
Amelia makes a wish on Serpent's Tooth Rock on her eleventh birthday to be reunited with her Mum. But unfortunately, she ignites magic that transports her to different parts of her island home when she is stressed. It doesn't help Amelia is starting a new school and dealing with bullying because of her dyslexia. An exciting magical adventure with a heroine at it's centre that children will immediately warm to. Gripping and thought-provoking.
ISBN 9781407191652 PB Scholastic £6.99

ITCHY, SCRITCHY, SCRATCHY, PANTS BY STEVE SMALLMAN & ELINA ELLIS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Five Viking's get into a fight, lose their pants and now their bums are turning blue. What will they do? They must go on a quest to find yeti fur to make the warmest knickers ever of course! A riotously funny adventure with rip-roaring illustrations that will have the kids hooting with laughter. What lengths would you go to to have a toasty bum? If your itching to find out this is the book for you!
ISBN 9781848699410 HB Little Tiger £10.99

2019 NATURE MONTH-BY-MONTH: A CHILDREN'S ALMANAC BY ANNA WILSON & ELLY JAHNZ

CHILDREN 7+
This fully illustrated almanac containing fascinating facts throughout the year will encourage children to fully engage with and appreciate the world around them rather than take things for granted. Learn how to spot seasonal flora and fauna or discover special days and festivals in each month. Also included are indoor and outdoor activities and delicious recipes. An inspirational and beautifully illustrated month-by-month guide to the year in association with The National Trust.
ISBN 9781788003391 HB Nosy Crow £9.99

THE TWISTED TREE BY RACHEL BURGE
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Martha can read the emotions and memories of a person just by touching their clothes. Her strange power started after she lost her eye in an accident and to understand what's happening to her she must embark on a dangerous quest. Part ghost story, part romantic mystery and set in contemporary Norway this is full of unexpected twists and turns. Imbued with Norse mythology this creepy coming-of-age tale is perfect for the cold January nights.
ISBN 9781471407765 PB Hot Key £7.99