BLOG TOUR: PIRATE NELL'S TALE TO TELL BY HELEN AND THOMAS DOCHERTY

 PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: 

PIRATE NELL'S TALE TO TELL BY HELEN AND THOMAS DOCHERTY

SOURCE BOOKS

MY BOOK REVIEW 

This is a story book adventure that celebrates the joy of reading and will thrill the little ones.

Nell joins a pirate ship with her trusty almanac but the Captain is not impressed with her bookish ways until she saves his life and discovers a treasure map! Can she find the treasure? Is it what they expect?

The rhyming text sets the fast pace for a thrilling adventure on the high seas. The gorgeous illustrations are a joy to behold overflowing with tantalising details that children will love pouring over. I especially like how the illustrations shows life onboard may not be all smooth sailing. Also there is a great surprise at the end!

 At its heart is a message about the joy and importance of reading and learning. It will open a child's eyes to the possibilities in a book and show them that with learning they can become captain of their own ship!

Perfect for sharing at home or in class.

THANK YOU TO SOURCE BOOKS FOR INVITING ME TO BE PART OF THE BLOG TOUR FOR THIS GORGEOUS PICTURE BOOK. 

ABOUT THE BOOK
Nell is finally a pirate!
And she has her trusty Pirate’s Almanac to help her sail the seas, even if Captain Gnash doesn’t like books on his ship. But when the journey gets rough and the captain is in trouble, it’s Nell and all her pirate knowledge that saves the day and leads them to the greatest buried treasure of all.

PICTURE BOOK REVIEW DANCE LIKE A FLAMINGO BY MOIRA BUTTERFIELD & ILLUSTRATED BY CLAUDIA BOLT

PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: 

DANCE LIKE A FLAMINGO 

BY 

MOIRA BUTTERFIELD & ILLUSTRATED BY CLAUDIA BOLT £12.99 HB 3+ PUBLISHED BY WELBECK

A hugely entertaining and fun interactive picture book perfect for sharing with little ones and getting them moving and laughing. Each double spread focuses on a different animal such as a crab or peacock which you can dance along with using specific movements. A great picture book just to read out loud or to share in class. Little ones will love dancing, wiggling, or leap along with it. A lovely gift.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Meet a collection of animals from around the world and discover how they move, and why. A different creature is featured on each spread, along with step-by-step actions to show the reader how to move just like the animal. Scuttle sideways like a crab, leap like a lemur or waggle dance like a bumble bee. The perfect book to read aloud one-to-one, or as a fun activity to engage a group of young children and get them stretching, hopping, wriggling and jumping. Here is a video with author Moira Butterfield encouraging us all to move and groove like the animals do!

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 14-15 2020

This week my children's book reviews include the hilarious return of Thimble the monkey for young readers and a picture book celebration of women who are trying to save the planet. Also included is a middle grade adventure about a newly recruited eco detective who must save endangered animals and a searing drama for teens dealing with bullying and suicide. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THIMBLE WONGA BONKERS BY JON BLAKE & MARTIN CHATTERTON

CHILDREN 7+

While Jams Mum visits a spa his Dad and Thimble the monkey are left home alone. When Thimble goes bananas and loses their shopping money they must hatch a plan. Will Dad really sell Thimble to his evil publisher?Can Jams save the day? A hilarious madcap adventure that is bursting with quick-fire humour. Children will love the continuing riotous adventures of Jams and Thimble accompanied by fun black and white illustrations. Perfect so share.

Firefly PB £5.99

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO SAVED THE PLANET BY KATE PANKHURST

CHILDREN 5+

A new addition to this awesome series about inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to conserving and protecting the earth. Isatou Ceesay from Gambia helped women become financially independent while teaching them to recycle. Maria Telkes developed solar energy. Jane Goodall still fights for the rights of chimpanzees today. Families and classrooms will be fascinated by the discoveries, inventions and innovations these extraordinary women have made to make the world a better place.

Bloomsbury PB £6.99

AGENTS OF THE WILD: OPERATON HONEYHUNT BY JENNIFER BELL & ALICE LICKENS

CHILDREN 8+

School girl Agnes is recruited by a determined elephant Shrew called Attie to join SPEARS: The Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species. She is whisked off to the Brazilian rainforest to save an endangered dance-loving bee named Elton. Children will love following Agnes on her hilarious mission while learning facts along the way. Every page is covered in dynamic green and black illustrations perfect for this new wildlife loving series. Ideal for young eco-warriors.

Walker PB £6.99

AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY BY DANIELLE JAWANDO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

When fifteen-year-old Nathan's older brother Al takes his own life his whole world falls apart. Nathan and his friend Megan are determined to find out the truth and keep his memory alive. An evocative and heart-rending drama about loss, understanding and the importance of reaching out when you least want to. A powerful and hard-hitting story that can be used to invite discussion and a positive response to the weaponising of social media by bullies.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 7-8 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous Parisien middle grade mystery, a classic feminist picture book, a guide to making the world better and a riveting dystopian adventure for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE PEAR AFFAIR BY JUDITH EAGLE

CHILDREN 9+

Nell is determined to find her adored missing au pair Perrine. Nell will even travel with her ghastly nouveau riche parents to Paris to find her. When she arrives Nell finds herself embroiled in another mystery surrounding the suspicious closures of famous bread shops. Children will love exploring Paris with Nell and her new friends who live under the city streets while seeking out clues. A gripping and entrancing quest for true friendship. C'est délicieux!

Faber PB £7.99

THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS BY ROBERT MUNSCH & MICHAEL MARTCHENKO

PICTURE BOOK 4+

This special 40th Anniversary hardback celebrates the classic feminist fairytale with a foreword by Chelsea Clinton. Princess Elizabeth is about to marry her prince when a dragon kidnaps him and burns down her castle. With only a paper bag to wear she sets off to rescue him only to be told she looks a mess! Where will her heart truly lead her? Children will delight in the surprise ending and the delightful characterful illustrations. A classic.

Annick Press HB £12.99

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER WORLD BY KEILLY SWIFT

CHILDREN 7+

You have the power to change the world. But how and in what way? A fun and inspiring practical guide to how young people can help the planet and people around them. Find out how to volunteer, help the environment, start a campaign or help with the plastic problem. Children and families can discover tips, projects and role models through the easy to digest text and colourful illustrations. Inspirational for both home and school.

DK HB £10.99

THE LOOP BY BEN OLIVER

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Sixteen-year-old Luka will be executed in the Loop, a prison controlled by artificial intelligence unless he submits to medical experiments. A detonator is sewn into his heart. Will he ever be free? Is there more danger outside than in? Can he stop all humankind being deleted? A fascinating concept and world that doesn't seem that far away. It raises questions about the power we give technology. A gripping dystopian thriller for fans of Maze Runner and Divergent.

Chicken House PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW AUG 3-4

This week my children's book reviews include an imaginatively gothic adventure for middle grade plus two lift-the-flap board books: join a postman as he delivers his parcels and an introduction to an airport. Last but not least a middle grade mystery must be solved by a detective editor!

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF WEEK

THE MONSTER WHO WASN'T BY T.C.SHELLEY

CHILDREN 9+
An Imp who looks human is born into an underworld of monsters. Some grumpy yet adorable gargoyles adopt him because he can steal chocolate without being noticed. Can Imp find his place in the world or will the King of Ogres use him for his evil plan? A wonderfully Gothic fantasy full of good and bad monsters which will enthrall children. I especially loved Imp's hilarious adopted family. Spiderwick Chronicles meets Labyrinth.

Bloomsbury PB £6.99

MARCEL'S PARCELS BY KATE HINDLEY

BOARD BOOK 3+

Marcel Trunkmore has parcels to deliver and he needs someone to help him. A lovely lift-the-flap book introducing children to all the characters on Treacle Street. They will delight in visiting Prima Pavlova's dance school, Grease Monkeys Garage and the pie shop. But does Marcel also have a surprise package? Full of entertaining and amusing bright illustrations that children will love to explore. A charming book for pre-schoolers which is followed up with Prima's Missing Bunnies.

Simon & Schuster HB £ 6.99

AIRPORT BY JONNY MARX & CINTA VILLALOBOS

BOARD BOOK 3+

A fun large format board book that introduces young children to what to expect when they go to the airport. With dozens of flaps to lift and lots of information to uncover there is plenty to interest as children leaf through the different areas of a bustling airport. There are lists of things to spot while they explore the terminal, discover how an aeroplane takes off and what to expect on arrival. Great for someone's first trip abroad.

360 Degrees HB £11.99

SCOOP MCLAREN: DETECTIVE EDITOR BY HELEN CASTLES

CHILDREN 8+

Scoop and her best friend Evie run an online newspaper. When an evil reporter Sonny starts to cause havoc by predicting dastardly events such as raining frogs they must uncover his true identity before it's too late. Children will love tenacious budding journalist Scoop and her determination to get to the bottom of a story. A witty fast-paced mystery for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine. Can you follow the clues?

New Frontier Publishing PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 6-7 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade First World War mystery in a country estate, a picture book sensitively explaining memory loss, a picture book adventure with best friends Mouse and Mole a contemporary teen romantic drama. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS BY A.M HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

When Clara is sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle on a country estate during World War One she becomes entangled in its secrets and intrigue. What is in the locked room? Who is the strange boy who appears at night? This is a gripping and evocative mystery with family at its heart. For fans of The Secret Garden and Emma Carroll and ideal for book clubs with questions at the back and web links to follow.

ISBN 97814749 59551 PB Usborne £6.99

THE TIDE BY CLARE HELEN WELSH & ASHLING LINDSAY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A family are going for a day out at the beach but Grandad is becoming very forgetful. Can his granddaughter help? A sensitive way to explain the difficult subject of dementia to young ones without upsetting them. An empathetic story full of sunny playful pictures that use the tide as an analogy to understand memory loss. It is full of charm, comfort and heart that is ideal to share with family or in the classroom.

ISBN 9781788810852 HB Little Tiger £11.99

MOUSE & MOLE BY JOYCE DUNBAR AND JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 5+

Join Mouse and Mole, the best of furry friends on their adventures. Whether it's planning for a picnic or toasting muffins or tidying their chaotic house, children will be charmed by the series of gentle and witty stories. Children will recognise the familiar ups and downs of friendship and immediately relate to their breakups and makeups. The richly illustrated book is perfect for fans of Wind in the Willows and Brambly Hedge.

ISBN 9781912050406 HB Graffeg £12.99

TULIP TAYLOR BY ANNA MAINWARING

YOUNG ADULT 11+

Fifteen-year-old Tulip is a make-up vlogger who finds herself on a 'survival' reality TV show. Can she prove to an annoyingly cute fellow contestant, her momager and herself that she is not just a pretty face? A hilarious contemporary tale of the pitfalls of living in the digital age where so much of life is on social media. The family dynamic is pitched perfectly to those with annoying siblings! An entertaining modern-day romance.

ISBN 9781910080979 PB Firefly Press £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 29-30

This week my children's book reviews include a young runner with tough choices for middle grade readers, a picture book about a naughty bear's first visit to the cinema, an enchanting circus adventure for middle grade readers and a glittering Bollywood romance for young adults. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GHOST BY JASON REYNOLDS

CHILDREN 10+

When Ghost is recruited onto an elite running team he must decide what path he must travel. Will he be held back by his traumatic past or will he harness his awesome running talent and win the big race? An exciting coming-of-age urban drama about not letting the challenges and circumstances of life dictate your outcome or dreams. Ghost is a flawed but ultimately inspiring hero who the kids will be cheering on.

ISBN 9781999642525 PB Knights Of £6.99

DAISY AND BEAR BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

When Daisy decides to take her friend Bear to the cinema for the first time what could possibly go wrong? Children will love how naughty Bear is. During the film he eats noisily, wriggles around and even answers his phone! The glorious illustrations perfectly capture the twilight of the cinema and the trouble an enormous golden bear can cause. I am sure everyone has experienced their own 'bear' at the cinema or theatre. Hilarious!

ISBN 9781407186696 PB Scholastic £6.99

THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS BY FRANCESCA ARMOUR-CHELU

CHILDREN 9+

Sisters Tansy and Belle are dazzling trapeze artists until Tansy falls and loses her nerve and Belle mysteriously disappears. When Tansy's shadow comes mysteriously to life can she rediscover her courage and save her sister? Children will fly high with this enchanting circus adventure and its wonderful cast of characters. I loved the gorgeous behind the scene details of the travelling circus. This irresistible story is perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

ISBN 9781406384369 PB Walker Books £6.99

MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE BY NISHA SHARMA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Bollywood film fanatic Winnie is predicted to find love before her eighteenth birthday. But when her fated loved does not transpire she feels lost. Fellow film geek Dev encourages her to find her own happily ever after. A funny and touching romance that celebrates life even when it goes off script. It perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs of growing up while accepting the help of friends, family and even a Bollywood superstar!

ISBN 9781788951463 PB Stripes £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 15-16 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a swashbuckling adventure for independent readers, an introduction to legends of rock for the very young, a picture book posing a very important question and a modern day coming-of-age drama for teen. Some great books to share on Father's Day

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE JOLLEY-ROGERS AND THE PIRATE PIPER BY JONNY DUDDLE

CHILDREN 6+

The pirate series returns with an adventure full of swashbuckling and dastardly deeds. When Dull-On-Sea is infested with rats the town employs a strange piper to dispense with them. But when the greedy Mayor refuses to pay the piper he takes his revenge. Can pirate children Matilda, Jim Lad and their dog Nugget save the day? This richly illustrated chapter book, based on the Pied Piper is a rip-roaring adventure which will capture the imagination of independent readers.

ISBN 9781787415133 PB Templar £6.99

THE STORY OF ROCK BY NICOLA EDWARDS & LINDSEY SAGAR

BOARD BOOK 1+

Rock-loving Dads will love sharing this introduction to the legends of rock with their little one. From Elvis to Beatlemania, Bowie to Nirvana, children can shake, rattle and roll with this sturdy rhyming board book. The entertaining illustrations are hilarious and I especially loved Slash's top hat! If the family's tastes lie more with Jay-Z The Story of Rap is also available. It's never too early to inspire a new generation of music lovers!

ISBN 9781848578296 HB Caterpillar Books £5.99

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BOOKS ABOUT BEARS? BY KRISTINA STEPHENSON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The animal professors of science and literature in Mollusc College, Oxford are debating an Impossible Question. Why are so many books about bears? Adorable illustrations accompany the cheerful text and clever twists on names such as William Snakespeare and Albert Swinestein. Children will love guessing who's their mystery guest banging on the door. Maybe the answer is under their noses in the double spread fold-out at the end? A charming book to read out loud.

ISBN 9781444946017 HB Hachette £12.99

THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME BY WILLIAM SUTCLIFFE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fifteen-year-old Sam's family become rich and they move to London he is forced to attend an Academy for the Gifted and Talented. But Sam just wants a normal life. A witty satirical take on an aspiring modern family and the pitfalls of trying to fit in. As Sam and his family crash from one well-meaning misadventure to another, you will cry with laughter. Adrian Mole meets Absolutely Fabulous. I'm still giggling...

ISBN 9781408890219 PB Bloomsbury £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 8-9 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting middle grade drama commemorating D-Day full of fascinating historical facts, two picture books perfect for Fathers Day including a farty bear and a time strapped Fox and a football middle grade  drama for girls just in time for the FIFA Womens World Cup. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

D-DAY DOG BY TOM PALMER

CHILDREN 8+

While Jack is visiting the D-Day landing beaches with his school his soldier Dad is called into action. As Jack begins to question the point of war he uncovers a story about a paratrooper and his dog and is determined to discover their fate. An accessible and thought-provoking read commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It's a revelation to read the heroic animal war stories at the end who went beyond the call of duty.

ISBN 9781781128688 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

DADDY FARTYPANTS BY EMER STAMP & MATT HUNT

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Daddy Fartypants is a very windy bear which he never apologises for much to the embarrassment of his son! But when he meets his son's fragrant new teacher can she teach him a lesson about lying and blaming others? The explosive illustrations will make children laugh their pants off! This is the perfect gift for Father's Day, especially if he's a little gassy and likes to blame others!

ISBN 9781408356357 PB Orchard £6.99

FIVE MORE MINUTES BY MARTA ALTES

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young fox gives his time-starved Dad sage advise about what time really means. Many Dad's and children will relate to how the young want everything NOW while Dads just need a few more minutes to rest, sleep and read...An observant and poignant story to share on Father's Day about how children and adults experience time in different ways. Dad's will especially relate to Daddy Fox's resigned expression as opposed to his child's expectant one!

ISBN 9781509866021 HB Macmillan £12.99

LILY AND THE ROCKETS BY REBECCA STEVENS

CHILDREN 9+

It's 1918 and fourteen-year-old munition worker Lily loves to play football with the factory's female team, The Rockets. But what will happen when the men return from war? This emotionally charged coming-of-age drama is inspired by true events with girl power at its heart. The postscript at the end is inspiring, infuriating and ultimately hopeful. Girls will be galvanized to follow their dreams, break boundaries and play football! For fans of FIFA's Women's World Cup and historical drama.

ISBN 9781912626120 PB Chicken House £6.99