SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 28-29 2018

This week my children's book reviews include an empowering fantasy adventure, a stunning picture book exploring our imagination, an activity book showing how to draw sea creatures and a thought-provoking contemporary tale for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

GRACE & FURY BY TRACY BANGHART
YOUNG ADULT 12+
In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi face two different fates. One in the palace and the other on an island prison where women must fight to survive. I loved the relationship and differing journeys of the two sisters and how they deal with a shocking change in their circumstances. This thrilling fantasy adventure has female empowerment at its centre with a touch of romance. A reluctant Cinderella meets The Hunger Games.
ISBN 9781444941951 PB Hodder £7.99

OCEAN MEETS SKY BY ERIC & TERRY FAN
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Finn is missing his Grandfather, so he builds a boat to explore the magical place in his stories where Ocean meets Sky. This enchanting book captures whales and jellyfish soaring into the sky and birds and castles floating past on Finn's adventure. This unique world is woven around a gentle message of how to remember those we've lost. The illustrations are mesmerizing and will draw any child into its mythical dreamlike world.
ISBN 9781786032058 HB Lincoln Childrens Books £12.99

INTO THE BLUE: HOW TO DRAW BY NICOLA DAVIES & ABBIE CAMERON
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Children can quickly learn how to draw their favourite sea creatures such as seahorses; jellyfish and seals. Fascinating facts accompany each picture. Did you know that jellyfish are one of the oldest forms of life on earth? Budding artists and animal lovers will easily follow the simple well thought out instructions. It is ideal for encouraging and appreciating the natural world and providing fun and engaging activities for the holidays.
ISBN 9781912050550 PB Graffeg £7.99

A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES BY C.G. DREWS
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Beck lives for one thing: music. But his mother also yearns to live her aspirations through him. Her passion shows itself to Beck through violent words and blows, if he does not fulfil her expectations. Can his new friend August help him escape his mother's wrath and achieve his musical dreams? An intense thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful story that deals with domestic violence, family and friendship. This cast of characters is etched in my memory.
ISBN 9781408349908 PB Orchard £7.99

Interview with Peternelle Van Arsdale, Author of The Beast Is An Animal

My interview with  Peternelle Van Arsdale,  young adult author of The Beast is an Animal. 

The Beast Is an Animal is an eerie, compelling, wholly original tale of far-flung villages, dark woods, and creatures that hunt in the night. It’s also a deeply human story about a girl finding her way in a world that is ugly and beautiful, good and bad—and discovering the same within herself.

Where did the idea for The Beast Is an Animal come from?

The prologue is really where it all started—however the prologue was actually written for a very different novel. I’d planned the prologue as a way of explaining the backstory of two characters. When I wrote it in the style of a classic fairy tale, I found the voice that I should have been writing in all along. Then the rest of the novel flowed from there. In addition to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm—which to me are far more about moral gray areas than they are about princesses—I was also inspired by the classic horror and gothic literature I inhaled as a child and young adult (particularly Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre)

 Is it true you were, in part, inspired by Wales for your book? 

The mood and landscape were most definitely inspired by Wales. There is a particular scene in the novel that is directly drawn from my experience of the Welsh coastline. As a child I was obsessed with Wales—or an idea I had of it. I imagined rocky, misty, romantic coastlines, and that entranced me. When I was able to travel to Wales while I was working on The Beast Is an Animal, I discovered that it was all that and more. In coming up with the character names and places for the novel, I decided to choose Welsh names and words. So the village of farmers is named Gwenith, the village of shepherds is named Defaid, and the village that fishes is named Pysgod. That was one of my little nods of gratitude to beautiful Wales and the wonderfully welcoming Welsh people I met when I traveled there.

Which character in your book do you most identify with and why?*

That would have to be Alys, my protagonist. Alys desperately wants to be good and right, and she’s desperately afraid that she’s bad and wrong. I deeply empathize with that.

Your book is a very visual and I just read that the film rights have been snapped up by Amazon Studios. How do you feel about it becoming a film or series?

I’m thrilled and grateful, especially since the writing-directing team, Bert & Bertie, who’ve envisioned it as a film are so wonderfully creative and embracing of the moral complexity that I feel is such an essential aspect of the novel. After I spoke with them I felt like my novel was being granted an entirely new way of communicating itself—a way that I could never have dreamed of. I’m so excited to see what they do with it.

As an editor yourself and working in the publishing industry did your knowledge help or hinder you writing your debut novel? Or did it make it scarier?

In the writing, being an editor certainly has helped me. Although writing a novel is a very different thing from editing one, I edit myself very closely. There isn’t a sentence I write that I don’t also consider as an editor, and I try to be ruthless with myself. In the publishing process, my experience as an editor also helps--I know generally how the process works, so it’s not quite such a mystery to me. But as you say, it can also be scary, because I know how much can go wrong. As lucky as I feel, I don’t take anything for granted.

Working with mostly adult novels as an editor why did you want to write for the young adult market?*

That audience and time of life inspire me most—at least for the time being. I’m moved by the age when we are beginning to have adult concerns but still have the vulnerability to admit that we have no idea what we’re doing, who we are, and what’s right.

Did you pick up any tips or good advice from the authors you have previously worked with?

Oh, that’s such an interesting question. I absorbed a great deal. I’ve worked with authors with tremendous work ethics, who held down full-time jobs and took care of families while also writing books. So that’s certainly inspiring. And I’ve also learned to take criticism with grace. That is something all authors have to be able to do.

What is a typical writing day for you?

There was really no such thing as a typical day while I was writing The Beast Is an Animal. I worked on it over a number of years and in fits and starts while I worked on other authors’ books. Working on my second novel has been a very different experience—I had a deadline and I was more systematic. I read, took notes, and germinated for some months, then I spent a few months working full days on developing an outline. Then once I had the outline, I worked every day writing the novel (I gave myself daily word count goals) until I had a complete draft. That was an exhausting luxury—to be able to work with such focus.

Who is your favourite literary hero or heroine?

Will from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. I would like to have chosen a female character, but Will is simply the character who moves me more than any other. He breaks my heart.

Which is your favourite bookshop?

Oh, that’s difficult. There are many in New York City that I visit and buy from. I have a special place in my heart for McNally Jackson in Manhattan, because they hosted my launch event for The Beast Is an Animal. It’s also a lovely bookstore. I’ve walked in telling myself that I’m only allowed to look, but the staff there write such brilliant recommendations that I inevitably walk out with a purchase.

What is your favourite quote?

Oh, that’s too easy. “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum”, of course. Margaret Atwood is a goddess among mortals.


Many thanks to Peternelle for such a great interview. For more information on Peternelle and her books visit her website on www.peternellevanarsdale.com

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Review FEB 25-26

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post include a contemporary behind the scenes romance, an introduction to insects and early learning, an inspiring book about women scientists who were trailblazers and an hilarious adventure featuring the Greek Gods.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

UNCONVENTIONAL BY MAGGIE HARCOURT
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Lexi helps her Dad organise events and fan conventions. But when a cute author tumbles into her life he manages to upset her carefully organised plans. There's also the small matter of her Dad's remarriage to contend with. A really funny insight behind the scenes and its eye opening demands. This is an entertaining tale of errors and misunderstandings that borders on a French farce. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.
ISBN 9781409590156 PB Usborne Young Adult £7.99

FOLLOW THE TRAIL: MINI BEASTS
PICTUREBOOK 2+
Preschoolers will delight in following the different insects using their fingers along the textured trails. This multi sensory book allows the children to peek through the holes at butterflies, ladybirds, bees and dragonflies while learning about shapes, matching and sorting. The mix of photography and illustrations keeps the visuals crisp and clear. Other subjects in this sturdy board book series include trucks, animals, the farm and dinosaurs. Great fun for early learners.
ISBN 9780241275948 HB Dorling Kindersley £6.99

WOMEN IN SCIENCE BY RACHEL IGNOTOFSKY
CHILDREN 7+
A wonderful celebration of pioneering female scientists covering fields from science, technology, engineering and maths. Included amongst these trailblazing women are physicist Marie Curie and the lesser known British palaeontologist, Mary Anning. It is truly inspiring to read stories about such a determined group of women from all different nationalities, backgrounds and social classes. Proof no matter what the obstacle, if you are determined enough you can achieve great things.
ISBN 9781526360519 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

WHO LET THE GODS OUT? BY MAZ EVANS
CHILDRENS 9+
Elliot's Mum is ill and they could also lose their home. As if life couldn't get an worse a young Zodiac goddess crashes into Elliot's life and they both accidentally release a wicked daemon. Will the Olympian Gods help them or have they become too comfortable in the modern world? An absolutely hilarious romp infused with mythology and fast paced adventure that will appeal to children and adults. Perfect for Percy Jackson and David Walliams fans.
ISBN 9781910655412 PB Chicken House £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST HALLOWEEN CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN OCT 29-30

This week for Halloween my book column reviews a seductively dark teen fantasy, a wickedly wizardly sticker book, a young witch trying to break a curse and a futuristic adventure that will ensnare you with its evilly good plot!

BOOK OF THE WEEK
THREE DARK CROWNS BY KENDARE BLAKE
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Three triplet sisters, all heirs to a crown, each possessing a particular talent. Katherine, the poisoner, Arsinoe, the naturalist and Mirabella, controller of the elements and the most powerful. One must murder the others to rule. As each girl finds out who she can trust and what they will do to win which one will lure you under their spell? Seductively dark and deliciously decadent the fast paced and intricate plot builds up to an spine tingling climax.
ISBN 9781509804559 Pan Macmillan PB £7.99

WITCHES AND WIZARDS STICKER BOOK BY SEB BURNETT AND KIRSTEEN ROBSON
CHILDRENS 4+
Another excellent addition to this series, this spooky sticker book is full of entertainingly creepy scenes that children will love to decorate. Fill the air with cackling witches and stock the shelves of Master Mistletoe’s magic store with gruesome potion ingredients such as pickled mice and vampire bats. Add very scary guests to The Pickled Pumpkin Tavern to discuss their shady business. The hours will spookily slip away before you know it!
ISBN 9781409598527 PB Usborne £6.99

HOW TO CATCH A WITCH BY ABIE LONGSTAFF
CHILDRENS 9+
Charlie is a witch but doesn't know it yet. When she moves to a village with her family to a creepy cottage her stutter returns to her dismay. After a series of strange events involving one of the villagers 'glowing' Charlie discovers Agatha, a retired witch troubled by an ancient curse which must be broken. Is Charlie strong enough to break it? A bewitching new series that is a cauldron of friendship, family and potions.
ISBN 9781407162515 Scholastic PB £5.99.

THE DIABOLIC BY S.J. KINDCAID
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a futuristic warrior who 's sole task is to protect her mistress Sidonia. Caught up in the Emperor's machinations and a ruthless, backstabbing court will Nemesis be the lamb to the slaughter or is she really a Trojan Horse? A potent mix of Star Wars and The Hunger Games, this high octane epic stand alone will ensnare you in its web of intrigue right up to the nail biting finale.
ISBN HB Simon and Schuster £10.99


ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE ALSO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK

YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE TITLE TO TAKE YOU TO THE INDIVIDUAL BOOK

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN OCT 15-16

In my children's book column this week in The South Wales Evening Post I feature a dark and gripping thriller, a not so clever cat, a book of bizarre facts and a gambler looking for a better life. 

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DARKNESS FOLLOWS BY L.A.WEATHERLY
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Welcome to Harmony 5: A secure prison camp in a distorted version of 1940's America. The rules are simple here: obedience or death and former peace fighter Amity is their newest inmate. What will she risk for her freedom in a world where war is banned and harmony rules?A gripping high octane thriller full of captivating characters, revenge and romance. Old style glamour merges with futuristic menace in the second instalment of the 'Broken Trilogy series.
ISBN 9781409572039 PB Usborne £8.99

I AM A VERY CLEVER CAT BY KASIA MATYJASZEK
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This is about a cat who thinks he knows it all! Stockton is extremely clever and very good at everything, especially knitting. Or is he? Follow the florescent pink wool throughout the pages as he gets himself into a bit of a tangle. While dropping stitches Stockton finds new friends. Children will love the bold and energetic illustrations while adults will appreciate the cautionary tale about showing off and pretending you know it all.
ISBN 9781783705900 PB Templar Books £6.99

ATLAS OF ODDITIES BY CLIVE GIFFORD
CHILDREN 7+
A beautiful gift atlas full of brilliantly bizarre facts and figures of the natural and not so natural world we live in. Did you know in Ninotaria, Japan you can bath in a giant pool of red wine, green tea, coffee or noodle soup! Wales is also included with mentions of Port Talbot’s Baked Beans Museum and Llanwrtyd Well’s World Bog Snorkelling Championship! Accompanied by Tracy Worrall's bold punchy illustrations this will entertain and inform the whole family.
ISBN 9781405281362 HB Egmont UK £16.99

SAINT DEATH BY MARCUS SEDGWICK
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Arturo must help his friend Faustino by winning big in a card game of Calavera. Dicing with death in a gang ridden wasteland of poverty and corruption will they be able to escape? Are the cards stacked against them or does Arturo have an ace up his sleeve? Will Saint Death show them mercy? Exploring themes of migration, capitalism and social mobility this taut thriller, laced with Mexican folklore, will have you holding your breath until the shocking climax.
ISBN 9781444000528 HB Orion Books £10.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JULY 16TH-17TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a great holiday young adult fiction book where two worlds collide, an little bear's adventure on the beach, a young welsh boy saving his family business with his Italian heritage and a retelling of Dracula's tale . All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW NOT TO DISAPPEAR BY CLARE FURNISS
YOUNG ADULT 13+

Two worlds collide when a pregnant teenage Hattie goes on a road trip with Gloria her great aunt who’s suffering from the onset of dementia. One must decide on the course of her future and the other make amends with the past before it's forgotten. A thought provoking journey of two halves that will have you crying and laughing. Bitter sweet this is a great summer read that will appeal to all ages.

ISBN 9781471120312 PB Simon & Schuster £7.99
5/5 Stars

BEARS AT THE BEACH BY EMMA CARLISLE
PICTUREBOOK 3+

In this delightful seaside adventure The Bear Family enjoy a day out making sandcastles and going on a boat trip. However when little bear wanders off he gets lost. How will he find his parents? The bright illustrations really capture a sunny day on the beach with lots for the children to look at and find such as starfish and crabs. Also carries a gentle but important warning about the dangers of wandering off on your own.

ISBN 9781447257455 PB Macmillan £6.99
5/5 Stars

SWEET PIZZA BY G.R. GEMIN

CHILDRENS 8+

Joe vows to save the family business in South Wales by injecting it with elements of his Italian heritage. Inspired by the authors own Welsh/Italian family history this delightful and pertinent story highlights how our society can be enriched with a mix of cultures and overcome differences through understanding and friendship. With a cast of beautifully drawn diverse characters this thought provoking charming tale has a wide appeal. Longlisted for The Guardian Childrens Fiction Prize.

 ISBN 9780857636300 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

5/5 Stars

AND I DARKEN BY KIERSTEN WHITE
YOUNG ADULT 13+

This is an alternative imagining of Dracula's story. Lada is an anti heroine that will enrage and inspire but whom you certainly don't want to mess with. Brutal, passionate and determined to protect her more sensitive brother when they are abandoned to be raised by the Ottoman Sultan her goal is survival and revenge. Love and loyalty play out against Machiavellian plots, savagery and a taste of romance. Not for the faint hearted.

ISBN 9780552573740 PB Penguin £7.99

4/5 Stars

YOU CAN BUY ALL THE ABOVE BOOKS AT  HIVE HERE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP AT THE SAME TIME. 

Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JUNE 17TH-18TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a detective dog written by one of our best loved authors, an inspiring book for Fathers Day and not forgetting one for all the little football fans out there. Last but not least the perfect summer read for the holidays after exams.  All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DETECTIVE DOG BY JULIA DONALDSON AND SARA OGILVIE
CHILDRENS 4+
Peter's dog Nell has an amazing sense of smell so when school books disappear she's on the case. A topical subject this is a wonderful celebration of reading and libraries. A fast paced adventure from the UK’s most beloved author showing off her trade mark rhyming story telling to perfection. Nell's detective work is joyfully captured in Sara Ogilvie's adorable illustrations. A reminder of how inspirational books can be and the importance of free access to them.
ISBN:9781509801596 HB Pan Macmillan £11.99
5/5 Stars

WHEN DAD SHOWED ME THE UNIVERSE BY ULF STARK
CHILDRENS 5+

A father takes his son out on a night time adventure to show him the universe hoping to inspire him and share his own interests. However when the child sees the world from a different viewpoint both their eyes are opened in new ways. A poignant funny tale with sensitive illustrations that really capture their emotional journey. Even though they have a wonderful time for different reasons the memory of their trip will always be remembered together. Philosophical
ISBN: 9781927271827 PB Gecko Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

FOOTBALL STICKER AND COLOURING BOOK BY SAM TAPLIN
CHILDRENS 6+
If any little footie fans are having withdrawals between the UEFA Euro 2016 matches this is the perfect book to keep them occupied. Part of the 'First Colouring' series from Usborne it contains over 150 stickers to recreate matches. The backgrounds are already coloured in so all children have to do is concentrate on the fun details like team kits. Packed with fans, players and goals galore this will satisfy every little sporting fan.
ISBN: 9781409597537 PB Usborne Publishing Ltd £7.99
4/5 Stars

THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER BY HARRIET REUTER HAPGOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A contemporary coming of age drama with a twist. When Gottie's beloved grandfather dies her world becomes fragmented so she theorises these events past, present and future with her love of science to cope with the changes. Reminiscent of a modern day Brideshead Revisited it has a real bohemian vibe. When a kiss can be earth shattering and a touch heart stopping Gottie tries to reconcile her first love with her last. A perfect sumptuous summer read

ISBN: 9781509808281 PB  Pan Macmillan £7.99

5/5 Stars

Book Review Hour of The Bees by Lindsay Eager

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eager

Synopsis

This powerful debut novel delicately blurs the line between truth and fiction as Carol unravels the fantastical stories of her mentally ill grandfather.

When she and her family move to his deserted ranch in order to transfer him to a care home, Carol struggles to cope with the suffocating heat and the effects of her grandfather's dementia.

Bees seem to be following her around, but the drought means this is impossible.

She must be imagining things. Yet when her grandfather chooses her as the subject for his stories - tales of a magical healing tree, a lake, and the grandmother she never knew - Carol sees glimmers of something special in what her parents dismiss as Serge's madness.

As she rethinks her roots and what she thought she knew about her family, Carol comes to the realization that Serge's past is quickly catching up with her present.

A stunning coming-of-age story.

My Musings

This book draws you in like honey to a bee. Part coming of age story, part modern day fable, its two worlds  colliding. The young and the old. life and death,  modern day and myth.

 Twelve year old Caroline has to go with her family to take her estranged Grandad to pack up his belongings and take him to a home as he has dementia. None of the family want to be there and her grandfather is bitterly resentful. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife, not to mention feel the heat beat down on you in the drought ridden desert where he lives. .

Her grandfather starts to question their identity and ask awkward questions of them all. Why are they are all so determined to ignore their Mexican roots? The book raises the issues of why most of us want to be part of a crowd and would rather fit in rather than stand out.

As Caroline gets to know her Grandad he spins her far fetched  magical tales of an oasis with a green glass lake and a tree that gave immortality. Using characters including his dead wife Rosa he talks of adventure,  wanderlust,  bravery and greed. All the while Caroline sees bees that should be long gone in this brutal environment. Why are the bees following her? What happened to the magic tree? Why did her dad fall out with Serge her Grandad

A beautiful moral tale with a message that pierces your soul like an arrow. 

Don't be afraid to live you life because nothing is impossible you don't think about it.

ISBN: 9781406368154 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99

5/5 stars

BUY HOUR OF THE BEES

Book Review Rebel Of The Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON

SYNOPSIS

Sold immediately at auction across the world, this phenomenal novel is the first in a trilogy packed with shooting contests, train robberies, festivals under the stars, powerful Djinni magic and an electrifying love story.

This promises to be a global super lead. "Tell me that and we'll go. Right now. Save ourselves and leave this place to burn. Tell me that's how you want your story to go and we'll write it straight across the sand." Dustwalk is Amani's home.

The desert sand is in her bones. But she wants to escape. More than a want. A need. Then a foreigner with no name turns up to save her life, and with him the chance to run.

But to where? The desert plains are full of danger. Sand and blood are swirling, and the Sultan's enemies are on the rise

MY MUSINGS

This is a unique Wild West meets Arabian Nights mash-up. The very combination evokes striking imagery and some imaginative and bold world building. Throw in a colourful cast and a dollop of romance with a sprinkling of magic and adventure and you've got the perfect ingredients for a new star in the young adult genre.

 Amani is desperate to escape Deadpool and a chance meeting with an exotic and very hansom stranger gives her that opportunity. Despite her protestations she finds herself in the middle of a rebellion with an evil sultan and Amani has tough choices to make.  I loved Armani's determination and surprising ruthlessness in her bid for survival as it spoke of  generations before her who have had to learn to live in the desert or as pioneers in undiscovered lands.

With untold magic and crackling romance this epic delight will sweep you away into a desert storm and lose you in the sands of time. One of my Books of the Week for The South Wales Evening Post.  HOT

MY CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JAN 2ND.

MY CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW COLUMN IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JAN 2ND. 

This week I feature a magical polar bear in a magical ice land, a mountain bear showing his cub his twilight world, a visual diary for artists and and gripping thriller that will set your heart racing. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

NORTH CHILD BY EDITH PATTOU

CHILDRENS 10+

An irresistible winters tale based on Scandinavian fairy tales and Beauty and The Beast. An epic adventure that takes Rose to an enchanted snow bound castle on the back of a white bear. Who is the stranger that appears to her nightly? The cast of magical characters and the stunning world building is spellbinding. A romantic adventure of true friendship that will sweep you off your feet.

ISBN: 9780746068373 PB Usborne Publishing £9.99

5/5 Stars

I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY LAMBERT
PICTURE BOOK 2+

A gorgeously illustrated celebration of the eternal love and bond between a parent and child. Simple lyrical rhyming text set in a twilight world as a bear takes his cub on a journey of discovery through dense woodland, blue mountains and sparkling rivers. This makes a beautiful gift for the very young or new parent. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You.

ISBN:9781848692114 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

5/5 Stars

DOODLE A DAY BY CHRIS RIDDELL
CHILDRENS 8+

Children's Laureate Chris Riddell is determined to encourage our creativity. This wonderful little book, in diary format, gives you the opportunity to doodle and colour every day for a year. A vast array of Riddell's drawings will help your imagination and be sure to delight and challenge. This inspiring book for aspiring artists and illustrators is a great present for all ages. 20p from each book sale goes to BookTrust.

ISBN: 9781509816439 PB Pan Macmillan £9.99

5/5 Stars

SURVIVOR BY TOM HOYLE

CHILDRENS 12+

Fast paced action packed thriller with a film like feel that will appeal to lovers of Cherub and Gone. It reminded me of the Lord of The Flies with its claustrophobic plot and the ruthless stripping away of the characters civilised persona’s. It will keep you guessing who is good or bad in this once in a lifetime trip in the Australian outback that turns into a nightmare. Nobody is safe and who can you trust?

ISBN 9781447286752 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99 4/5 Stars