SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 28 -29 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magnificent middle grade mystery, an entertaining board book about farm life, a horrible history of seafaring Britain and Ireland and a feminist coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOUR BY ALLY CARTER

CHILDREN 9+

When 11-year-old orphan April joins Winterborne Home she discovers its missing heir Gabriel Winterborne living in the secret basement. Can April and her fellow orphans save Gabriel from his murderous family? Can they uncover the mystery of the ghostly Sentinel? A rip-roaring adventure bursting with excitement and escapades. The diverse cast and twists and turns will grip children until it's ending. Lemony Snicket meets The Goonies.

Orchard PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? BY JASON KORSNER & HANNAH ROUNDING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A collection of gently rhyming verses which encourage the young to look at the world around them. Children and adults will have great fun spotting themes and will be inspired to play spot the object. What's on your plate, in the bathroom, lounge or garden? A fun way to play a game, explore your home and take a break from the digital world if necessary. Gorgeous pen and wash illustrations make this a treat.

Graffeg PB £7.99

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: ALL AT SEA BY TERRY DEARY & MARTIN BROWN

CHILDREN 8+

A rollicking and stormy journey around Britain and Irelands seafaring history. Children will be fascinated by the Viking attack on St Davids, how Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas saved Britain from a French invasion and the dastardly wreckers of South Wales. There are also fishy tales of traditions and superstitions.Written in digestible segments with witty line illustrations and cartoons reluctant readers and future sailors will be hooked. Ship Ahoy!

PB Scholastic £6.99

RULES FOR BEING A GIRL BY CANDACE BUSHNELL & KATIE COTUGNO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Marin is bright and heading to the Ivy League. When Marin's favourite English teacher, Mr Beckett kisses her no one believes her. To make herself heard and show solidarity for all girls she writes an article on misogyny and sexism. But the backlash is unexpected. Can Marin retain her self-respect and her friends? A witty and inspiring coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect. Moxie meets Legally Blonde.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 23-24 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a hilarious teen romance, a picture book including dinosaurs and Christmas, and two middle grade adventures perfect for the festive period. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

INDIA SMYTHE STANDS UP BY SARAH GOVETT

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fourteen-year-old India catches the eye of the hottest boy in school her popularity rockets. Can she navigate a budding romance whilst dealing with embarrassingly strict parents and demonic teachers? Why is she finding the orchestra geek so distracting? A hilarious coming-of-age romance that was so funny I couldn't put it down! It perfectly captures the trials of school, its pecking order and the importance of friendship. For fans of Ferris Bueller and Stephanie Perkins.

Marotte Books PB £7.99

DEAR SANTASAUR BY CHAE STRATHIE & NICOLA O'BYRNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Does Santa deliver to dinosaurs? Join the mighty T. Rex on a Roar-some Christmas adventure about a little boy and his favourite dinosaur. Can Max and his dinosaur friends help Santa and go to their Christmas party? Kids will love spotting all the different dinosaurs in this action-packed tale about friendship. It's packed with letters, cards and fun facts to read alongside the hilariously festive illustrations. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud.

Scholastic PB £6.99

THE IMPOSSIBLE BOY BY BEN BROOKS

CHILDREN 8+

Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian, who becomes real! Things become stranger and more dangerous when they are pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality who want to capture and erase Sebastian forever. Can Oleg and Emma protect their new friend in time for Christmas? A magical and festive adventure with an extraordinary cast of characters. It is full of empathy, friendship and fun. A lovely Christmas present.

Quercus HB £9.99

THE PEARL IN THE ICE BY CATHRYN CONSTABLE

CHILDREN 10+

It is 1912. Twelve-year-old Marina stows away on her father's ship despite him ordering her to stay away from water. On the eve of war, Marina sails into a wild and oceanic adventure to uncover a secret. What is the dark shape following them? Inspired by classic folk-tales, shipwrecks and mythical sea creatures, this will take you on an epic voyage with a resourceful and brave heroine. Perfect for curling up on a cold winter night.

Chicken House PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 26-27 2019

This week my spooky children's book reviews include an imaginary friend who becomes real, a scarily good Halloween party, a young witch off to witch school and an autumnal graphic novel set in a pumpkin patch. 

Fangtastic books to enjoy over Halloween for all ages. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SKELETON KEYS: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND BY GUY BASS & PETE WILLIAMSON

CHILDREN 9+

Ben can't believe his imaginary friend the Gorblimey has become unimaginable. The narrator of this scary tale, Skeleton Keys is convinced Gorblimey is not kind and loyal but dangerous and needs banishing into the void of Oblivian. Can Ben save his friend? Prepare for monsters, pirates and weird occurrences in an even stranger tale. It is crawling with inky illustrations that will feed children's imagination to create their own imaginary friend. Creepily good for Halloween.

Stripes PB £6.99

THERE'S A TROLL ON MY TOILET BY CATHERINE JACOB & MIKE BYRNE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

In a spooky house, a Halloween party is in full swing, and all the freaky guests are having a frightfully good time! Children will love exploring each room, and it's dastardly occupants, but not all is what it seems. Spooktacularly good to read out loud for Halloween with rhyming and repeating text. The bold and fun illustrations are hilarious. Watch out for the witch, the mummy, the ghosts and especially the smelly troll on the toilet!

PB Scholastic £6.99

GRACE ELLA: WITCH CAMP BY SHARON MARIE JONES

CHILDREN 7+

Nine-year-old new witch Grace-Ella is nervous and excited to go to Witch Camp with her cat Mr Whiskins. When her new friend Dilys's broomstick flying goes wrong can Grace-Ella find a way to help her? What's in the deep, dark wood? This enchanting sequel full of friendship and magic is perfect for young readers and sprinkled with charming illustrations. Children will love the camaraderie and high jinks. For fans of The Worst Witch.

Firefly PB £5.99

PUMPKIN HEADS BY RAINBOW ROWELL & FAITH ERIN HICKS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A new graphic novel bursting with autumnal colours. Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends. Every Autumn they work together at the best pumpkin patch in Nebraska.But this Halloween it is their last season together before leaving school. Deja is determined she and Josiah are going to go out with a bang! A heartwarming, funny story about missed connections with two endearing leads. Curl up with a pumpkin spice latte to enjoy this sweet romance over Halloween. 

PB Macmillan £9.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 14-15 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliantly clever middle grade detective story, a picture book about acceptance, a middle grade drama about family and an exciting SAS adventure for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LORI AND MAX BY CATHERINE O'FLYNN

CHILDREN 9+

When money goes missing from the classroom new girl Max becomes the suspect. But her friend and wannabe detective Lori is determined to prove Max's innocence. When Max disappears, can Lori solve the mystery? A contemporary whodunnit with two endearing and quirky heroines. The twists and turns are dealt with a sleight of hand that will have you guessing until the end. Full of laughter, excitement and empathy this is the perfect pick for budding sleuths.

Firefly Press PB £6.99

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS BY JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue) never mix because of their differences. But what will they do if a Smed and Smoo fall in love? A beautiful story of inclusivity and learning to appreciate each other's differences rather than be mistrustful of them. The joyful and colourful illustrations capture the wild and wonderful array of aliens, and you can even spot a Gruffalo alien. A story for our times.

Alison Green Books HB £12.99

THE SPACE WE'RE IN BY KATYA BALEN

CHILDREN 10+

Frank's little brother Max is autistic. The whole family loves him, but sometimes Frank resents all the attention Max receives. When tragedy strikes their world spirals out of control. Can the family piece their lives back together? This deals with big issues like sibling love and rivalry, grief, anxiety, as well as love and hope. Sensitively illustrated by Lauren Carlin this will make you laugh and cry. For fans of David Almond and R.J. Palacio.

Bloomsbury HB £10.99

JUSTICE BY CHRIS RYAN

YOUNG ADULT 13+

To catch a warlord of an international trafficking ring, The Special Forces Cadets must use themselves as bait. But the bad guys always seem one step ahead. Can the teens survive the Congo rainforest? Who can they trust? An exciting fast-paced adventure with authentic detail by the former SAS author that adds to the tension. The third in the series with its ensemble cast has enormous appeal for fans of Alex Rider and CHERUB.

Hot Key PB 6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 27-28

This week my children's book reviews include  a science fiction adventure for middle grade, a summery sticker book perfect for the holidays, an emotional second world war thriller and a teen romance set in the Tuscan hills. 

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE STARLIGHT WATCHMAKER BY LAUREN JAMES

CHILDREN 8+

Watchmaker Hugo is an android working in an elite academy. When a pompous Duke demands he mends his watch they uncover a sinister mystery while forming an unlikely friendship. An enthralling sci-fi adventure that has shades of Star Trek while exploring themes of discrimination and class. Hugo's journey to find his place in the world is uplifting. Perfect for book clubs and reluctant and dyslexic readers. I was whisked away into another universe.

Barrington Stoke PB £7.99

CLAUDE EVER-SO-SUMMERY STICKER BOOK BY ALEX T. SMITH

ACTIVITY BOOK 5+

Join in the seaside shenanigans with Disney Junior star Claude, Sir Bobblysock and their friends in Pawhaven. Packed with fun games, intriguing puzzles and 250 sunny stickers this is guaranteed to keep children busy in the holiday. From drawing sandcastles to creating a picnic, the joyful illustrations will put kids in a summer mood even on a rainy day! A perfect companion to Claude's new picure book, Anyone for Strawberries?

Hachette PB £4.99

ANNA AT WAR BY HELEN PETERS

CHILDREN 9+

Young Jewish girl Anna must leave her family to flee persecution in Germany to the safety of England but the war follows her. Trapped in a web of betrayal can Anna prove whose side she's on without exposing her own secrets? Full of historical facts children will be riveted by Anna's journey to freedom. A nail-biting and affecting adventure which explores themes of the plight of war refugees and prejudice. For fans of Emma Carroll.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

UNDER A DANCING STAR BY LAURA WOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Bea is sent in disgrace to Italy in the 1930s for being too outspoken. She'd rather study insects than look for a husband. Can Bea enjoy a lazy summer romance with handsome artist Ben without falling in love? Will the creeping onset of fascism ruin their plans? Be transported to the Tuscan hills and see this delightfully geeky and adorable heroine transform into an independent young woman. The perfect holiday read.

Scholastic PB £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