MY TOP 20 PICK FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHILDRENS PICTURE BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020

 My top 20 pick of illustrated books in 2020. 

They range from fiction to non fiction to poetry books and are in no particular order. 

Paolo Emperor Of Rome Mac Barnett Claire Keane Abrams Kids 

A story of a little dog in a big city

History Atlas  written and illustrated by Thiago De Moraes Scholastic

Illustrated Non Fiction of historical figures and their place in history and on the map. 

Leap Hare Leap by Dom Conlon Illustrated by Anastasia Izlesou Graffeg

Following Hare's around the world

 Amazing Animal Earth by Alessandra Yap illustrations Anastasia Popp @littlestepspublishinguk

A little girl on an environmental adventure

Queen's  by Victoria Crossman Scholastic

Non Fiction 3000 years of the most incredible women in history

WILD CITIES BY BEN LERWILL ILLUSTRATED BY HARRIET HOBDAY Penguin

Non Fiction Different animals that live in different cities

Mulan Animated Classics Disney Studio Press

A insight into the drawings and artwork creating Mulan. One of a series including Cinderella and Snow White.

TIger Tiger Burning Bright illustrations Britta Teckentrup Selected by Fiona Waters Nosy Crow 

A collection of poetry featuring animals.

Fish by Brendan Kearney DK Books

An environmental story about saving the sea from pollution

Skunk and Badger Amy Timberlake Illustrated Jon Klassen Scholastic

A quirky story that reminds us that opposites still can become friends. A lovely HB Book for young readers. 

Treacle Street- Marcel's Parcels Kate Hindley Simon and Schuster

A lift the flap board book. One of a series featuring characters along the street. 

 Starbird Sharon King Chai Two Hoots Books 

A fable for modern times.

The Song of the Golden Hare by Jackie Morris Unbound

The story of two children must protecting a golden hare. 

Found You Devon Holzwarth Scholastic

A story about friendship

Like the Moon Loves the Sky Hena Khan illustrations Saffa Khan Chronicle books 

A celebration of parents love inspired by the Quran

A Dancers Dream Katherine Woodfine  illustration by Lizzy Stewart Simon & Schuster 

The real story of the Nutcracker

M y Friend Earth Patricia Maclaclan illustrations Francesca Sanna Chronicle Books 

An enviormental picture book

The Terribly Friendly Fox Susannah Lloyd Illustration Ellie Snowdon Simon & Schuster

A picture book about a naughty fox

Small In The City Sydney Smith  Walker books 

A little boy gets lost in the big city

Thankyou Miyuki Roxane Marie Galliez Seng Soun Ratanavanh Abrams Chronicle

A story about the importance of mindfulness and meditation

Ocean meets Sky by The Fan Brothers Francis Lincoln.

A story about dealing with the loss of a loved one  and keeping their memories alive.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and illustrated by Daniel Egneus Oxford University Press

Sensitively addresses the refugee crisis 

 

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 18-19 2020

This week my children's book reviews in the South Wales Evening Post include an epic young adult historical fantasy set in the French Revolution, a picture book adventure about a little dog set in Rome, a hilarious coming-of-age welsh adventure as well as an enchanting Victorian quest for middle grade readers. Enjoy.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DANGEROUS REMEDY BY KAT DUNN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Camille a daughter of the French Revolution leads a band of outcasts to rescue a girl with strange powers. The friends uncover devious plots and treachery in the action-packed historical adventure. Will they pick love, loyalty or their country? Sizzling with tension this dazzling story with fantastical twists blends science with magic and power with romance to reach an explosive finale. Frankenstein meets The Musketeers. C'est Magnifique!

Head of Zeus HB £12.99

PAOLO EMPEROR OF ROME BY MAC BARNETT & CLAIRE KEANE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Paolo the dachshund is trapped in a hair salon. One day he escapes and drinks in the wonderful sights of Rome. He visits the theatre, the coliseum, fights fearsome cats and rescues a nun. Even when Paolo is rewarded with a plush apartment all he desires is freedom. This inspiring tale of a big-hearted dog captures the importance of freedoms we usually take for granted. The beautiful and bold illustrations encapsulate La Dolce Vita in Rome.

HB Abrams Books for Young Readers, £12.99

THE SUPER MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF FREDDIE YATES BY JENNY PEARSON & ROB BUDDULPH

CHILDREN 8+

Freddie loves facts. They don't let you down. Freddie is on a quest to find his father in Wales with two friends but he sets off a chain of events which forces them on the run. They enter an onion eating competition and meet a sheep called Sheila. A heart-warming and hilarious adventure of three boys, one summer holiday and a few miracles thrown in. For fans of David Walliams and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

PB Usborne £6.99

THE VANISHING TRICK BY JENNI SPANGLER

CHILDREN 9+

Leander is an orphan so when the mysterious Madame Pinchbeck promises him a job and home in return for his mother's locket he agrees. But it's a trap. Leander is imprisoned in an enchanted prison with two other stolen children, Charlotte and Felix. It's a race against time to escape. A magical Victorian adventure full of peril, friendship and hope. Children will be hooked by their daring quest against a spectacularly menacing villain.

PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 22-23 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a modern day Dr Dolittle for 9+, a picture books about friendship, a collection of stories inspired by Alice in Wonderland and a contemporary coming-of-age drama for teenage bookworms that is perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

EVIE AND THE ANIMALS BY MATT HAIG

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven-year-old Evie has a secret super power. She can hear the thoughts of animals! But this can be dangerous especially when she comes up against a mysterious man with a similar talent. Can she save the animals and her Dad? Emily Gravett's wonderful illustrations throughout will appeal to all animal and adventure lovers. The thrilling adventure emphasises the importance of courage, kindness and empathy. Dr Dolittle for a new generation.

ISBN 9781786894281 HB Canongate £12.99

PAPER PLANES BY JIM HELMORE AND RICHARD JONES

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Mia and Ben are best friends but when Ben has to move away will their friendship survive? A whimsical and lyrical picture book about the powers of the imagination. Children will love the idea of flying up in the sky as free as a bird, shown through stunning pastel illustrations. The story will help children understand the importance of keeping in touch with friends and family who've moved away. A lovely book to share.

ISBN 9781471173875 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

RETURN TO WONDERLAND BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 8+

A collection of original stories inspired by Alice in Wonderland written by today's leading children's authors. Tumble down the rabbit hole again and reacquaint yourself with the Queen of Hearts, a rather sad Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat amongst other beloved magical characters. Peter Bunzle, Piers Torday and Robin Stevens are just some of the authors who are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice with alternative viewpoints. A gorgeous gift and introduction to this classic.

ISBN 9781529006032 HB Macmillan £10.99

THE PAPER & HEARTS SOCIETY BY LUCY POWRIE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When Tabby joins a book club she finds a group of friends who share the same interests. She would rather enjoy a good doughnut, Jane Austen and literary road trip over a party! A heart-warming holiday read that will appeal to all book worms and encourage readers not to feel guilty for exploring their own interests despite the pressures of social media. A coming-of-age romantic teen drama filled with humour and literary nods. Thoroughly entertaining!

ISBN 9781444952377 PB Hodder £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 18-19 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a little robot on a quest of a lifetime, a fun and fact filled adventure about bumble bees, a duck with super powers and a powerful retelling of Cinderella's ugly sisters. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

BOOT BY SHANE HEGARTY

CHILDREN 7+

Toy robot, Boot has been accidentally thrown away and must find his owner, Beth in a city full of danger. Can Boot find his way home armed with only two and half memories and a band of rusty robot has-beens? Children will love the gadgets galore, excitement and friendships as well as Ben Mantle's evocative illustrations throughout. A heart-warming quest bursting with adventure, empathy and humour. WALL-E meets Toy Story.
ISBN 9781444949360 PB Hachette £6.99

LOOK OUT FOR MY BLOG TOUR POST THIS MONDAY FOR BOOT. A FASCINATING INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR AND WHAT INSPIRED HIM!

WHEN THE BEES BUZZED OFF! BY LULA BELL & STEPHEN BENNETT

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Three brave bugs and one grumpy snail must find out where all the bees have gone. Children will love helping look for the missing bees by lifting flaps and following their trail. Fascinating bee facts are sweetened with hilarious asides in this adventure story which will encourage little ones to explore and appreciate the natural world. An important message that is also thoroughly entertaining and that can be shared with family or in the classroom.
ISBN 9781848694408 PB Little Tiger £7.99

ADVENTURE DUCK VS POWER PUG BY STEVE COLE

CHILDREN 6+
Adventure Duck only wants to nest on his duck pond eating soggy bread. But when a meteor gives him superpowers he must use them to battle super villain Power Pug before he takes over the world with his hypnotic stare! The hilarious illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff add to the witty adventure and are perfect for newly independent readers. A brilliant bonkers new series that will Quack you up! Perfect for fans of the Astrosaurs series and Dave Pigeon.
ISBN 9781408356838 PB Orchard £5.99

STEPSISTER BY JENNIFER DONNELLY

YOUNG ADULT 12+
When Cinderella is whisked away by her prince what happens to her stepsisters? The youngest, Isabelle is not pretty but she is brave and strong-willed. Can she find redemption and cheat fate in a man's world where being pretty is the only currency they understand? A feminist retelling of the classic fairytale from a fascinating perspective of the ugly sister. Can people truly change for the better? An empowering and riveting tale for independent girls everywhere!

ISBN 9781471407970 PB Hot Key £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 15-16

This week my children's book reviews include a haunting ghost story set in Wales, an environmental picture book about friendship, a book of adventurers and a supernatural adventure for middle grade readers. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

SEAGLASS BY ELOISE WILLIAMS
CHILDREN 9+

Whilst Lark is holidaying with her troubled family on the Welsh coast, she finds herself at the centre of a disturbing mystery. Who is the girl in the green dress that her sister keeps drawing? A coming of age ghost story full of long-buried family secrets and set against the vivid imagery of wildest Wales. This supernatural tale will thrill and intrigue kids until the final haunting and shocking twist is revealed at the end.

ISBN 9781910080801 PB Firefly Press £6.99

LONESOME BOG AND LITTLE DOG BY IONA TULLOCH & HARRY WOODGATE
PICTURE BOOK 4+

When Little Dog finds sanctuary with Lonesome Bog, they strike up an unlikely friendship. Can they show others the beautiful wildlife that lives within their glorious peaty world? This quirky environmental tale highlights this often overlooked but incredibly important landscape. The richly textured collaged illustrations bring the bog land's flora and fauna to life as well as it's gentle message of friendship. A lovely book for the whole family to share.
ISBN 9781999992101 PB Little Forest Publishing £6.99

ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS' GREAT ADVENTURERS ILLUSTRATED BY KEVIN WARD
CHILDREN 7+

A showcase of incredible expeditions undertaken by some of the most heroic explorers who have ever lived. From Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century explorer to the Apollo Moon mission astronaut Michael Collins this book introduces its young readers to an eclectic range of explorers from young to old, male and female and with a variety of abilities. These genuinely inspirational tales highlight ordinary people who have sought extraordinary lives with only an insatiable curiosity as their guide.
ISBN 9781783708143 HB Big Picture Press £16.99

THE BLACK AMULET BY J.R. WALLIS
CHILDREN 9+

Jones and his friends must find the Black Amulet, a magical artefact to help them with their new lives in Badlands, a hidden world full of monsters, vampires and my particular favourite a rather bossy talking gun! This supernatural adventure is bursting with excitement, danger and fraught friendships. Kids will love the excellent glossary of magical terms at the back. Perfect for boys and girls who are fans of Harry Potter.
ISBN 9781471157943 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99