SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS DEC 31-JAN 1

My pick of childrens books this week for the South Wales Evening Post include a quirky who done it, a picture book looking at friendship, a sewing kit for kids and a story about hope. My childrens book review column can be found in the magazine section of the paper every weekend. 

 Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GOLDFISH BOY BY LISA THOMPSON

CHILDRENS 10+

Matthew suffers from crippling OCD which makes him a virtual recluse. He chooses to see life pass by from his bedroom window. When a toddler goes missing can he help solve his disappearance and face his fears at the same time? A psychological thriller that has an endearing protagonist amongst a bevy of colourful characters. An intriguing modern day Poirot with heart. Perfectly pitched for middle grader readers who love a good mystery.

ISBN 9781407170992 PB Scholastic £6.99

OWL BAT BAT OWL BY MARIE-LOUISE FITZPATRICK
PICTURE BOOK 2+
Told through illustrations only we watch as mummy owl and three baby owls settle down for the night. Annoyingly they are disturbed by a family of bats hanging upside down on the same branch. When a terrible storm arrives the babies fall off one by one. Who will save them? A sweet story about helping your neighbour despite their differences, working together and finding true friendship. A strong message simply and powerfully told.
ISBN 9781406364392 HB Walker Books £11.99

SEWING KIT BY ABIGAIL WHEATLEY
CHILDRENS 7+
This perfect little sewing kit has everything you need to make seven felt animals. Children who love crafts and making things will delighted in the simple step by step guide book. Also included is everything you need such as stuffing, needles, buttons, pins and thread. Most helpful are the links to video clips for demonstrations, tips and techniques. With clear layout this is brilliant for absolute beginners, even telling you how to thread a needle.

ISBN: 9781409599227 PB Usborne £12.99

MIRACULOUS MIRANDA BY SIOBHAN PARKINSON
CHILDRENS 9+

A poignant and touching tale of hope and miracles, imagination and the belief that anything is possible. When Miranda's sister is taken to hospital she escapes into an imaginary world Magnanimous. Thought provoking and profound this endearing tale gives an insight into family and friendship and how people deal with stressful situations. Sometimes a child’s innocence can have a powerful impact and is more able to see through dark times. Full of empathy.

ISBN 9781444929072 HB Hodder Childrens £10.99

Star Trek Into Darkness

 

Synopsis

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes 'Star Trek Into Darkness.' When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew

My Musings

Seeing Star Trek, Into Darkness for the second time and it is definitely the best Summer blockbuster film of 2013. The casting is inspired, Chris Pine as Kirk and  Zackary Quinto as Spock have great chemistry and have been given sharp repartee. Scotty and Bones are both given room to develop their characters further. (Poor Scotty must have had to train hard, he had to run through the entire movie!).  At first I wasn't sure about Benedict Cumberbach being cast as the baddy. I am a HUGE BC fan but couldn't stretch my imagination from Sherlock to the big screen. How wrong was I?

He is AWSOME. Cold, deadly and charismatic. He really kicks some arse as well. Brilliant. Also great to see Peter Weller (Robocop) in a meaty role. The plot really gets going when Kirk is decommissioned for ignoring orders but is back in the fold after BC strikes with tragic consequences. He is set on a mission find and Kill BC. The plot takes on the morality of doing this and develops the characters alongside BC constant Machiavellian twists and turns. Is he with Starship enterprise or against? Who is he exactly?

I won't spoil it if you havent' seen it yet!

Action, humour, romance. It's a very cool film and I really hope that with JJ Abrams off to do Star Wars.( Wont this clash? I can't see one person doing both but have been wrong before)

 I really hope that the third instalment doesn't take too long. That would be a real tragedy.

lets hope that Abrams company does not spread himself too thin. obviously very talented but hopefully not too greedy as only the fans will lose out.

 

 

If you like this you may like

Star Wars, Stargate,