SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 13-14

This week my children's book reviews a majestic and inspirational poetry book, a lost horse looking for a friend, the untold story of the first man to the North Pole and a return to Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children on a new adventure. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

I AM THE SEED THAT GREW THE TREE BY FIONA WATERS & FRANN PRESTON-GANNON
CHILDREN 6+
A majestic collection of poems nestling within lustrous seasonal illustrations inspired by nature. Separated into the months of the year this sumptuous hardback is a treasure trove of our greatest poets from familiar favourites to new discoveries. This is perfect for all the family to dip into or share and for children to grow up with while learning to appreciate how beautiful verse can be in all its glory. A wonderful gift to keep.

ISBN 9780857637703 HB Nosy Crow £25

THE LOST HORSE BY MARK NICHOLAS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
One day a famous bronze horse sculpture disappears from a city museum. Far away a lonely girl, Lyra makes friends with a lost horse. Could he also be looking for a friend? The bond of friendship between girl and horse is perfectly caught within the sepia illustrations and splashes of colour to catch the eye. I especially loved the sense of movement and freedom as they both ride through the country. A modern-day fable.

ISBN 9781849765657 HB Tate Publishing £11.99

RACE TO THE FROZEN NORTH BY CATHERINE JOHNSON
CHILDREN'S 8+
A fictionalised account of the inspirational life of Matthew Henson, the first man to reach the North Pole. The story remained a secret because he was black. The adventure also gives a real sense of the world in the 1900's when this extraordinary man had to defy prejudices to achieve his dreams. The short format and clear text make it suitable for reluctant and dyslexic readers and perfect to discuss #blackhistorymonth in the classroom.

ISBN 9781781128404 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

A MAP OF DAYS BY RANSOM RIGGS
YOUNG ADULT 12+
When Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children arrive in modern-day America to visit Jacob a new adventure begins with lots of magic and mayhem. Jacob must uncover the truth about his grandfather while facing a test of love, loyalty and friendship. A brilliantly imaginative quest that interweaves the modern day with fantastical beings and inventions. A whirlwind of excitement intermingled with evocative vintage photography. Edward Scissorhands meets Harry Potter.
ISBN 9780141285907 HB Penguin £14.99

Childrens Book Review for Remembrance Day in The South Wales Evening Post Nov 7th

Childrens Book Review for Remembrance Day in The South Wales Evening Post Nov 7th

A Selection of Books for Children to mark Remembrance Day 

 I picked four books for all ages which feature both World Wars.  Where The Poppies Now Grow is a sensitive book for the very young giving a gentle introduction to WW1. I wanted to include a poetry book as I think children should be introduced to this genre from a young age and they are short, you can dip in and out and can sometimes capture the time of war in the most powerful way. The Snow Goose and War Horse are both classic books that should be read. They both contain a powerful message of loyalty and love and will live on in the memory long after these book has been finished.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SNOW GOOSE BY PAUL GALLICO

A hauntingly beautiful book that in my opinion is a forgotten classic and which has stayed in my memory since I was a teenager. It tells the story of an unlikely love between a disfigured artist and a young girl whilst they care for an injured bird and is set against the ravages of the Second World War. A story that will touch your heart with its rawness of emotion and nobility of spirit.
ISBN 9780140299526PB Penguin Books Ltd £7.99
5/5 Stars

PICTURE BOOK 5+

WHERE THE POPPIES NOW GROW BY HILARY ROBINSON
A movingly poetic story about the strength of friendship in a time of war. Two young friends innocently sign up to fight in WW1, proud to do their duty but not fully understanding the reality and the horrors they will experience. Aimed especially for young children it first shows two friends pretending to be soldiers to the reality of actually fighting in the trenches. The lyrical writing and beautiful illustrations make it accessible for all ages.
ISBN 9780957124585PB Strauss House Productions £6.99
5/5 Stars

CHILDRENS 9+

POEMS FROM THE FIRST WORLD WAR BY GABY MORGAN

Poems about the war written by those who have experienced it first hand can elicit a truly visceral reaction which evokes the reality of the time. This comprehensive collection serves as a great introduction to First World War poetry. Alongside the most well known ,such as Wilfred Owen's haunting Dulce Et Decorum Est, its good to see many women’s voices, such as Vera Brittain and Eleanor Farjeon, included.

ISBN 9781447248644PB Pan Macmillan £5.99

5/5 Stars

CHILDRENS BOOK 9+

WAR HORSE BY MICHAEL MORPURGO

A children’s classic that shows the realities of World War One through the eyes of a horse called Joey. We all know the horrendous human loss but Morpurgo shows the enormous sacrifice that was made by animals at the time as well. Joey sees the best and worst of humanity, however his devotion to his first master remains. It is an emotional adventure that highlights loyalty and friendship.

ISBN 9781405226660 PB Egmont UK Ltd £6.99

5/5 stars