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 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 FEB 15-16 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade mystery for train lovers, a picture book about a fiendish fox, a out of the world story about a boy who doesn't like potatoes and and a insightful and gripping young adult novel highlighting homelessness.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HIGHLAND FALCON THIEF BY M.G. LEONARD & SAM SEDGMAN

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven year-old Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his Uncle Nat on the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. When a priceless diamond brooch goes missing can he solve the mystery before the end of the line? A stowaway, a lonely dog and some rather eccentric guests lead Harrison and the readers on the ride of a lifetime. Can you pick up the clues? A first-class mystery for train lovers and adventurers.

PB Macmillan £6.99

THE TERRIBLY FRIENDLY FOX BY SUSANNAH LLOYD & ELLIE SNOWDON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Gerald is a newly reformed vegetarian fox and guest of honour at the Woodland Creatures Ball! He charms all the guests with songs and games but has he really changed his ways? A classical dark and funny tail. Children will be intrigued by the characterful pen and wash illustrations. But will they notice who is missing page by page? The text and illustrations tell different stories. A darkly hilarious tale with Roald Dahl humour.

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

THE NIGHT OF THE SPACE SPUD BY KAYLEY WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 5+

A young boy hates potatoes so much he sneaks out to bury them in the garden at night. But when an alien called a space spud whisks him off to Potato Planet can he see potatoes in a more positive light! Can the boy be persuaded to love potatoes as well? A quirky funny story that will help fussy eaters and inspire children's imagination. Great to share with the family or in the classroom.

Olympia PB £6.99

SOFA SURFER BY MALCOLM DUFFY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Fifteen-year old Tyler rebels against his family's move from London to Yorkshire. When he befriends a girl called Spider it exposes her life living on the streets. Can Tyler help Spider escape or be drawn into a dark and dangerous world? This powerful and insightful story highlights the rise of homelessness while never losing humour or heart. It's about family, belongs and the importance of kindness and understanding. Great for book clubs and topical discussion in class.

HB Zephyr £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 25-26 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade tale, an entertaining  board book about vehicles, a middle grade space adventure and a thrilling fantasy for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

TIGER HEART BY PENNY CHRIMES

CHILDREN 9+

When a young chimney sweep, Fly saves a tiger from an evil collector they form a bond and embark on a quest to find the truth of her royal birth. A magical tale that will whisk you away to exotic lands of cursed rubies. An inspiring tale about family, the importance of friendship and freedom. Beautifully written full of rich detail that draws you in with an entertaining and striking cast. Oliver meets the Jungle Book.

PB Orion £7.99

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO DRIVE... BY ROSAMUND LLOYD & RICHARD MERRITT

BOARD BOOK 3+

Discover an awesome array of exciting vehicles in this early learning board book. It is perfect for curious little fingers. Follow the road sweeper picking up rubbish, the ambulance helping people of the aeroplane taking off to far-flung places. The bold illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of life on the road or in the skies. Behind lots of fun flaps, children can find out fascinating facts about their favourite vehicles and discover new ones.

Little Tiger HB £ 6.99

ORION LOST BY ALASTAIR CHISHOLM

CHILDREN 9+

When catastrophe strikes the colony ship Orion in deep space it's up to thirteen-year-old eth and her friends to bring them home. They must navigate treacherous and uncharted territory with a heavily damage s ship while encountering mysterious alien species and space pirates. Who can they trust? An exciting sci-fi adventure full of twists and turns. Perfect for fans of Star Trek and Lost in Space.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

INFINITY SON BY ADAM SILVERA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Brothers Emil and Brighton are caught up in a war between a group of vigilantes, the Spell Walkers and specters who steal the essence of magical creatures. One brother has the power to end it all. The other will stop at nothing in his pursuit of glory. Brotherhood, love and loyalty will be put to the test. But who will escape the fight unscathed? A heart-thumping epic fantasy for fans of X-Men and Shadowhunters.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

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

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a stunning picture book of a snowy walk through a big city, a rebellious Christmas Tree, a wintery adventure for horse lovers and an icy fantasy for Narnia lovers.

Perfect presents for Christmas

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SMALL IN THE CITY BY SYDNEY SMITH

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young boy walks through a busy city on a snowy day. He is small, and the city is big and noisy. Can the boy find his way home? A stunningly atmospheric book that will give children courage and show them that it's ok to feel small and vulnerable. The inky drawings and flashes of bright colour bring alive the wintry day in the city. The stunning artwork and simple, poignant story is perfect for sharing.

HB Walker £12.99

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! BY SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's Christmas time, and every tree on the street is beautifully decorated except one. This tree is a rebel! He doesn't want to wear glittery decorations. He wants to bake, go on a bike ride and watch telly. Can a gang of decorations, Bauble, Belle and Tinsel make him behave? A festive fun story full of warmth and wit with an adorable cast of characters. Perfect for reading out loud and getting children into the Christmas spirit.

PB Macmillan £6.99

SNOWFLAKES, SILVER AND SECRETS BY TRACEY CORDEROY

CHILDREN 8+

It's the Christmas holidays, and Bryony and her friends are looking forward to riding their ponies in the snow. When they befriend a family of travellers accused of stealing a box of silver Bryony must solve the mystery and remind people what Christmas is all about. The third delightful adventure set in Seaview Stables. This story is a must for horse lovers with a cute quiz and festive horse decoration to make at the back.

PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

THE FROZEN SEA BY PIERS TORDAY

CHILDREN 9+

When bullies chase Jewel into a mysterious old bookshop, she begins a quest into the enchanted world of Folio to rescue her missing aunt. Jewel's only help is her cheeky talking pet hamster Fizz and a malfunctioning robot. This spellbinding fantasy is an ode to the classic Narnia series with a sparkling cast and full of adventure. Ideal for reading on a wintry night and a lovely gift for fans of Nevermoor and Wizards of Once.

Quercus HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV30-DEC 1 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous introduction to classical composers, a purrfect picture book retelling of A Christmas Carol, A handbook guide for Father Christmas and little ones plus a festive middle grade adventure sequel with dinosaurs and witches.

Perfect presents for Christmas

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

JAMES RHODES' PLAYLIST

CHILDREN 9+

Discover seven of the worlds' greatest composers. The rebels and revolutionaries of sound that were the original rock stars. From Bach to Mozart, Shubert to Ravel. Discover the influences they still have on your music today. A visually exquisite celebration of classical music in a stunning slipcase. It also features a large fold-out poster and an online playlist of the pieces discussed. Martin O'Neill's avant-garde illustrations are real show-stoppers. A lovely introductory gift for music lovers to enjoy.

Wren & Rook HB £24.99

A CAT'S CHRISTMAS CAROL BY SAM HAY & HELEN SHOESMITH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's Christmas Eve, and Clawdia the department store's security cat is on the prowl. She doesn't believe in silly festivities! When three lonely visitors arrive, they teach her the true meaning of Christmas. Can seeing her past, present and future make Clawdia into a friendly kitty? The playful illustrations capture Clawdia's quest in the store. A heartfelt and entertaining retelling of A Christmas Carol for all the family to enjoy.

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS HANDBOOK

CHILDREN 8+

Santa Claus is highly accident-prone and a bit clueless, so his elves have written him a helpful handbook. It contains all he needs to know, including reindeer tips, present prompts and useful tools like Santa Nav. Inspired by the Ology series, this is packed with flaps to lift, mini-books to read and a fun game at the end. Stuffed with colourful and entertaining illustrations, this is the perfect gift for children over Christmas.

Templar HB £16.99

THE CHRISTMASAURUS AND THE WINTER WITCH BY TOM FLETCHER & SHANE DEVRIES

CHILDREN 9+

One year after William Trundle's adventure with the Christmasaurus he is swept back to the magical North Pole to meet a mysterious icy witch! She controls time and helps Santa deliver all his presents on time. Now William and his dinosaur must help the witch save Christmas. The lively illustrations bring the festive family story to life alongside the clever use of different text. An enchanting read to gift and share over the holidays.

Puffin HB £12.99