BOOK REVIEW: WILD CITIES BY BEN LERWILL ILLUSTRATED BY HARRIET HOBDAY

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

WILD CITIES BY BEN LERWILL & HARRIET HOBDAY (ILLUSTRATOR)

Children's Non-Fiction Out Sept 3rd  

PENGUIN

BOOK REVIEW

An absorbing and extraordinary insight into the different types of wildlife living in cities across the world.

It is teaming with fascinating facts and intriguing anecdotes that will tempt little explorers and nature lovers to discover and see what animals live in their own cities.

Every city has a wild side waiting to be discovered that is perfectly illustrated by the sumptuous and detailed illustrations that burst from every page. Harriet cleverly brings each of the different cities characters to life making each location a visual delight.

Did you know London was home to exotic parakeets or that Berlin is the greenest city in Europe home to wild boars and racoons? 

This is also a timely reminder that animals are struggling to retain their homes. 

 Mumbai has lost 60% of its green space forcing all sorts of animals and reptiles such as snakes to venture into the city. But is also highlights how adaptable and tough animals and insects are in the example of the 18000 bees who survived the Notre Dame Cathedral fire.

It is a reminder we share our space with many other inhabitants even if we don't always see them. It will ignite curiosity in children and encourage them to look around and keep an eye out for the animals living quietly alongside them. 

 A lovely gift to share with little nature lovers and explorers. 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Picture a city. What do you see? Traffic and tower blocks? Or maybe you imagine something a little . . . wilder?

These are the astonishing stories of the animals who are adapting to live in our urban world - and how you can help them to thrive.

From the pitter-patter of penguins in Cape Town, to the prowl of a leopard in Mumbai, the splash of a seal in Sydney, cities are home to all sorts of unexpected residents.

Keep your eyes wide open as as we travel the globe discovering wild cities. With magical illustration and beautiful storytelling, these incredible stories will fascinate every reader who has the travel bug, or is an animal fan, or has ever wondered what else exists in our big cities.

Featuring: London, Berlin, Paris, Warsaw, Calgary, New York City, Chicago, Sydney, Beijing, Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore, Cape Town and Seoul.

Ben Lerwill is a multiple award-winning writer. His work has appeared in a host of publications including National Geographic Traveller, Time Out, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. Over the past decade he's won four British Guild of Travel Writers' Awards, and often focuses on wildlife, rail journeys and the outdoors. Best of all, he writes fascinating, magical non-fiction stories that will amaze and inspire - just like the ones in this book.

 

Harriet Hobday is an extraordinary new talent, a recent graduate of the MA Children's Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Currently based in Edinburgh, she was highly commended in the Macmillan Prize 2015 and runner-up for The Batsford Prize 2018.

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 22-23 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade historical adventure, an exquisitely illustrated picture book, a dark and dangerous middle grade fantasy adventure and a thrilling and topical teen drama set in the world of olympic gymnastics. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED CLOCKS BY A.M. HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

Helena and her parrot Orbit are swept off to Cambridge where her father is appointed clock-winder to the wealthiest man in England in 1905. But the house of one hundred clocks is haunted by many mysteries. Can Helena work out its secrets before time runs out? An atmospheric and intriguing tale laced with science and social change against an Edwardian backdrop. A modern fairytale with family love, loss and the healing power of friendship at its heart.

Usborne PB £6.99

THE ANTLERED SHIP BY DASHKA SLATER & THE FAN BROTHERS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

An inquisitive fox, Marco sets off on a seafaring voyage with a crew of hungry deer and courageous pigeons in this enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. Can Marco find the answers to his questions? How deep does the sun go when it sinks into the sea? Why don't trees talk? Children will adore diving into the exquisite and fanciful illustrations of Marco's odyssey. The detailed artwork is sublime. A stunning gift to be treasured.

PB Lincoln Children's Books £7.99

ORPHANS OF THE TIDE BY STRUAN MURRAY

CHILDREN 9+

When a mysterious boy washes in with the tide the citizens believe he's the Enemy. A God who creates chaos. Only Ellie, a fearless young inventor believes he's innocent. Can Ellie prove who he really is while keeping her own dangerous secret? Readers will submerge themselves into a mythic and dark world atmospherically illustrated by Manuel Sumberac. The gothic overtones and themes of friendship and loyalty will suit fans of Philip Pullman and Frostheart.

Puffin PB £7.99

BREAK THE FALL BY JENNIFER IACOPELLI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Audrey dreams of swinging her way to Olympic glory. A gold medal will be worth all her aches and pains. But when her trainer is accused by a fellow gymnast of the unthinkable her team starts to fall apart. With pressure mounting can Audrey hold her nerve until her final dismount? A powerfully told novel about one girl's determination to push herself to the limits. A topical and insightful drama for fans of gymnastics and athletics.

PB Hodder £7.99

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 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

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 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

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST SEPT 2-3

This week my children's book reviews include an imaginative adventure about the origins of Wonder Woman, an animal picture book full of mazes, a scientific adventure and a heart rending tale of brotherly love and loss. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WONDER WOMAN: WARBRINGER BY LEIGH BARDUGO

YOUNG ADULT 12+

The first in a super hero series featuring Batman, Catwoman and Superman. Before Diana became the Wonder Woman legend, she was Princess of the Amazons. When Diana tries to save a mortal she may have doomed the world. A mix of Greek myth and DC comics, Diana becomes the heroine we want her to be, smart, strong and inspiring. Action packed adventure while staying true to the comic, this won't disappoint the fans.

ISBN 9780141387376 PB Penguin £7.99

ANIMAZES BY MELISSA CASTRILLON

CHILDREN 5+

Animals from all over the world make extraordinary journeys; through the air or sea, across deserts or over ice. In this sumptuously illustrated book young readers can follow the penguins, elephants, whales and wildebeest through the twisting, turning mazes to get to their final destination. Fascinating facts are dotted along the way to encourage young minds to explore and learn. A lovely, interactive gift for the curious minded.

ISBN 9781783708147 HB Big Picture Press £12.99

AL'S AWESOME SCIENCE: EGG-SPERIMENTS! BY JANE CLARKE

CHILDREN 6+

Al is fascinated by science and loves experimenting and inventing. His twin sister Lottie loves biology and nature. Together, they can get into a lot of unexpected trouble! Al wants to make a time machine to take him back to a time his dad was alive and his mum was happier. It would also help with getting him out of trouble! An engaging story for early readers with lively illustrations throughout by James Brown.

ISBN 9780993553738 PB Five Quills £6.99

MOONRISE BY SARAH CROSSAN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Joe hasn't seen his brother for ten years because he is on death row. Now Ed's execution date has been set Joe is determined to spend as much time with him as he can. Written in poignant verse, this thought provoking novel is not afraid to ask the big questions. What value do you place on life? What can you forgive? How do you say goodbye? Perfect for fans of Malorie Blackman, David Almond and Patrick Ness.

ISBN 9781408867808 HB Bloomsbury £12.99

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST AUG 26-27

This week my children's book reviews include an adventure in the Russian revolution, an introduction to Picasso's drawings, a quirky and creepy middle grade mystery and a contemporary coming of age drama for social media lovers. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE RASPUTIN DAGGER BY THERESA BRESLIN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Russia 1916, a country on the brink of revolution. To escape her past Nina Ivanova must travel to St Petersburg and forge her own future. Stefan, an idealist, dreams of a new Russia. When their paths become entangled with a strange monk called Rasputin, will their love survive? Rich with historical detail this fascinating and epic tale will sweep you away whilst reminding us of the chaos and turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Riveting.

ISBN 9780552565257 PB Penguin £7.99

BIRDS & OTHER ANIMALS WITH PABLO PICASSO

PICTURE BOOK 1+

A stunning board book in which the very young can learn about animals through art while adults can appreciate the artistic genius of Picasso and his beautiful use of line. Rarely seen drawings are cleverly combined with simple, informative text for the very young. Inspired by poetry written by his friend, Guillaume Apollinaire, Picasso's drawings fill the pages with birds, horses, fish and owls. This little book is a wonderful introduction to this famous artist.

ISBN 9780714874128 HB Phaidon £6.95

A PLACE CALLED PERFECT BY HELENA DUGGAN

CHILDREN 9+

Violet has to move to the spooky town of Perfect when her dad is offered a job at the local optician there. When he disappears can Violet save her family with the help of an invisible boy and a lot of imagination? An unforgettably magical and creepy tale with an eye-catching and quirky heroine who refuses to see everything through rose tinted glasses. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton.

ISBN 9781474924160 PB Usborne £6.99

LOLA OFFLINE BY NICOLA DOHERTY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

We've all regretted writing something on social media. But what if it went viral? When Delilah makes a huge mistake on Twitter and becomes the 'story' she changes her name to Lola and moves to Paris. Can she be a normal teenager or will the internet find her? A modern day tale of learning to be yourself and not to be defined by other people or their expectations. For fans of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.

ISBN 9781510100510 PB Orion £7.99