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

This is my last column for the South Wales Evening Post but don't worry I will continue to post my childrens book reviews every week and highlight books on this book blog and across social media.

 Lots of exciting changes coming up so keep posted as I am re organising this blog so more easily navigated!

This week my children's book reviews in the South Wales Evening Post include a treasure hunt in the wilds of Wales for middle grade readers, a picture book about a free spirited dog in Rome, an activity book for autistic children and an epic Faerie fantasy for teens. Enjoy!

This is my last column

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WHERE THE WILDERNESS LIVES BY JESS BUTTERWORTH

CHILDREN 8+

Cara and her siblings must flee to the wilds of Wales when they discover a locked safe. Is a treasure inside? Who is chasing them? An inspiring quest interspersed with an enchanting fable, survival and nature facts plus one large dog. Children will relish their battle for survival as they try to reach their fathers home. An exhilarating and inspiring adventure full of empathy. Short chapters plus diary extracts make it perfect for reluctant readers and storytime. Thrilling.

Orion Books PB £6.99

I CAN DO IT! BY PATRICIA HEGARTY & HILLI KUSHNIR

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Young children will have great fun tying shoelaces, fastening buttons and more by using the step by step instructions and interactive elements. On each page children can learn and practice with different types of fastenings shown with sweet diverse characters. Perfect for little hands to practice dexterity. It makes teaching how to use fastenings less frustrating and more playful and thereby hopefully easier to learn and remember. Ingenious.

Little Tiger HB £9.99

AUTISM AND ME BY HAIA IRONSIDE & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

Written for children with autism this book will help them express their emotions through creative activities. It is packed with colouring, games to play and lots of ideas to think and talk about. It is written, designed and illustrated to be accessible by presenting uncluttered, clean and friendly layouts full of charming illustrations. It will keep the young entertained and focused. There is a list of helpful resources at the back. Inspirational.

Studio Press PB £9.99

THE QUEEN OF NOTHING BY HOLLY BLACK

YOUNG ADULT 12+

The compelling and seductive finale to the Folk of the Air series. Jude is the exiled Queen of Faerie in love with the wicked Prince Cardan. When her twin sister asks for help Jude agrees despite having to see Cardan again. Can she break a curse and save Faerie from ruin? An epic escapist fantasy which will thrill from start to finish. An enticing plot with beguiling characters you will remember. PB out July.

Hot Key HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW SEPT 28-29 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a sumptuous book of birds, an insightful picture book about two autistic friends, a beautiful and mystical adventure of a fox cub and an in-depth look at the fabulous women in the Marvel Universe.  

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ATLAS OF AMAZING BIRDS BY MATT SEWELL

CHILDREN 7+

This vibrant compendium celebrates the most amazing birds from around the world. The dazzling watercolour illustrations are accompanied by witty and informative observations that bring the birds to life. Did you know The Great Grey Owl is the largest in the world? From magnificent eagles to tiny hummingbirds children will discover about migrations, mating rituals, surviving in extreme environments — a stunning gift book for little nature lovers and a lovely book to share with the family.

HB Pavilion £16.99

THROUGH THE EYES OF US BY JON ROBERTS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Friends Kya and Martha are both autistic and both completely different. Kya is quiet, but Martha is talkative and asks a lot of questions. Both love the sensations around them, touching different materials and treat every day as an adventure. The second in the series will continue bringing a greater understanding of children's differences and is especially useful to share in class. The joyful pen and wash illustrations perfectly capture the two energetic and happy girls.

PB Graffeg £7.99

WHITE FOX BY CHEN JIATONG

CHILDREN 9+

Orphaned fox cub Dilah must embark on a quest to become human. A magical moonstone is his only guide. Children will love following Dilah's adventure across strange lands as he meets new friends. But who are the blue foxes chasing him? The story captures the kindness and cruelty of humans, the beauty of nature and how the cub learns to be brave. It is sprinkled with evocative illustrations by Viola Wang. Lion King meets Watership Down.

Chicken House PB £6.99

POWERS OF A GIRL BY LORRAINE CINK & ALICE X.SHANG

CHILDREN 10+

Explore the lives of 65 exceptional and diverse Marvel Women who changed the universe. It is filled with inspiring lessons and observations paired with the origins of each character. The accompanying illustrations are vibrant and emotive with a seventies vibe. Discover all about these fearsome females from the most well known such as Captain Marvel and Gamora to lesser-known such as Squirrel Girl and Silk. A perfect present for Marvel fans.

HB Studio Press £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW FEB 2-3 2019

This week my children's book reviews include an exciting middle grade adventure about three cursed sisters, a picture book teaching how to tell the time, a beautiful retelling of the Disney's Little Mermaid and an hilarious middle grade story about a young boy who keeps turning into animals at times of stress!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PINCH OF MAGIC BY MICHELLE HARRISON

CHILDREN 9+

Three cursed sisters. Three magical objects including a bag, a mirror and a set of dolls, which potentially have the power to change their fate. One mysterious prisoner who can help but at what price? Readers will be swept up in this gripping adventure as Beth, Fliss and Charlie embark on a quest to put a wrong to right. Brimming with excitement, fast paced action and strong heroines this is perfect for fantasy lovers.
ISBN 9781471124303 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

NO TIME FOR CLOCKS BY MAX LOW

PICTURE BOOK 4+
Ceri the cat and Deri the dog are two best friends who want to learn how to tell the time so they will not be late for lunch. Their friend Gwen explains what a clock is and how it can help them. This educational story with it's big bold pictures is perfect for teaching children to tell the time. The series includes Good To Be Sweet about learning division and both would be useful for the classroom.
ISBN 9781912213740 PB Graffeg £7.99


THE LITTLE MERMAID BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 6+
Celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Disney's Little Mermaid with this charming retelling in a gorgeous cloth bound, gold foiled hardback. I loved seeing some of the initial sketches, paintings and concept art for the film plus the biographies of the unsung artists who worked on the animation in the back of the book. This would make a lovely gift for Disney fans, young children as well as for Valentines with it's Happily Ever After message. A real treat.
ISBN 9781787414686 HB Studio Press £12.99


CHARLIE CHANGES INTO A CHICKEN BY SAM COPELAND
CHILDREN 8+
Not only is Charlie's brother in hospital but he's being bullied at school. Unfortunately stress makes Charlie change into an animal such as a spider, a pigeon or even a rhino! Can Charlie learn to control his new powers with the help of his friends? This slapstick comedy which is complimented by the cartoonish illustrations of Sarah Horne, is quick-witted and fast paced. It will have children chuckling from start to finish.
ISBN 9780241346211 PB Puffin £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 24-25

This week my children's book reviews include a dog who saves Christmas, a Royal Corgi on a Festive adventure, a celebration of Mickey Mouse and a Japanese myth inspired fantasy.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DOG THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Christmas is a nightmare for Jake because he hates the bright lights and noise so he runs away. When Jake finds a lost dog called Susan they immediately bond and being home for the festive holiday doesn't seem so dreadful after all. A heartwarming and thought-provoking Christmas tale which celebrates the special role of therapy pets. The complimentary illustrations capture their close relationship and adventure. Suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers and reading aloud in class.
ISBN 9781781127698 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

A VERY CORGI CHRISTMAS BY SAM HAY & LORETTA SCHAUER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Belle the littlest Royal corgi escapes from Buckingham Palace and meets streetwise pup Pip they embark on a festive adventure. But when Pip disappears will Belle find her friend again? Young ones will love this royal twist on the story of Lady and the Tramp. The cute illustrations are adorable and full of festive cheer and waggy tales. A lovely story about friendship to share and read out loud in the build up to Christmas.
ISBN 9781471177750 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

MICKEY MOUSE MUSEUM: THE STORY OF AN ICON BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 8+
Celebrate 90 years since the birth of Disney's most iconic creation. Both children and adults will marvel at this large format book of archive material from Mickey's inception as Steamboat Willie to the present day. A must-have for Disney fans and a fascinating introduction to an icon. Also available for holiday activities is the must have search-and-find book entitled Where's Mickey? That will occupy little ones for hours looking for Micky and his pals. Christmas presents to treasure.
ISBN 9781787413597 HB Studio Press £20

SHADOW OF THE FOX BY JULIE KAGAWA
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Enter a fantasy world heavily influenced by Japanese mythology and imagination. A beautiful and perilous land of shapeshifters and samurai, kami and legends, humans and demons. Yumeko must protect an ancient scroll from demons by relying on a mysterious samurai who wants the scroll for himself. An action-packed adventure full of vibrant characters, intrigue and twists told from multiple perspectives with friendship at its heart. A tale of pure escapism to curl up with over the holidays.
ISBN 9781848457393 PB Harper Collins £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW AUG 11-12

This week my children's book reviews include a Beano book of mischief, a picture book about good manners, a collection of summer stories from Enid Blyton and an exciting Egyptian adventure.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

BEANO BOOK OF MISCHIEF, MAYHEM & FUN
CHILDREN 7+

Banish summer holiday boredom and join Dennis and Co. for over 100 fantastic indoor and outdoor activities! Children can build their own catapult or periscope or learn about codes and cyphers. Ideal for all weathers it will undoubtedly encourage creativity, but I am not entirely sure it will keep them out of mischief! Also look out for Beano Builds a Secret Den or Go-Kart. They include four DIY projects and some seriously awesome stickers.
ISBN 9781787411616 PB Studio Press £14.99

MIND YOUR MANNERS BY NICOLA EDWARDS & FERONIA PARKER THOMAS
PICTURE BOOK 3+

The jungle is full of misbehaving animals, from messy monkeys to grumpy grizzly bears. The upbeat rhyming text will help children learn why good manners are essential. They can see in each different scenario why it pays to say please, thank you and excuse me. The message is handled with a delightful lightness of touch and humorous and quirky illustrations, which will make children (and adults!) feel that they are not being preached to.
ISBN 9781848577183 HB Caterpillar Books £10.99

SUMMERTIME STORIES BY ENID BLYTON
CHILDREN 7+

A new collection of 30 sun-drenched short stories from one of the worlds best-loved storytellers. Packed with Blyton's trademark magic, fun and adventure they are the perfect length or reading at bedtime and early readers. Look out for the companion |puzzle book, Brain Games and a reboot of the Secret Seven series in Mystery of the Skull, written by Pamela Butchart who brings the much-loved gang up to date while retaining its legacy.
ISBN 9781444942590 PB Hodder £6.99

SECRETS OF A SUN KING BY EMMA CARROLL
CHILDREN 9+

1922. London. When Lilian finds a parcel on her Grandad's doorstep, she doesn't realise it holds the key to an Egyptian king, who's tomb archaeologists are hunting for. She and her friends embark on an adventure of a lifetime as they travel to Egypt in the hope of breaking a deadly Pharaohs curse. The perfect combination of nail-biting excitement, family secrets and friendship brings the fate of the young Tutankhamun and the discovery of his tomb to life. Enthralling.
ISBN 9780571328499 PB Faber & Faber £6.99