SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JAN 26-27

This week my children's book reviews include a young adult modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, a picture book about the life of a lighthouse, a return to the world of Eragon and a young adult contemporary story about the challenges teens face today. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY BY BRIGID KEMMERER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

An unforgettable retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Prince Rhen must find a girl to fall in love with him to break his curse. When he kidnaps Harper from the modern world she must learn to survive in his enchanted land while fighting against unwanted feelings towards her captor. Readers will lose themselves in a tangled web of desire and betrayal, friendship and unrequited love. Compulsive and addictive, this is monstrously good.

ISBN 9781408884614 PB Bloomsbury £7.99

HELLO LIGHTHOUSE BY SOPHIE BLACKALL

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A timeless story about hope, change and the passing of time centred around a lighthouse and its lighthouse keeper. Children will be taken on a visual journey inside and out of the lighthouse through storms, daring rescues as well as the growing family inside. The chinese ink and watercolour illustrations are exquisite and perfectly capture this lone beacon of light. It is a loving thank you to those who've dedicated their lives to keeping those as sea safe.

ISBN 9781408357163 HB Orchard £12.99

THE FORK, THE WITCH, AND THE WORM BY CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI

CHILDREN 10+

A wanderer, a cursed child, magic and of course dragons. Welcome to the world of Alagaesia and the return of Eragon from the best selling series. The three original and thrilling stories are based in the world of The Inheritance Cycle. It is a fantastic addition to the beloved series for fans as well as a great introduction for those new to this enthralling and magical world. Perfect for fans of The Hobbit and Dragon Rider.

ISBN 9780241392362 HB Penguin £12.99

KICK THE MOON BY MUHAMMAD KHAN

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Fifteen year old Ilyas finds a kindred spirit in good girl Kelly. But when one of his friends decides to seduce her for a bet who should he support? This riveting read will infuriate, outrage and make you laugh and cry. It covers toxic masculinity, racism and sexual shaming but also highlights the importance of self respect, self protection, friendship and loyalty. A current and insightful read for teens with a reminder that any crisis can be overcome.

ISBN 9781509874071 PB Macmillan £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MAY 5-6 TH

This week my children's book reviews include a magical dolphin adventure, a little owl looking for a friend, a celebration of unusual words and a chilling murder mystery. 

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SONG OF THE DOLPHIN BOY BY ELIZABETH LAIRD

CHILDREN 8+

Finn has always felt different in the tiny fishing village of Stromhead. Why is he told to stay away from the sea? When he accidentally swims with dolphins, he finds he has a special connection with them. But what can he do when his new friends are in danger from plastic and rubbish in the water? An illustrated magical eco-adventure full of friendship and excitement that kids can enjoy while learning an important environmental message.

ISBN 9781509828234 PB Macmillan £6.99

A T-WIT FOR A T-WOO BY CHARLIE FARLEY & LAYN MARLOW

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Little owl Twoo sets off on a brave quest through the night to find a true friend to sing with him. On his journey, he meets deer, bats and badgers, and even a hungry fox. Twoo discovers on his adventure that when you believe in yourself, anything is possible. The twilight illustrations are captivating alongside the lyrical rhyming text as the owl searches for his perfect companion. An adorable story that is ideal for bedtime reading.

ISBN 9781408346495 HB Orchard £12.99

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORD BY NICOLA EDWARDS & LUISA URIBE

CHILDREN 8+

This thoughtfully illustrated book celebrates the magic of language. It is a collection of words that have no direct one-word translation and are unique to particular countries. In Finnish 'poronkusema' means the distance a reindeer can walk before needing the toilet! However, you might not need a translation for the Welsh word Hiraeth meaning a nostalgic longing for the homeland or past. A book of linguistic curiosities ideal to give to a child or adult.

ISBN 9781848576452 360 Degrees HB £12.99

YOUR TURN TO DIE BY SUE WALLMAN

YOUNG ADULT 13+

While Leah is on a family holiday, their fun is derailed by new girl Tatum and the discovery of sixty-year-old remains of a teenage girl in the garden. Strange accidents and unexplained events begin to happen. Also what is causing her cousin Poppy's illness? Question marks hang over the cast of characters making it a modern-day whodunnit worthy of Agatha Christie. A chilling thriller with an almighty twist at the end that you won't be prepared for.

ISBN 9781407181585 PB Scholastic £7.99

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

This week my children's book reviews include books about a magical ballerina, a rabbit discovering the moon, a blind cat with ninja powers and a science fiction romance.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE MAGIC TOYSHOP BY JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Discover a world of fairytale toymakers and dancing dolls in the beautiful introduction to the classic ballet, La Boutique Fantastique. Ella Bella steps into an enchanted toy shop to discover a new magical ballet adventure. Can she stop two dolls, who are in love, from being separated? Exquisitely and richly detailed illustrations throughout, this is perfect for little ballerinas. The latest in a wonderful series introducing famous ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

ISBN 9781408336854 HB Orchard Books £12.99

GOODNIGHT BABY MOON BY JAMES MITCHEM AND CLAIRE PATANE

BOARD BOOK 2+

Follow a family of curious rabbits and the phases of the moon in this enchanting bedtime story. Easy to follow text, rhythmic phrases and magical twilight illustrations; little ones will want to return to this special board book again and again. I especially loved the LED moon on the front cover which lights up with the press of a button. A beautiful gift for all occasions.

ISBN 9780241276396 HB Dorling Kindersley £11.99

TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE BY DERMOT O'LEARY

CHILDRENS 7+

Toto is no ordinary furry feline. She may be almost blind, but she also has incredible ninja skills. Follow Toto and her cheeky brother Silver, on their first rip-roaring adventure. A deadly Cobra has escaped from the zoo. Can they find the giant snake before it's too late? The characterful illustrations by Nick East compliment the irreverent humour and daring deeds throughout the tale. Purrrfect for early readers and to read aloud.

ISBN 9781444939453 PB Hodder £6.99

MY SIDE OF THE DIAMOND BY SALLY GARDNER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

When Jazmin's best friend, Becky vanishes, she is shunned by everyone. Did Jazmin have something to do with her disappearance? Or was it more to do with Icarus, with whom Becky had become besotted? When Becky jumped off a building why did no one see her reach the ground? With detailed and intriguing illustrations throughout, this mysterious and spooky tale will fascinate and beguile. A quirky and unusual science fiction romance for fans of Stranger Things.

ISBN 9781471406430 PB Hot Key Books £9.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JULY 22-23

This week my children's book reviews include a spellbinding young adult fantasy, a ladybird in search of spots, a nostalgic look at A Midsummer Night's Dream and a contemporary romance for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HAWKWEED LEGACY BY IRENA BRIGNULL

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A bewitching tale of two girls, one boy and an ancient prophecy. Poppy and Ember are bound together by a ravens spell and a battle to become the Queen of the Witches. In the sequel to the Hawkweed Prophecy, will Poppy fulfil her destiny to succeed the throne? Or will her enemies come back from the dead? This beguiling magical tale and its strong female leads, full of betrayal, sorcery and friendship, is spellbinding.

ISBN 9781408341896 PB Orchard Books £7.99

LUCY LADYBIRD BY SHARON KING-CHAI

PICTURE 3+

Lucy ladybird has no spots! To try and fit in she collects different coloured spots from other animals. Her new spots are so pretty and unusual the other ladybirds want to be just like her. Bold and beautiful illustrations take us through the seasons, with a rainbow of colour and has a BIG fold out surprise at the end to captivate children. Shows that enhancing your individuality is a good thing. A joyful read.

ISBN 9781783703920 PB Templar £6.99

TITANIA AND OBERON BY JO MANTON & ILLUSTRATED BY PHYLLIS BRAY

CHILDREN 6+

A glorious hardback reissue of a classic tale, originally published in 1945. Written by Jo Manton, in a mix of prose interspersed with Shakespeare's original verse, this is the perfect introduction to A Midsummer Night's Dream. The ethereal, full colour illustrations, perfectly capture the magic and mystery of the story, with an abundance of fairies, flora and fauna on every page. A stunning gift for all ages.

ISBN 9781843653295 HB Pavilion £12.99

THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED BY BECKY ALBERTALLI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Molly knows all about unrequited love, despite her twin, Cassie, encouraging her to be more confident. Cassie, even tries to set her up with her girlfriend's cute best friend,Will. He'd be a perfect first boyfriend, wouldn't he? So why can't Molly stop thinking about her co worker, Reid, an awkward Tolkien super fan? A coming of age romance about first love, dealing with changing friendships and growing up. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and John Green.

ISBN 97801413561122 PB Penguin £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 24TH-25TH

This week my children book reviews include a Dickensian thriller based in Cardiff, a baby book about breast feeding, a magical fantasy and a romantic summer read perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GASLIGHT BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Set in Victorian Cardiff, fourteen year old Nansi is found alone in the docks. Why has her mother disappeared? Working in a theatre, Nansi is forced to join a crooked psychic act. Does the theatre owner know what happened to her mother? A deliciously dark, historical thriller that is evocative and intriguing. Wonderfully atmospheric with a determined feisty heroine and a menacing villain who has a distinctive Dickensian flavour. A great gift and perfect for book group discussion.

ISBN 9781910080542 PB Firefly Press £6.99

WHAT DOES BABY WANT? BY TUPERA TUPERA

PICTURE BOOK 0-2 YRS

This entertaining little board book is a light hearted and extremely funny story about breast feeding. It portrays a scenario every parent will recognise. A hungry baby who will not be soothed by his toy bear, ball or tambourine. Only his mothers milk will do! Baby's face and different moods fill the circular pages including happy, sad, angry and content. Highly appealing and playful, this will certainly add a smile. A great little gift for baby showers!

ISBN 9780714874074 HB Phaidon £8.95

MOONLOCKET BY PETER BUNZL

CHILDRENS 9+

The adventure continues for Lily, Robert and Malkin, their mechanical fox. Unwittingly caught up in a search for missing treasure, the moonlocket, they find themselves in the path of danger. Will they outwit criminal mastermind Jack Door? This brilliant sequel to Cogheart is full of daring, danger and family secrets in a richly imagined world that will sweep you away. A fantasy series that is magical, mysterious and mesmerising.

ISBN 9781474915014 PB Usborne £6.99

A GIRLS GUIDE TO SUMMER BY SARAH MLYNOWSKI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Sydney and her best friend Leela are escaping to Europe for a month. No boys or family drama. What could possibly go wrong? It doesn't start well when Leela's ex boyfriend turns up. Back packing through London, Italy and everywhere in between these friends have a blast and take the reader along for the ride. This is a fun, light hearted read perfect for the Summer holidays. Suitable for fans of E. Lockhart and Holly Smale.

ISBN 9781408343869 PB Orchard Books £7.99

FATHERS DAY CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JUNE 17-18

This week my pick of children's book include two picture books perfect for Fathers Day this Sunday. Also an educational activity book about sea creatures and a young adult historical romance set in World War Two.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ME AND MY DAD BY ROBIN SHAW

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A young girl goes on a walk with her dad. She discovers castles, crocodiles and dinosaurs but the best surprise is at the end. A joyful celebration of the bond between Father and child and the power of the imagination. The illustrations are to be savoured, poured over and shared. The first children's book from the animator of Snowman and Snow Dog, this will transport, inspire and melt hearts. Perfect for Fathers Day.

ISBN 9781444928112 HB Hodder Books £12.99

I LOVE MY GRANDAD BY GILES ANDREAE & EMMA DODD

PICTURE BOOK 2+

Special Grandad's should always be remembered on Fathers Day. Feel the joy and fun of spending the day with Grandad. Whether its playing games, solving problems or going on adventures, they are a treasure trove of information and ideas. Bold cheerful illustrations perfectly capture the loving relationship between the generations. A great gift to share.

ISBN 9781408338179 PB Orchard Books £6.99

SHARKS AND OTHER SEA CREATURES BY DORLING KINDERSLEY

CHILDREN 4+

Want to explore the ocean? Find out about super sharks, pretty parrot fish, and all their friends? This is a blend of educational content and simple creative fun. Why not paint a puffer fish, make your own jellyfish or create an ocean in an egg box! Imaginative and informative this is wonderful to engage young minds with fun projects and facts. Also in the series are farm animals, bugs and forest life. Perfect for the holidays.

ISBN 9780241274385 HB Dorling Kindersley £7.99

A BERLIN LOVE SONG BY SARAH MATTHIAS

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Set against the backdrop of World War Two, seventeen year old,German schoolboy, Max falls in love with Lili, a Romani trapeze artist from a travelling circus. Will their forbidden love survive when he is conscripted into the SS? A beautiful, heartbreaking romance that shines a light on the Romani Holocaust. A powerful, bitter sweet, insightful novel that will stay with you long after you finish it. Great for discussion in teenage and adult book clubs.

ISBN 9781909991408 PB Troika Books £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 18-19

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include an adventure with an elephant, a retelling of Beauty and The Beast, a very ladylike murder mystery and an hilarious teen romance.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ELEPHANT THIEF BY JANE KERR

CHILDREN 9+

When pickpocket Danny accidentally bids for Maharajah, the elephant at auction he's caught up in an unforgettable journey. Transformed into a bejewelled Indian prince Danny rides Maharajah from Scotland to his new home in England. Will a rival zoo keeper stop them and will Danny's dangerous past catch up with them both? A gripping historical adventure of an unlikely friendship between boy and elephant, based on true life events. A beautifully written future classic.

ISBN 9781910655757 PB Chicken House £6.99

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BY ANNA MILBOURNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Celebrating the film release, this is a beautiful retelling of the classic fairytale. As well as the colourfully detailed illustrations by Lorena Alvarez it is also packed with enchanting surprises with intricate cut outs to look through and flaps to lift. Little children will love following Belle through the Beast's house until she discovers him hiding in the garden . Also available in the series is Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. A gift to treasure.

ISBN 9781474920544 HB Usborne £9.99

BLACK CATS AND BUTLERS BY JANINE BEACHAM

CHILDREN 9+

Born into the aristocracy Rosie is a young lady with a penchant for finding distinctly unladylike trouble. When her adored butler is murdered Rosie is determined to defy convention and find out who did it. Can she solve this wicked crime while successfully steering her way through the rules of proper etiquette? Grave robbers, magicians and ancient feline guardians will keep young readers gripped. Nancy Drew meets Downton Abbey. A rollicking adventure.

ISBN 9781510201286 PB Little, Brown Books £6.99

BOYWATCHING SEASON THREE BY CHLOE BENNET

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Hilarious conclusion to this contemporary trilogy. Broken hearts, broken promises and broken toes abound! Chloe is left with her boyfriends handsome but awkward cousin Oscar while he leaves her to go on a French exchange. Can she transform him into a smooth operator? Laugh out loud at the teenage angst that everyone can relate to. Pretty in Pink meets Ten Things I Hate About You, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han

ISBN 9781408345122 PB Orchard Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 4-5TH

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post include a beetle mad villain, a shy koala, an exploration of sea life and an Indian Jones style adventure.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BEETLE QUEEN BY M.G LEONARD
CHILDREN 9+
The highly anticipated sequel to the best selling Beetle Boy doesn't disappoint.
Cruel beetle fashionista, Lucretia Cutter, is at large with her yellow ladybird spies. Will Darkus and his friends be able to stop her thirst for power? I love Lucretia, who is a wickedly delicious villain to rival Cruella De Ville. Her evil machinations are aided and abetted by a wonderfully vibrant cast that will enthral fans and find new ones.
ISBN 9781910002773 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE KOALA WHO COULD BY RACHEL BRIGHT AND JIM FIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A charming rhyming tale about a little koala who does not like change. The koala likes to feel safe, so he stays in his tree even though its boring and he can see his friends having fun on the ground. There is nothing so frightening as fear ; face it to deal with it . This inspiring tale is about learning to let go so to discover new things. Good for bedtime, classrooms and cautious children!
ISBN 9781408331644 PB Orchard Books £6.99

SECRETS OF THE SEA BY ELEANOR TAYLOR
CHILDRENS 8+
Take a journey of wonder through the hidden world of the sea. From rock pools and the shallows to coral gardens and the mysteries of the deep. Discover the astonishing diversity of life beneath the waves in this fragile ecosystem. From single cell organisms, Sea Sparkle and tiny crustaceans, Daphnia to Giant Tube Worms and Queen Parrotfish. The glorious illustrations have a luminous, mystical feel that will transport you to the oceans hidden depths.
ISBN 9781783704347 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

JAKE ATLAS AND THE TOMB OF THE EMERALD SNAKE BY ROB LLOYD JONES
CHILDREN 9+
Jake and his twin sister Pan are in big trouble. When their parents disappear in Cairo can they find them before they are turned into mummies by an evil cult? Teaming up with shady high tech treasure hunters first Jake and Pan must find a lost tomb. This is Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible with a touch of The Goonies thrown in for good measure. Action packed great fun.
ISBN 9781406361445 PB Walker Books £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 11-12TH

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post have a Valentine theme. They include a young dragon who loves chocolate,  a night gardener who finds his artistic passion, a Venetian tale inspired by the composer Vivaldi and the story of the young Queen of Hearts from Alice of Wonderland.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART BY STEPHANIE BURGIS

CHILDRENS 9+

Aventurine, a young dragon, defies her family to find a human feast but instead she finds something more delicious, chocolate! The problem is it's enchanted and has turned her into a human. Will her new found love for chocolate come to her rescue? This rip roaring fantasy adventure and feisty dragon will melt your heart. Perfect for girls who dream of finding their passion and inner dragon. For fans of Eva Ibbotson and chocoholics.

ISBN 9781408880319 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

THE NIGHT GARDENER BY THE FAN BROTHERS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young orphan's creativity is ignited when he meets The Night Gardener. Together they create extraordinary topiary that delights and unites the villagers of Grimloch Lane. Stunning and delicate illustrations that enrich this evocative story will enthral children as they pour over the pictures. The twilight colours perfectly capture their midnight adventures. Sleeping cats and serpentine dragons fill you with wonder. The perfect book for inquisitive minds. A story to treasure.

ISBN 9781 HB Frances Lincoln £ 12.99

HEARTSONG BY KEVIN CROSSLEY-HOLLAND

CHILDREN 9+

Set against 18^th century Venice a young mute orphan Laura finds her own special way to communicate with the world. Discovering a talent for music will she find what she is looking for? This inspirational tale is inspired by the real life composer Vivaldi who helped those in need through music. It is accompanied by the jewelled watercolours of award winning artist Jane Ray. A lovely gift for music, art and history lovers.

ISBN 9781408336076 PB Orchard Books £7.99

HEARTLESS BY MARISSA MEYER

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Why was the Queen of Hearts so mad, bad and dangerous to know? Revisit Wonderland before Alice and discover the young ambitious girl who had a passion for baking and a soft spot for the mysterious Court Jester. There's also a little matter of the fearsome Jabberwocky on the prowl. Will Cath lose her heart or listen to her head? A twisted fairytale with a touch of Brothers Grimm full of magic, madness and monsters.

ISBN 9781509814138 PB Macmillan Childrens Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN JAN 7-8

A new year welcomes in a plethora of new and exciting childrens books. This week my pick for The South Wales Evening Post include a psychological thriller about an amnesiac, a story to help little ones count, a lost fox and boy who try and help each other and a contemporary tale about the pitfalls of stardom. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ONE MEMORY OF FLORA BANKS BY EMILY BARR
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Flora has had severe amnesia for years until she remembers kissing a boy she shouldn't have. What ensues is a chilling psychological thriller that takes Flora on an adventure to the Arctic to find her first love. Or is it really to find herself? Is she being kept safe or is she trapped? Who can she trust? A coming of age mystery about loss, memory and a haunting obsession that is unforgettable. Perfect for book groups of all ages and fans of Hitchcock and Before I Go To Sleep.
ISBN 9780141368511 PB Penguin Random House £7.99

ONE THING BY LAUREN CHILD
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The irrepressible Charlie and Lola return in an energetic and fun story using numbers as they go to the shops. The combination of the exuberant illustrations actively invites children to really think about and understand numbers and how they work as Lola is told she can only have one thing. Really clever combination of text and illustrations putting numbers out of order, making you think and work the sums out and ultimately understand. The brother and sister dynamic has universal appeal perfectly aimed at little minds.
ISBN 9781408339015 PB Orchard Books £6.99

THE WHITE FOX BY JACKIE MORRIS
CHILDRENS 8+

When Sol finds a lost Arctic fox in the Seattle docks he immediately identifies with his wild, lost spirit. Taking the fox home can he help reunite his own family as well? Inspired by a true story this beautiful hardback gift edition by award winning artist and illustrator Jackie is a book to treasure. Deliberately designed to be dyslexia friendly with a clear layout and typeface this has a wide appeal for animal lovers and children with reading difficulties.

ISBN: 9781781125229 HB Barrington Stoke £10.99

GONE WILD BY ROBERT MUCHAMORE
YOUNG ADULT 12+
For X factor and The Voice fans this is the perfect read. Young teen bands fight it out in a reality show to win a shot at stardom. The third in this sparkling and glossy series follow their personal journeys and highs and lows. Will corruption derail their dreams and is the spotlight too bright for them? All that glitters is not gold. Great behind the scenes insight if your interested in reality shows and show business.
 ISBN: 9781444914610 HB Hachette Childrens £9.99

A LIST OF MY FAVOURITE PICTURE BOOKS FROM 2016

Some of my favourite Picture Books from 2016. Its a very eclectic mix so there is something for everyone!

TIGER IN A TUTU BY FABI SANTIAGO
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A striking picture book about a tiger who aspires to be a ballet dancer in Paris. Against all the odds he follows his dream and with a little help from his new friend finally performs in a proper theatre. The bold limited palette really captures the French capital and the twilight world of theatre life. Enchanting and inspiring with the lovely sentiment that nothing is impossible this is the perfect present for little dancers everywhere.
ISBN: 9781408336885 HB Orchard Books £11.99

WE FOUND A HAT BY JON KLASSEN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Two turtles find a hat in the desert. It looks good on both of them but which one should have it? A finely observed tale of friendship, sharing and generosity of spirit. Their shifting eyes say so much with so little you really feel the turtles emotions as one fights his need for the hat. A visual comedy in three parts will amuse with its deadpan humour. Really heart warming finale to the acclaimed hat trilogy. Quietly profound and very special. 
ISBN 9781406347517 HB Walker Books £12.99

FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The real life story and inspiration of Winnie the Pooh. When soldier and vet Harry finds a real bear cub at a station in 1914 he decides to keep her and takes her to war where she becomes a much loved mascot. This delightful story, charmingly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, describes their wonderful relationship and later how Christopher Robin met Winnie in London Zoo. It is made especially poignant with photos of the 'real Winnie' at the end. 
ISBN 9781408340240 PB Orchard Books £5.99

SNAIL MAIL BY SHARON KING-CHAI
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Sam the Sea Snail's big brother Tiger sends him exciting postcards from around the world. Bright colourful illustrations with gorgeous pull out postcards to pour over you can learn about Tigers' adventures as well as how to say hello in new languages like Japanese. There's even a birthday surprise at the end. Styled to be the new Jolly Postman for this generation you can have fun encouraging children to write and decorate their own postcards! 
ISBN 9781444922547 HB Hodder Childrens £12.99

THE KNIGHT WHO WOULDN'T FIGHT BY HELEN & THOMAS DOCHERTY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Leo's parents want him to be a proper knight fighting dragons but really he just wants to read! Can Leo show them the book is mightier than the sword? Taming monsters along the way this is a wonderful advocate for the joys of reading together and the power of stories. Another modern classic from best selling husband and wife team (who happen to live in Swansea!) with stunning illustrations and witty rhyming text.

ISBN 9781407163482 PB Scholastic £6.99

LEAFY THE PET LEAF BY PHILIP ARDAGH & ELISSA ELWICK 
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Join the Little Adventurers whose mandate includes being brave, being kind to animals and looking after the planet. It's Bring In A Pet Day so Sprat brings Leafy! But can a leaf really be a pet? With its green message, animal facts and activity ideas for playing outside it will inspire the imagination and creativity. This eclectic mix of characters will have wide appeal and after reading kids can have fun making their own pet leaf.
ISBN 9781406364354 PB Walker Books £6.99

THE LONELY GIANT BY SOPHIE AMBROSE
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A beautiful modern day fable about conserving the environment, friendship and freedom. A giant loves to destroy all that is around him but when he's left alone with no home or friends he realises his terrible mistake and is determined to rectify it. Lovingly told with winsome illustrations this will charm any child whilst teaching them to value and respect the natural world and its inhabitants. Friendship is given freely and cannot be forced.

ISBN: 9781406361544 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

THE LION INSIDE BY RACHEL BRIGHT & JIM FIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Mouse is fed up being ignored. Just because he is small and meek doesn't mean he is invisible. Is he brave enough to ask for help from the king of the jungle? It seems however that even the strongest of us have some weaknesses as well. A thoroughly entertaining story with a positive message about overcoming your fears. Also makes a great bedtime story for fans of the Gruffalo. 

• ISBN: 9781408331606 PB Hachette Childrens Group £6.99

I AM BEAR BY BEN BAILEY SMITH AND SAV AKYUZ
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This wildly funny Bear will have you in stitches with his purple fur suit and talent for finding trouble wherever he is. Bear is seriously naughty, from stealing honey and doughnuts to playing fiendish tricks just for kicks. Great for reading aloud with punchy bold illustrations that really add to the jokes. This will be a sure fire hit with little rebels and wannabe rappers alike.
ISBN: 9781406359251 HB Walker Books £11.99 Out in PB 5/1/16

AUGUSTUS AND HIS SMILE BY CATHERINE RAYNER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This classic celebrates its ten year anniversary with a glorious gold foiled hardback in association with The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. Augusts has lost his smile. He climbs the highest mountains and dives into the deepest oceans to find it. A sensitive portrayal of when someone is feeling sad and how to lift your mood. Stunning illustrations in rich jewelled watercolours and black ink captures the magnificence of the tiger. 
ISBN: 9781848692329 HB Little Tiger Press Group £10.99

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 OUT NOW IN PB

THE DETECTIVE DOG BY JULIA DONALDSON AND SARA OGILVIE
CHILDRENS 4+
Peter's dog Nell has an amazing sense of smell so when school books disappear she's on the case. A topical subject this is a wonderful celebration of reading and libraries. A fast paced adventure from the UK’s most beloved author showing off her trade mark rhyming story telling to perfection. Nell's detective work is joyfully captured in Sara Ogilvie's adorable illustrations. A reminder of how inspirational books can be and the importance of free access to them. 
ISBN:9781509801596 HB Pan Macmillan £11.99

THE COLOUR MONSTER BY ANNA LLENAS
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A stunning picture book that explores colour and moods in a fun and gentle way. The colour monster doesn’t know if he is happy, sad, calm, angry or scared. To help understand the difference his friend shows him through colour. With sensitively accessible collage style illustrations this will help children share and explore their feelings and also show a way to manage them. A pop up and colour activity book are also available in this delightful series.

ISBN 9781783704231 PB Templar Publishing £6.99

KINGS OF THE CASTLE BY VICTORIA TURNBULL
PICTURE BOOK 3+
An ethereal picture book of adventure, imagination and friendship. When George meets the strangest creature he's ever seen the night takes an unusual turn. With a gorgeous pull out of an enormous sandcastle this will enchant little ones and inspire sand castles par excellence. However different we are we can always find common ground and mutual interests as well as learn from one another. Through acceptance and discovery we are open to knew and wonderful experiences. 
ISBN 9781783702596 PB Templar Publishing £6.99